Donnell Pond

Donnell Pond is a pond in Hancock County, Maine and covers about 1,138 acres, with a deepest recorded spot of 119 feet.

How the Size and Shape of Donnell Pond Affect Fishing

Donnell Pond has an old river or creek channel under the water, so start with channel bends, points and places where shallow water drops into the deep end.

Fish and Baits at Donnell Pond

Fish reported from Donnell Pond include landlocked Atlantic salmon, brook trout, brown bullhead, chain pickerel, lake trout, pumpkinseed, smallmouth bass, white perch, and yellow perch.

Bass

For smallmouth bass in Donnell, drag a tube or Ned rig across rock and points, or use a small crankbait when the fish are chasing.

Perch and Sunfish

For panfish in Donnell, use a worm or tiny jig near weeds and shade for pumpkinseed, and fish a small jig, minnow or worm close to the bottom for yellow perch.

Pike, Pickerel and Muskellunge

For pike, pickerel or muskellunge in Donnell, throw a small spoon or flashy swimbait along weeds for chain pickerel.

Bullheads

For brown bullheads in Donnell, put a nightcrawler or small piece of cut bait on the bottom in quiet water, especially after sunset.

Trout

For trout in Donnell, try a small spoon, inline spinner, streamer or worm near cool incoming water for brook trout.

Salmon, Lake Trout and Other Deep-Water Fish

For deep-water fish in Donnell, troll a smelt-colored streamer, thin spoon or small minnow plug for landlocked salmon and jig or troll a spoon or minnow-shaped lure in cold, deep water for lake trout. Also in Donnell, use a small jig, minnow or worm when white perch gather over deep flats and drop-offs.

How the Seasons Change Donnell Pond

Spring on Donnell is a good time to check warm coves and incoming water, and summer fishing is usually better in cooler, deeper water. Fall on Donnell can bring fish back to windy points and banks, while winter calls for smaller baits fished slowly.

A Simple Plan for Fishing Donnell Pond

On a first trip to Donnell, check incoming water, one bend in the old channel and a point near deep water with a moving lure, then slow down with a jig or worm where you get a bite.

Useful Tackle for Donnell Pond

A medium spinning rod covers most casting at Donnell, while a second rod with enough line and weight to reach deep water is useful for salmon and togue.

Donnell Pond FAQs

Where should an angler start on the 1,138-acre Donnell Pond?

On Donnell, pick one cove and the closest point or drop into deep water, then fish that small area well before making a long move.

Should anglers fish the 119-foot deep end of Donnell Pond?

Not every trip. A better place on Donnell is where a point, drop-off or group of baitfish gives the fish a reason to stop.

Which reported fish is a simple first target at Donnell Pond?

Landlocked Atlantic salmon is on the fish list for Donnell, so start with a bait made for that fish instead of guessing at a species that may not be there.