Renowned for its exceptional landlocked salmon fishery, the Fish River Chain of Lakes in Aroostook County is a top destination for big-lake anglers. These eight natural lakes are undammed near the New Brunswick, Canada border, providing ideal trout and salmon breeding grounds.
The chain begins with shallow Fish River Lake, which sits at the highest elevation of 714 feet. Covering 2,642 acres and 46 feet deep, its shores are mostly owned by a paper company, with limited private and commercial camps. No ice fishing is allowed, but a small boat ramp is available at the northwest corner. The lake serves as a salmon spawning area.
Portage Lake, at 604 feet elevation, spans 2,474 acres and is one of the shallowest in the chain. The town of Portage, located on its southern shore, offers a public boat launch, beach area, and seaplane base. Saint Froid Lake, located just west of Highway 11, is less developed and deeper at 114 feet. It is known for its lake trout, salmon, brook trout, and lake whitefish.
At 575 feet elevation, Eagle Lake is the largest in the chain, covering 5,601 acres with a depth of 136 feet. It has several fishing camps, public boat docks, and a hub for the annual Eagle Lake Sled Dog Races. Square Lake, the next in the chain, covers 8,090 acres with a depth of 122 feet and is primarily accessed by boats from other lakes.
Cross Lake, with 2,470 acres and a depth of 46 feet, has many cottages and homes, a seaplane base, and a public boat ramp. Mud Lake, the smallest at 1,002 acres and 20 feet deep, connects to Long Lake, which is 6,849 acres and 163 feet deep, near the Canadian border. Long Lake is heavily developed with a distinct French Acadian flavor, a public boat launch, picnic areas, and an annual ice fishing derby.
The Fish River Chain of Lakes is renowned for its salmon and lake trout fisheries. The region offers year-round recreational activities, including snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, nature observation, and photography. The area is rich in wildlife, including black bears, moose, deer, and bald eagles. Fort Kent, the gateway to the area, marks the beginning of US Route 1. The Fish River Scenic Byway offers some of Maine’s best scenery, local restaurants, motels, and festivals.