Guide To Popular Panfish Fishing Options In Maine

All about fishing for sunfish in ME lakes and ponds.

Throughout the state of Maine you can find waters with populations of sunfish, including bluegill, white perch and yellow perch. Because panfish are a primary food source for many predator fish, you can find them in most waters where you find the predator species.

Maine is a great destination for panfish fishing, especially for young anglers eager to catch a variety of species. Two popular panfish species found in Maine's waters are sunfish and bluegill. These colorful and lively fish are abundant in many lakes, ponds, and rivers across the state, making them easily accessible to young anglers. Sunfish and bluegill are not only fun to catch but also provide a great learning experience for youth fishing enthusiasts.

Another sought-after panfish species in Maine is the white perch. White perch are found in both freshwater and brackish water bodies and are known for their feisty nature and delicious taste. They provide an excellent opportunity for kids to learn various fishing techniques and practice their angling skills.

Yellow perch are another popular panfish species that young anglers can target in Maine's waters. Known for their striking appearance and spirited fights, yellow perch provide a thrilling experience for kids looking to catch their own fish.

Maine offers numerous opportunities for youth fishing in various fishing spots throughout the state. Many lakes, ponds, and rivers have easily accessible fishing areas, making it perfect for families with young children. Youth fishing events and programs are often organized by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to encourage kids to get involved in the sport and experience the joy of fishing.

Panfish fishing is an excellent way for kids to develop patience, learn about nature, and create lasting memories with their families. Whether fishing from the shoreline or a small boat, Maine's panfish waters provide a safe and enjoyable environment for young anglers to hone their fishing skills and build a lifelong love for fishing and the great outdoors.

Panfish & Perch Fishing Lakes

Major lakes are always a good place to look for panfish. In Maine, try Androscoggin Lake, Baskahegan Lake, Big Lake, China Lake, Chesuncook Lake, Cobbosseecontee Lake, Damariscotta Lake, Eagle Lake, East Grand Lake, Flagstaff Lake, Gardner Lake, Graham Lake, Grand Lake Matagamon, Great Pond, Lobster Lake, Long Lake, Mattawamkeag Lake, Meddybemps Lake, Messalonskee Lake, Millinocket Lake, Moosehead Lake, Mooselookmeguntic Lake, Munsungan Lake, Pemadumcook Lakes, Portage Lake, Pushaw Lake, Rangeley Lake, Richardson Lakes, Sebasticook Lake, Sebago Lake, Sebec Lake, Square Lake, St Froid Lake, Thompson Lake, Webb Lake and West Grand Lake.

Top Producing Panfish Lures & Bait

Check out the top producing lures and bait for bluegill, redear sunfish, rock bass and warmouth, as well as other smaller sunfish. Click here for the best lures for white bass, yellow bass, white perch and yellow perch.

Click the images and links above for species details.

Maine State Record Sunfish

The state record bluegill was caught from Knight Pond.

The state record white perch (location undisclosed).

The state record yellow perch (location undisclosed).

The term "panfish" comprises many species, each called by a variety of names. The bluegill tops the list and is the most common.

One or more species of sunfish populate virtually all warm water streams, ponds and lakes throughout Maine, and around the world for that matter. They can survive in waters that provide their natural food source of minnows, insects, crustaceans and worms. Their competitive nature amongst themselves, for food, makes them relatively easy to catch.

Bluegill Fishing Basics Video

The core principles shown in this video will work for most sunfish, perch and other panfish.

Panfish are prolific spawners and repopulate the waters as fast as they are harvested. A common problem with panfish fishing is that the waters are under-fished causing panfish to overpopulate. As a result they tend to stay small in size due to lack of food source.

Sunfish information in other states.