Baskahegan Stream Leisure Canoeing & Bass Fishing Trip
The Baskahegan Stream in northern Washington County: A lesser-known canoe trip, offering excellent opportunities for small mouth bass fishing, moose watching and viewing beaver, otter, eagles, and waterfowl. Mostly a flat-water trip, this remote soft adventure and is dependent upon water levels. Typically, the trip can be paddled from early May to early June and in the fall when the water level is sufficient. A great 1-4 day canoe trip with several put-in and takeout options.
Our Three-Day Itinerary: Meet at 8AM in the town of Danforth at the Crooked Brook Flowage Landing and parking lot, we’ll load up into our vehicles, transport you to our launch location in Brookton, about a 20-minute drive. The Crooked Brook Flowage is 1/4 south of the town of Danforth on Route 169. Look for the large sign, can’t miss it. Our canoe trip begins in Brookton at the landing on Baskahegan Lake, ending in Danforth on the flowage about 12 noon on day 3. This is a leisurely canoe trip (only 15 miles) with a focus on small mouth bass fishing.
Pictures and video of our May 2020 Baskahegan Stream Canoe Trip
We Provide: all necessary camping equipment including river bags to keep your clothing dry, sleeping pads, durable Old Town canoes, comfortable type III life jackets, paddles, tents, group tarp, cooking & eating utensils, meals while on the river, well stocked First Aid kit. Note: If you have some of your own equipment you prefer to bring, be sure to check off on the online application.
Meals: Breakfasts include the best organic coffee, assortment of regular & herbal teas, & hot chocolate, buttermilk pancakes served with real Maine blueberries & syrup, and the traditional Maine guide breakfast of local farm fresh eggs, meat and potatoes. Lunches are on the fly and may include make your own wraps with assorted breads, variety of meats and cheeses, lettuce, pickles and tomatoes. Snack foods including trail mix, beef jerky, carrots, peanut butter, bars, cookies, fruit. Suppers include the best cuts of locally raised rib-eye steaks and Spaghetti with a homemade sauce. Desserts including strawberry shortcake and smore for the little one.
You Provide: Fishing poles and tackle, personal clothing and sleeping bag. (See packing list below)
New to canoeing? Be sure to view our instructional videos made in collaboration with Old Town Canoe. This short 3-part series covers: Basic Canoe Strokes, Canoe Paddling Maneuvers, Running Rapids. You can view them here.
Baskahegan Stream is a less traveled stream near East Grand Lake that features wildlife viewing.
Duration: 1-4 days
The Baskahegan Stream in northern Washington County is a lesser known canoe trip, offering excellent opportunities for small mouth bass fishing, moose watching and viewing beaver, otter, eagles, and waterfowl.
Mostly a flat water trip, this remote soft adventure and is dependent upon water levels. Typically the trip can be paddled from early May to early June and in the fall when the water level is sufficient. A great 1-4 day canoe trip with several put-in and takeout options. Beginning off route 6 near Topsfield, you’ll paddle 7.75 miles down a remote scenic stream and deadwater on your way to Baskahegan Lake. As you enter the lake, keep an eye for eagles on Pine Island.
After crossing the Lake, we pass over the remains of an old dam left over from the days when logs were floated down river to mills and a train depot in Danforth. We continue down the stream (9 miles) with the lower 4 miles offering good moving water. After crossing Crooked Brook Flowage (3.5 miles), we portage around the dam in Danforth and continue downstream for 8 miles with mostly flat water, another great stretch of river for wildlife viewing. Our takeout location is in Bancroft above the confluence with the Mattawamkeag River.
Day trips on the Baskahegan Stream
Inquire about half day and full day trips. Half day trips generally run from 8 – Noon, while full day trips run from 8 – 4. However, arrangements can be made to begin your trip at first light for what can be a breathtaking experience as the sun greets a new day on the Baskahegan. Wildlife tends to be more active during these early hours and this can be a great time to spot moose. Available May to mid June and in the fall as water levels permit.
Day & overnight trips
- Route 6 in Topsfield to Brookton Landing 10 miles
- Route 6 to Danforth landing 25 miles
- Route 6 to South Brancroft 33.5 miles
Add the night prior to your trip by staying in the region’s finest accommodations, the First Settler’s Lodge in Weston, with panoramic views of Mt. Katahdin and East Grand Lakes area. $100.00 per person double occupancy includes supper and breakfast. With this option, your guide drops off your waterproof river bags the night prior to the trip so you can pack, then joins you for breakfast the day of your trip. After breakfast, you and your guides will travel together to the put-in location on the river.
CLICK ON MAPS TO ENLARGE. One map shows the Baskahegan Lake campsites, the other map shows Baskahegan Stream campsites. Fire permits are required and can be obtained by calling the Maine Forest Service in Old Town at 207-827-1800
2013, new campsites on Baskahegan Stream completed
2012, Baskahegan Lake Campsites upgraded
Baskahegan Stream Pictures
