The waters of Aroostook County allow anglers to embark on an exhilarating journey, where the fierce and elusive Muskie awaits to challenge even the most seasoned fishermen.

Muskellunge: The Elusive Predator

Meet the muskie - a formidable sport fish that strikes fear into the hearts of anglers and ignites the flames of excitement. Resembling its pike relatives, the muskie is an ambush predator of monstrous proportions. Stretching from two to five feet and weighing over 66 pounds, this aggressive fish prowls the St. John River watershed, an environment rich in potential prey and thrills.

Since being introduced into the region's waters, muskie fishing has grown into a heart-pounding pursuit for trophies and sporting glory. Armed with impressive strength and a flair for dramatic leaps, these creatures entice anglers with their aquatic acrobatics.

The Grand International Muskie Derby: A Showcase of Skill

Every August, the town of Fort Kent becomes a hub of anticipation and competition as the International Muskie Derby takes center stage. A celebration of angling passion and camaraderie, this event brings together enthusiasts from far and wide to test their mettle against the mighty muskie. The scenic beauty of Aroostook County forms a stunning backdrop as anglers gather to forge memories and create stories that will be told for generations.

Aroostook's Playground for Muskie Anglers

The St. John River meanders through Aroostook County, offering over 225 miles of prime habitat for muskie fishing. This pristine waterway provides an optimal environment for this thrilling sport, a testament to the unspoiled beauty of Northern Maine.

St. John River Boat landings are paved, have trash receptacles, and most are lit at night. Boaters entering the river from the US side must not anchor or touch the Canadian shore.

Public Boat Landings:

●     Van Buren - Bridge Street, Van Buren, Maine

●     Grand Isle - Traverse Street, Grand Isle, Maine

●     Madawaska - Public Works Avenue, Madawaska, Maine

●     Frenchville - US-Route 1, Frenchville, Maine

●     Fort Kent - Dufour Street, Fort Kent, Maine

●     Saint Francis - 161 Main Street, St. Francis, Maine

Aroostook's Waterways: A Muskellunge Haven

In 1970, the introduction of muskie into LacFrontier marked the beginning of a remarkable chapter in Aroostook County's angling history. The self-sustaining muskie population that followed found its home in the St. John River watershed, turning the region into a haven for muskie enthusiasts. Today, with a lack of bag limits or length restrictions, anglers have the opportunity to cast their lines into untamed waters, tapping into untouched populations of these awe-inspiring predators.

Aroostook County beckons adventurers, families, and anglers to embrace the thrill of muskie fishing. Pack up your tackle box and join in the pursuit of nature's elusive predator and uncover the magic that lies beneath the shimmering waters of Northern Maine.