Fly Rods
Redington Classic Trout Fly Rod
A smooth, moderate-action rod that is forgiving for new casters and protects light tippet.
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Maine's largest lake, with brook trout and togue in a remote North Woods setting.
Trip at a Glance
Anglers come to Moosehead Lake for brook trout and lake trout. The best months overall are May to Feb. In October, brook trout and lake trout are in season, and Hare's Ear Nymph, Woolly Bugger and Paddle-Tail Swimbait are a good place to start. There are 3 shops within 45 miles; the closest is Moosehead Bait and Tackle in Rockwood, 6 mi away. Kennebec River is 63 mi away if you want to make a trip of it.
Best Months
May to Feb
In October
Brook Trout, Lake Trout
Methods
Fly fishing, Spin, cast & bait
Season at a Glance
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What You'll Catch
Moosehead Lake Species
Plan by Month
What to Use
Month
Fish
5 picks for October. ● means in season that month.
Hare's Ear Nymph #12-18
FlyNymph · Brook Trout
Shop This FlyWoolly Bugger #2-10
FlyStreamer · Brook Trout
Shop This FlyPaddle-Tail Swimbait 3 to 5 in
LureSoft Plastic · Lake Trout · Jigged deep.
Shop This LureInline Spinner 1/16 to 1/4 oz
LureSpinner · Brook Trout
Shop This LureCasting Spoon 1/4 to 1 oz
LureSpoon · Lake Trout · Shallow after ice-out.
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Rod & Reel
Recommended Setups
Brook Trout
Fly 7 to 8 ft 3 or 4 wt rod, floating line, 7.5 ft 5X leader.
Spin / Cast 5 to 6 ft ultralight spinning rod, 1000 reel, 2 to 4 lb line.
Lake Trout
Fly 8 to 9 wt rod with a full-sink line when fish are shallow after ice-out.
Spin / Cast 7 ft medium-heavy spinning or baitcasting rod, 20 to 30 lb braid with a fluorocarbon leader, or downrigger trolling gear.
Matched to These Species
Gear for Moosehead Lake
Rods
Ugly Stik Bigwater Trolling Rod
A long, forgiving trolling rod for downriggers and planer boards.
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Orvis Clearwater Fly Rod Outfit
A complete rod, reel, and line outfit that covers most trout water and small-stream bass.
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Redington Behemoth Fly Reel
A strong, sealed drag at a modest price, made in sizes from trout to saltwater.
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RIO Gold Fly Line
A trout line that casts dries delicately and turns over nymph rigs.
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Scientific Anglers Mastery Infinity Fly Line
A smooth-shooting, all-around freshwater line.
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RIO Fluorocarbon Tippet
Low-visibility tippet for nymphs and wary fish in clear water.
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RIO Tapered Trout Leaders
Nine foot tapered leaders in 3X to 6X for dries and nymphs.
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Within 45 Miles
Shops Near Moosehead Lake
Bait & Tackle
Misty Morning Bait and Tackle
Dover Foxcroft, Maine· 39 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Dover Foxcroft, ME.
Make It a Trip