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Southern Maine is home to some of the most picturesque and productive fishing lakes in the Northeast. With crystal-clear waters, diverse fish populations, and stunning natural scenery, the fishing lakes in Southern Maine offer the perfect getaway for anglers of all skill levels.

Below are overviews of the unique features and offerings of the best Southern Maine lakes for fishing. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a novice looking to cast your line for the first time, you’re sure to find the perfect fishing spot among these beautiful lakes.

Sebago Lake

Casco, Naples, Raymond, Sebago, Standish, & Windham

Sebago Lake is the second-largest in Maine, covering an impressive 45 square miles. Also, it’s the deepest lake in the state, measuring more than 300 feet deep in some locations.

With its pristine waters, the lake is home to a variety of fish species, including landlocked salmon, lake trout, smallmouth bass, and white perch. Anglers can enjoy fishing from the shore or taking advantage of the numerous boat launches around the lake to access deeper waters.

There is even a secure swimming area where you can go for a dip. All of these recreational options attract a large number of visitors every year.

Little Sebago Lake

Gray & Windham

Located just a short drive from Sebago Lake, Little Sebago Lake is a smaller, more intimate fishing spot that still offers plenty of opportunities to catch a variety of fish. The lake is home to species such as largemouth bass, chain pickerel, and black crappie.

With its clear waters and numerous islands, Little Sebago Lake is perfect for a peaceful day of fishing and relaxation. The vast majority of the lake is open to the public, but approximately 10 percent of it is protected as a drinking water source. Just make sure that you read the signage before you go for a swim.

Thomas Pond

Casco & Raymond

Thomas Pond is a small lake in Southern Maine, but it still offers plenty of opportunities for anglers to catch a variety of fish. You can find white perch, brook trout, salmon, bass, and chain pickerel. You may want to bring different types of bait to see if you can attract different types of fish.

On average, the pond is 22 feet deep, but in some locations, the pond could be as much as 64 feet deep. Located on Route 302, you might see a lot of villas and cabins on your way in. Then, you can take advantage of all of the aquatic activities available.

Little Sebago Lake | photo via sean_balch

Long Lake

Bridgton, Harrison, & Naples

Covering about 5,295 acres with a perimeter of about 38 miles, Long Lake offers a diverse fishing experience for anglers. The lake is home to several species of fish, including largemouth and smallmouth bass, brook trout, and white perch.

With its many coves and inlets, Long Lake provides ample opportunity for shoreline and boat fishing, making it a popular destination for fishermen of all skill levels. Several public beaches dot the edges of Long Lake, but keep in mind that these areas can get crowded during the summer.

Crystal Lake

Harrison

As its name suggests, Crystal Lake is known for its clear, clean waters and stunning natural beauty. It is the only lake that is completely contained within Harrison, and at one point, it was called Anonymous Pond.

With numerous inlets and coves, Crystal Lake provides plenty of opportunities for shoreline fishing and offers boat access to explore deeper waters. During its early days, the lake was used to run sawmills, but now, it is popular as a fishing location, particularly for those looking for brook trout.

Highland Lake

Bridgton

Highland Lake is a popular destination for anglers seeking a diverse fishing experience since it’s home to a variety of species of fish. Featuring several islands and points, the lake offers plenty of opportunities for shoreline fishing and has a couple of public boat access points.

Additionally, Highland Lake has a gorgeous, rocky shoreline with some views that you might not be able to find anywhere else, making it a popular place to relax, enjoy the sun, and have a picnic lunch.

Kezar Lake

Lovell & Stow

A scenic fishing destination with crystal-clear waters and stunning mountain views, Kezar Lake provides ample opportunity for shoreline and boat fishing. Boat access is located at the namesake marina, which also has a restaurant — The LOON’S NEST — that serves sandwiches, pizza, entrees, and more.

Lovewell Pond

Fryeburg

Lovewell Pond is a small lake in Southern Maine, but it still offers plenty of opportunities for anglers to catch a variety of fish. In particular, it is a great option for anyone looking for warm water fish. When the visibility is clear and the waters are calm, you might be able to see some fish swimming below the surface.

Lake Arrowhead

Limerick & Waterboro

Lake Arrowhead is a popular fishing destination that’s known for its abundant fish populations. You never know what type of fish you may pull out of the lake!

Plenty of outdoor activities are enjoyed here by people of all ages — fishing, camping, and paddling. You may even want to bring a picnic basket to relax on the shore with a nice lunch when the weather is nice.

Great East Lake

Acton

Straddling the border between Maine and New Hampshire, Great East Lake is a beautiful fishing destination known for its clear waters and diverse fish populations, including white perch, yellow perch, minnows, and rainbow trout.

During the summer, a lot of people can be seen going out on boats and kayaks to take advantage of the gorgeous weather. You might even see some people swimming in it when the water warms up.

Square Pond

Acton & Shapleigh

Square Pond is a popular fishing spot because it’s one of the leading brown trout lakes, so it has an unparalleled level of fishing opportunities. The pond itself is remarkably clean and very easy to access.

While Square Pond isn’t as popular as some of the other lakes on this list, you may want to take a closer look at the awesome experiences that this hidden gem can provide.

Mousam Lake

Acton & Shapleigh

Mousam Lake is a picturesque fishing destination that covers an area of about 1.5 square miles. It provides plenty of shoreline fishing access, as well as boat access.

There’s a saying that this lake is full of sunken steamboats because the region used to offer steamboat cruises to visitors during the early half of the 20th century.

Bunganut Pond

Lyman

Bunganut Pond is a scenic fishing pond that covers an area of about 0.5 square miles. This could be the perfect location if you are looking for a place to spend multiple days because a camping area is nearby. And, You can relax underneath some gorgeous white birch trees while taking advantage of the clear waters.

Plan Your Excursion on the Best Fishing Lakes in Southern Maine

Southern Maine offers a wealth of beautiful fishing lakes, each with its own unique charm and opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. From the sprawling waters of Sebago Lake to the more intimate Lovewell Pond, there’s a lake to suit every angler’s preference.

Whether you’re an experienced fisherman or a beginner looking to cast your line for the first time, the fishing lakes in Southern Maine offer the perfect backdrop for a memorable adventure. So, pack your fishing gear, gather your friends and family, and start planning your trip to the best fishing spots.

13 BEST Fishing Lakes in Southern Maine for a Great Catch