Cumberland County, ME · Lake
Sebago Lake
Maine’s deepest lake and the namesake of the Sebago strain of landlocked salmon, 30 minutes from Portland. A cold, clear 28,000-acre fishery for trophy landlocked salmon and lake trout (togue) that chase smelt in the depths, plus smallmouth bass along the rocky shores. Sebago Lake State Park anchors public ramps and shoreline.
Live · updated
Top picks today
Landlocked Salmon, Lake Trout, Smallmouth Bass & Brown Trout — tied at the top (45/100)
4 species tied for best of 4 tracked at Sebago Lake.
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Species at Sebago Lake
4 species tracked, ranked by today's conditions. The top 4 (tied) are open below — tap any species to expand it, or a chip to focus.
#1 Landlocked Salmon Marginal conditions for Landlocked Salmon. In season 45/100
What's hurting
- 20 mph wind — strong wind — chop and difficult casting
About. Salmo salar — A freshwater form of the Atlantic salmon, landlocked in the cold lakes of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York — Maine’s Sebago Lake gave the "Sebago" strain its name. It chases smelt in cold water, so the bite is best at ice-out and again in fall; in summer the fish follow the thermocline deep and are trolled with streamers and lead-core. A prized, hard-jumping gamefish and the centerpiece of the Northeast’s coldwater fishery.
Prefers. Water 38–60°F (ideal 50°F) · either tide · depth 5–70 ft.
Last verified 98 days ago on 2026-06-03. Open source page →
- Min size
- 14"
- Daily creel
- 2
Maine general law: 2 landlocked salmon/day, 14–25". Many waters set their own minimum — confirm the lake.
Source: Maine non-tidal regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
#1 Lake Trout Marginal conditions for Lake Trout. In season 45/100
What's hurting
- 20 mph wind — strong wind — chop and difficult casting
About. Salvelinus namaycush — The native deepwater char of the Great Lakes and cold northern lakes. Holds in cold, deep water through summer and moves shallow to reefs in spring and fall. Targeted by deep trolling, jigging, and from shore early and late in the season.
Prefers. Water 40–52°F (ideal 48°F) · either tide · depth 30–200 ft.
Last verified 98 days ago on 2026-06-03. Open source page →
- Min size
- 18"
- Daily creel
- 2
Maine general law: 2 lake trout (togue)/day, 18" minimum.
Source: Maine non-tidal regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
#1 Smallmouth Bass Marginal conditions for Smallmouth Bass. In season 45/100
What's hurting
- 20 mph wind — strong wind — chop and difficult casting
About. Micropterus dolomieu — Premier gamefish of the non-tidal Potomac, the Upper Susquehanna, and Deep Creek Lake. Pound-for-pound one of the hardest-fighting freshwater fish. Hits tubes, crayfish imitations, spinnerbaits, and topwater poppers.
Prefers. Water 55–78°F (ideal 68°F) · either tide · depth 3–30 ft.
Last verified 98 days ago on 2026-06-03. Open source page →
- Daily creel
- 2
Maine South Zone general law: 2 black bass/day (only 1 over 14"); North Zone is unlimited. Confirm the zone.
Source: Maine non-tidal regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
#1 Brown Trout Marginal conditions for Brown Trout. In season 45/100
What's hurting
- 20 mph wind — strong wind — chop and difficult casting
About. Salmo trutta — Naturally reproduces in the Gunpowder River tailwater (Loch Raven below Prettyboy) and several Western MD streams; also heavily stocked. Typically more wary than rainbows. Classic mayfly hatches on the Gunpowder — sulphurs, BWOs, caddis. Streamer-eaters after dark.
Prefers. Water 45–68°F (ideal 55°F) · either tide · depth 3–25 ft.
Last verified 12 days ago on 2026-08-28. Open source page →
- Daily creel
- 2
Maine general law: 2/day. 14" minimum in lakes and ponds; 6" minimum with a 25" maximum in rivers, streams and brooks. Confirm the water.
Source: Maine non-tidal regulations · verified 2026-08-28.
Location Info
Water Body
Lake
Access
Pier, shore, and ramp
Jurisdiction
Maine non-tidal
Coordinates
Notes
Sebago salmon carry a 16" minimum; lake trout under 26" have no bag limit (only 1 over 26"). Oct 1–Mar 31 open-water salmon/trout (except togue) are release-only.
Local reports & rules for Sebago Lake: Maine Dept. of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife fishing report → · trout stocking schedule → · fish-consumption advisories (EPA directory) →
Nearby Access Points
Frequently Asked
Do I need a fishing license to fish at Sebago Lake?
Yes (anglers age 16 and older). To fish at Sebago Lake you need the appropriate state fishing license. See the agency's current rules: the state agency website
What fish are commonly targeted at Sebago Lake?
Sebago Lake is listed on this site for 4 commonly-targeted species: Landlocked Salmon, Lake Trout, Smallmouth Bass, Brown Trout. Which species is currently in season and which is scoring highest today is shown in the per-species ranking on this page.
When is the best time to fish at Sebago Lake?
It depends more on the species and the day's conditions than on a fixed "best hour." Water temperature, weather, and — at tidal locations — the stage of the tide drive activity most. The per-species ranking on this page scores every target species at Sebago Lake against today's live conditions, so the fish near the top are your best bets right now; check back as conditions change through the day.
What kind of access does Sebago Lake have?
Sebago Lake has multiple access types — pier, shoreline, and at least one public boat ramp. Sebago salmon carry a 16" minimum; lake trout under 26" have no bag limit (only 1 over 26"). Oct 1–Mar 31 open-water salmon/trout (except togue) are release-only.
Which state's fishing regulations apply at Sebago Lake?
state agency regulations apply at Sebago Lake. Size limits, creel limits, and seasonal closures are listed per species on each species page. Always confirm against the agency source linked from each regulation block — emergency closures can take effect mid-season.
Is Sebago Lake tidal water?
No. Sebago Lake is non-tidal — water level varies with rainfall, seasonal flow, and (where applicable) upstream dam releases rather than tidal exchange.