Fishing & Hunting
Grand Lake Stream, Maine has been a destination for fishing and hunting since the first “sports” hired Passamaquoddy guides in the 1800s.
The fisheries of the Downeast Lakes region of Maine, including native landlocked salmon and brook trout, as well as smallmouth bass, are world-renowned. It’s more than the fishing, though—carrying on time-honored traditions with friends and family along pristine stream and lakeshores makes for an incredible experience.
The area is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including moose, white-tailed deer, black bears, bobcats, ruffed grouse, American woodcock, and waterfowl. Habitat protection and management by landowners, and good stewardship by anglers, hunters, and Maine’s Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, will ensure these resources are available for generations to come.
Grand Lake Stream itself is legendary as a destination for fly-fishing for native land-locked salmon (Check stream flows here). After ice-out in the spring, West Grand, Big Lake, and other lakes are prime for salmon on streamer flies. Later in the spring, action for spawning smallmouth bass picks up. Others may seek wild, native brook trout in the streams of the Downeast Lakes Community Forest and surrounding lands. Fall brings a renewed opportunity for salmon in the stream, while winter brings ice-fishing opportunities for salmon, togue, and lake whitefish.
The hunting opportunities are as varied as the fishing, and DLLT is working to improve wildlife habitat in the Downeast Lakes Community Forest. Ruffed Grouse and American Woodcock bring upland bird hunters with their dogs. White-tailed deer hunting here is an authentic experience. The potential for local deer habitat is evident from their former abundance and the unique size of some of the bucks found nearby – including the famous Hill Gould buck. Those who are fortunate in the moose permit lottery will find good opportunities nearby, while others may seek black bear or bobcat.
In addition to hunting, trapping is permitted within the Downeast Lakes Community Forest during all seasons regulated by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. DLLT’s Focus Species Forestry management plans are improving habitat for many furbearer species, including American marten and beaver. In accordance with state regulations, trappers in Grand Lake Stream Plantation must have written landowner permission, available here.
Visitors are encouraged to employ the services of a Registered Maine Guide to ensure a safe, successful, and unforgettable experience in the Downeast Lakes region.
More information, regulations and licenses are available online from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife or in Grand Lake Stream at the Pine Tree Store.
