Fishing
Fishing spots in Baxter State Park are plentiful, making fishing a favorite activity for visitors. Most of the more than 50 lakes and ponds in Baxter State Park have brook trout fishing. The season runs from April to September.
Maine State fishing licenses are required. State of Maine fishing licenses are sold at Matagamon Gatehouse, the Visitor’s Center, and Ranger Stations. Click the link below for Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Rules.
How to Baxter
Our instructional video series, How to Baxter, provides fun and practical advice for taking on the Park’s best adventures. Narrated by Maine’s own Bill Green, our first episode “tackles” fishing in its many lakes, streams, and rivers.
Gettin' Reel About Baxter, the Podcast
Conservation Fellow, Silvia Hartt hosts Gettin’ Reel About Baxter, the podcast where experts provide insight on the various lakes, streams, and ponds in Baxter State Park and the fish that live in them. Hear from fisheries biologists, scientists, Rangers, Park Directors, and fascinating people who just really love to fish in Baxter State Park! Listen to Gettin’ Reel wherever you get your podcasts or listen here on SoundCloud.
Fishing in Baxter
Kyle McNally’s 2022 Conservation Corps project details the fish and fishing in the Park. Baxter State Park has more than 50 ponds and lakes which makes it perfect for a wide variety of remote, rare, and fun fishing opportunities. Most bodies of water can be fished and you can find several different species in different locations. Some of the most sought-after fish you might find are brook trout, salmon, blueback trout / arctic char, and lake trout.
Resources
Licenses
Baxter State Park requires you to have a current State of Maine fishing license. You may purchase one at the Matagamon Gatehouse, the Visitor’s Center, and all Ranger Stations. Click the link below to see the Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Rules.
Where to Fish
Canoes and Kayaks
Canoes and kayaks are available for rent at all of the pondside campgrounds and most backcountry ponds that have trail access. Backcountry lean-tos on lakes or ponds have a dedicated canoe for use by those camping there.
Of course, the best fishing spots in Baxter are probably well-kept secrets, but we can help you get started on finding your own favorite spot. Here’s a list of where the Park provides canoes to rent and where to get the keys.
Leave no Trace
Baxter State Park belongs to wildlife first, humans second. Find out how to minimize your impact. Clean fish and dispose of the entrails properly so they are recycled in a natural way and don’t attract animals. Protect wildlife by never leaving monofilament fishing line behind where an animal or bird can become entangled and die.