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Ice Fishing in Maine 2026: Best Lakes, Guided Trips & Top Winter Fishing Spots

  • Writer: Gerry Caron
    Gerry Caron
  • 3 hours ago
  • 5 min read


Ice Fishing in Maine 2026: Best Lakes, Guided Trips & Top Winter Fishing Spots

Ice Fishing in Maine (2026 Guide Trips & Spots)

Maine is one of the top ice fishing destinations in New England, offering anglers thousands of frozen lakes and ponds, reliable winter conditions, and an incredible mix of wilderness scenery and trophy fish. From the vast waters of Moosehead Lake to the easily accessible hotspots near Portland, ice fishing in Maine combines adventure, tradition, and serious angling potential.


Whether you're chasing landlocked salmon, lake trout (togue), brook trout, bass, or white perch, Maine delivers unforgettable winter fishing experiences for beginners and seasoned anglers alike. Many lakes are supported by professional guide services offering heated ice houses, gear, meals, and transportation, making ice fishing approachable even for first-timers.

Below is your ultimate 2026 guide to ice fishing in Maine 2026, including the best lakes, family-friendly spots, remote backcountry options, and trusted guide services.


🎣 Best Ice Fishing Locations in Maine


🏔️ Moosehead Lake Region (Greenville)

Moosehead Lake, Maine’s largest lake, is legendary for ice fishing. Its sheer size and depth support healthy populations of lake trout (togue), landlocked salmon, and brook trout, with breathtaking views of Mount Kineo and surrounding wilderness.


Why Fish Here:

  • Trophy togue and salmon potential

  • Dozens of productive coves and basins

  • Excellent guide services and lodging


Nearby Early-Season Favorites:

Prong Pond, Mountain View Pond


🌲 Rangeley Lakes Region

The Rangeley Lakes Region is known for remote beauty, cold clean water, and exceptional cold-water fisheries. Ice anglers target salmon, brook trout, and lake trout across Rangeley Lake, Mooselookmeguntic Lake, and nearby ponds.


Highlights:

  • Scenic western Maine mountains

  • Consistent winter ice

  • Home to Rangeley Lakes heritage fisheries


❄️ Sebago Lake (Southern Maine)

Located just outside Portland, Sebago Lake is one of Maine’s most accessible trophy fisheries. When safe ice forms, anglers pursue large lake trout and landlocked salmon, though ice conditions can vary year to year.


Best For:

  • Anglers seeking big fish close to the city

  • Guided trips with heated shelters


🏞️ Belgrade Lakes Region (Central Maine)

The Belgrade Lakes are ideal for families and high-action days. Lakes like Salmon Lake, McGrath Pond, and Long Pond are known for white perch, brown trout, rainbow trout, and bass.


Why It’s Popular:

  • Reliable ice

  • Easy access

  • Great for beginners and kids


🐟 Cobbosseecontee & Androscoggin Lakes

Central Maine favorites like Cobbosseecontee Lake and Androscoggin Lake are famous for producing large bass, along with perch and pickerel.


Best For:

  • Bass-focused ice fishing

  • Short trips and day outings


🌌 Remote North Woods Waters

For adventurous anglers, remote lakes such as East Grand Lake, Indian Pond, Austin Pond, and Lunksoos Lake offer fewer crowds and pristine fisheries. Access often requires snowmobile travel, but the reward is solitude and healthy trout populations.


⭐ Best Lakes for Guided Ice Fishing in Maine

If you're planning to book a guided ice fishing trip, these Maine lakes consistently offer the best combination of fish populations, safe access, and experienced local guides:


  • Moosehead Lake (Greenville): Maine’s top destination for guided ice fishing, featuring trophy togue and salmon, expansive ice, and the state’s highest concentration of professional guides and heated ice houses.

  • Sebago Lake: Ideal for guided trophy lake trout and salmon trips close to Portland, with experienced guides who closely monitor ice conditions.

  • Belgrade Lakes (Salmon Lake, Long Pond, McGrath Pond): Excellent for beginner-friendly guided trips targeting perch, trout, and bass with reliable action.

  • Rangeley Lake & Mooselookmeguntic Lake: Best for anglers seeking scenic, remote guided experiences focused on cold-water species.

  • Indian Pond & East Grand Lake: Popular with North Woods guides offering snowmobile-accessed, low-pressure fisheries.


Booking a guide on these waters ensures safe ice travel, local knowledge of seasonal fish movements, and a far more productive day on the ice.


🧭 Recommended Maine Ice Fishing Guide Services


🎣 Northwoods Outfitters – Moosehead Lake

📍 Greenville, Maine

  • All-inclusive guided ice fishing trips

  • Heated ice houses, gear, meals included

  • Perfect for beginners and families

🎣 Maine Experience Guide Service

  • Operates statewide on multiple lakes

  • Custom trips for all skill levels

  • Excellent local knowledge

🎣 Dead River Expeditions

  • Focus on remote rivers and lakes

  • Backcountry-style ice fishing adventures

🎣 Twin Maple Outdoors

  • Specializes in remote glacial lakes

  • Luxury sporting lodge accommodations

🎣 Ironbound Outdoors

📍 Moosehead & Kennebec Valley

  • Stationary and mobile ice fishing setups

  • Heated hard-sided ice houses

🎣 Peterson’s Guide Service of Maine

📍 Sebago Lake Region

  • Half & full-day trips

  • Heated shacks, gear, and hearty meals

🎣 Frosty Flags Guide Service

  • Beginner-friendly ice fishing trips

  • Sebago Lake togue excursions


🧊 Ice Fishing Tips for Maine

  • Check Regulations: Always verify rules with MDIFW before fishing

  • Monitor Ice Conditions: Thickness varies by lake and season

  • Early & Late Season: December–January and March can be excellent

  • Hire a Guide: Ideal for safety, learning, and comfort


❄️ Why Ice Fish in Maine?

✔ Over 6,000 lakes and ponds

✔ Renowned cold-water fisheries

✔ Professional registered Maine guides

✔ Stunning winter landscapes


From family-friendly perch ponds to trophy togue waters deep in the North Woods, Maine ice fishing offers something for everyone. Whether you’re drilling your first hole or chasing the fish of a lifetime, the Pine Tree State delivers unforgettable winter angling.


What to Do in the Moosehead Lake Region & Beyond: Your Complete Guide to Outdoor Adventure & Local Attractions

Planning a trip to the Moosehead Lake region in Maine? You're in for an unforgettable experience packed with adventure, breathtaking natural beauty, and cozy lodging options. From high-adrenaline ATV trails to peaceful paddles on glassy waters, the Moosehead Lake area is a four-season playground perfect for outdoor lovers, families, and anyone looking to unplug and explore.


Want more insider tips? Discover top recommendations at Moose River Lookout, your go-to resource for:

  • 🛶 Boating & paddling routes

  • 🎣 Fishing hotspots

  • 🏕️ Wilderness camping sites

  • 🥾 Trail maps for hiking & nature walks

  • 🍽️ Local dining & shopping recommendations


  • Stay updated with the latest happenings and news in the Moosehead Lake region. Learn more about what to do and where to go in the Moosehead Lake area and beyond.


🏡 Where to Stay: Moose River Lookout – Your Basecamp for Adventure


Rockwood Maine Lodging • Moosehead Lake Cabin Rentals

Located in Rockwood, Maine, Moose River Lookout is the ultimate vacation home rental for adventurers and nature lovers alike. Nestled on the Moose River, this cozy home features:

  • Private Dock with access to Moosehead Lake

  • 3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | Sleeps 7

  • Free WiFi & TV

  • Backup Generator

  • Easy driveway dual access for trailers, boats, ATVs, & snowmobiles

  • Direct access to ITS66 Snowmobile Trails

  • Year-round availability for summer AND winter sports

  • Perfect home base for skiing, snowmobiling, fishing, and wildlife watching


Whether you're hiking Blue Ridge, casting a line in Moose River, or hitting the snowmobile trails—Moose River Lookout is where your Maine vacation begins.


Ultimate Outdoor Getaway

With direct backyard access to Maine's Interconnected Trail System (ITS66) and a private dock on the river, adventure awaits right outside your door. Whether you're into hiking, golfing, boating, fishing, hunting, skiing, or snowmobiling, you'll find it all just steps away from our doorstep.


Book Your Stay

Experience the ultimate outdoor getaway in the heart of Maine's natural beauty. For inquiries or to make a reservation, please don't hesitate to contact us. We look forward to welcoming you to Moose River Lookout, lodging Rockwood Maine a Vacation Home Rental, on Moose River with access to Moosehead Lake and Mt. Kineo!


Looking at a moose at the top of Mt Kineo from Moose River









Plan your Maine ice fishing adventure today—and embrace winter the Maine way.

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