What Bailey's Mistake offers and how to fish it

Bailey's Mistake is a small, remote pond in northwestern Maine's North Woods, roughly 20 miles northeast of the town of Rangeley. It holds brook trout and sits at roughly 2,000 feet elevation in a landscape of spruce and fir forest with minimal development. The pond is roughly 30 acres and shallow enough in places to wade, though depth varies. Access is by foot or canoe only — there is no road to the water, which is why it remains quiet and why the trout here see fewer anglers than waters closer to towns.

The remoteness is the point. If you want to fish a Maine pond where you might not see another person all day, where the water is cold and clear, and where brook trout are the only fish, Bailey's Mistake delivers that. The trade-off is that you must be comfortable hiking in with gear, navigating by map and compass or GPS, and managing your own safety in terrain where cell service does not exist. This is not a destination for a casual afternoon trip.

Key Takeaways

  • Bailey's Mistake requires a hike of several miles through Maine forest with no marked trail, so bring a map, compass, and GPS device and know how to use them.
  • Brook trout are the only species; they respond to small dry flies, nymphs, and spinners, and the pond is shallow enough to wade in many spots.
  • You must obtain a Maine fishing license and follow statewide brook trout regulations, which typically allow two fish per day in most waters.
  • The best fishing window is late May through September, with June and early July often producing the most consistent action.
  • Bring a canoe or inflatable raft if you want to fish the deeper center of the pond; shore fishing works but limits your reach.

Getting to Bailey's Mistake

There is no public road to Bailey's Mistake. The standard approach is to park near Rangeley and hike northeast into the North Woods, following old logging roads and forest trails. The hike is roughly 4 to 6 miles depending on your exact starting point and route. Detailed directions are not published by Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, which means you will need either a good topographic map (the USGS 7.5-minute Rangeley Lakes quad covers the area) or GPS coordinates from someone who has been there before.

Many anglers use the Appalachian Mountain Club's Maine Mountain Guide or consult local fly shops in Rangeley, where staff can point you toward the trailhead and confirm current conditions. The hike itself is not technically difficult but is steady and muddy in spring and early summer. Wear waterproof boots and bring a headlamp even if you plan to be out during daylight — the forest is dense and shadows come early.

Once you reach the pond, you can fish from shore or, if you brought a canoe or raft, paddle to deeper water. Many anglers carry a small inflatable raft or packraft specifically for remote ponds like this one. If you do, secure it well and do not leave it unattended.

What fish live here and how to catch them

Bailey's Mistake holds only brook trout. They are typically small to medium-sized — most fish run 8 to 12 inches, though larger fish are present and possible. The pond is oligotrophic (nutrient-poor), which means the trout grow slowly and the insect life is limited compared to richer lowland ponds. This also means the water is very clear, so presentation matters.

Brook trout in remote Maine ponds respond well to small dry flies, especially during the evening rise in June and July. Patterns like the Adams, Elk Hair Caddis, and Light Cahill work consistently. Nymphs fished under an indicator are effective throughout the day, particularly small Pheasant Tail and Hare's Ear patterns. Spinners — small inline spinners in silver or gold — also take fish, especially early and late in the day. Start with size 12 to 16 flies and adjust based on what you see hatching.

The pond has shallow bays and deeper holes. Fish the shallow areas in early morning and evening, and move to slightly deeper water during midday. The inlet stream, if accessible, often holds trout and can be productive if water levels allow wading.

Seasons and timing

Bailey's Mistake is fishable from late May through September, though the best window is June through early August. In May, the water is still cold from snowmelt and the insects are just beginning to emerge. By late August, the water warms and fishing slows, though early morning and evening sessions can still be productive.

June and early July typically offer the most consistent action, with regular mayfly and caddis hatches in the evening. July can be warm and slow during the day, but the pond cools at night and fishing improves. August is hit-or-miss; some years are good, others are slow. September can be excellent if you can reach the pond before the weather turns — the water cools again and trout feed actively, but the days are shorter and the weather less predictable.

The pond is accessible year-round in theory, but winter access requires snowshoes or skis and is not practical for most anglers. Spring (April and early May) is muddy and buggy, and the water is very cold.

Regulations and licensing

You must have a valid Maine fishing license to fish Bailey's Mistake. Licenses are sold online through the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife website, at sporting goods stores, and at town offices. A non-resident 7-day license costs roughly $30; a full-year non-resident license costs roughly $60. Residents pay less. You can also purchase a 1-day license if you are just passing through.

Brook trout in Bailey's Mistake fall under Maine's statewide regulations for Class A and B waters. In most of Maine, the daily limit is two brook trout per angler, and the minimum length is 8 inches. However, regulations can change, so check the current Maine fishing guide before you go. The guide is free and available online from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

No special permits are required to fish Bailey's Mistake, but you should be aware that the pond sits on private land or in areas where access is tolerated rather than may provide. Respect the land, pack out all trash, and do not camp without permission.

What to bring and how to prepare

Because Bailey's Mistake requires a multi-mile hike, your gear list is different from a roadside pond. Bring a good backpack (40 to 50 liters), sturdy waterproof hiking boots, and a rain jacket. Pack your fly rod in a rod tube or break-down case to protect it. Bring a headlamp, map, compass, and GPS device — do not rely on your phone for navigation, as there is no cell service.

Bring water and high-calorie food. The hike is not long, but it is steady, and you will be tired by the time you reach the pond. Pack a lunch and snacks. Bring insect repellent; the bugs can be intense in June and July. A small first aid kit is wise. If you plan to fish late into the evening, bring a headlamp for the hike out.

If you are bringing a canoe or raft, pack it carefully so the weight is balanced and you can carry it comfortably. Many anglers use a packraft, which weighs only a few pounds and rolls up small. A paddle or oars, a personal flotation device, and an anchor or drift sock are essential if you go this route.

Nearby alternatives if Bailey's Mistake is not accessible

If the hike to Bailey's Mistake is too long or the weather is poor, several other remote ponds in the Rangeley area offer similar fishing with somewhat easier access. Mooselookmeguntic Lake is larger and more developed but holds brook trout and landlocked salmon. Cupsuptic Lake is nearby and also has road access. Both are busier than Bailey's Mistake but offer reliable fishing.

If you want another truly remote pond experience, Kennebago Lake is northeast of Rangeley and requires a similar hike but is slightly larger and holds both brook trout and landlocked salmon. The Rangeley area has dozens of small ponds, and a local fly shop can recommend others based on current conditions and your skill level.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a guide to find Bailey's Mistake?

No, but you do need a map, compass, and GPS device, and you must know how to use them. If you are not comfortable navigating by map and compass in a forest with no marked trail, hire a guide or fish a more accessible pond. Local guides in Rangeley know the route and can take you there.

Can I camp at Bailey's Mistake?

Camping is not officially permitted, as the pond sits on private land or in areas where access is tolerated. Day trips are the standard approach. If you want to camp in the area, use established campgrounds in Rangeley or contact the landowner to ask permission.

What is the best time of day to fish?

Early morning (first light to mid-morning) and evening (two hours before sunset through dark) are most productive. Midday can be slow, especially in July and August. If you hike in for a full day, plan to fish the morning, rest or explore at midday, and fish the evening rise.

Do I need a canoe to fish Bailey's Mistake?

No, you can fish from shore and do well, especially if you focus on the shallower bays and the inlet. A canoe or packraft lets you reach deeper water and cover more ground, but it is not required. Many anglers fish successfully from shore alone.

What should I do if I get lost on the hike?

Stop, stay calm, and use your map and compass to figure out where you are. If you have GPS, use it to confirm your location. Do not wander further. If you cannot find your way, stay put and use your headlamp or whistle to signal for help. This is why telling someone where you are going and when you expect to return is essential.