SeasonsThis is a small stream that requires a bit of walking to access. 1. Like an Alfa Spider, Greys faded out of the mainstream and into the fond memory of enthusiasts. SeasonsBrook Trout generally get stocked in April and May and the most productive fishing happens in the springtime. We are excited to welcome you to the new Fly Fishing in Maine website! Maine Fishing Regulations and Seasons (MDIFW) Maine Freshwater Fish Species; 24 Maine Guides/Outfitters Found. Freshwater Fly Fishing However, Maine has also been long renowned for its freshwater fishery as well. The occasional Brook Trout exists and the river system gets decent populations of Smallmouth Bass in the warmer summer months. Prime Trout Season in Ireland by Mark Linton, Belfast, N.Ireland I shouldn’t be writing this, I should be fishing! In fact, the river regularly gets floated with drift boats and rafts in this section to access the undercut banks with a sinking line and streamer. SeasonsRegulations differ along the river so make plans and do your research. Because the St. John is a freestone-like river, rain can greatly affect the water levels. Find their website here.**. They aim to “share our passion with others in the community and introduce newcomers old and young to our sport.” One of their annual endeavors is a Day Camp in June for CfR alumnae. FishThe Mousam is another river that flows into the ocean in Southern Maine and has a tidal section (the lower section). We can’t say enough about our staff of guides. The Rapid also gets a healthy population of Smallmouth Bass that move in during the warmer summer months. Maine Fly Fishing Guided Trips. The river is wide and deep in places which is conducive to warm water species like Smallmouth Bass. If you're new to the sport and want some beginner advice, check out Fly Fishing for Beginners from hikingandfishing.com. Lake trout (togue) and landlocked salmon from 10 to 24 inches, some weighing 5 pounds or more, can be caught in the larger … https://www.tridentflyfishing.com/blog/where-to-fly-fish-in-maine Maine Fly Company offers small batch fly rods built in Maine Fly rods made in limited small batches for fly fishing with custom fly rods affordable fly rods made in usa they are high quality fly fishing rods 6w 5w 4w 3w 8w free shipping affordable freshwater trout rivers streams saltwater fly fishing gear new england. one-of-a-kind fly fishing excursions. It may be some of the hardest work you’ll ever do. Keep it civil. Best Places to Fly Fish in Maine. In fact, this section of the state is home to the famous '100-Mile Wilderness', a section of the Appalachian Trail that winds its way through 100 miles of woods and mountainous terrain. The fishing can be quite productive in the late fall if the season is particularly rainy. Before Maine’s largest hydroelectric dam releases 5,000 cubic feet of water per second for power generation (and whitewater rafting), the Kennebec River gorge is a hidden gem for anglers. The air and water will be cooling and the trout and landlocked salmon will start their pre-spawn movement and/or positions into the rivers very soon. Large, brightly colored streamer patterns often fool these big-mouthed predators but don't be surprised if they follow your fly then reject it at the last second. Fly Fishing in Maine (FFIM) is a 501(c)(3) non profit dedicated to preserving, promoting and protecting Maine's fisheries. It’s prime trout fishing season here in Ireland but the wind is blowing from the east, bitterly cold and gusting to 50 mph. FishThe St. Croix River is over 60 miles long and creates much of Maine's eastern border with Canada. GuidesMaine Guide Fly Shop & Guide Service. This means you experience a wide range of temperatures. Let us know in the comments below. Based in Southern Maine. Maine has a long legacy of excellent fly fishing for species such as Smallmouth Bass, Brook Trout and Landlocked Salmon. Most of you probably know Trident Fly Fishing is located in the picturesque state of Maine. Tons of food (mainly healthy Smelt populations) help these fish grow to solid proportions. This trip will be exclusive to your party, so you can choose whether it will be a full-day or a few hours. Had some decent success late summer last year, but not much so far this spring. York, ME – saltwater flyfishing for striped bass, mackerel, and bluefish . The river is relatively small so these fish get pressured in the spring and fall. Read more about Illegal Fish Introduction. Anglers fish sections of the Sump in the winter but fishing isn't as productive and fish are hard to fool. This book is a great resource for most rivers listed here and many more. This area has little human interference and is a great option for the enthusiastic angler who prefers to fish for multiple days and sleep in a tent. PatternsSmaller Caddis Pupa, Pheasant Tail Nymphs, streamers, and Stonefly Nymphs work well on Grand Lake Stream. Musky are caught in the spring and throughout the summer but parts of the river can get low and warm similar to the Allagash so be conscious of the water levels. We drive in the wee hours of the morning and had our eyes peeled for Bullwinkle. There are over 6,500 ponds and lakes to fish from. Unlike other aforementioned rivers, the season on the Magalloway is open April 1 through September 31 so winter fishing isn't allowed. Remember, the river is wide (200+ feet in some places) and can be deep so choose gear accordingly. 100% of our funding comes from your gear purchases, so if this blog post helps you on your next fly fishing adventure, please support us by buying your gear from us. Select a page and create a visual link to it. Located in the US, the fly fishing in Maine offers over ten good fly fishing spots. From there, it grows wider and joins Wyman Lake in … Fish are generally inactive during the warmest summer months but the fall run brings higher numbers of fish that are more active. Photo Credit: Eric Behrens. With a varied terrain to offer, there’s something here for anglers of every skill level. With our affordable rates and family environment it is even easier to that fishing trip of a lifetime! SeasonsStocking efforts take place in the Spring and in the fall on the upper river. Sinking line and streamers work well here when fish aren't feeding on the surface. Musky prefer a much larger meal, however, and are often fished for with flies that are 5-7 inches in length. Not everything, just the BEST.We are also gear consultants and travel coordinators for the adventuring angler.Plus, whether it's an order for tippet, or a trip to Patagonia for trophy trout, a percentage of all sales go back to the fisheries! SeasonsThe lower river is open year-round. The Saco River and Kennebec River are well-known for decent populations of Stripers. Regular bug life exists, too, so bring Caddis, Mayfly, and Stonefly patterns in both nymphal and adult stages. The Rapid is known for producing some of the state's largest wild Brook Trout (some approaching 6-7lbs). FishKnown as a year-round fishery, the Royal River flows from Auburn through Yarmouth and into Casco Bay under the I-95 bridge. Fish in the upper sections should be targeted using attractor nymphs like a Prince Nymph and Mayfly patterns. What to Catch. Catch and relax is our motto. Content Link Block. The section below Sennebec Pond may be the most popular stretch and for good reason. GuidesDiamond Pass OutfittersCoastal Fly Angler. The Kennebec is an incredibly dynamic river that's home to a multitude of species including Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Landlocked Salmon, Smallmouth Bass, and Striped Bass. The lakes offer a convenient river breakdown and the Magalloway is often referred to as having three sections: the upper, middle, and lower. Fly Fishing in Maine and particularly the Moosehead Lake Region is a unique experience. SeasonsSeasons and regulations are strict on the Rapid River to preserve the fishery: fly fishing only and all trout are catch and release. 2.4k posts. In the summer season, however, Smallmouth Bass are plentiful throughout the river and can be tempted with a variety of streamer patterns. 118 posts. SeasonsThe Mousam can legally be fished all year. By Aldo, 4 hours ago; Lost and Found. We spend time fishing from canoes, 21′ Grand Laker style Scott boats, and walk/wading. Dams often mean year-round cold water, however, the Presumscot is characterized by shallow water depths and little elevation drop. If you see fish rising, chances are they're eating small Mayflies or Midges. The northern portions of Maine are filled with lakes and ponds that house large brook trout, landlocked salmon, bass, crappie, pickerel, pike, and everything else you could imagine. Deep pools hold fish year-round. SeasonsThe best fishing in Southern Maine happens in June and again in the fall. PatternsStreamer fishing on the Kennebec is popular for large holdover Brown Trout in the middle section. PatternsThe Penobscot, especially the West Branch north of Millinocket, is characterized by heavy rapids, oxygenated water, deep plunge pools, and deep runs. PatternsProductive patterns include streamers like a Wooly Bugger or a Black-nosed Dace. Gear - Travel - Conservation. New to Maine and FF. We know that 2020 has been a difficult year for many but we are in hopes that all of you are able to get on the water, catch some fish and take your minds of the stresses 2020 has laid at all of our doorsteps. We are not a blog or a review site. Sounds old-fashioned, doesn't it? And now, they're back. It may be some of the hardest work you’ll ever do. Category: Maine Fly Fishing Guides: Freshwater. Trust me, these rivers are (at times) as productive as the finest fisheries in the state. This article provides great information and solid gear recommendations. Here are some of the must visit spots in Maine for any traveling fly angler. Trout populations have decreased since Musky were introduced and, especially in the lower sections of the river, anglers target Musky on both fly gear and conventional gear. A trip up historic Route 1 takes you through Bath and Wiscassett to Maine's Mid-Coast region and the towns of Rockland, Camden, Boothbay, Searsport, and more. Unauthorized introductions of invasive, exotic fish species are particularly destructive to Maine's native fish species, especially brook trout populations. As far as FFIM events go, the  Fly Fishing Film Tour (aka F3T) at the Frontier Cafe and Cinema in Brunswick and CFR Day have both been postponed for now. Rumors of sea-run Brown Trout encourage winter angling when water conditions allow. FishI decided to group the Kennebec River in with the Western Maine region although it's technically a little more central than the aforementioned "Western Maine" rivers. Choosing the right time to fly fish in Maine can be difficult and due to the size of the state it can be tough to choose where to go. They have all been with us for many years and truly know their stuff. As the river winds its way to the coast, water gets warm and slow and the river becomes a Smallmouth Bass fishery. SeasonsThe Magalloway, like any trout river, fishes best in the spring and early summer. SeasonsAngling is, of course, best in the spring and fall seasons when the water is cooler and the fish are active. Proudly created with. This is the oldest Orvis-endorsed lodge in Maine. Proudly created with Wix.com, The original, serving Maine fly anglers since 1995. Most of the northern part of the state is covered in forest, accessed by dirt roads, and sparsely populated. Look for brook trout that run from 6 to 18 inches, with an average of 9-13 inches. The lower section of the river is a tailwater and, as such, holds trout all summer long (yes, even when the weather gets warm). Bucktail Guide Service LLC. Home . This strain of Salmon is one of 4 native populations of LL Salmon in the US (Fly Fisher's Guide to New England, Zambello). Maine has an abundance of opportunities for the angler looking to go fly fishing. If you want detailed maps, turn to Lou Zambello's book entitled Flyfisher's Guide to New England. SeasonsLike many rivers in Maine, the St. Croix conforms to the April 1 through October fishing season in most sections. Portland is Maine's largest city and brings streams of tourists in the summer. In this episode of The New Fly Fisher, Tom Rosenbauer and Mark Melnyk visit one of the oldest and most famous sporting lodges in the country, Weatherby’s in Grand Lake Stream, Maine, for spring smallmouth bass and landlocked salmon fishing. Southern Maines Fly Shop - Flies, Rods, Reels, Lines, Tackle, Waders, Classes and Guided Fly Fishing Trips For those of us who have been at this long enough, you'll remember when Greys left us some 6 (or so) years ago to become a European only brand. The river holds Landlocked Salmon, a few Brook Trout in the upper reaches, and Musky. Whether you would like to target Maine brook trout, landlocked salmon, or smallmouth bass & pike in freshwater, or head to the ocean for some saltwater fly fishing for striped bass - we can make it happen! Depending where you fish, you’ll find plenty of brook trout, Arctic char, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and a variety of perch, among other fish species. Private sections of the river that get less pressure are home to holdover Brown Trout that reach the mid-twenty inch class and hide in deep troughs to stay cool in the summer. Trident is backed by years and years of Maine fly fishing experience and, as we so often do here at Trident, we want to share that info with you. The Maine Guide Fly Shop & Guide Service caters to the needs of the modern angler. The Kennebec River for Fly Fishing. Some of the states best freshwater fishing can be found only a few minutes drive from its remarkable saltwater fishery. Lou Zambello's book Flyfisher's Guide to New England is a great resource if you wish to gain more detailed insight into any of these rivers. That being said, the river maintains a healthy flow into the winter months and is known as a year-round fishery. After ice-out fishing (streamers and smelt patterns), fish pale yellow and pale green eggs behind spawning suckerfish. Learn more. Fish larger bright streamers in higher water and focus on the outlets of the various ponds on the river. The primary target species in the Magalloway are Brook Trout and Landlocked Salmon, some reaching 5+lbs. Very Helpful article. Volunteering with FFIM takes many shapes, but every job makes a critical contribution to our mission of protecting Maine’s coldwater, saltwater and other fisheries. Attractor dry flies often entice Brookies laying in pools or shallow riffles. Downloads . PatternsStreamers and nymphs work well if you're fishing for trout on the lower river. **Georges River Trout Unlimited does a lot of work in this area and is a great resource for anglers traveling to the Mid-Coast. Lots of them. When it comes to fly fishing lakes and ponds in Maine, there are absolutely endless opportunities. This region's small population means many of the fish in this part of the state haven't seen an angler in a long time, if ever. We have more than 30 canoes stashed on … People interested in volunteering should contact us via email us at information@ffim.org. The fish in the Magalloway are large, wild, and active most of the year. Best Maine Fly Fishing Rivers Maine has 14 fly fish spots. REGISTERED MAINE FLY FISHING GUIDE . From Wild Brook Trout to Striped Bass Maine has it covered. Maine has a long legacy of excellent fly fishing for species such as smallmouth bass, brook trout and landlocked salmon. The lower river gets stocked again in the fall and Brook Trout fall victim to well-presented streamers. I also design t-shirts and my t-shirts are available over yonder in the store. Check the regulations before planning a trip and be conscious of the water levels/temps and weather. These hot days have bass looking up in search of damsel flies and hatches coming … They're finicky. Fly Fishing in Maine (FFIM) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to promoting, protecting and preserving Maine’s fisheries. The best Maine fly fishing based on popularity are considered to be Kennebec River, Saco River, Machias River, Rapid River, and Union River. Eastern Maine isn't well-known for its fly fishing. Two tributaries, the East and West Branches of the Kennebec, form the main river, both of which flow into Indian Pond. PatternsThere are multiple fly patterns that are popular for Striped Bass. Through education and conservation we aim to share our passion with others in the community and introduce newcomers old and young to our sport. There are tons of small creeks, little-known rivers, and hidden gems in this part of the state; I've chosen two of the more famous rivers to write about here but continue to research and explore if you're ever up in that 'neck of the woods'. You may cast over fish that have not seen a fly for months, years or ever. No stocking trucks or stringers of fish here. The largest attraction to Grand Lake Stream, however, is the native Landlocked Salmon. This section gets stocked heavily in the spring with Brown Trout and Brook Trout although fish do holdover. Below Indian Pond, the Kennebec flows into the Forks Township, where the Dead River flows in. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. we’ve got a guided trip for any angler. Damns provide large plunge pools that conceal fish and allow them to hold over even in warm water conditions. Stoneflies, Blue-Winged Olives, Caddis, and Midges hatch during the late spring and trout capitalize on these insects after protein-rich sucker eggs become unavailable. We can’t say enough about our staff of guides. Western Maine shelters a storied history of remote wilderness, mountainous terrain, and some of the state's most fabled trout rivers. Northern Maine is rugged and unforgiving. The allure of western Maine often overshadows the Mid-Coast region but if you know where to look, trophy fish can be found. You’ll learn new … Continue reading Guide Service – Maine And the Salmon get pretty large which makes them loads of fun to catch on a fly rod. In deeper holes during warmer times of the year fish are likely on the bottom-feeding on nymphs. Try a Clouser Minnow or a Ray's Fly. Statewide General Fishing Laws General Fishing Laws for Inland Waters. Sea-run trout also feed on baitfish patterns including a Mickey Finn or Barnes Special. PatternsStripers feed on a variety of baitfish in the lower tidal section of the Mousam. Brook Trout that reach lengths of over 20 inches populate many remote rivers in this region and Landlocked Salmon are also plentiful and can get quite large. Lobster, sailing, summer houses, beautiful coastline, tourism, and the largest forest coverage of any state in the US. Nymphs and small streamers can be used, too, but a well-presented dry fly often does the trick. PatternsIf you read about the Magalloway River you know the Rapid gets a sucker spawn in the early-ish spring. Streamers including a Wooly Bugger and Muddler Minnow can be productive in the fall and early spring. For most of our Brook Trout fishing a mid-flex (5-6wt) rod usually works best. In addition to the thousands of miles of ocean shoreline, Maine is ecologically rich with some 6,000 rivers, streams, lakes, creeks, and ponds. Striped Bass will eat Clousers, Ray's Flies, Deceivers, and just about any streamer that imitates a baitfish in the lower river. Check the state's regulations before fishing the river. In the springtime after stocking occurs fish below the second dam feed ravenously on midges in foam and bubble lines. The Royal also gets heavily stocked in certain sections with smaller Brook Trout. FishThe Ducktrap is a small stream that runs from Belmont to Lincolnville and shelters small wild Brook Trout. Northeast Whitewater Lodge & Guide Service .