Highland Lake

Highland Lake is located in a populated area of the State and it provides an important fishery resource for the area. The lake consists of two basins, the northern basin is larger and deeper and provides the majority of the coldwater fisheries habitat The shallower basin, coves, and outlet areas provide ample habitat for warmwater fish.

This water thermally stratifies each summer, and a large band of cool, oxygenated water is available for salmonid management. Brown trout have been stocked by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife for many years and are providing an excellent fishery. Large, fall yearling brown trout are stocked in order to provide an extra edge against the heavy competition and predation from warmwater fish species. Browns in the 2 to 3 pound range are quite common and occasionally fish up to seven pounds are caught. In the late 1990’s, MDIFW began stocking splake, a brook trout - lake trout hybrid, to provide additional angling opportunities. Splake are now providing a popular winter fishery. In addition, unscheduled landlocked salmon and brook trout are occasionally stocked. The Maine Department of Marine Resources also stocks sea-run alewives on an annual basis.

Largemouth bass were introduced by MDIFW in the early 1940’s to the early 1950’s. Today, the population is self-sustaining and provides a good fishery. Smallmouth bass are also present, but their numbers are limited by a lack of habitat. Anglers also enjoy the white perch and pickerel fisheries.

A state owned parking area is located at the southern end of the lake. This site is set up for canoes and car-top boats only. A camp road leading to the ramp is located off the Mast Road in Falmouth.