Overview:
West Grand Lake is a 14,340-acre crown jewel when referring to landlocked salmon and lake trout fishing. It is one of the four waterways in Maine that historically held landlocked salmon, and is arguably still the best salmon fishery in the state. The ice-out fishing is exceptional, and whether trolling with smelts, streamers, or lures, each method produces some great action. As the water warms, the cold-water fish tend to move into farther depths of the lake. Using lead core and downriggers allows anglers to be successful all summer long. Open water fishing on West Grand Lake is available starting at ice-out (typically mid-April; see our ice-out page for more details) through October 20th. Fishing is catch and release only during October 1st-October 20th.
We’re also fortune enough to have some of the best smallmouth bass fishing the United States has to offer. Some of our best lakes include Big Lake, Wabassus Lake, Sysladobsis Lake, and Third and Fourth Machias Lakes. The list of extremely productive waters is endless, and they are all easily accessible from Grand Lake Lodge.
If fly fishing is your passion, then the popular Grand Lake Stream is within walking distance of our cabins. Enjoy superb fishing using steamers, nymphs, and dry-flies. Expect to experience some phenomenal late spring and early summer caddis hatches on one of the stream’s many pools. The stream is open to fishing April 1st-October 25th for landlocked salmon and brook trout, and is fly fish only.
Fishing Resources:
Grand Lake Stream fly types & patterns
Grand Lake Region fishing guide
Washington County lake survey maps
Guided Fishing Trips:
Grand Lake Stream is a historical location for guiding anglers, and the registered Maine guides today strive to keep this heritage alive. We offer guided fishing trips from ice-out until the fishing season ends October 25th. If you’re going to be on a lake, you can choose to enjoy a day in a Grand Lake Canoe, or in a 20’ Lund Alaskan. The trip includes a full day of fishing, and our famous shore lunch and guide coffee. We have all the necessary equipment for your fishing needs. Most of our ice-out fishing occurs on West Grand, however we also venture to West Musquash, East Grand, Duck Lake, and others depending on the wind and where the fish are biting.
Once the bass begin spawning, we will pursue them throughout our area lakes, and we also venture to our personal favorite smallmouth lake, Spednik. We can take care of you regardless of your capabilities, whether you’re a renowned fly fisherman, or a first-timer.
Alternatively, if you’re interested in fly fishing, the 3-mile long Grand Lake Stream has several wadable pools where salmon and brook trout can be caught deploying a wide range of techniques. Anglers have come from all across the country to experience the thrill of hooking leaping salmon on the fly in this crystal-clear water. Hiring a guide is a great way to learn the stream and how to catch these fish.
Rates for Guided Trips:
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$400/day – (2-people)
Fishing rate includes a hearty lunch cooked over an open fire. The menu includes meat such as steak, chicken, pork chops, sausages, or hamburgers, fresh fish, potatoes, onions, coffee, and dessert. Please inquire for guide availability, or you can find one online. Lodging is not included in the guided fishing rate. If you booked a guide independently of Grand Lake Lodge and you’d like a lunch prepared, we can arrange for you to pick it up from the Lodge in the morning. Lunches are $20/person.
Fishing Licenses:
Fishing licenses are available for purchase online or at the Pine Tree Store located in Grand Lake Stream.
