Charter Fishing in Maine | Private 3 Day Trip
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Private 3day charter fishing experience for two guestsIncludes three daily meals and professional guide serviceExtended 5 and 7day options available with special pricing
Looking for a fishing adventure that gets you away from the crowds? This private 3-day charter fishing trip puts you right in the heart of Maine's prime fishing waters. Starting at 8:00 AM on day one, you'll have exclusive access to some of the state's most productive spots for smallmouth bass, brown trout, largemouth bass, burbot, and brook trout. With just 2 guests max, you get the personal attention that makes all the difference between a good day and a legendary one. All meals are covered - breakfast, lunch, and dinner - so you can focus on what matters: getting your line wet and bringing in fish.
This isn't your typical weekend fishing trip. Over three full days, we'll cover different sections of Maine's top-rated fishing waters, adjusting our approach based on what's biting and where the fish are holding. Each morning starts early with a hearty breakfast before we head out to spots I've been fishing for years. The beauty of a private charter is flexibility - if the smallmouth are crushing topwater baits in the shallows, that's where we'll spend our time. If the trout are deeper and more finicky, we'll switch tactics and work the structure. You'll learn techniques that work specifically in these waters, and I'll share local knowledge you won't find in any fishing magazine. Between the three squares a day and the personalized guiding, you'll have everything you need to make this trip a customer favorite memory.
Maine's diverse fishery means we use a variety of techniques depending on conditions and target species. For smallmouth and largemouth bass, we'll work with both spinning and baitcasting setups, throwing everything from soft plastics and jigs to topwater plugs and spinnerbaits. The rocky structure and drop-offs here are perfect for finesse fishing when the bite gets tough. For trout, we'll switch to lighter tackle and focus on presentation - these fish can be spooky, especially the browns. Live bait, streamers, and small spoons all have their place depending on water temperature and time of day. Burbot fishing is a whole different game - these bottom dwellers are most active at night and in low-light conditions, so we'll use heavier jigs and cut bait near deeper structure. I provide all the rods, reels, and terminal tackle you'll need, but feel free to bring your favorite setup if you have one. The key to success here is reading the water and adapting your approach, which is exactly what we'll focus on throughout the trip.
Smallmouth bass are the bread and butter of Maine fishing, and for good reason. These bronze fighters are aggressive, acrobatic, and absolutely relentless once hooked. They love the rocky shorelines and boulder fields we'll be targeting, especially during the warmer months when they're actively feeding in shallow water. A 3-pound smallmouth in Maine fights like a 5-pounder anywhere else - the cool, clean water keeps them strong and feisty. Best action typically happens from late spring through early fall, with topwater fishing being world-class during summer evenings.
Brown trout in these waters are the stuff of legend. These wary, intelligent fish grow fat and strong in Maine's nutrient-rich lakes and rivers. They're notorious for being selective feeders, which makes landing one all the more satisfying. Browns often hold in deeper water during the day and move shallow to feed at dawn and dusk. A 20-inch brown is a real trophy here, and fish over 24 inches are caught regularly by anglers who know where to look. Fall is prime time for big browns as they bulk up before winter, but they're catchable year-round if you adjust your tactics.
Largemouth bass might not be as numerous as smallmouth in Maine, but the ones we do catch are often real hawgs. These fish love the weedy bays and slower-moving sections where they can ambush prey. They're most active in warmer water, making summer and early fall the best times to target them. Maine largemouth are known for their size rather than numbers - it's not unusual to catch bass pushing 4-5 pounds in the right spots.
Burbot are Maine's best-kept secret. These cold-water cod relatives are active when most other fish are sluggish, making them perfect targets during late fall and winter trips. They're bottom dwellers that love deep, rocky areas, and they're surprisingly strong fighters. Most anglers have never caught one, which makes burbot a real conversation starter. They're also excellent eating if you decide to keep a few for shore lunch.
Brook trout are Maine's state fish and for good reason. These beautiful native char thrive in the state's cold, clean waters and provide some of the most scenic fishing you'll find anywhere. Brookies are opportunistic feeders that will hit everything from dry flies to small spoons. They're most active in cooler water, making spring and fall prime seasons, though they can be caught throughout the year in the right spots. A 14-inch brook trout is a good fish in Maine, and anything over 16 inches is a real prize.
With only 2 guests per trip, these private charters fill up fast, especially during peak fishing season. This top-rated experience gives you three full days to dial in techniques, learn the water, and catch fish that will have you planning your return trip before you even get home. The combination of diverse species, personalized instruction, and Maine's renowned fishing waters makes this a best trip choice for serious anglers. Whether you're looking to improve your skills, catch fish you've never targeted before, or just enjoy some of the finest fishing Maine has to offer, this charter delivers. Don't wait - the best dates book months in advance, and you don't want to miss out on what could be your most productive fishing trip yet.
Our reliable 18-foot drift boat gets you to Maine's best fishing spots with ease. Built by AIRE/NRS in 2005, this sturdy vessel handles up to 2 anglers comfortably while the 15HP Yamaha engine quietly moves you along at a smooth 15 knots. The onboard fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating productive waters, helping you zero in on where the fish are holding. Whether you're casting for brook trout in hidden coves or working deeper channels for lake trout, this boat's shallow draft design lets you access those hard-to-reach spots other boats can't touch. The stable platform gives you solid footing for fighting fish, and there's plenty of room for tackle boxes and coolers. Perfect for a relaxed day of angling on Maine's pristine lakes.
Salvelinus FontinalisBrook trout are Maine's native gems - small but spirited fish with those gorgeous colors that make every catch special. Most run 8-12 inches in our cold, clean streams where temps stay below 68°F. They're tucked into small pockets near fallen logs, boulders, and undercut banks in remote spots that take some hiking to reach. Fall spawning season gets them active, but they'll bite year-round if conditions are right. What draws people to brookies is the challenge - they're in tight quarters that test your casting skills, plus they're beautiful fish and great eating. Being native here, they're indicators of pristine water. For success in our overgrown streams, try a short, accurate cast with a small dry fly or spinner to those pocket waters. Keep your profile low and approach from downstream - these fish spook easily in shallow water.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the clever ones - they'll test your skills and reward patience. Running 8-24 inches in our cold, clear streams, these beauties prefer water temps between 54-65°F. Look for them near cover like fallen logs, undercut banks, and deep pools, especially where there's good insect activity. Fall and early winter are money times when they feed aggressively before spawning. What draws folks to browns is their wariness - they're educated fish that make you work for every catch. Plus, they're excellent table fare with that mild, sweet flavor. Since they're more active at night during fall, try getting out just before dark with a woolly bugger or small spinner near structure. Cast upstream and let your lure drift naturally - browns hate anything that looks artificial.
Lota LotaBurbot are Maine's oddball - they look like a cross between an eel and catfish but they're actually the only freshwater cod. These serpentine fish with the single chin barbel average 16 inches but can surprise you with much bigger specimens. They prefer cold, deep water with muddy or rocky bottoms, and here's the kicker - they're most active when everything else shuts down in winter under the ice. What makes burbot unique is they're not picky eaters and will hit almost anything you throw at them. The meat's actually quite good, similar to their saltwater cod cousins. Winter fishing through ice is prime time when they're spawning and feeding heavily. Pro tip: use cut bait from trout or perch on a heavy jig and work it right on the bottom. A glow lure helps in those dark depths, just recharge it every 15 minutes or so.
Micropterus SalmoidesLargemouth bass are the classic Maine warmwater fish, running 12-24 inches with that famous big mouth extending past their eyes. They love shallow, weedy areas with plenty of cover - think fallen trees, docks, and thick vegetation where they can ambush prey. Spring through fall is your best bet when water warms up, though they'll go deeper in summer heat. What guests love about largemouth is that explosive strike and strong fight, plus they're not too finicky about lures. The meat's decent eating if you keep the smaller ones from clean water. They're drawn to red colors and vibration, so don't be afraid to make some noise. Here's a local trick: work a wacky-rigged soft worm around the edges of weed beds real slow. Let it sink naturally between the cover - that's where the big ones hide.
Micropterus DolomieuSmallmouth bass are scrappy fighters that'll run 18-20 inches and put up one hell of a battle on light tackle. You'll find them around rocky bottoms and structure in our lakes and rivers, especially where there's good current break. They love moderate temps, so spring and fall fishing is prime time when they're active in shallow water. Summer pushes them deeper into cooler spots. What makes smallmouth special is their attitude - they'll hit hard and jump like crazy once hooked. The meat's firm with a mild flavor that grills up nice. My tip? Use a weightless soft plastic and let it hang just above the rocks. They can't resist that slow sink, and when they grab it, hold on tight because they're coming out of the water.
Maine