Bangor’s Big Backyard Lake
Pushaw Lake stretches 7.5 miles long and about a mile wide across four towns: Hudson, Glenburn, Old Town, and Orono. At 5,056 acres, it is one of the largest lakes in Penobscot County and sits just 15 minutes north of Bangor. Despite its size and proximity to Maine’s third-largest city, Pushaw Lake has a quiet, lived-in character. This is not a resort lake. It is a working lake where locals fish, paddle, and spend summer evenings on the water.
The lake is shallow and warm, averaging only about 15 feet deep, which makes it outstanding habitat for warmwater fish. In recent years, Pushaw Lake has become one of the best northern pike fisheries in the state, drawing anglers from across New England who are after trophy-sized fish. The bass fishing, both largemouth and smallmouth, is consistently good, and the lake also supports healthy populations of white perch, yellow perch, and chain pickerel.
On the Water
Pushaw Lake has concrete public boat ramps in Glenburn and Orono, providing easy access for boats of all sizes. The Glenburn launch is the most popular and has a paved ramp with adequate parking. The Orono launch is smaller but serviceable. There is an unimproved launch point in Old Town as well, though it is not suitable for large boats.
The lake handles a mix of motorboats, pontoons, kayaks, and canoes. It is wide enough that boats can spread out, but the shallow depth means you need to watch for sandbars and shallows, especially near the shoreline and in the narrows. A depth finder is useful for navigation and fishing.
Kayaking and canoeing are pleasant on calm mornings. The long, narrow shape of the lake means you can paddle miles of shoreline without retracing your route. The western shore has marshy areas and coves that attract waterfowl and wading birds.
For the best paddling, launch early in the morning before the wind picks up. Pushaw Lake is oriented roughly north-south, and prevailing winds can build waves along the full 7.5-mile fetch. By mid-afternoon on breezy days, small boats and kayaks are better off staying close to shore.
Fishing
The headline story at Pushaw Lake is northern pike. Pike were illegally introduced into the lake sometime around 2003, and the population has exploded. Fish averaging 30 to 40 inches are common, with some exceeding 20 pounds. The pike have changed the lake’s ecology and attracted a new generation of anglers who specifically target them.
Largemouth and smallmouth bass are the other major draw. The warm, shallow water and abundant structure of weed beds, docks, and rocky points make for reliable bass fishing from spring through fall. Topwater lures in the early morning and soft plastics around structure are productive methods.
White perch, yellow perch, pumpkinseed sunfish, redbreast sunfish, and chain pickerel round out the fishery. Panfish are abundant and provide easy, fun fishing for kids and beginners.
Northern pike are an invasive species in Pushaw Lake. They were illegally introduced and have significantly altered the lake’s fish community. There is no bag limit and no minimum size for pike in Maine. If you catch pike, you are encouraged to keep and eat them to help control the population.
A Maine fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
When to Go
Spring
Pike and bass fishing picks up as the water warms in May. Ice-out is typically mid to late April.
Summer
Warm water, long days, and peak fishing. Boat traffic increases on weekends. Swimming is comfortable by July.
Fall
Excellent fall fishing. Fewer boats. Foliage along the shoreline is pleasant.
Winter
Popular ice fishing destination. Pike, perch, and pickerel through the ice. Check ice thickness carefully.
Practical Notes
The Greater Pushaw Lake Association is active in monitoring water quality and advocating for the lake. If you spend time on Pushaw, consider checking their website for current conditions, invasive species information, and lake news. Local knowledge about where the pike are biting changes week to week, and Bangor-area tackle shops are the best source of current reports.
Bangor has all services within 15 minutes of any point on the lake. Gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants, and tackle shops are easily accessible. There are no facilities directly on the lake shore besides the public boat ramps.
Cell service is good across most of the lake, especially on the southern end closer to Bangor.
Pushaw Lake Packing List
- Fishing license (if fishing)
- Life jackets for everyone on the water
- Sunscreen
- Depth finder if running a motorboat (shallow lake)
- Bug spray in summer
- Cooler for fish and drinks
- Steel leaders for pike fishing (they have sharp teeth)
Getting There
From Bangor, take Route 15 North through Glenburn. The Glenburn boat launch is about 10 miles from downtown Bangor. From Orono, access the Orono launch via Stillwater Avenue and local roads. From Portland, the drive to Pushaw Lake is about 2 hours and 20 minutes via I-95 North to the Bangor area.
FAQ
How big is Pushaw Lake?
Pushaw Lake covers 5,056 acres, stretching 7.5 miles long and about a mile wide across the towns of Hudson, Glenburn, Old Town, and Orono.
What are the best fish to catch in Pushaw Lake?
Northern pike (trophy-sized, 30-40+ inches), largemouth and smallmouth bass, white perch, yellow perch, and chain pickerel. Pike and bass draw the most anglers.
Where are the boat launches?
Concrete public ramps are in Glenburn (most popular, paved with parking) and Orono. An unimproved launch exists in Old Town.
Can you swim in Pushaw Lake?
Yes. The lake warms quickly in summer due to its shallow depth. There are no formal public swimming beaches, but swimming from private waterfront and boats is common.
How did northern pike get into Pushaw Lake?
Pike were illegally introduced around 2003 and have since thrived. There is no size or bag limit on pike in Maine. Anglers are encouraged to keep what they catch to help control the population.