The Basin

The Basin northeast of Crooked Brook Lake is a lake in Washington County, Maine and covers about 737 acres, with a deepest recorded spot of 20 feet.

How the Size and Shape of The Basin Affect Fishing

The Basin northeast of Crooked Brook Lake is small enough to check weeds, wood, rock and the first deep drop without spending the whole day moving around.

Fish and Baits at The Basin

Fish reported from The Basin northeast of Crooked Brook Lake include brown bullhead, chain pickerel, pumpkinseed, smallmouth bass, white perch, and yellow perch.

Bass

For smallmouth bass at the Washington County lake, 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 at the Washington County lake, 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 at the Washington County lake, throw a small spoon or flashy swimbait along weeds for chain pickerel.

Bullheads

For brown bullheads at the Washington County lake, 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 at the Washington County lake, use a small jig, minnow or worm when white perch gather over deep flats and drop-offs.

How the Seasons Change The Basin

Spring at the Washington County lake 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 at the Washington County lake can bring fish back to windy points and banks, while winter calls for smaller baits fished slowly.

A Simple Plan for Fishing The Basin

On a first trip to the Washington County lake, check one quiet cove, one rocky or firm point and the nearby deep water with a moving lure, then use a jig or worm where you find fish.

Useful Tackle for The Basin

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

The Basin FAQs

Where should an angler start on the 737-acre The Basin northeast of Crooked Brook Lake?

At the Washington County lake, 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 20-foot deep end of The Basin northeast of Crooked Brook Lake?

Not every trip. A better place at the Washington County lake 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 The Basin northeast of Crooked Brook Lake?

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