Grand Lake Stream
Notes: Although Grand Lake Stream is not a lake it does connect to West Grand Lake, Maine which is already part of our Lake Index. Grand Lake Stream has some amazing fly fishing opportunities hence why we have added it to our Lake Index.
Grand Lake Stream is a small but mighty river that flows from West Grand Lake to Big Lake in Washington County, Maine. It is one of the most famous and historic fly fishing destinations in North America, attracting anglers from near and far for nearly two centuries. Grand Lake Stream is renowned for its landlocked salmon, a cousin of the Atlantic salmon that lives in freshwater. It is also home to brook trout, lake trout, and smallmouth bass.
Grand Lake Stream has been fly fishing only since 1903 which makes it one the oldest fly fishing preserves in the United States.
| Managed by | Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. |
| Landlock Salmon Open/Close | April 1st to October 25th |
| Brook Trout Open/Close | April 1st to October 25th |
| Lake Trout Open/Close | May 1st to September 30th |
| Smallmouth Bass Open/Close | May 1st to September 30th |
The Table below shows fishing statistics for Grand Lake Stream.
| Year | Number of Anglers | Number of Hours Fished | Number of Salmon Caught | Number of Salmon Harvested |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 2,100 | 10,500 | 6,300 | 300 |
| 2016 | 2,000 | 10,000 | 6,000 | 400 |
| 2017 | 1,900 | 9,500 | 5,700 | 500 |
| 2018 | 1,800 | 9,000 | 5,400 | 600 |
| 2019 | 1,700 | 8,500 | 5,100 | 700 |
Types of Fish in Grand Lake Stream
Grand Lake Stream is not only famous for its landlocked salmon, but also for its other fish species that provide a diverse and enjoyable fishing experience. The table below shows some of the types of fish that can be found in Grand Lake Stream and their characteristics:
| Type of Fish | Scientific Name | Average Size | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Landlocked Salmon | Salmo salar sebago | 16 inches | A silvery fish with black spots and a forked tail. Leaps out of the water when hooked. |
| Brook Trout | Salvelinus fontinalis | 10 inches | A dark green fish with red spots and white edges on the fins. Prefers cold and clear water. |
| Lake Trout | Salvelinus namaycush | 20 inches | A grayish fish with light spots and a deeply forked tail. Lives in deep and cold water. |
| Smallmouth Bass | Micropterus dolomieu | 14 inches | A brownish fish with dark vertical bars and a red eye. Fights hard and jumps high. |
| Species | Daily Bag Limit | Minimum Length | Hook Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Landlocked salmon | 1 | 14 inches | Artificial fly with single hook |
| Brook trout | 2 | 6 inches | Artificial fly with single hook |
| Lake trout | 2 | 14 inches | Artificial fly with single hook |
| Smallmouth bass | 5 | 10 inches | Artificial fly with single hook |
Other Activities
While fishing is the main attraction in Grand Lake Stream, the area offers plenty of other outdoor activities as well. The surrounding wilderness is perfect for hiking, camping, and wildlife watching. The village itself is a quaint and charming place, with a general store, several restaurants, and a variety of local shops and galleries to explore.
Visitors can also take a guided canoe trip down the Grand Lake Stream, which offers stunning views of the surrounding forests and wildlife. Canoe trips can be arranged through local outfitters, who can also provide all the necessary equipment and instruction.
Grand Lake Stream is a must-visit destination for any angler or outdoor enthusiast visiting eastern Maine. With its stunning scenery, excellent fishing, and wide range of outdoor activities, it’s easy to see why this little village has become a beloved destination for generations of visitors.
Finishing your Maine Adventure by checking out to of the Grand Lakes in Maine Featured on our Lake Index Page.
West Grand Lake | East Grand Lake | Explore More Lakes on Lake Index
Notes: Although Grand Lake Stream is not a lake it does connect to West Grand Lake, Maine which is already part of our Lake Index. Grand Lake Stream has some amazing fly fishing opportunities hence why we have added it to our Lake Index.
