A Big Lake Just Off Route 1
Gardner Lake is one of the larger lakes in Washington County, covering 3,720 acres across the towns of East Machias, Whiting, and Marion Township in the center of Downeast Maine. It sits right off Route 1, which makes it unusually accessible for a lake this size in a county where most water takes effort to reach. The lake runs to about 56 feet at its deepest, with an average depth around 40 feet, giving it both warm shallows and cooler open water.
This is far-Downeast country, where Route 1 threads between the coast and a sweep of big inland lakes on the way to Machias and beyond. Gardner Lake has camps along parts of its shore but plenty of quiet, undeveloped water too. The combination of a public launch, a swimming area, and good bass fishing close to the highway makes it a popular stop for locals and a worthwhile detour for travelers heading down the coast.
Reliable all-around spinning setup
Fishing
Gardner Lake is best known as a bass lake. Both smallmouth and largemouth bass are present and provide the lake’s most popular and consistent fishing. Smallmouth hold around the rocky points, islands, and drop-offs, while largemouth favor the weedier, shallower coves. Summer is prime bass season, and working topwater baits and soft plastics along the structure at first and last light pays off.
Chain pickerel and perch round out the warm-water fishery and are easy to catch on light tackle, which makes the lake a good choice for getting kids into fish. The lake’s size means there is plenty of water to spread out and find your own productive shoreline. Always check the current Maine fishing regulations before you fish.
On a lake this big, structure narrows the search. Concentrate on the rocky points and islands for smallmouth and the weedy back coves for largemouth. Early morning, before any wind comes up, is the most productive and most pleasant time to be on the water.
Paddling and Swimming
At 3,720 acres, Gardner Lake is large enough that wind is the main thing to plan around. The open water can build a real chop on a breezy afternoon, so paddle in the morning, stay near shore, and keep an eye on the sky. Reward for that caution is miles of shoreline to explore by canoe or kayak, with quiet coves and undeveloped stretches well away from the camps.
Gardner Lake stands out among Downeast lakes for having a swimming area near the outlet, above the dam, which gives families a defined spot to cool off rather than scrambling for informal access. The water warms enough for comfortable swimming by midsummer.
The town boat launch off Route 1 is the main public access, with a ramp suitable for trailers and a swimming area nearby above the outlet. Because the lake is large and open, check the wind forecast before planning a long paddle, and launch early to beat the afternoon breeze.
Getting There
Gardner Lake is in East Machias, right along Route 1 in far-Downeast Washington County. From Bangor, take Route 9 (the Airline) east, then connect to Route 1 toward Machias and East Machias, a drive of a little over two hours. From the Calais side, follow Route 1 south toward Machias.
The town boat launch is signed off Route 1. Because so much of this drive runs through remote country, program your route and download maps before you leave; cell service is spotty east of the larger towns.
When to Visit
Spring
Ice-out usually in late April or early May. Bass fishing improves as the water warms. Black flies build through May and June.
Summer
Warm water for swimming and the best bass fishing. The swimming area near the outlet is a family favorite.
Fall
Quiet water and good foliage. Comfortable paddling and continued bass action before the season cools.
Winter
Ice fishing for bass and pickerel when ice is safe. Remote conditions require preparation.
Summer is the best all-around season, with warm water for swimming and prime bass fishing. Spring and fall are quieter and good for anglers who do not mind cooler conditions. Bring bug protection from ice-out through early summer.
Packing List
Gardner Lake Trip
- Canoe or kayak with PFDs
- Maine fishing license
- Tackle for smallmouth and largemouth bass
- Bug spray (May through early July especially)
- Sunscreen and a hat
- Drinking water and food (limited services nearby)
- Downloaded map (cell service is spotty)
- Towel and swimsuit for the swimming area
FAQ
How big is Gardner Lake?
Gardner Lake covers 3,720 acres across East Machias, Whiting, and Marion Township, making it one of the larger lakes in Washington County. It reaches about 56 feet deep with an average depth near 40 feet.
What fish are in Gardner Lake?
Gardner Lake is best known for smallmouth and largemouth bass, with chain pickerel and perch rounding out the warm-water fishery. Bass fishing is the main draw.
Is there a boat launch at Gardner Lake?
Yes. A town boat launch off Route 1 provides public access with a ramp suitable for trailers, and there is a swimming area nearby above the outlet.
Can you swim in Gardner Lake?
Yes. Gardner Lake has a swimming area near the outlet, above the dam, and the water warms enough for comfortable swimming by midsummer.
Where is Gardner Lake located?
Gardner Lake is in East Machias, far Downeast in Washington County, right off Route 1 near Machias. It is a little over two hours from Bangor.
