Third Chain Lake

Third Chain Lake is a lake in Washington County, Maine and covers about 312 acres, with a deepest recorded spot of 36 feet.

How the Size and Shape of Third Chain Lake Affect Fishing

Third Chain 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 Third Chain Lake

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

Bass

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

Perch and Sunfish

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

Bullheads

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

How the Seasons Change Third Chain Lake

Spring at Third 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 at Third Chain can bring fish back to windy points and banks, while winter calls for smaller baits fished slowly.

A Simple Plan for Fishing Third Chain Lake

On a first trip to Third Chain, 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 Third Chain Lake

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

Third Chain Lake FAQs

Where should an angler start on the 312-acre Third Chain Lake?

At Third 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 36-foot deep end of Third Chain Lake?

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

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