A Mountain Lake with Serious Water
Rangeley Lake sits at 1,518 feet in the western mountains of Maine, about two and a half hours northwest of Portland. At roughly 6,000 acres, it is the centerpiece of the Rangeley Lakes region, a chain of large lakes connected by rivers and streams that has drawn anglers, paddlers, and summer visitors for over a century.
The lake is deep, reaching 149 feet at its maximum, with clear cold water that supports thriving coldwater fisheries. The surrounding hills are heavily forested with spruce and fir, and the Appalachian Trail passes through the region. In fall, the foliage is among the best in the state, and the elevation means peak color arrives a week or two before the southern coast.
The town of Rangeley, on the north shore, is small but has the essentials: a grocery store, a few restaurants, gas stations, and outfitters. It is a genuine outdoor town, not a resort destination dressed up for tourists. People come here to fish, paddle, hike, and ski.
On the Water
There are three public boat launches on Rangeley Lake. The Rangeley town launch is on Park Street in the center of town, across from the post office. A second launch sits on Route 4 near Oquossoc village on the lake’s western end. The third is at Rangeley Lake State Park on the south shore.
The lake handles a mix of motorboats, pontoons, sailboats, and paddlecraft. It is big enough to absorb traffic without feeling crowded, even in July. Morning is best for kayaking and canoeing, before afternoon winds pick up across the open water.
Rangeley Lake State Park, on the south shore off South Shore Drive, has a sandy beach for swimming, picnic areas, and a campground. Day use costs $6 for non-resident adults, $4 for Maine resident adults, and $1 for children ages 5 to 11. The beach is one of the better public swimming spots, with a gradual sandy entry and clear water. By August, surface temperatures climb into the upper 60s, which is comfortable enough for swimming on a warm day.
The state park boat launch is about half a mile from the day use area. If you are launching a boat, drive past the beach entrance and follow signs to the ramp. There are docks at the launch for tying up while you park your trailer.
Fishing
Rangeley Lake is one of the premier coldwater fishing lakes in Maine. The two headline species are landlocked salmon and brook trout, both sustained through a combination of natural reproduction in tributaries and annual stockings by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.
| Species | Best Season | Method | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Landlocked Salmon | May, September-October | Trolling streamers, light tackle | Post ice-out and fall turnover are prime windows |
| Brook Trout | May-June, September | Fly fishing, trolling | Tributaries hold wild fish; lake fish run larger |
| Rainbow Smelt | Winter (ice fishing) | Jigging, tip-ups | Forage fish; abundant under the ice |
| Yellow Perch | Summer | Worms, small jigs | Easy fishing for kids, reliable in coves |
| Smallmouth Bass | June-September | Soft plastics, topwater | Rocky structure along the south shore |
Spring fishing, right after ice-out in late April or early May, is the classic Rangeley experience. Salmon move into the shallows and anglers troll streamer flies on lead-core line or light spinning tackle. As the surface warms through summer, salmon drop deeper and you need downriggers or lead-core to reach them. Fall brings another run of shallow-water action as the lake cools.
Brook trout fishing is best in the tributaries feeding the lake. The Kennebago River, which enters the lake on the northwest side, is a legendary wild brook trout stream with special regulations. Fly anglers travel from across New England to fish it.
A Maine fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older. Buy one online at the MDIFW website or at the general store in Rangeley.
The fly hatches on Rangeley Lake and its tributaries follow a predictable schedule. Hendricksons in mid-May, caddis through June, and the Hex hatch in late June or early July. Local fly shops in Rangeley can tell you exactly what is working on any given week.
When to Go
Spring
Ice-out fishing is prime. Trails may be muddy. Blackflies arrive in late May.
Summer
Warm enough for swimming by late July. Full services in town. Loons calling at dusk.
Fall
Peak foliage mid-September to early October. Excellent fishing. Fewer crowds than summer.
Winter
Ice fishing, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing. Town is quiet but open. Bundle up at 1,500 feet.
Practical Notes
Cell service is spotty in the Rangeley area. You will get a signal in the center of town and along Route 4, but coverage drops off quickly near the water and on the surrounding hills. Plan accordingly and download any maps you need before you arrive.
The lake is dog-friendly. Dogs are welcome at the state park and along the shoreline, though they should be leashed near the swimming beach during busy season.
Late May through mid-June is blackfly season in the Rangeley region. The bugs can be intense, especially near moving water. Head nets and DEET help. By early July, they taper off and the rest of summer is pleasant.
Rangeley Lake Packing List
- Fishing license (if fishing)
- Bug spray (essential May-June)
- Layers for cool mountain mornings
- Sunscreen
- Life jackets for every boat passenger
- Rain jacket (afternoon storms happen)
- Cash for state park entrance fee
- Downloaded maps (cell service is spotty)
Getting There
From Portland, take Route 4 North through Farmington and Phillips. The drive is about 2.5 hours and scenic, climbing through small towns and forested hills. From Bangor, take Route 2 West to Farmington, then Route 4 North. Also about 2.5 hours.
The Height of Land scenic overlook on Route 17, between Oquossoc and Rumford, is one of the most photographed viewpoints in Maine. If you are approaching from the south via Route 17, stop here for a sweeping view of Mooselookmeguntic Lake and the surrounding mountains.
FAQ
What is the best time to fish Rangeley Lake?
May, right after ice-out, is the classic season for landlocked salmon. Fish move into the shallows and hit streamers near the surface. Fall (September-October) offers another strong window as the lake cools. Summer fishing is productive but requires getting deeper to find cold water.
Can you swim in Rangeley Lake?
Yes. Rangeley Lake State Park on the south shore has a sandy swimming beach with gradual entry. Surface water reaches the upper 60s by late July and August. The state park charges $6 for non-resident adults, $4 for Maine resident adults, and $1 for children 5-11.
How deep is Rangeley Lake?
The maximum depth is 149 feet. The central basin averages around 95 feet. The cold deep water is what sustains the lake's landlocked salmon and brook trout populations.
Is there cell service at Rangeley Lake?
Spotty. You will get a signal in Rangeley village and along Route 4, but coverage drops near the water and in the surrounding mountains. Download maps and any information you need before arriving.
Where are the boat launches?
Three public launches: Rangeley town park on Park Street, Route 4 near Oquossoc village, and Rangeley Lake State Park on the south shore. The state park ramp is paved with docks and a large parking area.
