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Maine · Fishing
Caswell is a quiet corner of Aroostook County where fishing means still water and a genuine lack of crowds. The three lakes here — Deer Lake, Butterfield Brook Pond, and Layton Lake — are all lake fisheries, so you're looking at shore fishing or a small boat rather than wading a river.
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Caswell is a quiet corner of Aroostook County where fishing means still water and a genuine lack of crowds. The three lakes here — Deer Lake, Butterfield Brook Pond, and Layton Lake — are all lake fisheries, so you're looking at shore fishing or a small boat rather than wading a river. Aroostook County lakes typically hold warmwater species like bass and perch alongside cold-water holdovers like brook trout and landlocked salmon depending on the water body, though you should check current Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (IF&W) stocking reports to confirm what's in each specific lake before you make the drive. The area is rural enough that you won't find a bait shop in town, so come stocked up. Cell service is unreliable in parts of Caswell, which means downloading offline maps and the current Maine fishing regulations before you leave is not optional — it's just part of planning a trip up here. If you're coming from southern Maine or out of state, build in time to stop in Presque Isle or Caribou for supplies. The fishing itself is unhurried and low-pressure, which is exactly the point.
All three fisheries in Caswell — Deer Lake, Butterfield Brook Pond, and Layton Lake -- are lake or pond fisheries, so this is still-water fishing rather than stream or river fishing. You'll want a boat, canoe, or kayak to reach the better water on the larger lakes, though shore access is possible at some spots.
Yes. Anyone 16 or older needs a valid Maine fishing license. You can purchase one online through the Maine IF&W website or at a licensed agent before you arrive, since there are no sporting goods stores in Caswell itself. Non-residents pay a higher fee than residents, and short-term licenses are available if you're only visiting for a few days.
Butterfield Brook Pond
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ME.
Aroostook River - Presque Isle Access
~38 min drive
Easy
Deer Lake
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ME.
Layton Lake
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ME.
Piries Lake
~9 min drive
A worthwhile stop nearby.
Trafton Lake
~12 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ME.
Merritt Lake
~24 min drive
A worthwhile stop nearby.
Lac Castonguay
~25 min drive
A worthwhile stop nearby.
Fogelin Pond
~25 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ME.
Little Mud Pond
~32 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ME.
Salmon Brook Lake
~34 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ME.
Eagle Lake
~51 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ME.
Late May through June is productive on Aroostook County lakes as water temperatures stabilize after ice-out, which typically happens in late April to early May this far north. Early morning and evening hours are the most consistent for active fish through the summer. Ice fishing is also popular in winter, but you'll want to verify ice thickness and any local closures before heading out.
A medium-action spinning rod handles most situations on these waters. Bring a mix of live bait rigs and light lures since you won't know exactly what's feeding until you're on the water. Because there's no bait shop in Caswell, stock up on worms, shiners, or whatever live bait you prefer before leaving the Presque Isle or Caribou area.
Access points and launch conditions vary by water body and can change seasonally. Before your trip, check the Maine Boat Access Program through IF&W or contact the Aroostook County office directly to confirm current launch availability at Deer Lake, Butterfield Brook Pond, and Layton Lake. Unpaved access roads in this region can be rough or seasonally closed, so a high-clearance vehicle is useful.
