Fishing China Lake

Popular Fish Species
China Lake Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
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China Lake, ME

Popular Fish Species China Lake, ME

China Lake Popular Fish - Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass Fishing

China Lake is considered the top bass fishing lake in Maine. Anglers are catching bass in good numbers with largemouth bass in the 4 to 6-pound range showing up with some regularity. A history of careful fisheries management by the Maine Dept of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife has helped to maintain a thriving bass fishery. Anglers can also catch smallmouth bass, which reside here in decent numbers. Recent results by bass fishing tournament participants, attest to the fact that fishing for largemouth bass has been quite rewarding, with an occasional bass over 6 pounds being weighed in. In China Lake, bass often move shallow and become fairly aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. If they seem disinterested in your presentations, try slowing down and use smaller, lighter baits. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, drop shot rigs, big worms, jigs and spoons are good options. In winter, spend your time fishing deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time. In winter when the lake freezes over and the ice is safe, bass can be caught while ice fishing.

White Perch Fishing

China Lake continues to have a very healthy population of white perch, which have been a mainstay in the fishery for decades. White perch are great table fare, and are a food source for many predator fish in the lake as well. Fishing for white perch is simple, their primary diet consists of minnows and other small fish, insects and worms. White perch tend to gather in small groups and hang out on relatively deep structure, near cover and/or drop-offs. Use a small hook and sinker. Bait a small hook with minnows, worms or small jigs using 6 to 10 pound line. They make for an excellent fish fry, are a food source for many of the larger predator fish in the lake, and they are fun to catch in winter when ice fishing.

China Lake Popular Fish - Chain Pickerel

Chain Pickerel Fishing

Chain pickerel prefer to weedy areas of lakes and rivers. They ambush baitfish and sunfish which requires cover for them to hide within. Submerged aquatic vegetation, brush, fallen tree limbs, or structures such as rock piles, bridge pilings, rip-rap, or debris. China Lake has a very healthy population of these toothy critters, many approaching 30 inches and exceeding 5 pounds. Unlike many freshwater fish species, chain pickerel do not school up. They tend to be loners. Once you catch one, find other, spots with similar cover and depth to fish. Flashy spoons, live minnows, and bait-imitating crankbaits all work well. For added excitement, try fishing topwater lures over vegetation areas. Topwater lures that mimic wounded baitfish are very tempting to these predators. When the lake freezes over, ice fishing can get very exciting with these big pike.

China Lake Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, brook trout, brown trout, lake trout, pumpkinseed sunfish, redbreast sunfish, white perch, yellow perch, landlocked Atlantic salmon and chain pickerel at China Lake in Maine.

Two pools comprise China Lake, a 3,900-acre lake. These two large basins are connected by a narrow waterway, and together encompass nearly 30 miles of shoreline.

Among the most sought-after fish species in China Lake are smallmouth bass and largemouth bass. Rainbow trout, brown trout, and brook trout are also abundant here. Lake trout and Atlantic salmon can also be found in the deep regions of China Lake. Yellow perch and white perch are common in the lake. Additionally, redbreast sunfish and pumpkinseed add to the lake's panfish population. For those who enjoy the thrill of catching predator fish, China Lake has chain pickerel lurking in its waters.

The east basin is a long finger shape and runs north and south along highway 202. The west basin is more circular and is a broader expanse of water, and the deeper of the two. The China Lake West Basin boat ramp is located on the northeast corner of the west basin. There is another boat ramp at the northern tip of the east basin. The lake is considered by many to be the best bass fishing lake in the state, and is home to many bass fishing tournaments. In winter, once the ice is safe, China lake is a favorite ice fishing destination.

Primary fish species residing in China Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

China Lake Amenities

Marina: NO
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: NEARBY
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Fishing Boat Rentals

Maine Boat Rental
Rentals: Fishing boats and pontoon boats
207 313-6248

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

China Lake East Basin Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, off Main Street, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

China Lake West Basin Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off Causeway Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.