Natural lake (dammed)

Chesuncook Lake

Piscataquis County, Maine

Maine's third-largest lake, a remote North Woods lake on the West Branch of the Penobscot River raised by Ripogenus Dam. It is known for wild landlocked salmon and brook trout, plus big white perch in the northern end.

Air temp Loading current temperature…

Red pins match the numbered boat launches below. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.

Current air temperature at Chesuncook Lake (National Weather Service) ↗

Surface area26,200 acres

Max depth150 ft

Shoreline—

Boat motorsCheck local rules

Species

Fishery rating out of 5.

Landlocked Salmon●●●●○

The main gamefish. Troll streamers and smelt imitations after ice-out, then go deep in summer. The Caribou Lake end is a good area.

Brook Trout●●●○○

Wild trout near inlets and in the spring. They run up the West Branch with salmon in early fall.

White Perch●●●○○

Large perch in the northeastern end where Umbazooksus Stream enters.

Lake Trout●●○○○

Present but a minor fishery. Fish deep water in summer.

Boat launches

4 launch sites. Fees and hours change, so confirm before you go.

Chesuncook Lake Road launchPublic
Improved trailered boat launch listed by Maine IFWDirections ↗
2Umbazooksus Stream launch (Guy Allen Road)Public
Improved trailered launch reaching the north end of the lakeDirections ↗
Caribou Lake (Golden Road)Carry-in
Unimproved carry-in access to the southwest armDirections ↗
More public accessPublic
See the state agency or lake website for all ramps and feesDirections ↗

Size & creel limits

Minimum size and daily limit for each species in Chesuncook Lake are published by the state. Look up the current size and creel limits for this lake directly: Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife ↗

Rules change, so confirm current limits with the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife before you fish.

Bait & tackle nearby

No shops listed yet for this lake. Use the search link below.

Search more bait shops near Chesuncook Lake ↗

Local tips

Winds usually come out of the northwest and build fast on this big lake. Stay close to shore in small boats and canoes.
Access is over gravel logging roads in the North Maine Woods. Expect checkpoints and fees, and bring everything you need.
In summer salmon and trout drop below a warm surface layer 45 to 60 ft deep, so fish deep with lead core or downriggers.

View on interactive map

Zoom and pan on a street, satellite or terrain map. Red pins are boat launches.

More Maine lakes

Flagstaff Lake Spednic Lake Mooselookmeguntic Lake East Grand Lake West Grand Lake Chamberlain Lake Big Eagle Lake Brassua Lake All Maine lakes →

Always wear a life jacket and check your state's current regulations before you fish.