North Maine Woods Fly Fishing
North Maine Woods Fly Fishing; Aroostook, Allagash and Penobscot River watersheds. We specialize in the Fly Fishing for Wild Native Brook Trout, Maine Arctic Charr and Land Locked Salmon.
A one of a kind destination located in the heart of the North Maine Woods, 3.5 million acres of industrial woodlands located in Northern MAINE.
Step back in time, walk the trails and fish the same waters of Thoreau, JP Morgan and Roosevelt. We are situated in the headwaters of the Aroostook, Penobscot and Allagash River watersheds. With more than 40 different waters within 40 miles of the lodge NO expensive fly outs are needed to experience the best of Maine Fly Fishing. Most of our North Maine Woods fly fishing waters are designated HERITAGE WATERS (certified as only WILD TROUT) We offer lake, pond, stream and river fishing for Native Wild Brook Trout, Maine Arctic Charr and Land Locked Salmon. Fish a different water every day if you wish. Our active Fly Fishing season starts the middle of May (ice-out dates vary)
We are located more than 30 miles from the nearest town; easily accessed by two/four wheel drive vehicles. Direct seaplane service to the lodge by KATAHDIN AIR SERVICE, pick up can be arranged departing from several locations, most frequent is Bangor International Airport or Presque Isle Maine. You can leave from any location in the Northeast in the morning and be fishing a remote trout pond for the evening hatch. It is that easy!
Why does Chandler Lake Camps and Lodge have such great fly fishing?
We fish more than 30 miles in the Northern Maine Wilderness known as the North Maine Woods. This remoteness and its low fishing pressure allow us to offer great Brook Trout opportunities. You and your guide may be the only person on the pond and possibly the only people within many miles in any direction. Committed to protecting our fisheries, it is our livelihood, and we ask you to do the same. Our Brook Trout are sensitive to handling, so catch and release is routine. Wild Trout to eat, if you desire, are taken from waters the Biologists have deemed over populated or non-trophy in potential.
Our Northern Maine Fly Fishing is not difficult, again due to low pressure and the lack of fishermen. You may cast over fish that have not seen a fly for months, years or ever. But it does vary greatly. For most of our Brook Trout fishing a mid-flex (5-6wt) rod usually works best. We spend time fishing from canoes, 21′ Grand Laker style Scott boats, and walk/wading. We have more than 30 canoes stashed on remote waters and ponds throughout the North Maine Woods.
Opportunities for dry and wet fly fishing are about equal, depending on the season. Often times the largest Brook Trout are taken on a wet fly, while at the same time smaller fish are providing great action on the surface.
The first hatch of the season is generally the Blue-winged olive. Followed in a few weeks by the Hex’s. Our caddis flies of all sizes and colors hatch all summer. Tent wing, Goddard and stimulators work well. Throwing wooly buggers, nymphs, and streamers is sometimes the best way to catch the largest Brook trout but many a evening supplies the best action as we chase and cast long to evening rises and flinch at the sound of jumping brook Trout. There is nothing like the evening hatch, a rise and a beautiful sunset in the North woods.
Your day at Chandler Lake Camps and Lodge:
First and foremost ‘Your schedule is our schedule’ – fish early or fish late our staff and guides will accommodate your wishes.
The day usually starts with the beautiful sunrise over the point in front of the lodge. Hot coffee, a hearty breakfast and time to meet your guide. Plans are usually confirmed the evening before, and time has come to venture after the hefty squaretails. While fishing your guide will take care of the vehicle, lunch and all necessary equipment, outside your personal gear. Have the camera ready as daily wildlife sightings are the norm. Moose, bear and deer, loons and more.
Fishing will take place throughout the morning followed by a hearty lunch, consisting of hot coffee, homemade breads, fresh meats, soup and desserts. After the respite of your choosing the afternoon adventure will begin. Searching for fish, casting to Walter with a sub-surface fly or searching for a common mid-day hatch. Your guides plan provides for ample time to return to the lodge before dinner.
Time to unwind, take a hot shower and relax with your favorite beverage.
Our evening meals are worth the wait, Prime Rib, Roasted Pork Loin, and Maine lobsters to name a few. Complimented with fresh salads, homemade breads and desserts.
After dinner our long summer evenings allow for evening fishing or just sit and relax in front of your cabin’s wood stove or next to the outside fireplace listening to our numerous resident loons or feeding moose. Sleep comes easily in the big North Woods and tomorrow we will start a new adventure.
What to expect of North Maine Woods Fly Fishing
Our waters daily produce fish in the 12- 16 class. 18 and 19″ fish are common and the 20+ fish are in the waters you are fishing. They may come to the first cast or the last, our big Mayflies draw big brook trout from the deep. It’s Fishing!! We are AVID fly fishermen, we want you to succeed and keep coming back to our small piece of paradise. A good guided day will produce 20 fish pp. A great day will double, if not triple those numbers. Again, we protect our fisheries; we expect the same from our guests. A legendary guide in our area, Will McNally, once said: God could have made a better looking fish, but I don’t know how. Its a dam shame to only catch him once.
We ask, don’t just come to catch fish. Come for Maine’s North Woods experience. It is the best that nature has to offer.
2023 Maine Fly Fishing Rates at Chandler Lake Camps & Lodge
The Daily Lodging rate for Maine Fly Fishing is $300* pp ALL INCLUSIVE**. This would include breakfast, lunch and dinner, per person, per day.
This also includes use of boats, motors, canoes and kayaks(up to a $70 per day savings from other Maine Lodges. Children up to and including 16 years old stay free with each paid adult(1 child per paid adult).
The Lodging Rate DOES NOT include Maine Professional Guide Services.
2023 Maine Guided Fly Fishing Rates at Chandler Lake Camps & Lodge
$380 per day for two rods
2023 North Maine Woods Access Fees
Upon entering the North Maine Woods at 6 mile gate guests are required to check in and pay the North Maine Woods access fee to enter and enjoy the 3.5 million acres ahead of them. This fee is collected by North Maine Woods and is not affiliated with Chandler Lake Camps and Lodge. Click here for link to the fees page at North Maine Woods. Note: you will be paying the “Commercial Sporting Camp Visitors Round Trip” rate.
* Does not include Maine lodging tax of 9% ** ALL INCLUSIVE means Nightly Lodging, Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner and use of boats, motors, canoes and kayaks(up to a $70 per day savings from other Maine Lodges).
** Wader and Wading Boot rentals, $30 pp per day.
* Due to the inflationary nature of our economy these rates may change at any time. Not responsible for typographical errors.
For Rates and Policies please visit our Rates / Policies Page.