Clayton Lake Fishing near Presque Isle, Maine

• Overview

  Clayton Lake stands in Aroostook County, Maine. The surface lies 873 feet up. About 262 acres, so local knowledge or a boat saves a lot of walking. With about 2.7 miles of edge, you can try several depths in one session. It ranks high for size among our Aroostook County listings. 36 miles away sits Presque Isle, the nearest town. Further out sit Caribou (37 miles) and Haut-Madawaska (38 miles). Rules here are straightforward: one county, one set of rules.

• Where to Fish on Clayton Lake

  Depth figures are not published for this one. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Survey and observation records for Aroostook County include Atlantic salmon, rainbow smelt and brook trout. At least one recorded species is protected in parts of its range; read the local rules before targeting anything. At Clayton Lake light and wind decide more than tackle does.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July to average close to 64°F, with January the cold end at about 7°F. The year runs cold to warm and back, with clear transitions. Hard cover is dependable here; it goes around late April. On average, late April opens the water and late November closes it again. From the thaw to midsummer the fishing improves week by week. That is the shape of the year on Clayton Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether the bank is open is not something our records settle. This is a natural basin, not a dammed one. A campsite is mapped about half a mile away, which makes an early start easier. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. Take the rules with you rather than trusting memory. A polite question at the farm gate opens more banks than anything else. Failing this one, try Big Machias Lake, 3 miles away. Signs at Clayton Lake carry more weight than any list.