Downeast Maine’s Hidden Fishing Lake
Cathance Lake covers 2,905 acres in Cooper and Township 14 in Washington County, one of the least visited corners of Maine. The lake sits in the heart of Downeast country, far from the tourist traffic of the coast, and draws anglers who know about its excellent smallmouth bass and landlocked salmon fishing. Dozens of islands, a long peninsula jutting into the center of the lake, and miles of irregular shoreline create the kind of structure that fish and paddlers both love.
Much of the shoreline is undeveloped. While the western side along Route 191 has camps and seasonal homes, large stretches of the eastern and northern shores are wild forest running down to the water’s edge. On a weekday morning in June, you can put a canoe in and paddle for hours without seeing another person.
Cathance Lake is in a remote area of Washington County with limited services. Cell service is unreliable at best. The nearest hospital is in Calais, about 30 minutes away. Carry a first aid kit and let someone know your plans before heading out on the water.
Fishing
Cathance Lake is one of the better bass and salmon lakes in Downeast Maine. The fish populations are healthy, the lake gets light fishing pressure compared to more accessible waters, and the structure of the bottom with its islands, shoals, and drop-offs provides excellent habitat.
Smallmouth bass are the main draw. The rocky shoals around the islands and the drop-offs along the long central peninsula hold good numbers of bass in the two to four pound range. Summer is prime bass season, and topwater fishing around the islands at dawn and dusk can produce fast action.
Landlocked salmon are present and worth targeting in spring, just after ice-out, when fish cruise the shallows and tributary mouths. Trolling streamers in early morning is the traditional approach. The salmon run smaller than in the big northern lakes, but the fishing is less crowded.
Brook trout are found in the lake and in tributaries. A special regulation applies: there is a slot limit on bass and brook trout, and from October 1 through October 31, the lake is artificial-lures-only and catch-and-release.
The cluster of islands near the center of the lake is the most productive fishing area. Smallmouth bass hold on the rocky structure around the islands, and the deeper water between islands holds salmon in spring and fall. A depth finder helps, but casting to visible rock piles and points is effective too.
Paddling
Cathance Lake is large enough to offer a real paddling experience but not so large that it becomes intimidating in manageable wind. The irregular shoreline and numerous islands make it excellent for exploratory paddling by canoe or kayak. You can spend a full day poking into coves, circling islands, and finding spots where the forest comes right down to the water.
The maximum depth is 75 feet, but much of the lake is shallower, with clear water that lets you see the bottom in the coves. Loons, osprey, and bald eagles are common. The western shore has more development, so paddle east and north for the wildest scenery.
The boat launch on the western shore off Route 191 is the easiest access point. It has a concrete ramp and room for several trailers. Arrive early on summer weekends, as the parking area is small. For a quieter launch, ask locally about access on the eastern shore.
Getting There
Cathance Lake is in Cooper, about 20 miles south of Calais on Route 191. From Bangor, take Route 9 (the Airline Road) east to Route 191 south. The drive takes about two hours and 15 minutes. From Portland, expect about five hours via I-95 and Route 9.
The boat launch is on the western shore, accessible from Route 191. Signs are minimal, so watch for the turnoff carefully. GPS is recommended, but program your destination before leaving Bangor because cell service becomes unreliable east of Beddington on Route 9.
When to Visit
Spring
Ice-out in late April or early May. Prime salmon fishing. Black flies and mosquitoes can be intense through June.
Summer
Warm weather, best bass fishing, good swimming. Long days for paddling. Bug pressure drops by late July.
Fall
Beautiful foliage. Excellent fishing. Cool, comfortable paddling. Special regulations apply in October.
Winter
Ice fishing for salmon and bass. Remote conditions require preparation. Access may be limited by snow.
Summer is the best overall season, with warm weather for paddling and swimming and the best bass fishing. Spring brings salmon fishing and wildflowers but also relentless black flies. Fall is beautiful and quiet, with October’s catch-and-release regulation making it a pure sport-fishing experience.
Packing List
Cathance Lake Trip
- Canoe or kayak with PFDs
- Maine fishing license
- Tackle for bass and salmon
- Bug spray (May through July especially)
- Sunscreen
- Water and food (no services at the lake)
- Paper map (cell service is unreliable)
- Binoculars for eagle and loon watching
FAQ
How big is Cathance Lake?
Cathance Lake covers 2,905 acres with a maximum depth of 75 feet. It is one of the larger lakes in Washington County, with an irregular shoreline and numerous islands.
What fish are in Cathance Lake?
Cathance Lake has healthy populations of smallmouth bass, landlocked salmon, and brook trout. Bass fishing is the main draw, with fish in the two to four pound range around the islands and rocky shoals.
Is there a boat launch at Cathance Lake?
Yes. A public boat launch with a concrete ramp is located on the western shore off Route 191. Parking is limited, so arrive early on summer weekends.
Can you swim in Cathance Lake?
Yes. The water is clean and warm enough for swimming by mid-summer. There is no designated beach, but sandy and gravelly spots along the shore work for informal swimming.
Is there cell service at Cathance Lake?
Cell service is spotty at best. Verizon may get intermittent signal along Route 191, but on the water and along the eastern shore, expect no service.
