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Bar Harbor Bass Trout Lake Fishing Tibbs
Van Buren, ME, United StatesWhat you will be catching:
American Yellow Perch
Lake Trout
Largemouth Bass
Smallmouth Bass
White Perch
- Two productive lake options within one hour of Bar Harbor
- Expert guide Riley customizes trips based on fishing preferences
- Target bass, perch, and lake trout with consistent action
Trip Pricing and Availabilities:
Trip pricing information is temporarily unavailable.
Acadia Bass & Trout Adventure - Bar Harbor
Looking to add some serious fishing action to your Acadia vacation? Riley from Tibbs Fishing Adventures has you covered with this top-rated lake fishing trip that's got locals and visitors hooked. You've got two killer options here - chase bass and perch on a scenic lake where the action stays hot all day, or head out trolling for lake trout with bonus shots at smallmouth. Both spots sit within an hour of Bar Harbor, so you're not burning half your vacation just getting there. This is real Maine lake fishing at its finest, and Riley knows exactly how to dial in the perfect day based on what you're after.
What to Expect on the Water
This isn't your typical tourist fishing trip - Riley's approach is all about reading what you want out of the day and delivering exactly that. If you're traveling with kids or newer anglers who want steady action, the bass and perch lake is your sweet spot. The fish here are cooperative, the scenery's postcard-perfect, and you'll have plenty of photo opportunities between catches. For folks wanting to target bigger fish and don't mind working a bit harder for them, the lake trout option brings that classic Maine trolling experience with beautiful deep water and the chance at some real trophies. Either way, you're looking at a relaxed pace that lets you soak in the Maine wilderness while actually catching fish. Riley handles all the logistics and gear, so you just show up ready to fish.
Trolling & Lake Tactics
The lake trout trips involve classic trolling setups - you'll be covering water with downriggers and lead core lines to get your offerings down where the big trout cruise. Riley's got the electronics dialed in to find the fish and the right lures for whatever mood they're in. Spring and early summer often mean shallower presentations, while mid-summer has you fishing deeper thermoclines where the trout stay cool. On the bass lakes, you're looking at a mix of casting and trolling depending on conditions. Topwater action early and late in the day, then switching to deeper presentations when the sun gets high. Riley stocks quality gear, but if you've got favorite rods or tackle, bring them along - he's always game to work with what gets you excited about fishing.
Top Catches This Season
Smallmouth bass here are absolute fighters and the main reason serious anglers keep coming back to Maine's lakes. These bronze backs typically run 12-18 inches, with plenty of 2-3 pounders mixed in and the occasional 4+ pound fish that'll test your drag. Peak action hits from late May through September when they're active in both shallow and deep water. What makes smallmouth special is their attitude - they hit hard, jump high, and fight like fish twice their size. American yellow perch might not be glamorous, but they're the perfect species for keeping rods bent and kids engaged. These guys school up tight, so when you find them, you find them good. Most run 8-12 inches and they're fantastic eating if you want to take a few for shore lunch. Lake trout are the heavyweights of this operation, with fish from 15-25 inches being typical and occasional monsters pushing 30+ inches. These deep water cruisers are most active in spring and fall when water temperatures suit them, but summer trolling can produce excellent results early and late in the day. White perch add another fun dimension to the mixed bag fishing, especially during their spring spawning runs when they stack up in huge numbers. Largemouth bass round out the target species and while they're not as common as their smallmouth cousins in these waters, they make up for it in size - Maine largemouth that eat well all season can be absolute tanks.
Time to Book Your Spot
Riley's calendar fills up fast during peak season, especially for those prime morning slots when the fishing's hottest. This trip delivers exactly what most folks want from a Maine fishing adventure - legitimate chances at quality fish, beautiful scenery, and a guide who knows these waters inside and out. Whether you're after nonstop action to keep the family entertained or targeting trophy trout for the wall, this experience adapts to what you're looking for. The proximity to Bar Harbor means you can fish hard in the morning and still have time for other Acadia activities, or make it a full day affair if the bite's on. Connect with Riley after booking to talk through your goals and preferences - he'll point you toward the option that fits your group best and ensure you're set up for success on the water.
Learn more about the species
American Yellow Perch
Yellow perch are the perfect family fish - steady action and easy to catch for all skill levels. These golden beauties with dark vertical stripes typically run 7-10 inches and rarely go over a pound, making them ideal for light tackle and kids. They school up in huge numbers around weed beds, docks, and drop-offs in 10-20 feet of water. Spring and early summer offer the best fishing when they're shallow and active. What guests love most is the constant action - it's not unusual to catch a dozen in an hour. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in our lakes with sweet, flaky white meat. Since they travel in schools of 50-200 fish, my trick is to keep your bait right where you caught the first one. Small jigs tipped with worms or minnows work great, and once you find the school, the fun really begins.
Lake Trout
Lake trout are the deep-water giants of our Maine lakes, offering a completely different fishing experience. These silver-grey bruisers typically run 20-30 inches and can easily hit 10-15 pounds, with some monsters pushing much bigger. They live in the coldest, deepest parts of the lake - often 40-80 feet down in summer, though spring brings them shallower right after ice-out. Overcast days and low-light conditions are best since they avoid bright sunlight. What makes lakers special is their powerful, deep runs and the anticipation of not knowing what size is coming up. They're also fantastic eating with rich, flaky meat. Trolling deep with downriggers or heavy jigging are the main techniques. My key tip: when trolling, watch your electronics closely and don't be afraid to go deeper than you think - these fish often suspend right near the thermocline.
Largemouth Bass
Largemouth bass are the classic freshwater gamefish that never disappoints. These olive-green bruisers with dark horizontal stripes typically run 12-20 inches and 2-5 pounds, though bigger ones lurk in our lakes. They love shallow, weedy areas with cover like fallen logs, docks, and thick vegetation where they can ambush prey. Spring through early fall offers the best action when they're active in 5-15 feet of water. What guests love is their explosive strikes and aerial battles - they'll jump and shake their heads trying to throw the hook. They're also decent eating if you want to keep a few from clean water. These fish aren't spooky, so don't be afraid to work cover thoroughly. My favorite technique is throwing soft plastic worms around structure. The key is to let the bait fall naturally and watch your line - most strikes happen on the drop.
Smallmouth Bass
Smallmouth bass are real fighters that'll give you a memorable battle on light tackle. These bronze-backed beauties typically run 12-18 inches in our Maine lakes, with the bigger females pushing 3-4 pounds. They love rocky bottoms and clear water, often hanging around drop-offs and boulder fields. Spring and fall are prime time when they're shallow and aggressive - perfect for casting jigs or soft plastics. Summer pushes them deeper where you'll need to work harder to find them. What makes smallmouth special is their jump-and-run fight style that keeps your drag singing. They're also excellent eating with firm, white meat. My go-to tip: when you catch one, work that same area thoroughly since they school up and where there's one, there's usually more waiting nearby.
White Perch
White perch are scrappy little fighters that pack more punch than their 7-10 inch size suggests. Despite the name, they're actually in the bass family, which explains their aggressive attitude. These silvery fish with high-backed profiles love brackish water but do well in freshwater lakes too. They hang around shallow structure like docks, fallen trees, and weed edges, especially in spring when water hits 50-60 degrees. What makes them fun is they're easy to catch but still give a good account of themselves on light tackle. They also school heavily, so catching doubles and triples isn't uncommon. The meat is white and mild, making them excellent table fare. My trick is to use multiple small hooks on one rig since they travel in large schools. Small jigs, bloodworms, or tiny minnows work great, and once you locate a school, you can fill the cooler quickly.
About the Lund 20'
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Honda
Maximum Cruising Speed: 27
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 115
