China Lake

Boat Ramps: 2
Access Points: 2
Species: 11

China Lake is a renowned fishing destination in Maine, consisting of two distinct basins connected by a narrow waterway. This 3,845-acre lake spans nearly 30 miles of shoreline and is considered by many to be the best bass fishing lake in the state. Located in Kennebec County northeast of Augusta, China Lake has a maximum depth of 85 feet and offers diverse fishing opportunities throughout the year. The lake's two basins differ significantly in character: the east basin is long and narrow with an irregularly shaped shoreline and many islands, reaching a maximum depth of just 50 feet, while the west basin is more circular and deeper, reaching 85 feet. The shoreline of the east basin is highly developed with seasonal and year-round homes, while the west basin is lightly developed as it serves as a water source for Waterville and Winslow.

Maine licenses and regulations4 to check before you go

Species & education

Learn what type of fish are at China Lake and what's needed to catch them.

Find which waters have the species you want to catch

Largemouth Bass

Micropterus salmoides

Smallmouth Bass

Micropterus dolomieu

Rainbow Trout

Oncorhynchus mykiss

Brown Trout

Salmo trutta

Brook Trout

Salvelinus fontinalis

Chain Pickerel

Esox niger

Pumpkinseed

Lepomis gibbosus

Redbreast Sunfish

Lepomis auritus

White Perch

Morone americana

White Sucker

Catostomus commersonii

Yellow Perch

Perca flavescens

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on China Lake. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

China Lake Boat Ramp

Boat Ramp

China Lake Boat Ramp

Boat Ramp

Know where you can legally fish on China Lake

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

Maine licenses and regulations

Maine Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

Learn more

Maine Fishing License

A valid Maine fishing license is required for anyone 16 years of age or older, to fish in inland waters or transport fish taken from inland waters. A person is required to keep their fishing license with them at all times while fishing or transporting fish and must exhibit their license for inspection by any warden, department employee, guide, or landowner upon request. An electronic license or permit can now be displayed in lieu of a physical paper license or permit.

Learn more

Maine Fishing Regulations

This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.

Learn more

Maine Stream Access Laws

"All streams of sufficient capacity in their natural condition to float boats, rafts or logs, are deemed public highways and as such are subject to the use of the public."

Learn more

Take China Lake with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

Use the map without signal
Download the map around China Lake to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for China Lake to find where and when fish are biting for you.
HD depth charts from Garmin
Find drop offs, ledges, channels, points and shallow flats with Garmin depth charts in the app.