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Maine · Fishing
Lee is a small town in Washington County, Maine, and its fishing scene reflects that quieter corner of the state — three ponds worth knowing about, no crowds, and the kind of stillwater fishing that rewards patience over gear.
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Lee is a small town in Washington County, Maine, and its fishing scene reflects that quieter corner of the state — three ponds worth knowing about, no crowds, and the kind of stillwater fishing that rewards patience over gear. Merrill Pond, Little Madagascal Pond, and Silver Lake are all lake and pond fisheries, which means you're working the shallows and drop-offs rather than wading a river. Washington County ponds like these typically hold warmwater species such as bass and pickerel alongside coldwater fish like brook trout and landlocked salmon, depending on what Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife has stocked or what reproduces naturally in each water body. Access in this part of Maine tends to be straightforward — most smaller ponds have a boat launch or carry-in point — but it's worth checking current conditions before you drive out, since road quality on logging and camp roads can change seasonally. A canoe or small kayak opens up more of these waters than a larger motorized boat would. If you're coming from out of state, Maine requires a non-resident fishing license, and all three waters fall under standard statewide regulations unless posted otherwise at the site.
All three are classified as lake and pond fisheries, so expect species typical of Maine stillwaters in Washington County — chain pickerel, largemouth or smallmouth bass, yellow perch, and potentially brook trout or landlocked salmon depending on stocking history. Check the Maine IF&W fish stocking reports for the current year to see exactly what has been put into each water body before your trip.
Shore fishing is possible at pond access points, but a canoe, kayak, or small motorized boat will give you access to the full shoreline and deeper structure where fish hold. Small ponds like these often have weedy or marshy edges that are hard to fish effectively from a fixed spot on land.
Silver Lake
~2 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ME.
Grand Lake Stream
~48 min drive
Moderate
Merrill Pond
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ME.
Little Madagascal Pond
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ME.
Little Round Pond
~11 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ME.
Little Eskutassis Pond
~12 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ME.
Gristmill Pond
~18 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ME.
Keg Lake
~22 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ME.
Duck Lake
~23 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ME.
Lower Chain Lake
~28 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ME.
Mud Pond
~30 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ME.
Middle Oxhead Pond
~31 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ME.
Early morning and the hour or two before sunset are consistently the most productive windows on Maine ponds, particularly for bass and pickerel working the shallows. Midday in summer can slow things down significantly as fish move deeper to find cooler water.
Ice-out in Washington County typically happens in late April or early May, and the weeks immediately after are some of the best fishing of the year as fish are active and feeding aggressively. Summer fishing holds up well into August, and fall — September through the close of the season — is another strong window, especially for trout and salmon species. Check the Maine IF&W season dates for the specific water body, as some ponds have earlier closures or special rules.
Yes, Maine requires a fishing license for anyone 16 or older. Non-residents can purchase one online through the Maine IF&W website or at local sporting goods stores and some general stores near the area. Buy it before you arrive in Lee, since the town itself is small and dedicated license vendors may not be nearby.
