First Chain Lake

First Chain Lake is a reservoir in Washington County, Maine and covers about 464 acres, with a deepest recorded spot of 35 feet.

How the Size and Shape of First Chain Lake Affect Fishing

First Chain Lake has an old channel, incoming water and quiet coves, and small water-level changes can move fish from the bank to the first drop.

Fish and Baits at First Chain Lake

Fish reported from First Chain Lake include brown bullhead, chain pickerel, largemouth bass, pumpkinseed, white perch, and yellow perch.

Bass

For largemouth bass on First Chain, fish weeds, wood and shade with a spinnerbait or jig, then slow down with a Texas-rigged worm.

Perch and Sunfish

For panfish on First Chain, 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 on First Chain, throw a small spoon or flashy swimbait along weeds for chain pickerel.

Bullheads

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

Salmon, Lake Trout and Other Deep-Water Fish

For deep-water fish on First Chain, use a small jig, minnow or worm when white perch gather over deep flats and drop-offs.

How the Seasons Change First Chain Lake

Spring around First Chain is a good time to check warm coves and incoming water, and summer is a good time to fish shade, weeds and the first drop into deeper water. Fall around First Chain can bring fish back to windy points and banks, while winter calls for smaller baits fished slowly.

A Simple Plan for Fishing First Chain Lake

On a first trip to First Chain, 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 First Chain Lake

A medium spinning rod with 8- to 10-pound line handles most jigs, worms and small lures at First Chain, while a medium-heavy rod is better for bass jigs and heavier bottom rigs.

First Chain Lake FAQs

Where should an angler start on the 464-acre First Chain Lake?

At First Chain, 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 35-foot deep end of First Chain Lake?

Not every trip. A better place at First Chain 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 First Chain Lake?

Brown bullhead is on the fish list for First Chain, so start with a bait made for that fish instead of guessing at a species that may not be there.