Like any type of fishing, it depends on the season, conditions, geography and more. About 3-4 miles roundtrip. It’s also one of the easiest ways for visitors to check out saltwater fishing in the state. Image from FWP Montana Fishing Access Site Field Guide. There’s handicap parking, a fishing pier and a sidewalk leading to public restrooms. FishThe Presumpscot is, in many ways, diametrically opposed to the Crooked. Check the state's regulations before fishing the river. Browns approaching 20 inches aren't rare and Brook Trout are plentiful and healthy as well. The Allagash holds some truly beautiful native Brook Trout. As the water starts to warm and bug life blossoms, Caddis, Mayflies, and potentially larger Mayflies (Drakes) are worth fishing. Stillwater River Reservoir is a reservoir located just 2.5 miles from Old Town, in Penobscot County, in the state of Maine, United States, near Orono, ME. Springtime is typically the best time if you want to get the most bites, but the water stays relatively cool even through August. Check the regulations before planning a trip and be conscious of the water levels/temps and weather. If you need more info about the Megunticook watershed, feel free to call Trident. Maine Fly Fishing: Where to Fish in Maine, R.L. FishThe Megunticook River flows from Megunticook Lake in Lincolnville to the ocean in Camden. Upstream from this point, you’ll find Swinging Bridge. Southern Maine also offers some stellar saltwater angling opportunities. Best Fishing Times: 12:00AM to 12:00AM, and 12:00AM to 12:00AM. Winston Boron IIIx 9' 5-Weight Review, Scott Sector Fly Rod Series Review: Model-by-Model. Your email address will not be published. It continues winding down through prairies and canyons before connecting into the Yellowstone near Columbus, Montana. Moose River Valley Known as the “Switzerland of Maine,” this is a great weekend for a canoe-fishing trip if you’re looking to get away from it all. The Penobscot is one of the longest rivers in Maine (in fact, the longest river that starts and ends in Maine) and seasonal regulations differ by section. Here at Trident, we were big fans of the Zephrus and its predecessor, the Zenith. This area includes Moose River, Big Wood Pond, Attean Pond, and Holeb Pond, making it ideal for remote brook trout fishing. The next stop on your Stillwater River Fishing Access Map is Castle Rock, located 15 miles west of Absarokee on Highway 420. After ice-out fishing (streamers and smelt patterns), fish pale yellow and pale green eggs behind spawning suckerfish. During the warm summer months, Smallmouth Bass and other warm-water species are plentiful and entertaining to catch on a fly rod. Stimulator dry flies, Grey Ghost-like streamers, Caddis, and Stoneflies are all solid options on the Allagash. Because the St. John is a freestone-like river, rain can greatly affect the water levels. The next stop on your Stillwater River Fishing Access Map is Jeffrey’s Landing, located 1.5 miles north of Absarokee on Highway 78. Find their website here.**. That's a big deal. Castle Rock. Basic fly instructions are included when you book your guided trip, and additional lessons can be arranged if you need them. We’ll provide you with all the fly fishing gear you’ll need – including waders! Hopefully, this article provides some info to point you in the next direction. Lobster, sailing, summer houses, beautiful coastline, tourism, and the largest forest coverage of any state in the US. This river gets a good late run of Salmon and Grilse and a good run and sizeable Sea-Trout all through the season. Both branches provide famous fishing for large Landlocked Salmon and the occasional Brook Trout. Some sections of the river are catch-and-release only and require barbless hooks so check the regulations before making the trip. Bass migrate up the east coast and Maine sees decent populations of schoolies (smaller fish) and some large spawning Bass. Discover what species are most popular in Stillwater River, and what gear has been used. Stillwater River Fishing Tips. One of the state's largest rivers and a famous fishery, the Kennebec flows from Moosehead Lake through Bingham, Solon, Waterville, Augusta, and eventually into the ocean near Bath (Popham Beach). Polarized sunglasses: polarized lenses are a must! Whitebird fishing access point is 5.9 miles south of Columbus on Highway 78, downstream from Jeffrey’s Landing. PatternsThe Presumpscot is best attacked with a solid collection of nymphs including Stoneflies, Caddis, Mayflies, and Midges (winter). Both series represented two of the finest all-purpose 5wts in the industry during their time. If you see fish rising, chances are they're eating small Mayflies or Midges. Downstream from Castle Rock is Cliff Swallow, while Moraine is the next access site upstream from Castle Rock. Maine Fishing Season and Regulations. Portland is Maine's largest city and brings streams of tourists in the summer. 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. Streamers are the best option for fooling Smallmouth but these Bass also eat Crayfish, Poppers, and more. The occasional Brook Trout exists and the river system gets decent populations of Smallmouth Bass in the warmer summer months. The river is relatively small so these fish get pressured in the spring and fall. The East Branch is generally more remote and trout are less weary so prospecting with a stimulator is always a good option. There’s a boat launch ramp, parking area, and a few campsites as well. The fish in the Magalloway are large, wild, and active most of the year. South Portland, Scarborough, Falmouth, Biddeford, York, and the surrounding areas have increased in population in recent years as Portland has become world-renowned for its incredible local cuisine and unique culture. Some of our favorites here at Trident are the Clouser Minnow, Lefty's Deceiver, a Surf Candy Fly, Hollow Fly, Flatwing, and a variety of crab flies. Thank you for the informative piece on Maine fishing. In shallow riffles, they may fall for a well-presented Caddis dry fly. Before you head out to the river, make sure you read through our fishing reports and stay up to date on river conditions. Remember, the river is wide (200+ feet in some places) and can be deep so choose gear accordingly. Nymphs and small streamers can be used, too, but a well-presented dry fly often does the trick. This medium/large river drains a catchment of 154 square miles. Stripers are plentiful in the lower river in the spring and through the summer and fall and the lower section is open year-round. We spend a lot of time testing gear and writing reviews to give you all of the tools to make your next trip a success. Dams often mean year-round cold water, however, the Presumscot is characterized by shallow water depths and little elevation drop. The river also sees decent populations of Stonefly nymphs, Caddis, Mayflies, and midges. FishThe East Branch of the Penobscot flows south out of Grand Lake Matagamon until it joins with the West Branch near East Millinocket. The state does stock Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, and Brown Trout near Gilead and Bethel and the upper river features the best trout water. SeasonsBrook Trout generally get stocked in April and May and the most productive fishing happens in the springtime. Bright skies and warm breezes will make our outings all that much more enjoyable. Castle Rock is the next site downstream on the Stillwater River. GuidesDiamond Pass OutfittersCoastal Fly Angler. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This access map is a small area and has a small parking area around 50 yards downstream of the main site. If you’re headed to these spots for some quality fly fishing, then it’s helpful to know when the best time to head to these rivers really is. Regular bug life exists, too, so bring Caddis, Mayfly, and Stonefly patterns in both nymphal and adult stages. Rain gear (thunderstorms can happen at any time). 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. The fishing can be really good in many parts of the river even in September when some of the larger fish are traveling from Yellowstone for the spawning season. Maine Fishing Adventures. Everyone here at Stillwater Anglers want to give you a great outdoor fly fishing experience. If the river is below 1,500 cfs, on any given day, anglers can have success with various mayfly, caddis, and stonefly nymphs fished as two-fly weighted rigs dead-drifted or slowly stripped will pick up fish. You’ll find the Swinging Bridge fishing point on the Stillwater River Fishing Access Map is located 5.3 miles south of Columbus on Highway 78. Deep pools hold fish year-round. PO Box 969 As such, the river fishes well when stocked in May and June and again in the fall. The lakes offer a convenient river breakdown and the Magalloway is often referred to as having three sections: the upper, middle, and lower. From Absarokee to Columbus, the Stillwater River parallels and is accessible via MT Highway 78. People have written books on Maine fisheries (some of which we consulted for this blog post) and the information is basically limitless. Fishing Locations There is a primitive boat launch site as well as campsites and a toilet. FishThe St. George winds its way from St. George Lake in Liberty into and out of several ponds and eventually finds its way to the ocean. PatternsStripers feed on a variety of baitfish in the lower tidal section of the Mousam. Are you ready to book a fly fishing trip you’ll never forget? Often referred to by locals as “Johnson’s Bridge.” This is one mile west of Absarokee on Highway 420. And the Salmon get pretty large which makes them loads of fun to catch on a fly rod. Plentiful spawning habitat means that the Crooked is only lightly stocked to preserve the genetics of wild Trout and Landlocked Salmon. It is approximately 25 miles southwest of Absarokee on Highway 420. This article provides great information and solid gear recommendations. The Ultralite replaces the Zephrus as Hardy’s high-end, freshwater rod series. But where are the best fishing points? Current fly fishing report for the Stillwater River located in Montana. Did we leave your favorite river off of the list? There is a primitive hand launch and a toilet on site as well and is labeled as moderately handicap accessible. 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. The boat launch site is extremely rough and difficult. Anglers fish sections of the Sump in the winter but fishing isn't as productive and fish are hard to fool. This site has several campsites, along with toilets. Mid-Coast Maine isn't well-known for fly-friendly fisheries. Sinking line and streamers work well here when fish aren't feeding on the surface. Fishing at Stillwater River? Read all the details here and then book your trip online for you and your friends or family today! Stillwater River Fishing Report 2019 Year in Review, How To Navigate The Montana Fly Fishing Season, Guided Trip Packages That Will Make You Want To Fly Fish, 3 Guided Fishing Trips in Montana as Amazing as…, Things You Need To Know About Our Yellowstone River…. The river has two sections; the upper section is slow, wide, and shallow and the lower section is fast, small, and characterized by short riffles and productive pocket water. We are not a blog or a review site. Are you ready to book a fly fishing trip you’ll never forget? A typical day fly fishing the Stillwater River in May truly is anything but typical. As a mostly put-and-take fishery, trout are really only catchable in the spring and fall when the water is cold and relatively high. The Rapid also gets a healthy population of Smallmouth Bass that move in during the warmer summer months. This region is my home region (I grew up in Camden) so I have intimate experience with each of these rivers. Stonefly and Caddis Nymphs can also be utilized productively. SeasonsRegulations differ along the river so make plans and do your research. If you do decide to make the drive nymphing with worms, ... Stillwater River January 21, 2021. Activities . Fish in the river are a mix of stocked fish and fish that fall over the dam from the lake. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. The St. Croix is easy to navigate in a drift boat or canoe and presents some stellar Smallmouth fishing in the warmer summer months when other nearby streams are too warm for trout. SeasonsSeasons and regulations are strict on the Rapid River to preserve the fishery: fly fishing only and all trout are catch and release. Rumors of sea-run Brown Trout encourage winter angling when water conditions allow. The Absaroka-Beartooth Mountains provide a stunning backdrop to any fishing or float trip. I wouldn't recommend traveling east just to fish but if you find yourself visiting for another reason, the following rivers are worth exploring. SeasonsAngling is, of course, best in the spring and fall seasons when the water is cooler and the fish are active. Fleece jacket and pants, particularly in the spring and fall and later in the summer. There is a raft slide launch here, a primitive campsite, and a toilet on site. Hardy is no stranger to producing great saltwater fly rods. This section gets stocked heavily in the spring with Brown Trout and Brook Trout although fish do holdover. I saw the picture and it was a great fish. The region offers a myriad of fishing opportunities for high quality landlocked salmon, lake trout, brook trout, and smallmouth bass. Most productive fishing happens in the spring and fall but the river gets stocked in October in Union and can be fished year-round. Leaflet | Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, i-cubed, USDA, USGS, AEX, Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, swisstopo, and the GIS User Community, ©2021 Fishidy, Inc. During the warmer summer months, trout find colder water in feeder creeks along the river and seek refuge from warmer water temps. The best fishing occurs during the spring months of May and June when Brook Trout and Rainbow Trout can be found in small water on the lower river. Once you've decided you'd rather put footprints on a riverbank than hoist sails on a mast, Maine's 35,000 square miles can seem overwhelming. Stillwater River Trail is a 3.8 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Orono, Maine that features a river and is good for all skill levels. There are a few fly fishing gems worth mentioning in the eastern part of the state, however. Experience the difference at Stillwater Anglers. This access point is not very handicap accessible. Though the Stillwater River is sometimes overlooked, we think it’s an outstanding way to see Montana mountain views and get some prime trout fishing full of rainbows and browns. Copyright © 2017-2021 Stillwater Anglers. If you're floating the river in search of Smallmouth Bass, upgrade your streamer game. Fishing can last into the warmer months especially if target times are early in the morning or late in the evening. Sign up for our Newsletter, a monthly dose of new ideas and exclusive deals on great gear, sent directly to your inbox. FishThe Rapid River, one of the most well-known trout rivers in the state, flows from Lower Richardson Lake into Umbagog Lake. Unlike other aforementioned rivers, the season on the Magalloway is open April 1 through September 31 so winter fishing isn't allowed. Had some decent success late summer last year, but not much so far this spring. Streamers fool the largest Rainbow Trout in the river and it's not uncommon to catch multiple 20-inch Rainbows in one day in the early spring. These fish are nearly 100% wild and the Penobscot River system doesn't see any stocking from the state. PatternsIf you read about the Magalloway River you know the Rapid gets a sucker spawn in the early-ish spring. Cliff Swallow is the next access site upstream from Absaroka approximately 11 miles, while Jeffrey’s Landing is the next site downstream. This section is open from April through October. Brook Trout average 8-10 inches and are entertaining on a 2 or 3wt fly rod. Downstream from Jeffrey’s Landing are Whitebird and Swinging Bridge sites. Sea-run fish are known for chasing down bright, flashy streamers, so if you believe in the sea-run rumors I'd start there. The state stocks Brook Trout, Brown Trout, and Landlocked Salmon and, while some fish do holdover, the Sump is mostly a put-and-take fishery. Most of the northern part of the state is covered in forest, accessed by dirt roads, and sparsely populated. FishMaine's most well-known saltwater species, the Striped Bass, is best targeted in Southern Maine. PatternsBrookies can be taken on a variety of typical Maine patterns. The middle and upper sections are stocked with Brook Trout and Brown Trout. Where's the best place to don a pair of waders and chase down wary salmonids? I hope that you could add some information regarding your mid coast ideas. If you're new to the sport and want some beginner advice, check out Fly Fishing for Beginners from hikingandfishing.com. I've purposefully left out some regulatory details to encourage you to look up the regulations yourself (which you should do before fishing any of the rivers mentioned in this article). Some anglers will argue that catchable populations of Stripers hold over in brackish rivers on the Maine coast but I've never fished them in the winter. FishThe Mousam is another river that flows into the ocean in Southern Maine and has a tidal section (the lower section). They had to be in there somewhere. Many anglers float this section of the river in drift boats or rafts and the Smallmouth fishing can be phenomenal. Before you head out to the river, make sure you read through our fishing reports and stay up to date on river conditions. to discover fishing maps. FishThe Andro is one of the largest rivers in the state and flows from Gilead Maine through Lewiston & Auburn and eventually into the ocean near Brunswick. 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. PatternsThe Penobscot, especially the West Branch north of Millinocket, is characterized by heavy rapids, oxygenated water, deep plunge pools, and deep runs. Most anglers just do it while they wait for the high waters of spring to subside and others only when the hex hatch is on so that being being said any books strictly on stillwater fly fishing around here are … SeasonsSections of both branches can be fished all summer long, even in warm conditions. Peter Mourmouras May 26, 2019 Fishing, Report, Maine, May 2019, haddock maine, Gulf of Maine, maine fishing Spring 2019 April Report Shad have also arrived in the river. SeasonsThe Presumpscot is known for its many dams. Maine has plenty of rivers with fly fishing only sections, and reciprocal saltwater licensing with New Hampshire. Fishing can really be excellent in September until the water temperatures drop to the mid-60s. 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'. Mostly a put-and-take fishery, the river is stocked with Brook Trout and Brown Trout and offers some phenomenal Smallmouth Bass fishing in the lower reaches during the summer months. P: (406) 322-4977 SeasonsThis is a small stream that requires a bit of walking to access. Fish are generally inactive during the warmest summer months but the fall run brings higher numbers of fish that are more active. I grew up on the Megunticook and have fished it for 10+ years. The variety of lakes, ponds, rivers and streams, nestled in a stunningly beautiful setting, are sure to create a memorable fishing experience. Surf casters reel in species including tasty mackerel, hard-fighting striped bass and toothy bluefish. SeasonsThe middle part of the river (below Wyman Dam) features the best trout fishing in part because of stocking efforts. The river holds Landlocked Salmon, a few Brook Trout in the upper reaches, and Musky. 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. No stocking trucks or stringers of fish here. Sounds old-fashioned, doesn't it? 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. Dirt roads, logging, no cell service, and small general stores. SeasonsThe River is easy to access and provides anglers with the opportunity at some beautiful Trout and Salmon in the spring and fall. In the springtime after stocking occurs fish below the second dam feed ravenously on midges in foam and bubble lines. Let us know in the comments below. In deeper holes during warmer times of the year fish are likely on the bottom-feeding on nymphs. FishThe St. Croix River is over 60 miles long and creates much of Maine's eastern border with Canada. We provide the best value of high quality, inclusive professional services at competitive pricing. The Piscataquias River in the Howland produces great catches and feeds into the Penobscot. Striped Bass will eat Clousers, Ray's Flies, Deceivers, and just about any streamer that imitates a baitfish in the lower river. PatternsProductive patterns include streamers like a Wooly Bugger or a Black-nosed Dace. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. As a tidal river, sea-run Trout (Brookies and Browns) are occasionally caught in the lower section as well as Stripers and Shad. Access is poor throughout this system and there is no management plan in place which can be a challenge for the angler that desires wild fisheries. The region offers a myriad of fishing opportunities for high quality landlocked salmon, lake trout, brook trout, and smallmouth bass. Ready to book a trip of a lifetime? ... Nice walk with good views of the Stillwater River along the way. Fishing pressure on the Stillwater River is moderate—most out of state anglers venture to the much more popular and well known nearby rivers such as the Yellowstone Rive. I was determined to find some landlocked salmon. Fish The Andro is one of the largest rivers in the state and flows from Gilead Maine through Lewiston & Auburn and eventually into the ocean near Brunswick. The following article is broken down by geographical area into five Maine regions: Southern Maine, Mid-Coast Maine, Western Maine, Eastern Maine, and Northern Maine. People generally go east to explore Acadia National Park, one of the most visited national parks in the country. Take a guided float trip through the beautiful Stillwater River and we’ll give you a personal guide through this Stillwater River Fishing Access Map. The Maine coast gets mostly schoolie Bass with some larger fish mixed in. The Old Nye access site is administered by the National Forest and it is the furthest upstream access site available with a boat launch, parking area and toilet. The Saco River and Kennebec River are well-known for decent populations of Stripers. FishThe Crooked River runs 43 miles from Songo Pond to Sebago Lake and is the principal wild trout fishery in Southern Maine. FishThe Magalloway River flows into Parmachenee Lake, out of Parmachenee into Aziscohos Lake, and out of Aziscohos Lake into Umbagog Lake. Fishing license: you can pick this up ahead of time or at the shop the day of your trip. Streamers including a Wooly Bugger and Muddler Minnow can be productive in the fall and early spring. 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. We’re a full service retail fly shop and outfitters, which means we provide trips that are tailored to meet your specific needs. There’s good … It is the first access site below the Rosebud confluence and is most often used when flows on the upper river become too low to float. Wet wading gear-quick dry pants or shorts. New to Maine and FF. Stillwater Anglers is the premier outfitting service in the area. Any thoughts on the Saco river - in particular the section above Cornish? It is approximately 2 miles downstream from the Absaroka site. In the summer season, however, Smallmouth Bass are plentiful throughout the river and can be tempted with a variety of streamer patterns. Best Fishing Times near Stillwater River. Like any river, productive patterns depend on structure and fish activity. This site has a concrete boat launch ramp, large parking area and toilet. Coastal marshes and the beaches of southern Maine provide access to migratory Striped Bass that feed on small baitfish and crabs in the spring and fall. Damns provide large plunge pools that conceal fish and allow them to hold over even in warm water conditions. Attractor dry flies often entice Brookies laying in pools or shallow riffles. Flows are healthy in the spring but dwindle to a trickle by the end of the summer. FishThe Allagash is one of the most well-known rivers in Maine in part because of its navigability via canoe and its membership to the Allagash Wilderness Waterway. They're finicky. Required fields are marked *. The Crooked sees runoff and high flows during the early spring, fishes well during May and June, and runs low and warm during the later summer months. Like many watersheds in Maine, the rivers in this region run coldest in May and June. Northern Maine's remoteness shouldn't scare anglers, however. If the bug life is there, fish will push out of the lake(s) into the river system to feed.
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