SUMMARY: The Ripogenus Dam, originally built in 1853, was rebuilt in 1916. The water levels of Caribou Lake and neighboring Ripogenus Lake rose high enough to connect with Chesuncook Lake, creating one giant body of water. It is the third-largest lake in Maine. The ice-out date ranges from mid-April to about May 8 over the last 50 years. Gero Island is a 3,175-acre island in Chesuncook Lake.
Chesuncook & Caribou Lake is located in a wilderness area with no towns within 60 miles. Ripogenus Lake, Chesuncook Lake, Caribou Lake, Moose Pond, Umbazooksus Stream, Caucomgomoc Stream, and the West Branch of the Penobscot River are all connected.
Chesuncook Village is a small settlement located on the northwestern shore of Chesuncook Lake. It has a year-round population of about 10 people on this otherwise uninhabited lake. The lakes are 50 miles north of Greenville and 65 miles west of Millinocket.
The lake is very clean. There are no invasive aquatic plants.
MORE INFORMATION: History: The area is remote and was a logging area. It was visited by Henry David Thoreau in 1858. He wrote a story about it, Chesuncook.
Geographic Features/Highlights: Mt. Katahdin is visible from the lake in the distance. Gero Island and the dam are also features.
Tourism: No hotels, motels, or inns are located in the area since the Chesuncook Lake House burned down in 2018. It is in the process of being rebuilt, and the bar is now open for special occasions. They also offer a snack area, and fuel for snowmobiles is available. This is a wilderness region and is known for fishing, whitewater rafting, and viewing wildlife. You may be able to hire an experienced guide to help you locate the best fishing spots for trout and salmon. Allagash Gateway Campground & Cabins is located on Ripogenus Lake, which is adjacent to Chesuncook Lake.
Hikers can find trails nearby that are advanced in many cases and offer all the challenges you could possibly want.
Chesuncook Lake Geographical Overview:
Includes Ripogenus, Chesuncook, Caribou Lake and Moose Pond
- Surface Area: 25,183 acres
- Perimeter: 118.2 miles
- Mean Depth: 36 feet
- Maximum Depth (Recorded): 163 feet
- Delorme Atlas: Map 49 (sections A-1, B-1, C-1), Map 50 (sections C-1, D-1 & 2)
- Towns: Chesuncook Twp, T2 R12 WELS, T3 R11 WELS, T3 R12 W
- Counties: Piscataquis
Chesuncook Lake Fishing Information:
- Fishery Type: Coldwater & Warmwater
- Principal Fishery (2024): Cusk, Landlocked Salmon, Rainbow Smelt, White Perch
- Other Fish Species (2024): Blacknose Dace, Brook Trout, Brown Bullhead, Common Shiner, Creek Chub, Fallfish, Golden Shiner, Lake Chub, Lake Trout, Longnose Sucker, White Sucker, Yellow Perch
Chesuncook Lake Boat Ramps/Launches: Trailered boat access on Chesuncook Lake Road (Chesuncook Lake) and Guy Allen Road (Umbazooksus Stream). Carry in access on Golden Road (Caribou Lake). See boat launch locations on the Chesuncook Lake map.
Click here for a Chesuncook Lake Survey Map (PDF)
