Bass Fishing In Maine
Guide to fishing for smallmouth and largemouth bass.
By Rick Seaman
Maine Bass Fishing
Bass fishing in Maine is a beloved pursuit, cherished by anglers of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels. Few experiences rival the thrill of hooking into a largemouth or smallmouth bass, making it a timeless pastime that transcends cultural boundaries. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a novice angler eager to learn the ropes, mastering the art of bass fishing can be immensely rewarding. That's why this page is dedicated to offering invaluable insights and tips on bass fishing, providing a comprehensive guide on everything from bass fishing techniques to essential bass-catching strategies. Whether you're seeking advice on selecting the perfect lure or honing your casting skills, we're here to equip you with the knowledge and expertise needed to excel on the water. Dive into our wealth of information to discover the secrets of successful bass fishing and unlock the full potential of your angling endeavors.
Bass fishing basics video.
Bass Fishing In The State
Largemouth Bass Fishing In Maine
Largemouth bass are the most abundant, and most pursued bass in Maine. They are available in most warm-water lakes in the state, they tend to thrive in most water conditions and grow to bragging size in relative short order. Often called big mouth bass, or wide mouth bass, they are savvy predators that feed on most things that live in their territory. Bass in the 5 to 10-pound range are common in Maine. The state record largemouth bass is over 11 pounds.
Finding & Catching Bigmouth Bass
Anglers can target big mouth bass in various lakes, reservoirs, and rivers. Spring and early summer are typically the best seasons for targeting largemouth bass as they are more active and feeding in the shallows near shoreline cover. Start with topwater baits, as they cover the water most efficiently. Reaction baits like crankbaits and spinnerbaits are the next choice. For finicky bass, plastic worms and jigs may entice a bite as you can move them very slowly around cover. In the heat of summer and the cold of winter bass move to deeper water, usually following the baitfish. Jigs, drop shot rigs and spoons are a good approach for bass holding in deep water. Vary your retrieve speed and action to find what the bass like today!
Largemouth bass can be found in many of Maine's warm-water lakes and ponds, particularly in the southern and central regions of the state. Popular destinations for largemouth bass fishing include Sebago Lake, Messalonskee Lake, and Cobbosseecontee Lake. Anglers often use a variety of lures and baits, such as plastic worms, jigs, and topwater lures, to entice these hard-fighting fish.
Smallmouth Bass Fishing In Maine
While smallmouth bass don't grow as large as their cousin the largemouth, they make up the difference with tenacious fights. Known for long battles and spectacular jumps, smallies grow fat and strong but rarely exceed ten pounds. Their range and locations are often with or nearby the largemouths. The state record smallmouth bass is over 8 pounds.
Smallmouth bass are widely distributed throughout Maine's cool and clear lakes, rivers, and streams. They thrive in water bodies such as the Penobscot River, Kennebec River, and the Allagash Wilderness Waterway. The Rangeley Lakes and Moosehead Lake regions are also popular for smallmouth bass fishing. Anglers typically use crankbaits, jerkbaits, and soft plastics to target these aggressive and acrobatic fish.
Both largemouth and smallmouth bass can be caught from spring through fall, with the peak fishing season usually in late spring and early summer. As the water warms up, bass become more active and move into shallower areas to feed, making them more accessible to anglers.
Best Bass Fishing Lakes In Maine
Larger bodies of water like Androscoggin Lake, Baskahegan Lake, Big Lake, China Lake, Cobbosseecontee Lake, Damariscotta Lake, East Grand Lake, Gardner Lake, Graham Lake, Great Pond, Long Lake, Mattawamkeag Lake, Meddybemps Lake, Messalonskee Lake, Moosehead Lake, Pushaw Lake, Sebasticook Lake, Sebago Lake, Sebec Lake, Schoodic Lake, Thompson Lake, Webb Lake and West Grand Lake have healthy populations of bass.
Maine's bass fisheries are carefully managed to ensure sustainability and the preservation of the state's natural resources. Anglers are encouraged to practice catch and release and follow local fishing regulations to help maintain healthy bass populations for future generations of anglers to enjoy.
Bass In Maine
Largemouth bass
World record: 22 lbs 4 oz
State Record: 11 lbs 10 oz
Smallmouth bass
World record: 11 lbs 15 oz
State Record: 8 lbs 0 oz
Click the images and links above for species details.
Top 5 bass fishing lures for Maine this year
When bass are shallow, spinnerbaits, crankbaits and stickbaits are the most productive. As they move deeper, worms and jigs are among the top producers.
Maine State Record Bass
The state record largemouth bass was caught from Moose Pond.
The state record smallmouth bass came from Thompson Lake.
Bass are one of the most sought after of all the game fish. Its appeal spans cultures, age groups and genders to tap on the heart strings of anglers everywhere. Join us in our endeavor to offer information about bass fishing on your favorite bass lake in Maine.
Understanding the primary seasonal movements of smallmouth bass and largemouth bass is key to locating them on local lakes in the Pine Tree State.
Catch big bass!
Bass fishing information by state.
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