The region is drained by 330 miles of main stem rivers, into which flow 3,850 miles of smaller tributaries. During the last glacial era more than 1,200 natural lakes and ponds were carved into its landscape, varying in size from one-acre ponds to Moosehead, at 74,890 acres Maine s largest lake, and one of the largest natural freshwater lakes in the United States. Because it lies at the headwaters of the Kennebec, the West Branch of the Penobscot, the Piscataquis, the Pleasant, and the St. John rivers, the Moosehead Region has experienced fewer biological and physical changes than other areas in Maine. Anglers will find, and enjoy much of the natural beauty described by Thoreau and other nineteenth century visitors to the region. The Moosehead Region is best known for Maine s three premier coldwater game fish species - brook trout, lake trout, and landlocked salmon.
Brook trout are native to waters throughout the region.
Maine s wild brook trout resources are unequaled in the Northeastern United States, and the Moosehead Region is well-endowed with wild trout populations. Lake trout, known for the large size which they attain in some waters, are also native throughout the region. Landlocked salmon, originally native only to Sebec Lake, in the southern part of the region, have been introduced throughout the region. Even smelts, which are perhaps known best as an important forage fish, also provide fisheries in some waters. Splake, a hybrid between the lake trout and the brook trout, have been introduced to overcome competition from nongame species and create successful fisheries where other native fish, such as the brook trout, have not been as successful.