6 Incredible Backcountry Hikes With Fly Fishing in Maine 🎣
We’ve partnered with our friends at Maine Fly Guys to bring you this article with a healthy dose of backcountry brook trout chasing inspiration. Enjoy!
Maine’s wild brook trout population is a rare treasure. Unlike many other states, where stocked fish dominate the waters, Maine boasts an abundance of native brook trout thriving in pristine lakes, streams, and remote ponds. For generations, anglers have hiked deep into the wilderness to cast a line in these crystal-clear waters, making brook trout fishing a cornerstone of Maine’s outdoor heritage.
If you love the challenge of a scenic hike paired with the thrill of reeling in a feisty brookie, these six trails offer the perfect combination of adventure, solitude, and great fishing. Because part of the joy of backcountry fishing is discovery, we’re not putting specific fishing “holes”, but if you put in the effort, you’ll find ‘em on these hikes! 🎣
must haves for your Hike & Fish adventure:
Fishing license. Purchase one here.
Fly rod and reel. Some of these hikes feature fly fishing only waters. Fast action, shorter rods are nimbler in backcountry brooks. Don’t go bigger than a 6wt. Collapsible rods can be a game changer for while you’re on the move. Get the ideal set up here.
Terminal tackle: Floating line, tapered leader, tippet. Combo deal here.
Small fly box - some nymphs, dry flies, and streamers. Don’t overthink it. Check out local Maine patterns.
Sandals or water shoes - get ready to wade. These Crocs. ‘nuff said.
Net - increase your catch rate and decrease your release mortality. Get one designed with fish in mind.
And don’t forget all your standard hiking stuff (ya know, like water, bug spray, snacks, headlamp, first aid kit, etc!) Please research your fishing laws, which are in place to protect Maine’s natural resources - (check out the law book here and this awesome interactive map)
Best time of year to go
Late spring and early fall offer the best brook trout fishing. If you’re stream seeking, make sure the water temperature is below 67 degrees F before chasing brookies for catch and release. Mortality rate is extremely high for trout caught when water temps are 67F+ because the cold-water-thriving fish are already physically taxed.
Well, sorry to keep you waiting, here are your hikes!
1. Little Niagara & Big Niagara Falls (Baxter State Park)
Distance: 2.4 miles (Out & Back)
Difficulty: Moderate
Nearest Town: Millinocket
The section of the Appalachian Trail near Little Niagara and Big Niagara Falls in Baxter State Park is a dream for anglers. The hike follows Nesowadehunk Stream, past two waterfalls (the namesake of this hike), until you reach the West Branch of the Penobscot River. You’ll pass through lush forest and will be streamside for most of the hike. The pools you’ll encounter are deep and often teeming with wild brook trout - so when they’re not rising, make sure to get your fly down deep (beadhead nymphs are helpful for this).
A good time to pull out the rod is early in the morning or just before dusk, when the trout rise to feed on emerging insects. The hike itself is an adventure, with river crossings and moss-covered trails making it a true backcountry experience. After all, it is the Appalachian Trail! The AllTrails route below shows only a partial section of what is possible. If you’re up for it, make your way down to the West Branch. As you’re chasing brookies, be on the lookout for landlocked salmon - they’re there too!
2. Gulf Hagas Loop (100-Mile Wilderness)
Distance: 8.6-mile loop
Difficulty: Strenuous (due to steep cliffs - not recommended with small children)
Nearest Town: Greenville
Known as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” Gulf Hagas is famous for its deep gorges and cascading waterfalls. What many don’t realize is that the Pleasant River and its tributaries along this loop hold some of the finest wild brook trout fishing in the state. Fishing in Gulf Hagas requires some effort—you’ll need to navigate rocky terrain and cross streams—but the reward is worth it. We’d say more here, but it’s simply a breathtaking hike, and words can’t quite do it justice. Your adventure awaits!
3. Deboullie Loop (North Woods)
Distance: 8-mile loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Nearest Town: Eagle Lake
Did someone say remote? This one is deep in Maine’s North Woods. The Deboullie Loop passes multiple secluded trout ponds, including Gardner Pond, which is stocked with brook trout but also hold wild fish.
Because these ponds are tucked away from roads, they see little pressure, and you’ll often have the water to yourself. A small packraft or float tube can be a game-changer here, allowing you to reach deeper water where the biggest trout lurk. There are many other options for hiking besides what we put below, but this route is a good starting point for streams AND ponds!
4. Nahmakanta Public Reserved Land (Turtle Ridge)
Distance: 8 miles (Loop)
Difficulty: Moderate
Nearest Town: Millinocket
Nahmakanta is another hidden gem in Maine’s backcountry, offering a mix of hiking trails that connect a network of wild brook trout ponds. A few of these ponds have been known to produce brook trout over 16 inches.
Because of the crystal-clear water, sight-fishing is excellent here—watch for cruising trout along the shorelines and be ready to make a stealthy cast. This hike features 5+ backcountry ponds and features access to a bunch of streams.
5. Androscoggin River
Distance: 5 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy
Nearest Town: Bethel
The Andro is an iconic Maine river, winding from New Hampshire through Western Maine, all the way to the Atlantic Ocean. The upper Andro in Bethel offer access to deep pools and gentle riffles where brook trout can be found. This stretch is stocked annually, but wild fish are certainly present.
The best fishing is in the early morning or evening, with nymphs and streamers working well. Wading can be productive, but the hike itself provides plenty of bank fishing spots. The trail we’ve included below features the Andro, but if you want some backcountry brook fishing on the same hike, continue your hike north along Chapman Brook.
6. Sheepscot River
Distance: 1.3 miles (Loop)
Difficulty: Easy
Nearest Town: Coopers Mills (near Augusta)
For those Midcoasters out there, you know that the Sheepscot River is one of the best wild brook trout fisheries in Midcoast Maine, but the trails at Hidden Valley Nature Center provide access to some lesser-known spots. The river here is narrow, with deep pockets and overhanging vegetation that create excellent trout habitat.
It’s a good idea to time your hike for late spring before water temperatures rise. Dry flies and small terrestrials (like ants and beetles) can be highly effective. If you’re lucky, you may come across a salmon or two on your fishing adventure 🎣
Conclusion: A Hiker’s Guide to Brook Trout Fishing
Hiking to fish is one of the best ways to experience Maine’s untouched wilderness. Whether you’re casting into a remote pond beneath Katahdin or working a mountain stream deep in the North Woods, the thrill of hooking a wild brook trout in these pristine settings is unmatched.
To maximize your chances, aim for spring and fall when water temperatures are ideal for active feeding. Bring a mix of dry flies, nymphs, and small streamers, and always check regulations, as many of these waters have special fishing rules to preserve their native trout populations.
So grab your rod, pick out your favorite flies, and set off on an adventure that’s as rewarding as it is scenic. Maine’s brook trout are waiting!
Check out the Maine Hikes shop to collect a sticker or print of your favorite hike!
