Say “Mooselookmeguntic” out loud. It is one of those words that sounds like you are making it up until you see it on a map. The name is Abenaki, “moose feeding place”, and after spending time on this lake, you will understand why. Lake Mooselookmeguntic is 16,300 acres of cold, clear water surrounded by forested mountains in the heart of the Rangeley Lakes region. It is the second-largest lake in Maine, and it remains one of the least developed big lakes in the Northeast.
No jet skis buzzing past your kayak. No condo developments crowding the shoreline. Just water, mountains, loons calling at dusk, and some of the best fishing in the state. This is one of those places that makes you wonder why anyone goes anywhere else.
The Basics
Location: Rangeley, Franklin County, western Maine, about 2.5 hours from Portland, 4 hours from Boston.
Size: 16,300 acres (roughly 25 square miles), maximum depth 140 feet. Part of the Rangeley Lakes chain, connected to Rangeley Lake via the Rangeley River and to Cupsuptic Lake to the north.
Water clarity: Excellent. Secchi disk readings typically 6-8 meters. The water is cold and deep, surface temperatures barely reach 70°F in midsummer, and the deeper water stays in the 40s and 50s year-round.
Getting there: Take Route 4 from Farmington to Rangeley, then Route 17 south (the “Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway”). The Height of Land overlook on Route 17 gives you a jaw-dropping first view of the lake spread out below with mountains stacked behind it. Stop here. Take photos. You will not regret it.
Fishing
Mooselookmeguntic has been a legendary fishing destination since the 1800s, when wealthy sportsmen from Boston and New York would take the train to Rangeley to catch native brook trout. The trout are still here, and the fishing is still excellent.
What You Will Catch
- Brook trout, Native strain, wild fish. The Rangeley region has some of the last genetically pure heritage brook trout populations in the eastern US. Most fish run 10-14 inches, but fish over 3 pounds are caught every season. Spring (May and early June) and fall (September) are prime time.
- Landlocked salmon, The lake supports a healthy population of wild landlocked salmon averaging 16-20 inches. Best fishing is in May and June when the salmon are near the surface chasing smelt, and again in September when they move into the tributaries.
- Lake trout (togue), Mooselookmeguntic has a strong togue fishery in the deeper sections. These fish stay deep in summer (60-100 feet) and are typically caught trolling with lead-core line or downriggers. Fish over 10 pounds are common.
Where to Fish
The best brook trout water is near the inlets, the Kennebago River inlet on the north end and the streams feeding the eastern shore. Landlocked salmon cruise the points and shoals in spring. Togue fishing concentrates in the deeper basins in the center and southern end of the lake.
The Cupsuptic River inlet (northwest corner) is legendary for brook trout and salmon in May and September. Fly anglers wade the riffles where the river enters the lake, casting streamers and nymphs into the current seams.
A Maine fishing license is required. For brook trout, the daily bag limit on Mooselookmeguntic is 2 fish, minimum 8 inches. For salmon, it is 1 fish, minimum 14 inches. Regulations change, check the current MDIFW rules before you go. Barbless hooks and catch-and-release are encouraged (and increasingly practiced) to protect these wild fish.
Guided Fishing
Several outfitters in Rangeley offer guided trips on Mooselookmeguntic. A guided day typically runs $350-$500 for a full day including boat and gear. It is worth the money if you have not fished the lake before, the guides know where the fish are holding on a given day, and the lake is big enough that random exploring can mean a lot of empty water.
Paddling
Mooselookmeguntic is a spectacular paddling lake, but it demands respect. The 16,300-acre surface is large enough to build serious waves in a wind, and conditions can change fast. On a calm morning it is paradise. By afternoon, 2-foot whitecaps can roll in from the west.
Kayaking and Canoeing
The best paddling is in the coves, along the shoreline, and around the islands in the northern third of the lake. Toothaker Island and the smaller islands near Student’s Island offer sheltered water, interesting shoreline, and excellent wildlife viewing. Loons nest on several of the islands, keep your distance during nesting season (May and June).
For a full day paddle, launch from Haines Landing and work your way north along the western shore. The shoreline is mostly undeveloped forest with rocky points, sandy coves, and the occasional moose browsing in the shallows. On a calm day you can paddle to the Cupsuptic arm and explore the inlet where the river enters the lake.
Do not paddle Mooselookmeguntic’s open water in afternoon winds. The lake’s size and north-south orientation funnels wind into big waves. Morning paddles are best, start early, stay near shore after noon, and always check the forecast. Wear a PFD. The water is cold enough to cause rapid hypothermia even in summer.
Boat Launches
- Haines Landing (Route 17/4, Oquossoc), The main public launch. Paved ramp, parking for trailers, and the most convenient access point. Can be busy on summer weekends.
- Student’s Island Road, A smaller, quieter launch on the eastern shore. Gravel ramp. Less crowded but more exposed to wind.
- Toothaker Cove, Carry-in access only. Best for kayaks and canoes. Sheltered water.
Camping Near Mooselookmeguntic
The shoreline of Mooselookmeguntic itself has limited public camping, but the surrounding area has excellent options.
- Rangeley Lake State Park, The closest state park campground, on the south shore of Rangeley Lake about 15 minutes from Mooselookmeguntic. 50 sites, many wooded and private. Beach, boat launch, and easy access to both lakes.
- Stephen Phillips Memorial Preserve. This land trust manages several remote campsites accessible only by boat on the shores and islands of Mooselookmeguntic. These are the real deal, primitive tent sites on the water, no electricity, composting toilets, and complete solitude. Reserve through their website.
- South Arm Campground, On the south end of Richardson Lake, connected to Mooselookmeguntic. Waterfront sites, boat launch, and a wilderness feel.
The Stephen Phillips boat-access-only campsites on Toothaker Island and along the western shore of Mooselookmeguntic are some of the best camping experiences in Maine. You paddle in with your gear, set up on a lakefront site with nobody around, and fall asleep to loon calls. Book early. They fill for July and August by spring.
Scenic Views and Photography
Mooselookmeguntic is one of the most photogenic lakes in Maine. The combination of clean water, undeveloped shoreline, and mountain backdrop makes almost every angle a postcard.
Height of Land Overlook, Route 17, about 5 miles south of Oquossoc. This is the iconic view. The overlook sits 2,200 feet above sea level and looks down over Mooselookmeguntic with Upper Richardson Lake beyond and mountains stretching to the horizon. Best light is morning (east-facing) or at sunset when the lakes turn gold. In late September through early October, the surrounding hillsides blaze with fall color and this viewpoint becomes one of the most photographed spots in Maine.
Haines Landing at sunrise, Get to the boat launch before dawn. The lake is glass-calm in the early morning, and the mist rising off the water with the mountains reflected beneath is something you will remember.
Route 17 Scenic Byway, The entire stretch from Oquossoc south through Byron follows the western shore with multiple pull-offs and viewpoints. It is one of the best scenic drives in the state.
Nearby Hikes
Mooselookmeguntic sits in some of the best hiking country in Maine. Here are the top options within a 30-minute drive.
- Bald Mountain (Rangeley), A short, moderate hike (2 miles round trip) with a fire tower at the summit and panoramic views of Mooselookmeguntic and the entire Rangeley Lakes region. The best quick hike in the area.
- Aziscohos Mountain, Another fire tower hike, only 1.4 miles round trip, with 360-degree views including Aziscohos Lake and the distant Whites. See our western Maine hiking guide for details.
- Bemis Mountain Range, The Appalachian Trail follows the Bemis ridge directly above the south shore of Mooselookmeguntic. Strenuous but the views of the lake from the ridgeline are staggering.
- Tumbledown Mountain, About 40 minutes south. The alpine pond at the summit is one of the most unique features in Maine hiking. See our western mountains hiking guide for the full writeup.
- Saddleback Mountain, A 4,120-foot peak with miles of above-treeline hiking. The AT crosses the summit. About 30 minutes from Rangeley.
Planning Your Visit
When to go: Late June through mid-September for paddling and swimming. May and September for fishing. Late September for foliage. The Height of Land overlook during peak foliage is a must-see.
Where to stay: Rangeley has motels, cabins, and vacation rentals. The town is small, quiet, and has everything you need, a couple restaurants, a general store, a fly shop, and a laundromat. It is not a tourist town in the Acadia sense. It is a real place where people live and happen to be surrounded by extraordinary scenery.
What to bring: Layers. Rangeley sits at about 1,500 feet and temperatures are cooler than the coast. Morning fog on the lake is common even in July. Bug spray is essential from late May through early July (blackflies are brutal in the western mountains). A fishing license if you plan to fish. A paddleboard or kayak if you have one, the lake is perfect for both.
Cell service: Spotty in Rangeley village, nonexistent on the lake and surrounding mountains. Download maps and information before you arrive.
How do you pronounce Mooselookmeguntic?
Moose-look-meh-GUN-tic. Five syllables. Emphasis on the fourth. Once you say it a few times, it flows naturally. The name is Abenaki and means 'moose feeding place.'
Can you swim in Lake Mooselookmeguntic?
Yes. The water is clean and clear but cold, surface temperatures reach the mid-60s to low 70s in July and August. The state park beach on Rangeley Lake is warmer and has a sandy bottom. On Mooselookmeguntic, the shores are mostly rocky with some sand coves.
Is Lake Mooselookmeguntic good for bass fishing?
No. Mooselookmeguntic is a cold, deep lake managed as a trout and salmon fishery. Smallmouth bass exist in some of the warmer coves, but the lake is not known for bass. If you want bass fishing in western Maine, try Webb Lake or some of the smaller ponds.
Are there cabins on Lake Mooselookmeguntic?
There are some private rentals on the lake, but shoreline development is limited compared to more accessible Maine lakes. Check local rental agencies in Rangeley. The boat-access-only campsites through the Stephen Phillips Memorial Preserve offer the most direct lakefront experience.
How far is Lake Mooselookmeguntic from Portland?
About 2.5 hours by car via Route 4 through Farmington to Rangeley, then south on Route 17. From Boston, it is roughly 4 hours. There is no fast way to get there. That is part of its charm.