Smallmouth Bass is recorded in 13 of the 15 spots within 75 minutes of Portland. Below are the strongest of them by our score: drive time, depth data, species and public access.
By our bite calendar, Smallmouth Bass peaks around Portland in May, June, July, and August. In November the calendar puts it at “Slow”.
Where to catch Smallmouth Bass near Portland
1. Highland Lake
Highland Lake is a 20-minute drive from downtown Portland. Launch at Highland Lake — Bridgton, the public ramp on Highland Lake closest to downtown (≈ 35.7 mi). Surveyed depths reach 67 ft. Recorded here: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Atlantic Salmon, and Brown Trout.
2. Crescent Lake
Crescent Lake is a 40-minute drive from downtown Portland. Launch at Crescent Lake — Raymond, the public ramp on Crescent Lake closest to downtown (≈ 22.8 mi). Public access on Crescent Lake: 1 boat ramp. Surveyed depths reach 54 ft. Recorded here: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Atlantic Salmon, and Brown Trout.
3. Lake Auburn
Lake Auburn is a 46-minute drive from downtown Portland. Launch at Lake Auburn — Auburn, the public ramp on Lake Auburn closest to downtown (≈ 33.7 mi). Public access on Lake Auburn: 2 boat ramps. Surveyed depths reach 118 ft. Recorded here: Largemouth Bass, Atlantic Salmon, Brown Trout, and Smallmouth Bass.
4. Pennesseewassee Lake
Pennesseewassee Lake is a 65-minute drive from downtown Portland. Launch at Pennesseewassee Lake — Norway, the public ramp on Pennesseewassee Lake closest to downtown (≈ 41.9 mi). Public access on Pennesseewassee Lake: 2 boat ramps. Surveyed depths reach 48 ft. Recorded here: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, and Atlantic Salmon.
5. Maranacook Lake
Maranacook Lake is a 71-minute drive from downtown Portland. Launch at Maranacook Lake — Winthrop, the public ramp on Maranacook Lake closest to downtown (≈ 47.3 mi). Public access on Maranacook Lake: 4 boat ramps. Surveyed depths reach 127 ft. Recorded here: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Atlantic Salmon, and Brown Trout.
6. Thompson Lake
Thompson Lake is a 55-minute drive from downtown Portland. Canoe & kayak launch — Thompson Lake: boat ramp on Thompson Lake, ≈ 27.4 mi from downtown. Public access on Thompson Lake: 1 boat ramp. Surveyed depths reach 121 ft. Recorded here: Atlantic Salmon, Smallmouth Bass, and Slimy Sculpin.
