Ice fishing on Eagle Lake, Maine
Under the 2026 Maine law book, Eagle Lake in Aroostook County is open to ice fishing from January 1 to April 30. Here are the fish, the season and limits, the local derby, and where to stay on the lake.
What you can catch through the ice on Eagle Lake
The state's lake survey calls Eagle Lake a sport fishery of statewide significance for landlocked salmon, lake trout and brook trout, with a popular hook-and-line smelt fishery in winter and summer. The state last revised the survey in 1990, so use the law book below for the rules.
- TogueLake trout, which locals call togue. In January 2025 a 19-pound, 1.7-ounce togue from Eagle Lake won the togue prize at the Long Lake derby.
- SalmonLandlocked salmon, helped along by annual stocking, according to the survey
- Brook troutThe inlet streams and thoroughfares have spawning and nursery areas
- SmeltThe main forage for salmon and togue, and a fishery of its own
- Also hereCusk and yellow perch
Maine ice fishing season and rules for Eagle Lake
These come from the 2026 Maine Open Water and Ice Fishing Laws, the current book on November 5, 2026. The state publishes a new book each year, so check the rules before you fish in January. Maine has several lakes named Eagle Lake. Ours is listed as "Eagle Lake, Eagle Lake, T16 R5&6 WELS, Wallagrass (North Zone)."
| Ice fishing season | January 1 to April 30. General law closes North Zone lakes from October 1 to March 31, and this lake's listing opens it on January 1. |
| License | Required at 16 and older |
| Nonresident fees, 2026 | $83 for the season · $66 for 15 days · $62 for 7 days · $30 for 3 days · $18 for 1 day, plus agent fee |
| Resident fees, 2026 | $30 for the season · $18 for 1 day, plus agent fee |
| Lines | Five while ice fishing. All must be under the immediate supervision of the person who set them. Check cusk lines set at night at least once an hour. |
| Togue | 6 a day, no minimum length, and only 1 may exceed 23 inches |
| Landlocked salmon | No limit under 14 inches, and 2 a day over 14 inches |
| Brook trout | 2 a day, and only 1 may exceed 14 inches |
| Smelts | Hook and line only, up to 2 quarts a day. Direct tributaries are closed to taking smelts. |
| Live bait | Live baitfish and live smelts are allowed on this lake |
| Ice shacks | Put the owner's name and address on the outside in 2-inch letters. Remove the shack by ice out or 3 days after the season closes, whichever is earlier. |
| Thoroughfares | The Fish River thoroughfares have their own listings, and some are closed to ice fishing |
Maine fishing laws and the law book · Search the special laws by water · License requirements and fees · Buy a license online
Maine also sets free fishing days. In 2026 they were February 14–15 and May 30–31, so check the state's page for the 2027 dates.
Ice safety on Eagle Lake
Ice changes from day to day and from one part of a lake to another, and nobody can promise it's safe. IF&W says to stay off ice under 4 inches thick, and to check it yourself with an auger, chisel or axe as you move away from shore. IF&W's ice safety tips cover how to read the color of the ice.
Ice fishing derbies near Eagle Lake
The Long Lake Ice Fishing Derby is based in St. Agatha, and Visit Aroostook says it spans ten lakes and waterways across the St. John Valley. Its 2023 rules list Eagle Lake among the derby waters. Check the derby site for this year's waters, rules and registration. The derby's number is 207-227-5252.
- Jan 30–31Long Lake Ice Fishing Derby · St. Agatha
The state keeps a list of ice fishing derbies around Maine, with dates and contacts.
Where to stay for ice fishing on Eagle Lake
- CabinsFive heated lakefront cabins, a short walk from the ice. Each has three bedrooms, two baths and a full kitchen, and sleeps ten.
- ParkingRoom for trucks and big trailers, plowed all winter
- SledsSnowmobile trail access from the property
- Smelt shacksOld Mill Marina, next door, rents smelt shacks. Call 207-444-7529 to ask what's available.
- BaitThe state's bait retailer list includes Lake Road Grocery in New Canada, 207-834-6377, and North Shore Bait Shop in St. Agatha, 207-728-5406. Call to check what they have.
- Length of stayOutside June through August you don't need to book a full week
- QuestionsCall or text Laura and Matt at 207-267-1647 before you book.
Ice fishing questions
When is ice fishing season in Maine?
It depends on the water. South Zone lakes are open to ice fishing all year. North Zone lakes, including Aroostook County, are closed from October 1 to March 31 unless the law book lists an exception. Eagle Lake's listing opens it from January 1 to April 30.
What fish can I catch ice fishing on Eagle Lake, Maine?
Togue, landlocked salmon, brook trout and smelts, along with cusk and yellow perch. The state's lake survey calls the salmon, togue and brook trout fishery significant statewide.
Do I need a license to ice fish in Maine?
Yes, at 16 and older. In 2026 a nonresident license costs $18 for one day, $30 for three days, $62 for seven days, $66 for 15 days or $83 for the season, plus an agent fee. You can buy one online from the state or from agents such as town clerks.
How many lines can I use ice fishing in Maine?
Five. All of them must be under your immediate supervision, and cusk lines set at night must be checked at least once an hour.
Is there an ice fishing derby on Eagle Lake?
The Long Lake Ice Fishing Derby is based in St. Agatha and spans ten waters in the St. John Valley. Its 2023 rules list Eagle Lake among them. Check the derby site for this year's waters.
Can I rent a smelt shack on Eagle Lake?
Old Mill Marina, next door to Eagles Landing, rents smelt shacks. Call the marina at 207-444-7529 to ask what's available.
Where should I stay for ice fishing on Eagle Lake?
Eagles Landing Lakeside Cottages has heated three-bedroom cabins that sleep ten, a short walk from the ice, with full kitchens and parking for trucks and trailers that's plowed all winter.
Sources: 2026 Maine Open Water and Ice Fishing Laws, Maine IF&W lake survey, Visit Aroostook, 2023 derby rules, Bangor Daily News. Laws change, so check the current rules before your trip.
Winter stays on Eagle Lake
Check winter dates online, or call or text Laura and Matt with your questions.