Maine’s Premier Salmon Lake
East Grand Lake is one of the largest lakes in Maine and one of the most productive fisheries in the Northeast. Covering 16,070 acres, stretching 22 miles long and up to 4 miles wide, it straddles the international boundary between Maine and the Canadian province of New Brunswick. The western shore is Maine, split between Washington and Aroostook counties, touching the towns of Orient, Weston, Danforth, and Forest City Township. The eastern shore is Canada.
The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife calls East Grand Lake the best landlocked salmon fishery in the state. That is not hyperbole. The combination of deep, cold water (maximum depth of 128 feet), abundant forage, and the lake’s sheer size creates ideal conditions for salmon to grow large and fight hard. Add legendary smallmouth bass fishing and a healthy population of lake trout, brook trout, and other species, and you have a lake that serious anglers return to year after year.
The lake sits at 453 feet of elevation, surrounded by a mix of boreal forest and working timberland. Development is light, a scattering of camps and lodges along the Maine shoreline, with the Canadian side largely undeveloped. The water is clean and deep, fed by numerous brooks and underground springs, and drains south through the St. Croix River system to the Atlantic.
On the Water
Public boat launches provide access from the Maine side. The primary launches are at Greenland Point (mid-lake on the west shore, off Greenland Cove Road, with a one-lane concrete ramp and gravel parking) and at Forest City on the southern end of the lake. Both are free. The Greenland Point launch provides good access to the deepest water and the productive mid-lake structure.
At 22 miles long, East Grand is a big-water lake that demands respect. Afternoon winds can build quickly, particularly in the broad central section, and waves large enough to swamp a canoe are not uncommon. Motorboats are the standard for fishing the open water, but kayakers and canoeists can explore the sheltered coves and shoreline effectively in calm conditions.
East Grand Lake straddles the U.S.-Canada border. If you cross to the Canadian side by boat, you are entering another country. Border regulations apply. Carry proper identification and be aware of the boundary markers on the water. Fishing regulations differ on the Canadian side.
Fishing
The fishing on East Grand Lake is exceptional across multiple species.
Landlocked Salmon are the star attraction. The lake produces salmon in the 2 to 5 pound range regularly, with occasional fish exceeding that. Spring, right after ice-out, is the classic salmon season, fish cruise the shallows and are accessible to trollers and fly anglers alike. As summer warms the surface, salmon move deep and require downriggers or lead-core line to reach.
Smallmouth Bass fishing on East Grand is legendary. The rocky shoreline structure, gravel flats, and island shelves provide ideal smallmouth habitat. Fish in the 2 to 4 pound range are common, and the bass fishing is consistent from late June through September.
Lake Trout (Togue) occupy the deep, cold water year-round. Fish are caught trolling deep in summer and through the ice in winter. Brook trout, white perch, yellow perch, chain pickerel, cusk, and lake whitefish round out the fishery.
The area around Greenland Point and the deep-water ledges in the central basin are productive for salmon in spring. For smallmouth, work the rocky points and island shorelines on the western side. The bass tend to be more aggressive on overcast days and during the low-light hours of morning and evening.
A Maine fishing license is required for fishing the Maine side. If you fish the New Brunswick side, you need a Canadian fishing license. Check current regulations for both jurisdictions before your trip.
Hiring a local guide for your first trip to East Grand Lake is worth the investment. The lake is enormous, and the productive spots shift with the seasons. Guides operating out of Danforth and the surrounding area know the water intimately and can put you on fish quickly. Several sporting camps on the lake offer guide services.
Swimming and Paddling
Swimming is informal but enjoyable. The water is clean and the shoreline offers rocky and gravelly access in numerous spots. Surface temperatures in midsummer reach the mid-60s to low 70s Fahrenheit, comfortable for swimming on warm days, though cooler than shallow southern Maine lakes.
Paddling the shoreline and coves is excellent, particularly in the sheltered southern section near Forest City and the island-studded areas of the western shore. The full 22-mile length of the lake is a serious multi-day paddling commitment, best suited for experienced kayakers with open-water skills.
When to Go
Spring
Ice-out in late April to early May. The premier salmon fishing window. Fish are in the shallows and accessible. Bug season begins in late May.
Summer
Smallmouth bass fishing peaks from late June through August. Salmon move deep. Excellent for boating, paddling, and swimming. Warm days, cool nights.
Fall
Foliage peaks in late September. Salmon move shallow again as water cools. Less boat traffic. Frost by mid-October.
Winter
Ice fishing for togue, salmon, and smelt. Reliable ice by mid-January. Cold and remote, come prepared for serious winter conditions.
Getting There
From Bangor, take I-95 North to the Howland exit, then Route 6 East through Lincoln to Danforth. The drive is approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes. From Portland, take I-95 North through Bangor and continue on the same route for a total of about 4.5 hours.
Danforth is the nearest town with services including gas, a general store, and basic supplies. For fuller services, grocery stores, restaurants, hardware, plan a stop in Lincoln (about an hour west) or Houlton (about 45 minutes north).
East Grand Lake Packing List
- Fishing license (Maine side; Canadian license if crossing the border)
- Valid passport or enhanced ID (border lake)
- Downriggers or lead-core line (summer salmon and togue)
- Bug spray (May through July)
- Life jackets for every passenger
- Extra fuel for the boat (no gas on the lake)
- Layered clothing, temperatures drop quickly on open water
- Downloaded maps and GPS (cell service is spotty)
- Cooler with ice for fish
- Sunscreen and polarized sunglasses
FAQ
Is East Grand Lake the best salmon fishing in Maine?
The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife has called East Grand Lake the best landlocked salmon fishery in the state. The lake's deep, cold water and abundant forage support strong natural salmon populations, and the fishing is consistently excellent, especially right after ice-out in spring.
Do I need a passport to fish East Grand Lake?
If you stay on the Maine (western) side, no passport is required. However, the international boundary runs through the lake. If you cross to the New Brunswick side, you are entering Canada and need proper identification. Carry a passport or enhanced driver's license to be safe.
How deep is East Grand Lake?
The maximum depth is 128 feet. The lake averages around 40 feet deep across its 16,070 acres, with significant deep-water structure in the central basin that holds salmon and lake trout year-round.
Where is the boat launch on East Grand Lake?
Two primary public launches exist on the Maine side. Greenland Point (mid-lake, west shore, off Greenland Cove Road) has a one-lane concrete ramp with gravel parking. Forest City at the southern end also provides launch access. Both are free.
What is the best time to fish East Grand Lake?
Spring, right after ice-out in late April to early May, is the premier salmon season. Smallmouth bass fishing peaks from late June through August. Fall brings salmon back to the shallows as water cools. Each season offers excellent fishing for different species.
