Within a 75-minute drive of Portland there are 15 fishing waters in our guide: 9 reservoirs and 6 lakes. Across these waters, 15 fish species are on record.

Highland Lake is 20 minutes from Portland

Highland Lake is the shortest drive from Portland: 20 min (9.2 mi). The drive time is measured to the shore access point: Highland Lake — Falmouth.

Next by drive time:

3 waters at the top of the Portland list

These 3 waters lead our list for Portland, ranked by distance, depth data, fish records and access:

  • Highland Lake: 625 acres, 5 fish species on record, max depth 67 ft (surveyed) and 2 ramps.
  • Crescent Lake: 680 acres, 4 fish species on record, max depth 54 ft (surveyed) and 1 ramp.
  • Lake Auburn (reservoir): 2,279 acres, 4 fish species on record, max depth 118 ft (surveyed) and 1 ramp.

27 boat ramps within reach

Around Portland you will find 27 boat ramps and 6 shore-fishing spots on the waters in this guide. Nearest to the center for launching: Crescent Lake — Raymond on Crescent Lake, roughly 22.8 mi as the crow flies.

15 fish species around Portland

Brown Trout turns up in more of these waters than any other fish: 14 of 15. Next come Smallmouth Bass (13), Atlantic Salmon (13), Largemouth Bass (11) and Rainbow Trout (7).

Where to find them closest to town:

  • Brown Trout, Smallmouth Bass, Atlantic Salmon and Largemouth Bass: Highland Lake, 20 min (9.2 mi)
  • Rainbow Trout: Mousam Lake, 51 min (38.6 mi)

Maranacook Lake goes down to 127.3 ft

Maranacook Lake has the greatest depth on our map near here, 127.3 ft (surveyed). Other deep spots are Thompson Lake (121 ft), Lake Auburn (118 ft) and Damariscotta Lake (116 ft). Maximum depths are known for all 15 waters.

Stocking records around Portland

Stocking records name 3 of these waters — the most fish at Ossipee Lake (5,684 fish), Great East Lake (3,260 fish) and Lovell Lake (1,500 fish).

Camping within reach of Portland

You can camp next to the water: 3 campgrounds are within reach of Portland. Nearest to the city: Laurel South (25.1 mi, by Crescent Lake), Camp Cody (45.5 mi, by Ossipee Lake) and Green Tops Campground (48.6 mi, by Lake Winnipesaukee).