The Switzerland of Maine
Phillips Lake covers 828 acres in Dedham, strung along Route 1A on the main route between Bangor and Ellsworth. The village on its shore is known as Lucerne-in-Maine, a name borrowed from the Swiss lake town it was meant to evoke, and the lake earned the nickname “the Switzerland of Maine” for the way the hills rise around its deep, clear water. Bald Mountain looms over the eastern shore and gives the lake its postcard backdrop.
This is a deep, spring-fed lake, reaching about 98 feet with a mean depth near 40 feet, and the water is famously crystal clear with above-average quality. Camps and homes line much of the shore, but the south end stays wild: through a conservation easement held by the Great Pond Mountain Conservation Trust, paddlers can land on several undeveloped islands at that end of the lake. Easy highway access makes Phillips Lake one of the most convenient cold-water fisheries in the region.
Reliable all-around spinning setup
Fishing
Phillips Lake is a classic cold-water fishery, and landlocked salmon, lake trout, and smallmouth bass form its principal sport fisheries. The salmon are the spring prize, taken by trolling streamers and smelt-pattern lures near the surface in the weeks after ice-out. As the water warms, salmon and togue slide into the depths, and anglers switch to deep trolling and jigging to reach them.
Lake trout, called togue, hold in the deep, cold basins through the summer and respond to deep presentations. Smallmouth bass give the warm-water angler plenty to do, hitting around the rocky points and drop-offs through the summer months. The clear water and varied bottom make sight-fishing for bass in the shallows productive on calm days. Check the current Maine regulations before fishing this water.
Right after ice-out, salmon and togue feed near the surface and you can reach them with shallow trolling. By midsummer those same fish drop deep to find cold water. Bring tackle for both, and let the season tell you whether to fish high or low in the water column.
Paddling and Swimming
Phillips Lake is a manageable size for a half-day or full-day paddle, and the clear water and mountain backdrop make it scenic from the seat of a kayak. The protected south end is the best destination: the cluster of conservation islands there is open to landing, so you can paddle out, stretch your legs on an undeveloped island, and explore the quiet coves away from the camps. As on any open lake, watch for afternoon wind and boat traffic in the main body.
Swimming is excellent in the clean, spring-fed water. The shallows warm by midsummer while the depths stay cold and clear. There is no developed public beach, but the water quality is high and informal swimming spots are easy to find along the shore.
The public boat launch is a long, paved, wide ramp on Poplar Road that handles trailers easily. From there, point your bow toward the south end to reach the Great Pond Mountain Conservation Trust islands, the most rewarding paddling on the lake.
Getting There
Phillips Lake is simple to reach because Route 1A runs right along it. From Bangor, drive east on Route 1A toward Ellsworth and the lake appears on your right at Lucerne, about 30 minutes out. From Ellsworth, head west on Route 1A a short distance to Dedham.
The public boat launch is on Poplar Road, signed off Route 1A. Because the lake sits on a main highway, cell service here is generally good, unusual for an inland Maine lake.
When to Visit
Spring
Ice-out brings salmon to the surface for the year's top fishing. Cool air and building bug pressure by mid-May.
Summer
Warm shallows for swimming, smallmouth bass action, and island paddling. Salmon and togue hold deep.
Fall
Cooling water draws cold-water fish up again. Excellent foliage on Bald Mountain and the surrounding hills.
Winter
Ice fishing for salmon, togue, and smelt when ice is safe. Verify conditions locally first.
Spring just after ice-out is the marquee season for salmon anglers. Summer is best for swimming, bass, and exploring the south-end islands. Fall brings quiet water and strong foliage over the lake.
Packing List
Phillips Lake Trip
- Kayak or canoe with PFDs
- Maine fishing license
- Tackle for salmon, togue, and bass
- Binoculars for loons and eagles
- Sunscreen and a windbreaker
- Bug spray (spring and early summer)
- Drinking water and snacks
- Map of the south-end conservation islands
FAQ
How deep is Phillips Lake?
Phillips Lake reaches a maximum depth of about 98 feet, with a mean depth near 40 feet. The deep, clear, spring-fed water supports its salmon and lake trout fishery.
What fish are in Phillips Lake?
Landlocked salmon, lake trout (togue), and smallmouth bass form the principal fisheries. Salmon are the spring prize, while bass provide warm-water action through summer.
Why is Phillips Lake called Lucerne?
The village on its shore is named Lucerne-in-Maine after the Swiss lake town, and the surrounding hills earned the lake the nickname 'the Switzerland of Maine.'
Is there a boat launch at Phillips Lake?
Yes. A long, paved, wide public boat ramp on Poplar Road provides trailer access off Route 1A.
Can you visit islands on Phillips Lake?
Yes. Through a conservation easement held by the Great Pond Mountain Conservation Trust, several undeveloped islands at the south end of the lake are open to paddlers to land on.
