October 29, 2025
View of Rockhaven Lake from the bridge over the outlet. I fished in my waders along the shoreline to the left of this picture.
Location and Public Access to Rock Haven Lake
Where is Rock Haven Lake Located?
This lake (a.k.a. Adams Pond) is a 210-acre body of water found in Newfield, York County, Maine (see The Maine Atlas and Gazetteer map 2 A2). My goal today is fishing for trout on Rock Haven Lake in my waders along the shoreline.
Public Access to Rock Haven Lake
The public access point is located about 100 ft. from the outlet, across from where Route 11 joins up with Route 110. This unmarked walk-in path through the woods provides parking for a few cars along the road shoulder. Anglers can only launch hand-carried craft from this location because it lacks a boat launch.
The path that leads to the lake from Route 11 is unmarked.
Stocking, Depth Profile, and Fishing Rules for Rock Haven Lake
Annual Stocking of Brook Trout
Rock Haven Lake supports a typical seasonal “put-and-take” trout fishery. The State stocks brook trout each fall to support the upcoming ice fishing season. Any fish remaining at the end of the winter are available to be caught in the spring.
Depth Profile
None of the brook trout present in Rock Haven Lake in the spring are expected to survive the following summer. The reason is that this lake is shallow (mean depth = 11 ft.; maximum depth = 22 ft.), does not form a full thermocline in the summer, and experiences a severe oxygen deficiency at depth during the warmer months. Click here for a depth map and additional fisheries information.
Fishing Rules
The general fishing laws for the South Zone apply at Rock Haven Lake, except that (a) the pond is open to fishing using only artificial lures between October 1 and November 30, and (b) all trout must be released alive at once during that time period.
A pretty male brookie caught wading along the shoreline.
Catching Brook Trout on Rock Haven Lake
Technique for Fishing for Trout on Rockhaven Lake
I arrive at the Rock Haven Lake public access point around 10 am. The sun is hiding behind a thick cloud deck, and the air temperature is in the mid-40’s. I layer up to stay warm and don my waders. Keep in mind that wader fishing this time of year can be challenging: to the typical issues of shoreline obstructions or difficult substrate is added the rapidly-cooling water which now has a temperature in the high 40’s. I could of course use my canoe at this location but enjoy the challenge of getting intimate with the shoreline and the water. But one has to fully respect these tough conditions and be mindful of potential pitfalls to avoid an unpleasant – and cold! – dip.
The leaf colors have faded but the brook trout are still pretty.
I enter Rock Haven Lake at the bridge by the outlet under Route 11. I come armed with an ultralight spinning rod, a small spinning reel spooled with thin monofilament line, and a marvelous #2 Mepps spinner.
Results of Fishing for Trout on Rock Haven Lake
I cast out my lure in that general area for 15 minutes without generating a hit. Unfortunately, the wading conditions at this location are terrible… The bottom consists mainly of large, slippery boulders, and the water gains depth quickly. This arrangement is not working out for me, and I have no desire to swim.
I extricate myself, walk back to the road, and down the public access path that leads to the water. The wading conditions are only marginally better here, with less boulders but more muck and sunken wood next to water that quickly gains depth.
I cast my lure towards the surviving lily pads on the opposite end and entice three brook trout to grab the spinner over the next 45 minutes. Even though the fishing is slow, each brookie fights vigorously given the cool conditions. Two of the fish are also males in their brilliant spawning colors.
This is a real treat, but the bite stops, the wind picks up, and my legs are getting cold. I call it good, happy to have caught several brookies under less than ideal conditions.
The results: I caught 3 brook trout (largest = 14 inches) in one hour and 15 minutes.
Was the information in this blog useful? I invite you to share your thoughts and opinions. Also, feel free to discuss your fishing experiences at this location.
Tight Lines, y’all.
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