World-Class Ice Fishing in Maine Lakes

Published Date: July 18, 2025
Fishing

Maine
$150 - $575 price range

Summary

Get ready for an authentic Maine ice fishing trip with Wilderness Studio Guide Service. We'll head out to a frozen lake for 4 to 8 hours of winter fishing action, starting at 8 AM. Don't worry about gear – we've got you covered with all the equipment you'll need to reel in some cold-water catches. As you drop your line through the ice, we'll keep you fueled up with lunch and snacks to ward off the chill. This private trip is perfect for families or small groups looking to try something different outdoors. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time on the ice, our guides will help you get set up and improve your chances of landing fish. Expect a laid-back day on the ice, swapping stories, and enjoying Maine's winter beauty while waiting for that exciting tug on your line.

Frozen Lake Action

From water to her hands, just like that.

A day well spent on Maine's beautiful waters

Maine adventures are always a catch

Hooking memories in the stunning Maine scenery

Ice Fishing Adventure on Maine's Frozen Lakes

Ready to drill some holes and drop a line through the ice? Our private ice fishing trips in Maine are perfect for anglers looking to try something different this winter. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time on the hard water, we'll set you up for a day of fun and (hopefully) plenty of fish. Bring your buddies or the whole family - we'll take care of everything else!

What to Expect on the Ice

Bundle up and join us for 4 to 8 hours of ice fishing action, kicking off bright and early at 8 AM. We'll head out to one of Maine's prime ice fishing spots, where we'll set up camp for the day. Don't worry about lugging gear - we've got all the essentials covered, from ice augers and tip-ups to warm shelters if the wind picks up. And forget about packing a lunch or snacks; we'll keep you fueled up with hearty grub to ward off the chill. Our expert guides know these waters like the back of their mittens, so we'll put you right on top of the fish. Whether you're after a trophy catch or just want to enjoy the peaceful winter scenery, we've got you covered.

Hardwater Fishing 101

Never been ice fishing before? No sweat. We'll walk you through the whole process, from drilling holes to setting up tip-ups and jigging for active fish. You'll learn how to read the ice, stay safe, and maximize your chances of catching fish. We use top-notch gear tailored for our target species, including sensitive rods for detecting light bites and specialized lures that trigger strikes in cold water. Throughout the day, we'll move around to different spots on the lake, chasing the bite and giving you a well-rounded ice fishing experience. It's a whole different ballgame compared to open-water fishing, but we promise you'll be hooked (pun intended) on this winter pastime in no time.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Maine's lakes are teeming with a variety of fish species, even under the ice. Here's a rundown of what you might catch on your trip:

Smallmouth Bass: These bronzebacks don't quit, even in winter. They might be a bit sluggish in the cold, but they still put up a great fight. Look for them near rocky structure or drop-offs. A slow presentation with jigs or live bait often does the trick.

Brown Trout: Cold-water specialists, brown trout are active all winter long. They can grow to impressive sizes in Maine's lakes, with fish over 5 pounds not uncommon. Early morning and late afternoon are prime times to target these beauties.

Largemouth Bass: While not as active as their smallmouth cousins in winter, largemouths can still be caught through the ice. Focus on areas near weed edges or sunken timber. Slow-moving baits like jigs tipped with minnows can entice these green giants to bite.

Burbot: Also known as cusk, these eel-like fish are a real treat for ice anglers. They're most active at night, so if you're up for a late session, you might just land one of these tasty oddballs. They love deep water and respond well to glow-in-the-dark lures.

Brook Trout: The jewel of Maine's waters, brook trout are a favorite target for ice anglers. Their vibrant colors stand out against the white ice, and their delicate flesh makes for excellent eating. We often find them in shallower water, especially early in the ice fishing season.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Ice fishing isn't just about catching fish - it's a whole experience. There's something special about being out on a frozen lake, surrounded by snow-covered pines, with nothing but the sound of the wind and the occasional flag popping up on a tip-up. It's a chance to slow down, enjoy some good company, and connect with nature in a way that's uniquely Maine. Plus, there's nothing quite like the rush of reeling up a big one through a tiny hole in the ice. Whether you're out with family, friends, or flying solo, our trips are designed to create memories that'll last long after the ice melts.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're itching to get out on the ice this winter, now's the time to lock in your trip. Our ice fishing season is short but sweet, typically running from late December through early March, depending on conditions. With only two spots available per trip, these outings tend to fill up fast, especially on weekends and holidays. Don't miss your chance to experience some of the best ice fishing Maine has to offer. Give us a call or book online to reserve your spot. We'll handle all the details - you just need to show up ready for a day of fun on the ice. Trust us, once you've felt the thrill of pulling a fish through the ice, you'll be counting down the days until next winter!

Learn more about the species

Brook Trout

Brown Trout

Burbot are an odd but cool fish to target through the ice. They look like a cross between an eel and a catfish, growing up to 30 inches long. You'll find them near the bottom of deep, cold lakes and rivers. Burbot are most active at night, especially in winter under the ice. That's when we have the best luck catching them. Anglers enjoy going after burbot for their unique appearance and tasty meat – they're called "poor man's lobster" for good reason. They put up a good fight too, especially in the cold water. To catch them, use cut bait like sucker or shiner on a jig or plain hook. Lower it to the bottom and be patient. Here's a local trick: try using a glow-in-the-dark lure or jig head. Charge it with your headlamp every 15 minutes or so to keep it bright. Burbot can't resist that glow in the dark depths.

Burbot

Smallmouth bass are another popular target on our ice fishing trips. These bronze-colored battlers typically run 1-3 pounds but can reach 5 or more. In winter, look for them in deeper water, often 20-40 feet down near rocky structure or drop-offs. Smallies are known for their hard-fighting ability, even in cold water. Anglers love them for their acrobatics and stamina – they'll really test your gear. To catch them, try jigging with minnows, tube jigs, or small blade baits. Work your lure slowly near the bottom with occasional sharp jerks. Here's a tip: if you mark fish on the finder but they won't bite, try downsizing your bait and using ultra-light line. Smallmouth can get picky in clear water. When you hook one, be ready for a good battle – they don't give up easy, even through the ice.

Largemouth Bass

Largemouth bass are a blast to catch, even through the ice. These green-backed fighters usually run 2-4 pounds but can get much bigger. In winter, you'll find them in deeper water near structure like submerged trees or drop-offs. They're less active than in summer, but still put up a good scrap. Anglers love targeting largemouth for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights. Plus, they're pretty good eating if the water's clean. To catch them through the ice, try jigging with minnows or plastic worms near the bottom. Tip-ups baited with live shiners work great too. Here's a local secret: on sunny days, check shallower water near weed edges. Bass will sometimes move up to warm themselves, especially later in the day. When you get a hit, set the hook hard – their bony mouths can be tough to hook through.

Smallmouth Bass

Brook trout are a real treat to catch in Maine's cold, clear waters. These colorful little fighters usually run 8-12 inches but can get up to 2 pounds in some spots. You'll find them in small streams, ponds, and lakes where the water stays cool year-round. They like to hang out near fallen trees and boulders in shallow areas. Late spring and early fall are prime times when the water temperatures are just right. Anglers love chasing brookies for their beautiful markings and the challenge of finding them in remote spots. They're also tasty eating fish if you decide to keep a few. For the best luck, try fly fishing with small dry flies or nymphs. A 3-4 weight rod works great on smaller streams. If you're spin fishing, tiny spinners or a worm on a small hook can do the trick. My favorite local tip: on sunny days, look for them in shaded pools under overhanging branches. They'll often dart out to grab your fly or lure if you place it just right.

About the 18ft Drift Boat

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 15

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 15

Hop on board for a cool winter fishing adventure in Maine! We're talking 4 to 8 hours of pure ice fishing fun, kicking off at 8 AM. No need to worry about gear - we've got you covered with all the essentials. Plus, we'll keep your belly full with lunch and snacks to fuel your fishing efforts. Whether you're a seasoned angler or trying ice fishing for the first time, this private trip is perfect for small groups or families looking to make some memories on the frozen lake. We'll show you the ropes, help you set up, and share our local knowledge to boost your chances of landing a catch. Bundle up, bring your sense of adventure, and let's see what's biting beneath the ice! It's a great way to embrace the winter chill and experience Maine's natural beauty from a whole new perspective.

Sitemap