The Heart of a Far-North Town
Portage Lake covers 2,474 acres in the town of Portage, deep in the North Maine Woods of Aroostook County. The town wraps around the lake, and Route 11, the only state road through Portage, runs right along the water. This is one of the Fish River Chain of lakes, the string of waters that drain north toward Fort Kent and the St. John River, and Portage Lake sits near the upstream end of that chain.
This is far-north country, hours past the more familiar parts of Maine, where the lakes are big, the woods are deep, and the fishing draws people who are willing to make the drive. Portage Lake is relatively shallow for its size, reaching about 25 feet with an average depth around 10 feet, which keeps the water productive and the access easy. The town maintains a campground and boat landing on the lake, so you can launch, fish, and camp all from one spot.
Reliable all-around spinning setup
Fishing
Portage Lake is a Fish River Chain fishery, and the headline species are the cold-water game fish the chain is famous for. Landlocked salmon are the prize, drawing anglers north for the chance at the hard-fighting fish the region is known for. Togue, or lake trout, are also present, along with brook trout, and you can fish for all of them from a boat or from shore.
The Fish River lakes are managed as a connected system, and the salmon and trout move through the chain. Spring after ice-out and fall are the best windows for the cold-water species, when they hold in reachable water. Because this is far-north Maine, the season runs a little later than in the south, so plan your timing accordingly and check the current Maine regulations for the Fish River Lakes Region.
Ice-out and the fishing seasons run later in Aroostook County than in southern Maine. For salmon and togue, the weeks right after ice-out and again in the fall are prime. If you are making the long drive north, build your trip around those windows rather than midsummer.
Paddling and Swimming
Portage Lake is open, far-north water with a wild forested backdrop, and paddlers can explore its shoreline by canoe or kayak and connect into the broader Fish River system. As one of the linked Fish River Chain lakes, it offers the kind of remote big-water paddling that defines the region. The lake is large, so watch for wind on the open water and keep to the sheltered shoreline when a breeze is up.
Swimming is part of the local draw in summer, when the shallow water warms up. The town landing and campground area give an easy place to get in the water, and the lake’s role as the town’s recreational center means it sees swimmers, anglers, and paddlers all sharing the water through the short northern summer.
The Portage Lake municipal campground sits at the end of West Road, right next to the town boat landing, so the launch, parking, camping, and swimming are all in one place. It is the simplest base for a Fish River Chain trip. Stock up on supplies in Ashland or before, because services this far north are limited.
Getting There
Portage Lake is in the town of Portage, on Route 11 in Aroostook County. From Bangor, take I-95 north to Sherman, then Route 11 north through Patten and Ashland to Portage, a drive of roughly three hours. Route 11 runs right along the lake through town.
The town boat landing and campground are at the end of West Road off Route 11. This is remote country, so fuel up and supply before the final stretch, and download maps since cell service is spotty north of the larger towns.
When to Visit
Spring
Ice-out comes late this far north, often May. Salmon and togue fishing is best in the weeks after ice-out. Black flies are intense.
Summer
The short northern summer brings warm water for swimming, easy paddling, and camping at the town landing.
Fall
Cool air, renewed cold-water fishing, and excellent foliage across the North Maine Woods.
Winter
Ice fishing for salmon and togue when ice is safe. Deep-winter, far-north conditions demand preparation.
Summer is the best all-around season for the warm water, camping, and easy access during the short northern season. Spring after ice-out and fall are the windows serious salmon and togue anglers favor. Come prepared for heavy black flies in spring.
Packing List
Portage Lake Trip
- Kayak or canoe with PFDs
- Maine fishing license
- Tackle for salmon, togue, and brook trout
- Bug spray (spring and early summer are brutal up north)
- Sunscreen and a hat
- Plenty of food and fuel (limited services this far north)
- Downloaded map (cell service is spotty)
- Camping gear if staying at the town landing
FAQ
How big is Portage Lake?
Portage Lake covers 2,474 acres in Aroostook County. It is relatively shallow for its size, reaching about 25 feet at its deepest with an average depth near 10 feet.
What fish are in Portage Lake?
As a Fish River Chain lake, Portage Lake holds landlocked salmon, togue (lake trout), and brook trout, which you can fish from a boat or from shore.
Is there a boat launch at Portage Lake?
Yes. The town maintains a boat landing next to the Portage Lake municipal campground at the end of West Road, off Route 11.
Can you camp at Portage Lake?
Yes. The town runs a municipal campground next to the boat landing, putting camping, the launch, parking, and swimming all in one place.
Where is Portage Lake located?
Portage Lake is in the town of Portage, on Route 11 in far-northern Aroostook County, part of the Fish River Chain. It is roughly three hours north of Bangor.
