Belgrade Lakes, a premier freshwater fishing destination in Maine, comprises seven interconnected lakes spanning over 20,000 acres. Anglers target prized species like landlocked salmon, lake trout, brook trout, and brown trout alongside robust populations of largemouth and smallmouth bass. The chain also holds northern pike, chain pickerel, white perch, and rainbow smelt, offering diverse year-round opportunities from open-water casting to ice fishing.
Accessibility defines the Belgrade experience, with state-maintained boat launches on Great Pond (8,239 acres), Messalonskee Lake (3,510 acres), Long Pond, and the smaller waters. Trophy potential abounds: Messalonskee’s depths harbor brown trout exceeding 10 pounds, while Great Pond’s structure sustains aggressive bass. The interconnected waters enable multi-lake adventures, with each lake featuring unique depths and species distributions.
Professional charters leverage local expertise to navigate these productive fisheries, timing trips for salmon runs in spring or explosive bass action in summer. Whether pursuing acrobatic smallmouths off rocky points or jigging for pike through ice, Belgrade Lakes delivers consistent action across seasons. This versatility, combined with scenic Maine wilderness and convenient proximity to Augusta/Waterville, solidifies its reputation as a Northeast angling gem.