Fishing

There’s something magical about fly fishing in the Great North Woods: the peaceful feeling of standing waist-deep in a clear, cool river, surrounded by beautiful wilderness, rhythmically and patiently casting large loops of line overhead, trying to land your artificial insect lure in just the right place … and then the sudden surge of excitement as your line suddenly tightens with the pull of a salmon or trout.

Home to a magnificent collection of pristine lakes, ponds and rivers – all managed to perfection – the North Country offers anglers some of the very best fly fishing in the eastern United States. The region’s waters provide an ideal environment for native brook trout, rainbows and brown trout, and even species of landlocked salmon, all to make Fishing in the Great North Woods unlike any other fishing spot in the Northeast!

Among the best places for fly fishing are the Androscoggin River in Errol and the headwaters of the Connecticut River, which is home to the “Trophy Stretch.” This famed section of whitewater river runs from the First Connecticut Lake dam roughly two-and-half-miles downriver to Lake Francis and is legendary for its productive rainbow, brook trout and salmon fishing.

Whether casting from shore, in waders or from a boat out on the water, visitors will also enjoy fishing the region’s many large lakes, ponds and bogs. The Connecticut Lakes and out-of-the-way places like Back Lake offer anglers wonderful fishing opportunities. Big Brook Bog, Terrill Pond and Scott’s Bog are also popular fly fishing spots.

When fishing in the Great North Woods, it’s a good idea to hire a local guide. Regardless of whether you’re a highly-experienced angler or have never fished before in your life, the region’s expert guides can teach you the nuances of fishing the region and increase your chances of success.

Photo: Courtesy of Lopstick

North Country Ice-Fishing

The fishing escapades of the Great North Woods, don’t end when the temperatures drop! We boast of some of the best ice-fishing in the Northeast! The North country’s still waters like the Connecticut Lakes, pack in breathtaking winter scenery with the peaceful opportunities of a winter catch. 

Be sure to dress and pack accordingly though, our local ice-fishers are always prepared for the consistently below-freezing temperatures that make for the optimal fishing conditions!

When it’s time to warm-up from your day on the ice, you can grab a hot bite to eat at any one of our local eateries!

If you’re looking for more things to do or other winter activities for the whole family, The Great North Woods is full of so many other winter recreation opportunities!