So, tell me about Maine..

[Trout Guy]

I have a vacation planned in Maine the second week in September. Me, my buddy and our squirt boxes are planning on doing a good amount of fishing and I could use some insight on where to fish and what to fish with.

The first three day we're staying in Portland and the remaining four days we are camping in Acadia NP. We've already agreed to to fish one day at Grand lake stream, pretty much the most noted spot I've come across. Otherwise, I'm pretty much winging it.

I'd like to find a stream or river, somewhat close to Acadia NP with landlocked salmon. Never caught an adult LL and would love to get one under my belt!

We're also renting a boat in a bay near Acadia and would like to do some shoreline fishing. None of us have ever fished in the ocean but I can get my hands on some salt rods. I figured some of you closet King salmon snagging, cousin fucking, meat chuckers could chime in on what to use for bait and rigging.

I'm not looking for specific GPS coordinates here, just a point in the right direction!

 

[JeffK]

Fall is when trout and salmon start getting ready to spawn, so they are congregating near the tribs or starting to head in. Runs pick up about mid September and depend on flows/temps. A good rain that raises stream levels can get a push of fish going; if it is low and clear they may stay in the lake.

Pre spawn fish are putting on weight, so streamers are the ticket, usually smelt patterns. White patterns with some bright color highlights are good for fresh, aggressive fish (plenty of Maine patterns are available on the web). When they have been fished for a while more natural patterns may be needed. A wooly bugger tied in gray ghost colors is a good fly. Nymphs will also work once the fish turn off to more colorful patterns.

In Portland you will be close to Sebago Lake, the lake LLS are named for (salmo salar sebago). The spawning river there is the Crooked R and it can be good, but more crowded since it is close to Portland.

In the Downeast region, Grand Lake Stream is the hot spot. Eagle Lake in the park has LLS, Alligator Lake has its fans for LLS, and Little Tunk Pond was a favorite brookie ponds. I'm not sure how to fish these ponds. Generally, the area is know for its trout ponds rather than streams and rivers.

Be sure to check latest regs since Maine CO's are tough and rules change with changing conditions.

Inshore fishing used to be mainly for mackerel and harbor pollack, with a few bergalls/cunners to steal your bait. Don't need heavy tackle for that. Some cod or haddock may be in in the fall.

 

[iflifish]

I haven't been up there for probably close to 30 years, but I fished the East Branch of the Penobscot just outside of Baxter State Park in August one time and caught tons of smaller landlocks, and some brookies also. I would have to think there are larger fish to be had there as well. From what I understand the West Branch is the more famous for big landlocks though. I've been thinking of planning a trip back that way again myself, we were near here-

http://www.matagamon.com/

 

[Trout Guy]

Thanks for the great info guys!

I'm getting all my gear together and remembered my 9.5' 7wt is broken and by the time I get it send it out it'll be too late to get it back. Would a 5wt handle the LLAS? Or should I pack my switch rod?

 

[iflifish]

I think you'll get by ok with the five.