Penobscot River Smallmouth Bass Trips
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Worldclass smallmouth bass fishing with 50100 fish per day potentialExclusive access to Penobscot Indian Nation islands and fishing spotsExpert instruction provided for both fly and spin fishing techniques
Listen up, bass fans – the Lower Penobscot River is hands down one of Maine's best-kept secrets for smallmouth action. We're talking serious numbers here, with 50 to 100 fish days being the norm during peak season. These aren't your typical pond smallies either – we regularly see bruisers pushing four to five pounds that'll test your drag and leave your arms sore. What sets us apart? We've got special permission from the Penobscot Indian Nation to fish exclusive island spots and rocky outcrops that most anglers never get to touch. It's just you, one other angler, and miles of prime smallmouth water that looks like it jumped straight out of a fishing magazine.
This isn't your typical lake fishing trip – the Lower Penobscot flows with purpose, creating the perfect mix of current breaks, eddies, and structure that smallmouth bass absolutely love. From Memorial Day through mid-October, this river comes alive with aggressive bass that hit hard and fight harder. We're fishing prime rocky structure, submerged boulders, and current seams where these bronze backs ambush baitfish all day long. The water runs clear most of the season, so sight fishing becomes a real possibility when conditions align. You'll need proper wading shoes – and I can't stress this enough – because these ledges get slick as ice. The rocks are unforgiving, but the fishing rewards make every careful step worth it. Whether you're a fly fishing purist or prefer spinning gear, we've got you covered with top-shelf equipment and all the local knowledge you need to connect with fish after fish.
Smallmouth bass on the Penobscot respond to a variety of presentations, and part of our job is reading the water and matching your approach to current conditions. When the water's moving, we'll work jigs and soft plastics along the bottom structure, bouncing them through the rocks where bass stage to feed. Fly anglers love our streamer fishing – nothing beats the visual strike of a three-pound smallie crushing a white zonker in two feet of clear water. During summer's low water periods, we switch to topwater action that'll get your heart pumping. Poppers, buzzbaits, and walk-the-dog lures create explosive surface strikes that echo off the surrounding forest. The key to consistent success here is understanding how these fish use the current. They're not randomly scattered – they position themselves in specific feeding lanes, and once you learn to read this water, you'll start predicting where the next fish will come from. We provide all the gear, from 7-weight fly rods perfectly matched to the river's demands, to medium-heavy spinning setups that can handle both finesse presentations and the occasional surprise fish that might go north of five pounds.
Penobscot River smallmouth bass are something special – these fish have attitude, size, and fight that makes every hookup memorable. Running anywhere from scrappy one-pounders to legitimate trophy fish pushing five pounds, they're perfectly adapted to this river system's rocky structure and steady current. Peak season runs from late May through September, when water temperatures hit that sweet spot between 65 and 75 degrees. These fish are ambush feeders, positioning themselves behind rocks and in current breaks where they can dart out to grab crayfish, minnows, and anything else that looks like an easy meal. What makes them so fun to target is their aggressive nature – a healthy Penobscot smallmouth will chase lures, strike with authority, and then put on an aerial display that rivals any freshwater fish. They're notorious for their jump-and-run fighting style, often going airborne multiple times during a single fight. The river's rocky bottom and consistent flow create perfect habitat, supporting a dense population of fish across all size classes. Early season fish are often deeper and more lethargic, but as summer progresses, they become increasingly active and willing to chase presentations in shallow water. Fall fishing can be absolutely lights-out, as these bass bulk up for winter and become particularly aggressive toward anything that resembles a fleeing baitfish.
The Penobscot River delivers world-class smallmouth fishing that most anglers only dream about. With exclusive access to productive water, expert instruction, and gear that's perfectly matched to local conditions, this trip consistently ranks as a customer favorite among serious bass anglers. Our two-person limit ensures you get personalized attention and plenty of water to work without pressure from other boats. The combination of consistent fish numbers, quality size, and stunning Maine scenery creates the kind of fishing day you'll be talking about for years. Whether you're looking to master new techniques, chase your personal best smallmouth, or simply spend a day catching fish until your arms are tired, the Lower Penobscot delivers. Advanced booking is essential, especially during peak summer months when the fishing is at its absolute best. Don't wait – prime dates fill up fast, and there's nothing worse than missing out on what could be the bass fishing trip of a lifetime.
Hit the prime smallmouth bass waters of Maine's Penobscot River aboard our nimble 2012 G3 jet boat. This 18-footer is rigged specifically for bass fishing with a fish finder to locate holding spots and a wireless trolling motor for silent approaches to structure. The 90HP Yamaha gets you between fishing holes quickly, while the shallow draft design lets us access those exclusive rocky outcrops and island drop-offs where the big smallies lurk. You'll have an icebox onboard to keep drinks cold during those hot summer sessions, plus GPS to mark your favorite productive spots. Perfect for anglers wanting to cover serious water and target multiple bass zones in a day - from rocky ledges to current breaks where these bronze fighters love to ambush baitfish.
Maine