Snow due at Moosehead Lake Friday

Why it matters

Snow on the shore says nothing about ice on the water, but it makes ramps and access roads slick before anything else. Late fall in the North is the last open-water stretch. Thursday has the gentlest weather: barely a breeze, partly sunny, topping out near 41°F.

With about 75,500 acres and roughly 281 miles of shoreline at full pool, Moosehead Lake is a lot of water to cover. At its deepest the lake reaches around 250 ft.

The fish

On Moosehead Lake, lake trout are a solid pick. Cold water lets lake trout roam shallower, sometimes within casting range of shore. Expect trout to be a strong bet. Cold water keeps trout near the surface and along shorelines.

Know before you go

• Go Thursday, 2:30 pm to 3:15 pm: the best-rated bite day (good).
• Start at the upper arm on the map: use spinner or spoon, troll slowly.
• Bring traction sand for the ramp and check the access road is plowed.

Where to start

Our pick to start on Moosehead Lake is an upper arm, marked on the map. The lake narrows toward the incoming river or creek; moving water carries food. It is a good place for trout and lake trout; try spinner or spoon, troll slowly.

DamDeepest water N 3 miles

Shallow to deep Free spot todayPlace to stay

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