Fishing Messalonskee Lake

AKA: Lake Messalonskee

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

Popular Fish Species Messalonskee Lake, ME

Messalonskee Lake Popular Fish - Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass Fishing

Messalonskee Lake is a popular bass tournament for local anglers. Weekend and tournament anglers find the fishing to be slow at time, yet pretty good at other times. Fishing for bass can be quite rewarding, with an occasional bass over 4 pounds being caught. Anglers can also catch smallmouth bass which reside here in decent numbers. Bass often move shallow and become aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. 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 also be caught while ice fishing. A history of careful fisheries management by the Maine Dept of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife has helped to maintain a good bass fishery for anglers.

Messalonskee Lake Popular Fish - White Perch

White Perch Fishing

Messalonskee 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.

Messalonskee Lake Popular Fish - Northern Pike

Northern Pike Fishing

Big northern pike are thriving in the cool waters of Messalonskee Lake. This year they are being caught in good numbers with an occasional giant. April and May are the best months of the year for northern pike fishing here. They are extremely active when feeding and they can catch and eat pretty much any food source in the lake. Northerns are very agile and powerful, plus they have big mouths with very sharp teeth. Summer can be spotty but pike are caught all through the summer. Fall can also be good sometimes stretching into October. Large, flashy lures that mimic the bait they prey upon are great lures for northerns. Trolling along weed edges can often entice strikes. When the lake has safe ice in winter, ice fishing for northern pike can be quite thrilling. Use GPS to locate spots you normally find northern pike holding during summer. Portable fish finders can also be a big help. Throughout the season, effective lures include spoons, spinners, and crankbaits, particularly those with bright colors or metallic finishes to attract the pike's attention. Additionally, big flies, soft plastic swimbaits and jerkbaits can be successful, especially when retrieved erratically to mimic wounded prey.

Messalonskee Lake Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, brook trout, brown trout, lake trout, pumpkinseed sunfish, redbreast sunfish, white perch, yellow perch, landlocked salmon, chain pickerel and northern pike at Messalonskee Lake in Maine.

A popular warm-water fishery in the state of Maine is Messalonskee Lake, a 3,500-acre lake, at Belgrade. It is the second largest lake in the Belgrade Chain of Lakes.

Largemouth bass and smallmouth bass are abundant here. Additionally, brown trout, lake trout, and brook trout are popular species. The lake also provides an opportunity to catch Atlantic salmon. Panfish enthusiasts will also find yellow perch, white perch, redbreast sunfish, and pumpkinseed sunfish.

The majority of over 25 miles of shoreline is developed. An undeveloped marsh area on the southern end of the lake creates a nice nursery for many of the warm water species.

Primary fish species residing in Messalonskee Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Messalonskee Lake Amenities

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

Today's Weather & Forecast

Fishing Boat Rentals

Belgrade Boat Shop
Rentals: Fishing boats and pontoon boats
207 485-6953

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Belgrade Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, off Belgrade Avenue, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Messalonskee Lake Public Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, off Augusta Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Sidney Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off Hosta Lane, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.