Fishing Report

From Fisheries Resource Biologist Nick Kalejs, 8/19/24

Where to fish: The fall is a time of transition, with warm, summer weather to start and cooler temperatures coming close behind. As September begins, action on warm water species like bass, perch, pickerel, and many panfish should remain strong. A few waters to try might include Hancock Pond, Denmark; Highland Lake, Bridgton; or Lower Range Pond, Poland. Once our lakes begin to cool down, many trout ponds in Oxford County can provide good catch rates of brook trout in picturesque settings. Trout Pond, Stoneham and Overset Pond, Greenwood are worthwhile examples. Finally, the return of cooler weather usually means more active fish in rivers and streams. The Little Androscoggin River features many access sites and has healthy numbers of both bass and stocked brook, brown, and rainbow trout

Fishing tip: As the weather changes, so should your fishing strategy. For trout and salmon, fish deeper with sinking lines until the lakes mix with cooler water from top to bottom. Then, look for surface insect hatches and try to determine if fish are coming up to feed.

Reminders: Remember that general law fishing regulations on rivers, streams, and brooks statewide changed on August 16 to help protect spawning fish. On these waters, anglers can use artificial lures and flies only, while daily bag limits for landlocked salmon and brook trout drop to one fish for both species. As always, check your lawbook before heading out.

From Fisheries Resource Supervisor Jason Seiders, 8/28/24

Where to fish: This is a great time of year to fish some of this region's rivers for smallmouth bass. The Kennebec River offers a wide variety of opportunities; some from a boat, some best from a canoe or kayak, and some right from the riverbank. The river is broken up into several sections by hydroelectric facilities, and each section offers its own unique experience. The Sebasticook River is a gem in terms of its smallmouth bass fishery. The Sebasticook offers good numbers of fish and great size quality. These fish will be feeding heavily in the month of September, as millions of juvenile alewives migrate downstream.

Lake St. George (Liberty): This recommendation isn't applicable until mid to late September when water temperatures cool down. By the end of the month, Lake St. George is a great bet for trolling up some nice landlocked salmon. This is by far the region's best salmon lake; consistently growing good numbers of fish over 20-inches. Last fall, we saw some of the best salmon we've ever collected on Lake St. George; impressive size and numbers. Fish in the 4–5-pound class are not uncommon.

Belgrade Stream and Pemaquid River: These two spots offer great opportunities for those looking for a short paddle and lots of fish. The Pemaquid River is a great spot for lots of largemouth bass in a very scenic location. You might not catch a wall hanger, but catch rates are high for 10-14 inch fish. Belgrade Stream offers an opportunity for tons of panfish and some monster bass. There's easy access at both spots for those launching canoes and kayaks.

Fishing tip: Depending on your target species, remember that your best bet for most fish species will be during the low-light times of day; morning and evening. That's most important while the water is still quite warm earlier in the month. As things cool off later in September, the fishing will heat up.

Reminders: Please remember to respect the areas you fish. Whether it's a public boat launch or someone's private property, please pick up after yourself!
Good luck, be safe, and have fun!

From Fisheries Resource Biologist Jacob Scoville, 8/26/24

Now that the dog days of summer are behind us, it's time to make plans for fall fishing. Early in September, summer conditions are likely to persist, but as the month progresses, cooler temperatures will follow. Cooling air temperatures mean the fishing in the Downeast region will heat up again. Late September is my favorite month to target stream-dwelling brook trout, but trolling for salmon in larger lakes should not be overlooked.

Where to fish: As fall approaches, cold-water fish (salmon and trout) become more active as the spawning season approaches. Once the water temperatures start to dip into the 60s and below, landlocks will become susceptible to anglers trolling in lakes. Tunk Lake in T10 SD and Donnell Pond in T9 SD are scenic waters that should provide good salmon fishing later into the month. Lake trout are also present in Tunk and Donnell, which anglers can target to diversify the trip.

September means hopper season here in Maine. If you're a fly angler seeking out hungry trout looking to snack on terrestrial insects, you waited all year for another September. Like lake fishing, once the water temperatures are in the 60s, brook trout will be active and looking to feed. Portions of the Pleasant River and tributaries to the Narraguagus and Machias Rivers could provide anglers with a great day of trout fishing. You'll have to do some homework or go on an adventure to learn the best spots in those waters.

Fishing tip: In many coastal Downeast Lakes, the fall is when young of the year (YOY) alewives leave the lakes to travel back to the ocean. This also means that salmon and lake trout may key in on these small fish. Because of this, if you know the lake you are fishing has a run of alewife, and your classic smelt patterns are not producing, try using a YOY alewife pattern.

Just because September has arrived doesn't mean you should immediately take off to your favorite trout stream. Because summer weather can hang around, ensure the flows are adequate in the stretch of water you are looking to fish. Cool water temperatures and plenty of flow are the best recipe for September's success in trout streams. Using the USGS Streamflow website makes this doable from your computer or cell phone.

Reminders: Not every water in the South Zone is open to fall fishing. This is why fishing lakes such as Tunk and Donnell are good choices in September, as they will close to all fishing from October 1st to December 31st. Be sure to check the regulations of your fall fishing locations.

From Fisheries Resource Biologist Dylan Whitaker, 8/26/24

There have been a few crisp mornings this August that remind me fall is just around the corner. Days are getting shorter, nights longer, and water temperatures will start cooling steadily throughout September. Brook Trout and Salmon are sensitive to these environmental cues and will begin to change with the changing seasons. The most striking changes to these fish are the elongated lower jaw of male salmon (kype or "hook jaw") and the bright orange bellies and fins of brook trout that mimic fall foliage. In my opinion, there are few settings more picturesque than a brightly colored brook trout at the end of your line on a cascading river with fall foliage as your backdrop. It's truly a beautiful time of year to be on the water, and it's just around the bend. So, dust off your fishing gear if you haven't already and get ready for fall fishing.

Where to fish: Rivers and streams or inlets and outlets from a lake or pond can be very productive in September as trout and salmon begin to navigate towards their spawning grounds. Our larger rivers and streams in the Rangeley area provide great fishing opportunities in September, and your success on the river can change quickly depending on how fish move through these systems. A big rain event or a few cold nights can get fish moving, so keep an eye on weather patterns and plan your next fishing trip accordingly. Don't be afraid to bounce around a drainage either, experimenting with new areas can certainly pay off. Salmon and trout can be finicky in September as they turn their attention towards spawning, but stay vigilant, persistence and a good presentation can entice the pickiest of fish.

If you're looking for someplace new to fish, I recommend checking out a few streams in north central Oxford County. Bear Brook along Rt 26 in Newry is a nice trout stream with good access along the main route. If you're in that area and up for a challenge you can drive into Grafton Notch State Park and hike into Speck Pond. Speck Pond is one of Maine's highest elevation ponds and supports a healthy population of brook trout that are stocked annually by plane (be prepared for a steep hike). The Ellis River in Andover along Rt 5 and the Swift River in Byron along Rt 17 are two nice trout streams with excellent views of the surrounding mountains as well.

Fishing tip: Invest in a nice pair of gloves that keep your hands warm but allow the dexterity you need to cast and reel in a fish. Maine weather can turn quick, and cold hands will get you off the water sooner than you'd like, so keep a pair of gloves close by just in case.

Reminders: Stream anglers should keep in mind that general law on all rivers and streams in Maine starting August 16th is artificial lure or fly fishing only, and the bag limit is reduced to one brook trout and one landlocked salmon or less if the water isn't already catch and release only.  All length limits still apply. 

From Fisheries Resource Supervisor Tim Obrey, 8/19/24

Where to fish: As the nights begin to cool and water temperatures drop, many of our prized cold-water gamefish will head toward the rivers and streams to begin their pre-spawning journey. Our larger rivers that are associated with dams and impoundments allow us to store water and control flows.  These systems are the best at providing reliable fishing opportunities, especially in the fall.  In many years, natural flowing streams and rivers are too low in September and the fishing is inconsistent.  But rivers like the Roach, Moose, West Branch of the Penobscot, and East Outlet are all regulated through dams and will have good flows this fall for both the anglers and the fish. Old school anglers will throw big gaudy streamer flies in September trying to aggravate those aggressive mature fish into a strike. Others prefer a more subtle approach, like drifting a sparsely tied wet fly or nymph through the lie.  Whatever your druthers, September is a great time to fish rivers for salmon and brook trout.

Fishing tip: There can also be some good fishing on our cold-water ponds and lakes this time of year so don't put away that boat just yet.  A warm September day can produce a very good midge hatch if the wind settles down in the evening.  These flies are tiny, and you will have to match the hatch, but it can be very exciting to chase down a salmon or brook trout working the surface with a size #20 fly. So, give your favorite trout pond one more try before it's time to dust off the shotgun.

Reminders: Remember to review the fishing lawbook for regulations and bag limits before you head out.

From Fisheries Resource Technician Zachary Glidden, 8/19/24

September is a unique time in Maine and is, in many ways, more of a transition than an actual month. The summer season will be coming to a close, and fall officially starts on the 22nd. Young anglers are now returning from the freedom of summer vacation to the confines of a school desk. For many, September is the start of the fall hunting season; opportunities for bear, moose, deer, ruffed grouse, upland game, and turkeys all have their start this month. For others, this is the start of absolutely terrific fall fishing. Fish that have been fattening up all summer are now putting on the feedbag for winter, making September a great time to catch a real lunker.

Where to fish: Pemadumcook Chain of Lakes, T3 & T4 Indian Purchase, T1 R9 & R10 WELS consisting of Ambejejus, Pemadumcook, North Twin, South Twin, and Elbow lakes is producing some fast landlocked salmon action with good catches of White Perch as well. Anglers are encouraged to take advantage of the three fish bag limit and 12" minimum length on landlocked salmon to help manage this wild fishery. Brook trout and lake trout are occasionally taken by anglers targeting this great resource. Trailered boat access can be found off the Golden Road in T1 R9 WELS and off Route 11 in T4 Indian Purchase.

Anglers chasing after warmwater species would be foolish to pass over the South Zone portion of the Penobscot River, home to arguably the best smallmouth bass fishing in New England. Numerous access points are available in Winn, Chester, Lincoln, Howland, Greenbush, Old Town, and Eddington. South Branch Lake, Sebeois Plt. is another excellent location to chase both smallmouth and largemouth bass and features an attractive white perch fishery as well.

Fishing tip: Landlocked salmon should be targeted near the thermocline where cool well oxygenated water exists. However, they do have greater thermal tolerance than brook trout and lake trout. This allows them to freely chase smelts near the surface as water temperatures begin to decline this month. Try various depths to locate feeding fish, and you may have to adjust deeper or shallower as the day goes on or if fishing slows.

Reminders: Remember that fall hunting seasons start this month, with cast and blast weekend taking place September 28th. Wear appropriate orange clothing while hiking into our various waterbodies and continue to be courteous to those enjoying our great outdoors.

From Fisheries Resource Supervisor Frank Frost, 8/26/24

September in northern Maine can be tough for fishing.  Most anglers are already thinking of the transition from summer fishing to fall hunting.  However, when weather conditions are favorable, September can be a great month to be on the water.  Currently, the weather forecast is favorable for the first week of September with cooler temperatures predicted.  Furthermore, we are seeing another great water year with above average precipitation.  While it's been a warmer than normal summer, the extra rain has kept conditions very good for trout survival and growth.  Combined with a 2023 that was excellent for trout as well, September fishing this year could be one of the best in a long time.  Recent angler reports suggest brook trout numbers and sizes are up across many waters in the region. 

Where to fish:  Aroostook River watershed has many public access sites available particularly in the larger towns.  From Fort Fairfield to Ashland, each town has public boat launch.  If water levels are up, anglers can boat the river to locate brook trout.

Fish River watershed has a lot of options from the large lakes to the slow-moving thoroughfares.  Long Lake is one of the premier landlocked salmon waters in the State and has several public boat launches.  The thoroughfares also can see significant fish activity in September as water begins to cool down and salmon and trout begin to stage for late fall spawning.

Fishing tip: When looking for trout in flowing waters of the Aroostook, as suggested here, be sure to look further upstream in the watershed from where you found them in early summer.  Trout make a slow movement upstream each year seeking out cooler water temperatures.  This usually places them into smaller tributaries that have good access (no blockages to upstream movement like hanging culverts), so you may find adult trout in the 10-18 inch range in some very small waters. 

When looking for salmon and trout in the larger Fish River Lakes, focus on shallow shoreline areas that are rocky.  Our sportfish generally start seeking out these shallow areas in September as water temperatures cool.  Salmon and trout are looking for tributaries to stage for spawning this time of year.

Reminders: Eagle Lake is one of the larger waters of the Fish River Chain.  Our work this past summer shows there remains a large number of landlocked salmon here even after nearly 10 years of a very liberal bag limit on the species (no bag limit under 14 inches).  We are encouraging anglers to fish Eagle for the fast salmon fishing and also harvest their catch.  Our studies show that these small salmon are a major factor in controlling the lake's smelt population, the main forage for all the sportfish in the lake, including lake trout.  Smelt are also an important sportfish themselves; winter anglers focus attention on catching smelt to eat and for using them as live bait.  We are actively trying to manage the balance among all of these uses.  Reducing the lake's salmon population is one important strategy to accomplish that.