The Crown Jewel of the Fish River Chain
Square Lake is the largest body of water in the Fish River Chain of Lakes, a series of five interconnected lakes, Long Lake, Mud Lake, Cross Lake, Square Lake, and Eagle Lake. That define the wild heart of northern Aroostook County. At 8,090 acres with a maximum depth of 122 feet and a mean depth of 36 feet, Square Lake is a serious body of water that offers some of the best cold-water fishing and paddling in the entire state.
The lake sits at an elevation of 577 feet in unorganized territory (T15 R6 WELS and T16 R5 WELS), roughly 45 miles south of Fort Kent and the Canadian border. The surrounding landscape is boreal forest, spruce, fir, and birch stretching in every direction. Development is sparse, limited to a handful of seasonal camps and sporting lodges. This is Maine’s far north, and it feels like it. The sky is bigger, the water is colder, and the crowds that pack southern lakes simply do not exist here.
The water clarity in Square Lake is exceptional. The lake’s depth and clean tributaries produce visibility that rivals any lake in New England. On calm days, you can see the bottom at surprising depths, and the blue-green color of the open water is striking against the surrounding forest.
On the Water
A public boat launch provides access on the southeastern shore of the lake. The ramp can handle trailered boats and there is free parking. Given the lake’s size, a motorboat is useful for reaching the northern stretches, but the entire Fish River Chain is a legendary paddling destination. Canoeists and kayakers can travel from one lake to the next through the connecting thoroughfares, covering miles of wilderness water without seeing a road.
Square Lake’s 8,090 acres are big enough that afternoon winds can build substantial waves, particularly in the broad central basin. Paddlers should plan their crossings for morning calm and stay near shore when conditions deteriorate.
The thoroughfares connecting Square Lake to Cross Lake (to the north) and Eagle Lake (to the south via the Fish River) are some of the most scenic paddling in northern Maine. Plan a multi-day trip through the entire chain for the full experience. Campsites along the shores and on islands make overnight stops straightforward.
Fishing
Square Lake supports a sport fishery of statewide significance for landlocked salmon and brook trout. The lake’s cold, deep, clear water provides ideal habitat, and the tributaries, Dimock Brook and California Brook flowing in from the north, Goddard Brook from the south, offer excellent spawning and nursery habitat for trout, salmon, and rainbow smelt.
Landlocked salmon are the headline species. Fish in the 2 to 4 pound range are common, and larger fish are caught each season by trollers working the deeper water. Brook trout fishing is also strong, with fish found near tributaries and along rocky shoreline structure. Cusk (freshwater burbot) are present in the lake as well and provide a winter fishery through the ice.
Rainbow smelt are the primary forage fish, supporting both the salmon and brook trout populations. A popular hook-and-line smelt fishery exists both summer and winter.
The mouth of Goddard Brook on the south end and the California Brook inlet on the north end are reliable spots in spring, right after ice-out. Salmon and trout concentrate near these cold-water inflows when the surface water starts warming. Trolling streamers or small spoons near the brook mouths at dawn is the classic approach.
Special fishing regulations apply to Square Lake and the Fish River Thoroughfares. Only one brook trout may exceed 14 inches. The thoroughfares connecting Square, Eagle, and Saint Froid Lakes have specific rules, check the current Maine IFW regulations before fishing. A Maine fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Swimming and Paddling
Swimming is informal but excellent. There are no designated beaches, but the water is clean and clear, and shoreline access near the boat launch allows wading in. The water is cold. This is northern Maine at 577 feet of elevation, and surface temperatures stay cooler than southern Maine lakes even in August.
Kayaking and canoeing are outstanding on Square Lake. The sheer size of the lake means you can paddle for hours without retracing your route, and the connections to the rest of the Fish River Chain make multi-day trips possible. The more than 40 islands scattered across the chain provide sheltered camping and lunch stops.
Square Lake is over 5 hours from Portland and more than 3 hours from Bangor. Cell service is essentially nonexistent. Make sure someone knows your plans, carry a first aid kit, and bring everything you need. The nearest hospital is in Fort Kent, about 45 minutes north.
When to Go
Spring
Ice-out typically late April to mid-May, later than southern lakes. Excellent salmon and trout fishing in the shallows right after ice-out. Black flies arrive in late May.
Summer
July and August bring the warmest water temperatures, best swimming conditions, and long days for paddling the chain. Fishing moves deeper. Bug pressure eases by mid-July.
Fall
September brings stunning foliage across the boreal forest. Fishing improves as water cools. Far fewer visitors than summer. Frost possible by late September.
Winter
Ice fishing for smelt, salmon, and cusk. Reliable ice by mid-January. Extremely cold, temperatures regularly drop well below zero. Road access can be challenging.
Getting There
From Bangor, take I-95 North to Houlton, then Route 1 North through Presque Isle and Caribou toward Fort Kent. Turn west toward Guerette and the lake access roads. The drive is approximately 3.5 hours. From Portland, add another 2 hours via I-95 North for a total of roughly 5.5 hours.
The nearest town with services is Guerette, though it is small. Fort Kent (about 45 minutes north) and Presque Isle (about an hour south) offer full services including gas, groceries, and lodging. Eagle Lake Sporting Camps and similar outfitters in the area provide guided fishing and accommodations.
Square Lake Packing List
- Fishing license and current regulations printout
- Bug spray and head net (essential May through July)
- Life jackets for every person on the water
- Extra fuel if boating (no services on the lake)
- Layered clothing, mornings are cold even in summer
- Downloaded maps and GPS (no cell service)
- First aid kit
- Cooler with ice for fish (salmon and trout regulations allow harvest)
- Sunscreen, the water reflects strongly on clear days
FAQ
How do I get to Square Lake?
Take I-95 North to Houlton, then Route 1 North through Presque Isle toward Fort Kent. Turn west toward Guerette and follow signs to the lake access. The drive is about 3.5 hours from Bangor and 5.5 hours from Portland.
What fish are in Square Lake?
The primary game fish are landlocked salmon and brook trout, both supported by excellent cold-water habitat and natural reproduction. Cusk and rainbow smelt are also present. The lake has a sport fishery of statewide significance.
Is there a boat launch on Square Lake?
Yes. A public boat ramp on the southeastern shore can handle trailered boats. Parking is free. The ramp provides access to the entire Fish River Chain of Lakes via connecting thoroughfares.
Can you paddle the entire Fish River Chain of Lakes?
Yes. Canoeists and kayakers can travel through Square Lake, Cross Lake, Mud Lake, Long Lake, and Eagle Lake via connecting thoroughfares and the Fish River. It is one of the premier multi-day paddling routes in Maine.
Is there cell service at Square Lake?
No. Cell service is essentially nonexistent at the lake. Download maps, fishing regulations, and any other information you need before arriving. The nearest reliable cell coverage is in Presque Isle or Fort Kent.
