Maine · Fishing
Fishing in Shirley, Maine
Shirley is a small, quiet town in Somerset County that doesn't get much fishing traffic, which is part of the appeal.
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View on mapFishing · 3 spots
Shirley is a small, quiet town in Somerset County that doesn't get much fishing traffic, which is part of the appeal. The fishing here centers on three ponds — Shirley Pond, Ordway Pond, and Lily Pond — all of which offer the kind of unhurried lake fishing that suits anglers who'd rather not share a shoreline with a crowd. These are classic Maine stillwaters, the type where you're likely to find a mix of warmwater and coldwater species depending on the time of year and how deep you're fishing. Access is generally straightforward, and you don't need a boat to have a productive day, though one opens up more water. Shirley sits close to Greenville and Moosehead Lake country, so it's easy to work these ponds into a longer trip through the region. If you're coming specifically for the fishing, plan around the Maine ice-out window in spring and the cooler weeks of early fall — those tend to be the most productive stretches on small ponds like these. A Maine fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older, and it's worth checking current IF&W regulations before you go since rules on specific water bodies can vary.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of fish can I expect to catch at Shirley Pond, Ordway Pond, and Lily Pond?
Maine's smaller inland ponds like these typically hold warmwater species such as largemouth or smallmouth bass and yellow perch, and some support brook trout or landlocked salmon depending on water temperature and stocking history. For confirmed species on a specific pond, check the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife lake survey database before your trip — it's free and gives you actual fish community data for named water bodies.
Do I need a boat, or can I fish from shore?
Shore fishing is viable on all three ponds, especially in spring when fish move into shallower water after ice-out. A canoe or kayak gives you a real advantage on smaller Maine ponds since you can work coves and weed edges that shore anglers can't reach, but it's not a requirement for a decent day.
When is the best time of year to fish these ponds?
Late May through early June is typically strong on Maine ponds once ice-out has settled and water temperatures are rising — fish are active and feeding aggressively. September and early October are also worth targeting as water cools back down. Midsummer can be slower during the heat of the day, though early morning and evening sessions still produce.
What gear should I bring for lake fishing in Shirley?
A medium-light spinning setup covers most situations on small Maine ponds. Bring a mix of soft plastics, small spinners, and live or artificial worms for warmwater species. If you're targeting trout, small spoons and streamers fished deeper tend to work better once surface temperatures climb in summer.
Do I need a fishing license, and where do I get one?
Yes, a Maine fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase one online through the Maine IF&W website, at most sporting goods stores, or at local town offices. Make sure to review the current year's regulations for any special rules that apply to the specific pond you're fishing.
