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Maine · Fishing
Whiting sits in the quiet eastern corner of Washington County, and the fishing here reflects that same unhurried character. The town's accessible waters include Western Lake, Holmes Pond, and Indian Lake, all of which are lake fisheries suited to anglers who prefer still water over moving current.
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Whiting sits in the quiet eastern corner of Washington County, and the fishing here reflects that same unhurried character. The town's accessible waters include Western Lake, Holmes Pond, and Indian Lake, all of which are lake fisheries suited to anglers who prefer still water over moving current. Washington County lakes in this region typically hold warmwater species like bass and pickerel alongside coldwater populations of brook trout and landlocked salmon, depending on the specific water body, though you should confirm current stocking and species data with Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife before your trip. The area sees far less pressure than lakes closer to Bangor or Portland, which means you can often have a shoreline or a cove to yourself, especially on weekdays. A small boat or canoe opens up more of these lakes, but shore fishing is workable at all three locations. If you're driving in from out of state, Whiting is roughly 90 miles east of Bangor near the Cobscook Bay region, so plan for a longer haul and build in time to pick up bait and a Maine fishing license before you arrive.
Yes. Anyone 16 or older needs a valid Maine fishing license to fish any of these waters. You can purchase one online through the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife website or at local hardware and sporting goods stores. Non-resident licenses are available in multi-day and season formats, so pick the one that fits your trip length.
Washington County lakes like these commonly hold largemouth bass, chain pickerel, yellow perch, and white perch. Some lakes in the region also support brook trout or landlocked salmon, but species composition varies by water body. Check the Maine IFW lake survey data for Western Lake, Holmes Pond, and Indian Lake specifically before rigging up for trout.
Indian Lake
~2 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ME.
Narraguagus River - Cherryfield Pool
~1h drive
Hard
Grand Lake Stream
~1h 6m drive
Moderate
Holmes Pond
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ME.
Western Lake
~6 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ME.
Cranberry Pond
~7 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ME.
Bog Lake
~9 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ME.
Hobart Lake
~9 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ME.
Second Lake
~11 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ME.
HQ Pond
~13 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ME.
Hadley Lake
~16 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ME.
Rocky Lake
~20 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ME.
Ice-out in Washington County typically happens in late April, and the weeks immediately following are productive for bass and pickerel as fish move shallow. Early morning and evening hours in May and June tend to be the most active windows before summer heat sets in. Fall fishing from September through early October is also worth the trip, particularly for bass before they drop to deeper water.
Shore fishing is possible at all three locations, though a canoe, kayak, or small motorized boat will give you access to more structure and deeper water. If you're bringing a motorized boat, check Maine IFW regulations for any horsepower restrictions that may apply to smaller lakes like Holmes Pond.
A medium-action spinning rod in the 6 to 7 foot range handles most situations well here. For bass and pickerel, soft plastics, spinnerbaits, and surface lures work in the warmer months. If perch are the target, a simple slip-bobber rig with a small jig or live bait is effective and easy to manage from shore or a small boat.
