Twin Maple Outdoors Ice Fishing
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Guided ice fishing on remote glacial lakes in MaineTarget salmon, trout, cusk with 35+ years expertiseFull-day trips include BBQ lunch and safety equipment
When the lakes freeze solid and most anglers hang up their rods for the season, that's when the real fun begins in Maine. Twin Maple Outdoors has been running ice fishing trips for over 35 years, and we know exactly where to find the fish when everything's locked up tight. Our small-group adventures take you to remote glacial lakes where the fishing stays hot even when the temperatures drop below freezing. With just 2 guests per trip, you get personalized attention and the kind of local knowledge that only comes from decades on the ice.
These aren't your typical ice fishing trips where you're shoulder-to-shoulder with a dozen other anglers. We head to the backcountry glacial lakes that most folks never even know exist. The scenery alone is worth the trip – picture snow-covered pines reflecting off crystal-clear ice, with nothing but wilderness stretching in every direction. But we're here to fish, and these remote waters hold some serious quality. Land Lock Salmon, Lake Trout, Brook Trout, Cusk, and White Fish all call these lakes home, and they stay active all winter long. Full-day trips come with a hot BBQ lunch cooked right on the ice, plus hot beverages and bottled water to keep you comfortable. The combination of top-rated fishing and genuine Maine hospitality makes for the kind of day you'll be talking about for years.
We handle all the heavy lifting when it comes to equipment and safety gear. Our ice augers cut clean holes through ice that can be several feet thick, and we bring portable shelters when the wind picks up. The fishing technique varies depending on what we're targeting and where the fish are holding. For Lake Trout, we'll often fish deeper water with heavy jigs tipped with smelt or shiners. Brook Trout tend to cruise the mid-water column, so we'll set up tip-ups with live bait at different depths until we find the zone they're using. Cusk are night feeders, but during winter they'll hit during the day in the deeper basins. We use quality ice rods with sensitive tips so you can feel even the lightest bite, and our electronics help us mark fish and understand the bottom structure. Safety is always the priority – we carry ice picks, throw ropes, and test ice thickness constantly as we move around the lake.
Lake Trout are the heavyweight champions of these glacial lakes, and ice fishing gives you a real shot at the big ones. These fish can live for decades and grow to impressive sizes in Maine's cold, deep waters. During winter, they often cruise just under the ice in the early morning and late afternoon, making them perfect targets for ice anglers. Lakers hit hard and fight even harder in the cold water – there's nothing quite like the steady pull of a 5-pound Lake Trout coming up through a hole in the ice. They're also excellent eating, with firm white meat that's perfect for the grill or smoker.
Cusk might be the most underrated fish swimming in Maine's lakes. These cod-like fish are active year-round and absolutely love cold water, making them ideal for ice fishing. They're bottom dwellers that feed heavily on small fish and invertebrates, and they'll absolutely crush a jig or bait fished near the bottom. Cusk have a unique look with their single barbel and mottled brown coloring, and they're surprisingly strong fighters for their size. Most anglers have never caught one, so landing a Cusk through the ice is always a memorable experience. They're also delicious – think of them as a freshwater version of cod.
Brook Trout are Maine's state fish for good reason, and these glacial lakes hold some beautiful specimens. Winter Brookies are in prime condition, with vibrant colors and plenty of fight. They're opportunistic feeders that will hit everything from tiny ice jigs to live shiners, depending on their mood and the conditions. Brook Trout in these remote lakes tend to be wild fish that have never seen a hatchery, so they're strong, smart, and absolutely gorgeous. The combination of pink and orange spots against their dark green backs is something special, especially when you're seeing it against a backdrop of snow and ice.
Maine ice fishing doesn't last forever, and the best conditions usually happen between January and early March. These remote glacial lakes freeze earlier and stay frozen longer than the bigger, more accessible waters, giving us a solid season to work with. But with only 2 guests per trip, spots fill up fast among anglers who know what they're looking for. Whether you're a seasoned ice angler or someone who's always wanted to try it, our 35+ years of experience means you'll be fishing the right spots with the right techniques. The combination of world-class fishing, stunning winter scenery, and genuine Maine guide service makes this a customer favorite that people book year after year. Don't wait until the ice starts getting sketchy – reserve your dates now and get ready for some of the best ice fishing Maine has to offer.
Your ice fishing adventure features this nimble 18-foot G3 jet boat with a powerful 90HP Yamaha engine that'll get you to those remote glacial lakes quickly, even in Maine's harsh winter conditions. Built in 2012, this reliable workhorse cruises at 35 knots and handles beautifully on open water before the ice sets in for pre-season scouting or late-season fishing when the ice breaks up. The onboard fish finder is perfect for locating those deep-water Lake Trout and Land Lock Salmon haunts, while the GPS ensures you'll never lose track of your hotspots. The wireless trolling motor lets you move silently when stealth matters most. With seating for up to 2 anglers plus your guide, there's plenty of room to spread out your gear and land those trophy fish. The built-in icebox keeps your catch fresh and your drinks cold during those long days chasing Cusk and Brook Trout on Maine's pristine waters.
Salvelinus FontinalisBrook trout are Maine's native jewels - absolutely gorgeous fish with olive backs, red spots circled in blue, and those distinctive wavy lines. Most run 8-24 inches in our lakes, though the deep, cold glacial waters can produce some real surprises. They're picky about water quality, so finding them means you're fishing pristine spots. Ice fishing brings out their aggressive side when the water's cold and clean. They fight hard for their size - scrappy and spirited. The eating quality is top-notch, sweet and delicate. Late fall through winter is prime time as they become more active. Look for them near structure or drop-offs, but don't overlook shallow areas near cover. Use smaller presentations - they can be finicky. Keep your line tight; brookies have soft mouths and will throw the hook if you give them slack.
Brosme BrosmeCusk are one of Maine's most unique ice fishing targets - these eel-like bottom dwellers look more like something from the ocean than a lake fish. They're sluggish swimmers that hug the deepest parts of our glacial lakes, typically 20-45 pounds when mature. Winter and spring are prime time since they're more active in cold water. What makes them special is the fight - they're not fast but they're stubborn, and that long body gives them serious leverage. The meat's fantastic too, similar to cod but richer. Most folks have never even heard of them, so landing one always creates a memorable trip. My advice: fish right on bottom with bait or slow jigs. They've got big mouths and aren't picky eaters, but patience pays off with these deep-water oddities.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the giants of our deep glacial lakes, commonly running 15-40 pounds with that classic grey-green coloring and cream spots. These cold-water fish hang deep most of the year, but ice fishing puts you right in their zone. They're slow-growing fighters that can live decades, making each one special. Winter's when they're most active in our Maine lakes - the ice gives you access to depths you can't reach from shore. Jigging is your best bet; they love wounded baitfish presentations bounced near bottom. The meat's excellent - firm and clean tasting. Pro tip: watch your electronics closely and work that jig slow and steady. When a laker hits, you'll know it - they pull hard and steady, giving you a real battle through the ice.
Maine