The Reservoir on the Old Canada Road
Wyman Lake is a reservoir on the Kennebec River, stretching roughly six miles between the towns of Moscow and Pleasant Ridge Plantation in Somerset County. Created in 1930 when Wyman Dam was built for hydroelectric power, the lake covers about 3,146 acres and reaches depths of 140 feet behind the dam face. Route 201, the Old Canada Road National Scenic Byway, runs along the eastern shore, making this one of the most visible and accessible lakes in the upper Kennebec Valley.
The scenery is striking. Wooded hills rise steeply from both shores, and the lake fills a narrow valley that gives it a fjord-like quality. In fall, the hardwood slopes light up with color, and the views from Route 201 are among the finest on the drive between Skowhegan and the Forks. A rest area and picnic spot on the east side of the road overlooks the lake and Wyman Dam.
Route 201 is the main artery to the Forks, where the Kennebec and Dead Rivers converge and whitewater rafting draws thousands each summer. Wyman Lake is the calm before that stretch of rapids.
On the Water
A public boat launch on the eastern shore provides free access. The ramp is adequate for trailered boats, with a small parking area. Because the lake is essentially a widened river, the north-south orientation can channel winds. On calm days, the water is glassy and beautiful. On windy days, whitecaps develop quickly.
Motorboats are permitted, and the lake sees use from anglers and recreational boaters. The six-mile length gives plenty of room. Kayaks and canoes work well in the coves and along the shoreline, particularly on the less-developed western shore.
The western shore has no road access, so it is quieter and more wild-feeling than the Route 201 side. Paddle across from the boat launch and explore the coves and rocky points. Look for moose tracks in the muddy inlets.
Fishing
Wyman Lake holds a mix of warm and cold water species. Smallmouth bass are the most commonly targeted fish, with good populations along the rocky shoreline. The clear water and abundant rock structure create ideal habitat, and fish in the 2 to 3 pound range are typical.
Landlocked salmon and brook trout are present, sustained by tributaries and the cold, deep water behind the dam. Spring fishing after ice-out targets salmon trolling near the surface. Summer pushes cold water fish deep.
White perch, yellow perch, chain pickerel, and fallfish fill out the catch. Ice fishing for perch and pickerel draws locals in winter.
The area just upstream of Wyman Dam, where the deep water backs up, holds the best landlocked salmon habitat. Troll streamer flies or small spoons in 15 to 30 feet of water during May. The rocky points along the western shore produce reliable smallmouth bass all summer.
Wyman Lake is a hydroelectric reservoir, and water levels can fluctuate significantly depending on dam operations. The shoreline may be muddy or exposed during drawdowns, particularly in late summer and fall. Check conditions before launching.
A Maine fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older. The nearest tackle shop is in Bingham. License available online at the MDIFW website.
When to Go
Spring
Salmon fishing after ice-out. Bass begin in late May. Water levels high from runoff.
Summer
Peak bass fishing and paddling. Warm days but cool water. Rafting season on the upper Kennebec.
Fall
Outstanding foliage along Route 201. Cooler water brings fish shallower. Fewer crowds.
Winter
Ice fishing for perch and pickerel. Snowmobiling along Route 201 corridor. Cold and quiet.
Practical Notes
Cell service is spotty along Wyman Lake. You may get a signal near the rest area on Route 201, but coverage drops on the water and along the western shore. Bingham, a few miles south, has better coverage.
The lake is dog-friendly. No restrictions at the boat launch or along the shoreline.
Swimming is informal. The water is clean and cold, with rocky shores and a few gravel spots suitable for wading in. There is no designated beach.
Wyman Lake Packing List
- Fishing license and tackle
- Life jackets for every boat passenger
- Layers (cool mornings on the water)
- Bug spray (May through July)
- Sunscreen
- Camera (the Route 201 views are worth photographing)
- Binoculars for wildlife
- Snacks and water (limited services nearby)
Getting There
From Portland, take I-95 North to Waterville, then Route 201 North through Skowhegan and Bingham. The lake begins just north of Moscow, about 2 hours and 20 minutes from Portland. The drive along Route 201 is scenic and well-maintained.
From Bangor, take Route 2 West to Skowhegan, then Route 201 North. About 1 hour and 50 minutes. Bingham, on the southern end of the lake, has gas, a general store, and a few restaurants.
FAQ
What is Wyman Lake?
Wyman Lake is a 3,146-acre reservoir on the Kennebec River, created in 1930 by Wyman Dam for hydroelectric power. It stretches about six miles between Moscow and Pleasant Ridge Plantation in Somerset County.
Can you boat on Wyman Lake?
Yes. A public boat launch on the eastern shore provides free access. Motorboats, kayaks, and canoes are all welcome. The lake is about six miles long with plenty of room.
Is Wyman Lake good for fishing?
Yes. Smallmouth bass, landlocked salmon, and brook trout are the primary species. Bass fishing along the rocky shoreline is productive all summer, and spring salmon fishing near the dam is the cold water highlight.
Does the water level change?
Yes. As a hydroelectric reservoir, Wyman Lake's water level fluctuates with dam operations. Drawdowns can expose shoreline and mudflats, especially in late summer and fall.
Where is the scenic overlook?
A rest area and picnic spot on Route 201, on the eastern shore, provides an overlook of the lake and Wyman Dam. It includes historical markers about Benedict Arnold's 1775 march to Quebec, which followed this route.
