A Fish River Trophy Lake in the Far North
Eagle Lake Public Reserved Land covers 24,083 acres on the eastern half of Eagle Lake, roughly 15 miles south of Fort Kent in Aroostook County. This is not the small Eagle Lake in Acadia. This is one of the big waters of the Fish River chain in northern Maine, deep and cold, with a gently rolling forest landscape that the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands has managed since acquiring it in 1984. The unit abuts Square Lake to the east, and a thoroughfare links the two, so paddlers and boaters can move between them.
The country up here is flat-out remote. The town of Eagle Lake is the nearest service stop, and beyond it the forest rolls north toward the St. John Valley and the Canadian border. The draw is the water: a lake known across the state for its salmon and lake trout, set in some of the quietest big-lake country left in Maine.
Fishing the Fish River Chain
Eagle Lake is the deepest lake in the Fish River chain, dropping past 130 feet, and it has a reputation as a lake trout hot spot. The principal fishery is landlocked salmon, lake trout (togue), brook trout, and rainbow smelt. Anglers regularly pull six- to ten-pound togue from the lake, and the salmon and square-tail trout run large. The chain connects to Square, Cross, Long, and other lakes, so a boat opens up a lot of water. Use lead-free sinkers and jigs to protect loons and eagles, and carry a current Maine fishing license and the Fish River Lakes regional regulations.
Reliable all-around spinning setup
Camping and Paddling
The campsites on the Public Reserved Land are primitive and accessible only by watercraft, first-come, first-served with no reservations. That keeps them quiet, but it means you need a boat or canoe to reach them and you should plan your route before you launch. The thoroughfare to Square Lake makes for a natural paddling extension, and the broad, deep water rewards a calm-weather day. Keep stays under 14 days in any 45-day period and pack out everything you bring in.
Eagle Lake is large, deep, and far from help, and big northern lakes build dangerous chop fast when the wind comes up. Wear a PFD, watch the forecast, and keep an eye on the sky, especially if you are paddling out to a boat-access campsite. Cell coverage is spotty to nonexistent.
Getting There
Take I-95 to Route 11 and head north through Ashland and Portage to the town of Eagle Lake, or come up Route 161 from Fort Kent. Improved trailerable boat launches sit in and around the town of Eagle Lake, including access off Route 163 and local roads, and from there you motor or paddle east into the Public Reserved Land’s half of the lake. The drive from southern Maine is long, six hours or more from Portland, so most visitors make it a multi-day trip.
This is the far north, where distances between gas stations and stores stretch out. Top off your fuel, ice, and groceries in Eagle Lake or Fort Kent before you head onto the water, and bring everything you will need. The reward is real solitude on one of Maine’s best trophy lakes.
When to Visit
Spring
Ice-out comes late this far north, but post-ice-out salmon and trout fishing is excellent. Black flies arrive with the warmth.
Summer
Open-water fishing, paddling between Eagle and Square lakes, and the most comfortable boat-access camping.
Fall
Cool, quiet, and colorful, with strong fall fishing. Hunting seasons open, so wear blaze orange near shore.
Winter
Hard-water season. Ice fishing for togue and salmon and snowmobiling on the regional trail network.
Summer and fall are the prime open-water windows. Diehard anglers also work the ice in winter for togue and salmon.
Packing List
Eagle Lake Fishing Trip
- Boat or canoe with PFDs for everyone
- Rod, tackle, and lead-free sinkers and jigs
- Maine fishing license and regional regulations
- Tent and sleeping bag for boat-access sites
- Cooler for the long haul north
- Bug spray for spring and early summer
- Full fuel, ice, and groceries from town
- Paper map and trash bags for pack-out
FAQ
Is this the same as Eagle Lake in Acadia?
No. This is the large Eagle Lake in Aroostook County, part of the Fish River chain about 15 miles south of Fort Kent. The Eagle Lake in Acadia is a separate, much smaller lake on Mount Desert Island.
What fish are in Eagle Lake?
The principal fishery is landlocked salmon, lake trout (togue), brook trout, and rainbow smelt. The lake is a well-known lake trout hot spot, with togue commonly in the six- to ten-pound range.
How do I reach the campsites?
The Public Reserved Land campsites are accessible only by watercraft, and they are first-come, first-served with no reservations. You will need a boat or canoe and a planned route.
Can I paddle to Square Lake?
Yes. A thoroughfare connects Eagle Lake to Square Lake, so paddlers and boaters can move between the two. Watch the weather, as both are big, exposed waters.
Is there a fee?
No. The Public Reserved Land has no entrance fee and the boat-access campsites are free.
For more of the chain, see Square Lake next door or paddle the Fish River that links these northern lakes.
