Maine has always been famous for its outstanding fishing opportunities. Brook Trout, salmon, bass, perch, pickerel, lake trout and other species attract the avid angler every year.

Be sure to purchase your fishing license before heading out. You need a licesne if you are 16+ years old. They can be purchased online or at the Matagamon Wilderness Store.

The areas around Mt Chase Lodge and Shin Pond are no exception. Upper Shin Pond, where the lodge is located, has a unique structure where brook trout, landlocked salmon and smallmouth bass co-exist in excellent numbers. It provides a unique habitat for both warm and cold water species.

In early spring, about the middle of May, trout and salmon are taken at or near the top by trolling streamer flies and lures. As the summer warms, these fish go deeper to stay in the cooler water. Trout and Salmon prefer about 52 degree water temperatures, and these temps usually are found around 30-40 feet during a normal summer season.

Smallmouth bass, on the other hand, enjoy warmer water, and during the early to late June time period, stay around the shorelines creating and protecting their spawning beds. They can be caught by casting toward shore and reeling back. We have found that a #2 Mepps is a very productive lure for this type of fishing. Bass ranging from 2 to 3 pounds have been caught right in front of the lodge off our dock.

For the fly fisherman, early morning and late afternoon fly hatches can provide for some fast action all summer long with wet or dry flies. The inlets, shoreline, and outlet of Upper Shin Pond are the best areas for the avid fly fisherman.

For those who want further variety of waters, there are many other choices within a short driving distance. The East Branch of the Penobscot River, the Sebois River, Hot Pond, Grand Lake Matagamon, Grand Lake Sebois, Snowshoe Lake, and Hay Brook, are just some of the many choices that one can choose from.

We have kayaks canoes available to use for free, or guests can bring their own if they prefer. We can launch right at the lodge.