Quiet Water in the Grand Lake Stream Country
Pocomoonshine Lake covers 2,539 acres in Alexander and Princeton, deep in the Washington County lake country that surrounds the famous Grand Lake Stream region. This is some of the wildest, least developed lake country in Maine, and Pocomoonshine fits the mold: long stretches of its shoreline are undeveloped forest, and the public access is protected through the Land for Maine’s Future program. The lake is big enough to give you room to roam and quiet enough that you may have a whole arm of it to yourself on a weekday.
The name is spelled a few different ways on old maps, and you will see Pocomoonshine and Pocamoonshine both used. However it is spelled, this is a destination for people who want remote water without a long carry. The lake is a recognized smallmouth bass fishery, sitting in the same productive Princeton-Grand Lake Stream area that draws anglers from across the Northeast.
Reliable all-around spinning setup
Pocomoonshine Lake is in a remote part of Washington County with essentially no cell service and limited nearby services. Carry a paper map, a first aid kit, and plenty of water, and let someone know your plans and expected return before you head out on the lake.
Fishing
Pocomoonshine is one of the premier smallmouth bass waters in the Princeton-Grand Lake Stream area, and bass are the reason most anglers come. Smallmouth hold on the rocky points, shoals, and drop-offs that ring the lake, and the light fishing pressure compared with more accessible waters means the fish see fewer lures. Summer is prime time, with topwater action around the structure at dawn and dusk.
The lake also holds largemouth bass in its weedier coves, along with white perch, yellow perch, and chain pickerel for steady light-tackle fun. The undeveloped shoreline means natural structure everywhere, so cast to the rock piles, fallen timber, and weed edges and cover water until you find fish. Check the current Maine regulations before fishing.
With miles of natural shoreline and little development, the key to Pocomoonshine is mobility. Keep moving and casting to the visible structure, the rocky points and shoals especially, until you find the smallmouth. Once you locate a productive shoal, work it thoroughly before moving on.
Paddling and Swimming
The remote, undeveloped character that makes Pocomoonshine such good bass water also makes it a rewarding paddle. By canoe or kayak you can explore the quiet arms and coves, watch for loons and eagles, and go a long way without seeing a camp. As with any large lake, the open water can build wind-driven chop, so paddle the protected shoreline and coves, go early, and watch the forecast.
Swimming is possible off the launch and along the natural sand and gravel stretches of shore, and the water warms enough for it by midsummer. There is no developed beach here; this is informal, find-your-own-spot swimming in a wild setting.
The public boat launch, protected through the Land for Maine’s Future program, is the main access point and keeps the lake open to everyone despite its remote surroundings. Top off your gas, water, and supplies in Princeton or Calais before you drive in, because there is nothing at the lake itself.
Getting There
Pocomoonshine Lake straddles Alexander and Princeton in Washington County. From Bangor, take Route 9 (the Airline) east toward Calais, then turn off toward Alexander and Princeton and follow local roads to the lake, roughly a two-and-a-half-hour drive. From Calais, head west and south on Route 1 and local roads.
The Land for Maine’s Future launch is reached by gravel and back roads, so program your route and download maps in advance. Cell service is effectively nonexistent in this area, so do not count on a phone for navigation once you leave the main highway.
When to Visit
Spring
Ice-out in late April or early May. Bass turn on as the water warms. Black flies are intense through May and June.
Summer
Prime smallmouth bass fishing, warm water for swimming, and long days for remote paddling. Bug pressure eases by late July.
Fall
Quiet, beautiful, and cool. Good bass action and excellent foliage with very few people around.
Winter
Ice fishing when ice is safe, but access is remote and conditions demand preparation.
Summer is the standout season for the bass fishing and the warm water. Spring and fall are quieter and beautiful, but come prepared for relentless black flies from ice-out into early summer.
Packing List
Pocomoonshine Lake Trip
- Canoe or kayak with PFDs
- Maine fishing license
- Tackle for smallmouth bass
- Bug spray (May through July especially)
- Sunscreen and a hat
- Plenty of water and food (no services at the lake)
- Paper map (no cell service)
- Full tank of gas before you drive in
FAQ
How big is Pocomoonshine Lake?
Pocomoonshine Lake covers 2,539 acres across Alexander and Princeton in Washington County, with long stretches of remote, undeveloped forested shoreline.
What fish are in Pocomoonshine Lake?
It is one of the premier smallmouth bass waters in the Princeton-Grand Lake Stream area, and also holds largemouth bass, white and yellow perch, and chain pickerel.
Is there a public boat launch?
Yes. A public boat launch protected through the Land for Maine's Future program provides access, keeping the lake open despite its remote surroundings.
Is there cell service at Pocomoonshine Lake?
No. Cell service is effectively nonexistent in this remote part of Washington County. Carry a paper map and tell someone your plans before heading out.
Where is Pocomoonshine Lake?
Pocomoonshine Lake is in Alexander and Princeton, Washington County, in the lake country near Grand Lake Stream. It is roughly two and a half hours from Bangor.
