Fishing In The Monument

Launch a canoe at Lunksoos Boat Launch to fish on the river.

NPS / GRACE KIRK

The waters of Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument are the center of the cultural landscape and a major recreational attraction. The East Branch Penobscot River and the surrounding tributaries offer excellent fishing opportunities. The names of the many prominent features in the area speak to the presence of Penobscot people, like the popular fishing location, Wassataquoik Stream. The word Wassataquoik is derived from a word in the Penobscot language, meaning “place to spear fish by torchlight.”

The monument provides natural habitat for the federally endangered sea-run Atlantic salmon, and holds several heritage ponds (waters that have never been stocked or have not been stocked for at least 25 years). These heritage ponds are habitat for wild brook trout. Fishing is regulated according to Maine’s state laws. A Maine state fishing license is required. Before fishing, be sure to familiarize yourself with all the NPS and Maine state rules and regulations.

 

Downeast Salmon Federation, Native Fish Coalition Maine, Maine Department of Marine Resources, and Atlantic Salmon Federation.

License and Regulations

A valid Maine state fishing license is required. It is best to purchase one online before your visit. For more information on fishing laws, license requirements and fees, visit the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife website.

Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument is located in Penobscot County. Learn about the specific rules and regulations for the body of water you plan to fish in Special Fishing Laws: Laws & Rules: Fishing: Fishing & Boating: Maine Dept of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

Safety reminder: Check the flow of the river before entering the water.

 

More Information On Fishing In The Monument

What Can You Catch?

The waters are best known for native populations of brook trout and landlocked salmon. “If you don’t know, let it go.” Sea-run Atlantic salmon are federally protected by the Endangered Species Act and cannot be caught. We recommend reviewing the Maine DMR salmon brochure on proper identification between species.

Fishing Responsibly 

During summers, water temperatures can rise and cause additional stress on trout and salmon. Water temperatures may rise due to factors such as low water levels and flows. Be aware of current conditions before fishing. Learn more about responsible fishing practices.  

Where Can You Fish?

The most popular locations to fish are at Wassataquoik Stream and along the East Branch of the Penobscot River. Stay on designated trails, roads, and access points to reach your desired fishing destination. 

• Wassataquoik Stream can be reached via Orin Falls trailhead. The recommended way to Orin Falls is by starting at Wassataquoik Gate (located in the southern section of the monument). 
• The East Branch Penobscot River is more easily accessed from the North Gate. The recommended river access point is at Oxbow Picnic Area. However, if your visit only allows time in the southern section of the monument, Lunksoos Boat Launch and Picnic Area is recommended. Lunksoos Boat Launch and Picnic Area is also the best place to launch a boat. Refer to 36 CFR §3.8 – BOATING OPERATIONS 

The Katahdin Region (Millinocket, East Millinocket, Medway, Sherman, Patten, Island Falls, Mt Chase and Shin Pond) offers many opportunities for anglers to fish in extraordinary waters in the United States. Find out more about fishing areas in the region through this guide on Maine.gov.

Fishing From a Boat?

• If you are fishing from a boat, read and understand 36 CFR §3.8 – BOATING OPERATIONS 

(a) (2) Launching a power-driven vessel is prohibited, except at the Lunksoos boat launch. 

Determination: The Lunksoos Boat Launch is configured to drive a trailer and canoe/kayak to the edge of the water and is the only place in the monument where this infrastructure exists to safely launch a motor-driven boat whilst protecting the area from resource damage. 
(a) (4) Vessel (typically canoes) motors are limited to 10 horsepower or less on the East Branch Penobscot River.  

• Check the river flow rates before arrival. 
• Check out the NPS safety page to ensure you are safe and prepared for the fishing trip. 

Protect The Aquatic Habitat From Aquatic Invasive Species.  

• Clean your boat and all equipment to prevent spreading invasive species. Remove all visible mud, plants, and fish from the boat, trailers, waders, boots, and nets. 

• Drain your boat! 

• Never empty bait or release fish into a body of water unless they came out of it. 

• Dry everything that comes in contact with water before entering a new body of water. 

Fish Consumption Advisories in National Park Waters

The Environmental Protection Agency, states, territories, and tribes provide advice on fish and shellfish caught in the waters in their jurisdiction to help people make informed decisions about eating fish. Advisories are recommendations to limit your consumption of, or avoid eating entirely, certain species of fish or shellfish from specific bodies of water due to chemical or biological contamination. 
 
Fish is part of a healthy balanced diet, but eating wild fish and shellfish caught in park waters is not risk free. Parks are “islands,” but the much larger “ocean” that surrounds them affects the natural resources inside a park. Other aquatic toxins are the result of natural biological processes. Also, chemical contaminants that originate outside of park boundaries can come into parks. 
 
Mercury is an example of a toxin originating outside a park that can find its way into a park. Mercury exists naturally in some rocks, including coal. When power plants burn coal, mercury can travel in the air long distances before falling to the ground, usually in low concentrations. Once on the ground, microorganisms can change this elemental mercury to methyl mercury. This type of mercury can build up in animal tissues, and it can increase in concentration to harmful levels. This high concentration can occur in large predatory fish - those often pursued and eaten by anglers. Studies have shown that fish in some National Park System waters have mercury levels that may be a concern to people who regularly eat a lot of fish. 

To learn more about this topic, the National Park Service maintains information about Fish Consumption Advisories and Mercury and Toxins in Nature. 

Fishing In National Parks

For further information regarding fishing in national park boundaries, efforts in fish conservation, and more parks that offer fishing, please visit the NPS Fish & Fishing page.