Twin Maple Outdoors Ice Fishing
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Guided ice fishing on remote Maine glacial lakesTarget salmon, trout, cusk with expert guidance includedFullday trips feature BBQ lunch and safety equipment
There's something magical about dropping a line through the ice on one of Maine's pristine glacial lakes. When the snow blankets the landscape and the world goes quiet, you know you're about to have one of those fishing days that'll stick with you for years. Twin Maple Outdoors has been perfecting ice fishing trips for over three decades, and trust me, they know where the fish are hiding. These aren't your typical crowded ice spots – we're talking remote lakes where you might be the only anglers for miles around. The guides here don't just hand you a rod and point to a hole; they've got 35+ years of reading these waters, understanding the seasonal patterns, and knowing exactly where the Lake Trout cruise and the Brook Trout feed. Plus, when you're dealing with ice safety and winter conditions, having experienced hands along makes all the difference.
Your day starts early, but don't worry about hauling gear – Twin Maple provides everything from tip-ups to shelters to all the safety equipment you'll need. The guides scout locations based on recent conditions and fish activity, so you're not wasting time on dead water. These glacial lakes hold deep, cold water year-round, creating perfect habitat for cold-water species that put up serious fights. The setting is pure Maine wilderness – think towering pines heavy with snow, crystal-clear air, and the kind of silence you only get in winter woods. Around midday, the guides fire up the portable grill right on the ice for a BBQ lunch that'll warm you up and keep your energy high. Hot coffee and beverages flow all day, because staying warm and hydrated is just as important as reading your tip-ups. Groups stay small at just two anglers, so you get personalized attention and aren't competing for the best spots.
Ice fishing is all about patience, positioning, and reading the electronics. The guides use modern fish finders to locate structure and baitfish, then set up tip-ups in a spread pattern to cover different depths and areas. You'll learn how to jig vertically through the ice, working lures at different levels in the water column where fish are marking on the sonar. The key is understanding that fish move slower in cold water, so your presentation needs to match – subtle movements, longer pauses, and reading those light bites that barely register on the rod tip. Live bait like shiners and smelt work great, but don't overlook small jigs and spoons that can trigger reaction strikes from aggressive trout. The guides provide ice shelters to cut the wind, but part of the appeal is being outside in the winter elements. Safety gear includes ice picks, flotation suits, and spikes for traction – these lakes might look solid, but ice conditions change and you need to respect the environment.
The Lake Trout here are the real prize – these deep-water predators can live for decades and reach impressive sizes in Maine's cold, oxygen-rich glacial lakes. Lakers typically hold in 30-60 feet of water during winter, cruising along drop-offs and underwater structure where they ambush baitfish. They're not the most acrobatic fighters, but they've got serious power and endurance that'll test your gear. The bigger ones can push 15-20 pounds, and landing a fish like that through an 8-inch hole in the ice is a whole different challenge than open-water fishing. Brook Trout are the natives here, and catching a wild Maine brookie through the ice is something special. These fish are typically smaller, running 12-16 inches, but they're gorgeous with those distinctive markings and they fight with surprising intensity for their size. They prefer shallower water than Lakers, often hanging around 15-25 feet over rocky bottom or near inlet streams. Cusk are the oddball of the bunch – they look more like a freshwater cod and are most active at night or in low-light conditions. They're bottom dwellers that prefer the deepest, coldest water, and while they're not pretty, they're excellent eating and put up a solid fight. Most anglers have never caught one, making them a real conversation starter back home.
Winter fishing seasons are short in Maine, and the best ice conditions don't last forever. Twin Maple's reputation means their calendar fills up fast, especially on weekends and during prime ice season from January through March. These small-group trips give you the personalized experience that bigger operations simply can't match – you're not just another customer, you're fishing with guides who genuinely want to put you on fish and show you why Maine's ice fishing is world-class. The combination of pristine wilderness setting, expert guiding, and fantastic fisheries makes this a top-rated choice for both beginners wanting to try ice fishing and experienced anglers looking to target new species. Whether you're after that trophy Lake Trout or just want to experience the peace of winter fishing, this is the kind of trip that reminds you why you love being on the water – or in this case, on the ice.
This 18-foot G3 jet boat with a 90HP Yamaha engine gets you to those remote glacial lakes where the best ice fishing spots wait. Built in 2012, she'll cruise at 35 knots to cut through Maine's waters before they freeze over, perfect for early season scouting or late ice adventures when you need to reach open water. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're positioning near fishing holes, while the GPS and fish finder help locate those deep structures where Land Lock Salmon and Lake Trout like to hang out. With space for up to 3 anglers and an icebox to keep your catch fresh, this boat handles the transition from open water to ice fishing season like a champ. The shallow draft design means you can access those back-country lakes that hold the biggest Brook Trout, getting you closer to prime fishing territory that other boats can't reach.
Salvelinus FontinalisBrook trout are Maine's native jewels – gorgeous fish with olive backs, red spots ringed in blue, and that classic speckled pattern. Most run 8-15 inches in our backcountry lakes, but don't let size fool you – they're scrappy fighters with serious attitude. These cold-water lovers stay in the shallows near structure like fallen trees and rocky drop-offs. Winter ice fishing is fantastic since they stay active in frigid water that shuts down other species. Folks love them for their beauty and that sweet, delicate flavor that's hard to beat on the table. They're also incredibly finicky, which makes landing one feel earned. My go-to tip: fish small jigs with natural colors near any cover you can find. Brook trout spook easily, so keep noise down and movements subtle.
Brosme BrosmeCusk are one of Maine's best-kept secrets – these cod-like bottom dwellers grow 3-4 feet long and pack serious weight. They live deep in our glacial lakes, hugging bottom structure where they hunt crustaceans and small fish. Winter through spring gives you the best shot at them, especially under low light. What I love about cusk is they're scrappy fighters despite being sluggish swimmers, and their firm, slightly oily meat rivals any saltwater cod. Since they're bottom huggers with poor eyesight, I always tell folks to fish right on the lake floor with natural baits. Here's my trick: use a small jig tipped with cut bait and keep it moving just enough to create vibration. These fish hunt by feel as much as sight.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the giants of our deep, cold glacial lakes – these char can reach 15-40 pounds and fight like freight trains. They're homebodies in the deepest parts of our remote waters, usually suspended mid-column where oxygen stays high. Winter ice fishing is prime time since they move up from the depths when water temps drop. What makes them special? That deep-water battle and their rich, flaky meat that's perfect for the grill. They're picky eaters though – I've learned that jigging a wounded baitfish pattern right off bottom in 40-60 feet usually triggers strikes. The key is working them slow and steady; these fish don't rush anything, but once hooked, they'll test your drag like no other char in Maine.
Maine