If you’ve ever driven Route 1A between Bangor and Ellsworth on your way to Bar Harbor, you’ve passed it. You probably saw the glint of sunlight off the water through the towering pines and thought, "That looks nice," before hitting the gas to make your dinner reservation at the coast.
Stop doing that.
Honestly, Phillips Lake in Dedham Maine is one of those places that locals sort of want to keep to themselves, and for good reason. While the crowds are suffocating each other for a parking spot at Sand Beach in Acadia, the folks on Phillips Lake are sitting on granite docks, listening to loons, and actually enjoying the Maine summer. It’s a massive body of water—over 1,000 acres—and it’s deep. Really deep. We’re talking over 90 feet in spots, which keeps the water crisp even when July gets weirdly humid.
It’s a vibe.
What the Maps Don’t Tell You About Phillips Lake
Geology is usually boring, but here it matters. Phillips Lake sits in a glacial gouge. Because it’s surrounded by the Lucerne Hills—those big, rounded granite mountains like Bald Mountain and Black Cap—the scenery feels much more "mountainous" than your average flat-land Maine pond.
Most people call it Lucerne. If you tell a local you're going to Phillips Lake, they might blink at you for a second before saying, "Oh, you mean Lucerne-in-Maine." Back in the 1920s, developers tried to turn this area into a posh resort modeled after Lucerne, Switzerland. They built the Lucerne-in-Maine Clubhouse, which still stands today as a historic landmark. They wanted it to be the "Switzerland of America."
Did they succeed? Sorta.
The grandeur of the 1920s log-architecture clubhouse is still there, and it feels like stepping into a Great Gatsby fever dream, but the real draw isn't the history. It's the water quality. Because much of the shoreline is rocky and the lake is fed by clean springs, the clarity is startling. You can see your toes when you’re chest-deep.
The Fishing Reality: It’s Not Just Luck
Let's get real about the fishing. A lot of travel blogs will tell you "the fishing is great!" about every puddle in New England. That's a lie. But Phillips Lake is a legitimate fishery because of that depth I mentioned earlier.
The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW) manages this place specifically for cold-water species. It’s a premier spot for Landlocked Salmon and Lake Trout (Togue). If you’re out there in a boat, you’ll see the depth finders pinging around the "humps" where the bottom rises from 70 feet up to 30. That's where the big guys hide.
- Landlocked Salmon: These are the stars. They love the oxygen-rich, cold water.
- Smallmouth Bass: If you prefer top-water action, the rocky eastern shoreline is a graveyard of downed trees and boulders—perfect bass habitat.
- Chain Pickerel: They’re in the shallower, weedy coves near the south end. Watch your fingers.
I’ve seen kids pull decent-sized perch off the public docks while serious anglers are out in $50,000 bass boats. It accommodates everyone. But if you're coming in August, bring lead core line or a downrigger. The fish go deep when the surface warms up. That's just science.
Navigating the Access Issues
Here is the thing no one tells you: Phillips Lake is tricky if you don't own a cabin. Most of the shoreline is private. That’s the reality of Maine lakefront property. However, you aren't totally locked out.
The Lucerne-in-Maine public boat launch is located right off Route 1A. It’s a solid concrete ramp, but parking is a nightmare on Saturdays. If you aren't there by 8:00 AM, you’re basically out of luck. There's also a small public beach area, but it’s mostly for residents or those staying at the local inns.
If you want the best experience without owning a multi-million dollar "camp," book a room at the Lucerne Inn. It sits on the hill overlooking the lake. The view from their patio during sunset is, and I don't use this word lightly, iconic. You see the hills reflecting in the water, the mist starting to rise, and suddenly the $25 cocktail feels like a bargain.
The "Secret" Spots You Should Actually Seek Out
Don't just stay in the main basin. Phillips Lake has some character if you know where to paddle.
If you have a kayak or a canoe, head toward the islands. There are several small islands scattered throughout the lake. Most are private, but the water around them is shallow and turquoise-clear. It feels like the Caribbean, just with more pine needles and colder water.
There's also the "under the bridge" area. The lake is bisected by a rail line and some smaller road crossings. Exploring the passages between the main body and the smaller "Little Phillips" section is where you find the wildlife. I’ve seen bald eagles nesting in the white pines on the northern end more times than I can count. They aren't shy. They’ll dive for a fish right in front of your boat if you stay quiet.
Why Winter Might Actually Be Better
Most people think of Maine lakes as a summer-only deal. They’re wrong.
When Phillips Lake freezes solid—usually by late January—it turns into a village. Ice fishing shacks pop up everywhere. There's a certain communal grit to standing on two feet of ice, drinking coffee from a thermos, and waiting for a "trap" (that’s what we call ice fishing tip-ups here) to flag. The Dedham local community really shines in the winter. You’ll see snowmobiles ripping across the ice, heading toward the trails that connect to the wider Maine Interconnected Trail System (ITS).
The Boring (But Important) Stuff
Safety on Phillips Lake is no joke. Because of the way the hills are shaped, the wind can whip up out of nowhere. One minute it's glass; the next, you've got two-foot whitecaps. If you’re in a small boat or a paddleboard, keep an eye on the flags on the private docks. If they’re snapping, get back to shore.
Also, be respectful. The people who live here year-round are protective of the water. Invasive species like variable-leaf milfoil are a constant threat in Maine. Always, always wash your boat before dropping it in. If you bring an invasive plant into Phillips, the locals will—rightfully—never let you hear the end of it.
The Local Economy and Where to Eat
Dedham isn't a big town. It’s mostly trees and rocks. But you aren't far from civilization.
- The Lucerne Inn: High-end dining, great views, very "old money" Maine.
- The Dedham Village Store: This is your lifeline. It's a classic Maine general store. Go there for the Italian sandwiches or a quick coffee. It’s where you’ll hear the actual town gossip.
- Ellsworth: Just 15 minutes down the road. It’s got everything from LL Bean outlets to local breweries like Fogtown Brewing Company.
Real Advice for Your Trip to Phillips Lake in Dedham Maine
If you're planning a visit, don't just "wing it." This isn't a tourist trap with endless signage.
First, check the weather. Specifically, check the wind speed. Anything over 10 mph makes the main basin of Phillips Lake choppy and unpleasant for casual paddling.
Second, understand the geography. The lake is roughly divided into the "Big Lake" and "Little Phillips." If you want peace and quiet, stick to the edges of the smaller sections. If you want to water ski or see the big houses, the main basin is your arena.
Third, respect the loons. These birds are a symbol of Maine, and they nest on the shores of Phillips Lake. If you see a loon, give it space. If it starts dancing on the water or making a frantic yodeling sound, you're too close. You're stressing it out. Back off.
Moving Forward: Your Action Plan
Don't just read about it. Phillips Lake is best experienced with some dirt under your fingernails and a bit of lake water on your shoes. Here is how to actually do it right:
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- Rent a local VRBO or Airbnb: Search specifically for "Lucerne-in-Maine" or "Phillips Lake." Staying on the water is 100x better than driving in for the day. Look for places with westward-facing docks if you want the best sunsets.
- Get a Maine Fishing License online: It takes two minutes on the MDIFW website. Don't risk the fine. The wardens do patrol here, especially during the busy holiday weekends.
- Hike Bald Mountain first: Before you hit the water, hike the trail up Bald Mountain in Dedham. It’s a moderate climb, and the summit gives you an aerial view of the entire lake. It helps you understand the layout of the land before you get on the water.
- Time your visit: June is "Black Fly Season." Unless you want to be eaten alive, wait until after the Fourth of July. September is the real pro-tip move. The water is still warm enough for a quick jump, the bugs are gone, and the foliage starts to turn.
Phillips Lake isn't just a waypoint on the road to Acadia. It's a destination that offers a quieter, deeper, and more authentic Maine experience. Just remember to pack out what you pack in and keep the noise down after 9:00 PM. The loons—and the neighbors—will thank you.