What to expect at Long Lake

Long Lake sits in the Oxford County region of western Maine, straddling the towns of Stoneham and Waterford. It is a 2,000-acre lake with a maximum depth of 110 feet, making it one of the larger and deeper bodies of water in the area. The lake holds a mix of cold-water and warm-water species, with smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and chain pickerel as the primary targets for most anglers. Lake trout and landlocked salmon are present but less abundant than in some neighboring Maine lakes. The shoreline is a mix of residential camps, public access points, and undeveloped forest, so you will find both quiet coves and busier sections depending on where you fish.

Access is straightforward: there is a public boat launch on the western shore near the town of Waterford, and a smaller access area on the eastern side. The lake is roughly 6 miles long and 1 mile wide at its widest point, so you can reach most productive water in under 15 minutes from either launch. Water clarity varies by season and recent weather—spring and fall tend to be clearer, while summer algae can reduce visibility in shallow bays. The lake's irregular bottom, with deep holes and shallow shelves, means that structure changes quickly as you move across the water.

Key Takeaways

  • Long Lake holds smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and chain pickerel year-round, with the best fishing from May through October.
  • Public boat launches are available on the western shore near Waterford and on the eastern side, both with parking and seasonal hours.
  • Maine fishing licenses are required for all anglers 16 and older, and bass have a 12-inch minimum length limit with a 5-fish daily bag limit.
  • Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) offer the clearest water and most active fish, while summer requires early morning or evening fishing to avoid heat-stressed bass.
  • The lake is 6 miles long with depths reaching 110 feet, so a depth finder and map are useful for locating structure and avoiding shallow hazards.

Seasons and what fish are active

Spring (April through May) is when Long Lake's bass wake up after winter. Water temperatures climb from the low 40s to the mid-50s, and fish move from deep winter holes into shallower structure—fallen trees, rock ledges, and weed beds near the shoreline. Smallmouth bass are particularly active in rocky areas and around the lake's deeper points. Early morning and late evening produce the most strikes, though overcast days can extend the bite throughout the day. Largemouth bass prefer the shallower, weedy bays on the northern and southern ends of the lake.

Summer (June through August) brings warm water and algae blooms in the shallower bays. Bass move deeper during the day, holding near drop-offs and submerged structure in 15 to 40 feet of water. Fish early—sunrise to mid-morning—or wait until evening when water temperatures cool slightly. Midday fishing is possible in deeper water or in shaded areas near overhanging trees, but it is slower than spring and fall. Chain pickerel remain active in shallow, weedy areas throughout the day and are a good alternative when bass are sluggish.

Fall (September through October) rivals spring for fishing quality. Water temperatures drop back into the 50s and 60s, bass become aggressive again, and they move back into shallower water to feed before winter. The entire lake fishes well during this period, and you can catch fish throughout the day. Water clarity improves as algae dies back, making sight-fishing possible in some areas. By late October, water temperatures drop into the 40s and fish slow down again, though they remain catchable.

Winter (November through March) is closed to most anglers—Maine does not allow ice fishing on Long Lake. The lake is accessible only to those with specific winter permits for certain species, and conditions are not practical for most recreational fishing.

Maine fishing regulations and licenses

All anglers 16 years old and older must carry a valid Maine fishing license. Licenses are sold online through the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife website, at sporting goods stores, and at town offices. A 7-day non-resident license costs less than a full-year license, making it an option if you are visiting for a short trip. Resident licenses are less expensive and valid for the calendar year.

Smallmouth and largemouth bass on Long Lake have a 12-inch minimum length limit and a 5-fish daily bag limit. Chain pickerel have no minimum length and a 10-fish daily bag limit. Lake trout (if you catch any) have a 15-inch minimum and a 2-fish daily bag limit. Catch-and-release fishing does not count toward bag limits, so you can fish all day and release everything if you choose.

Baitfish regulations vary: live shiners and other minnows are legal for bait, but check current rules on the Maine Department website before your trip, as regulations change. Artificial lures and flies are always legal. Night fishing is permitted on Long Lake, though it is not common.

Access points and boat launch details

The primary public boat launch is at Waterford Town Landing on the western shore. It has a two-lane concrete ramp, parking for roughly 20 vehicles and trailers, and a small dock area. The launch is maintained by the town and is open year-round, though winter access depends on snow removal. There is no fee to launch, but parking may have time limits during peak summer weekends—check with the town office if you plan an extended stay.

A secondary access point exists on the eastern shore near Stoneham, though it is smaller and less developed. It has a single-lane gravel ramp and limited parking, making it useful mainly for canoes, kayaks, or small boats. This launch is less crowded than Waterford and gives you quick access to the eastern bays where largemouth bass and pickerel are common. Both launches are accessible by car year-round, though winter conditions can make gravel ramps slippery. No overnight camping is permitted at either launch. The nearest lodging is in the towns of Waterford and Stoneham, roughly 5 to 10 minutes from either access point.

What to bring and how to fish Long Lake

A depth finder is useful on Long Lake because the bottom is irregular, with deep holes and shallow shelves that change quickly. Knowing where structure sits helps you locate bass during summer when they hold in deeper water. A GPS unit or lake map is also helpful for marking productive spots and navigating safely, especially if you are unfamiliar with the lake.

Smallmouth bass respond well to small crankbaits (1 to 2 inches), soft plastic tubes, and jigs around rocky points and ledges. Largemouth bass prefer larger soft plastics (4 to 6 inches), spinnerbaits, and topwater lures in shallow, weedy areas. Chain pickerel are aggressive and will strike almost any moving lure, but they prefer larger baits and flashy presentations. Live shiners fished under a bobber or on a simple rig work for all three species, especially in spring and fall. Trolling is effective on Long Lake, particularly for lake trout and salmon in deeper water. Trolling crankbaits along drop-offs in 30 to 60 feet of water can produce results, though it requires patience and a good map to avoid shallow hazards.

Weather and water conditions

Long Lake's water temperature is coldest in March (around 40°F) and warmest in August (around 75°F). Spring and fall water temperatures (50–65°F) are ideal for active fishing. Summer heat can stress bass, pushing them deep and making them less aggressive, so adjust your timing and depth accordingly.

Wind is common on Long Lake because of its size and exposure. Westerly winds are typical in spring and fall, and they can make the western shore choppy while the eastern shore remains calmer. If you are launching from Waterford and the western shore is rough, consider running to the eastern bays where the water will be smoother. Afternoon winds are usually stronger than morning winds, so plan early launches if you want calm water. Rainfall can affect water clarity, especially in the shallower bays. Heavy rain muddies the water for a day or two, which can slow fishing. Clearer water generally produces better results, so plan your trip for a few days after rain rather than during or immediately after a storm.

Nearby alternatives if Long Lake is crowded

If Long Lake is busy or conditions are poor, several other lakes in Oxford County are within 30 minutes. Keoka Lake (Waterford) is smaller and shallower, with good largemouth bass and pickerel fishing in weedy areas. Papoose Pond (Waterford) is tiny but holds bass and is less crowded. Moose Pond (Denmark) is larger and deeper, with similar species and a more remote feel. Each has its own public access and regulations, so check the Maine Department website before heading out.

These nearby options give you flexibility if weather or crowds make Long Lake less appealing on a particular day. The variety of lake sizes and depths means you can match your boat type and fishing style to conditions—a kayak works better on Papoose Pond, while a larger boat is more comfortable on Moose Pond.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Long Lake year-round?

No. Maine does not allow ice fishing on Long Lake, so the season runs from April through October. Winter fishing is closed to protect the fishery. Check the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife website for exact opening and closing dates each year, as they can shift by a week or two depending on water conditions.

Do I need a boat to fish Long Lake, or can I fish from shore?

You can fish from shore in some areas, particularly around the boat launches and near public access points. However, a boat gives you access to deeper water and more productive structure, especially during summer. Kayaks and canoes are popular and can reach shallow bays that larger boats cannot.

What is the best time of day to fish Long Lake?

Early morning (sunrise to mid-morning) and evening (late afternoon to sunset) are most productive, especially in summer when midday heat pushes bass deep. Spring and fall allow all-day fishing because water temperatures are cooler and fish are more active throughout the day.

Are there lake trout in Long Lake, and how do I catch them?

Lake trout are present but not abundant. They hold in deep water (40+ feet) year-round and are most active in spring and fall. Trolling small crankbaits or jigging with shiny spoons in deep holes near the center of the lake is the most effective method. They are a bonus catch rather than a primary target for most anglers.

What should I do if I hook a large bass—keep it or release it?

That is your choice. Bass under 12 inches must be released. Bass 12 inches and larger can be kept up to your daily limit of 5 fish, or you can release them for catch-and-release fishing. Many anglers release larger bass to preserve the population and the fishing quality for future trips.