Moosehead Region fishing report

By Tim Obrey, Moosehead Lake Region regional fisheries supervisor

July and August are not thought of as great months for trout and salmon fishing, but here are a few tricks/tips that could help you. The fish are still there, just down deeper and not as active.  You’ll have to get down to their level.

Salmon and brook trout like to hang out at the top of the thermocline, that area in deeper lakes where the water remains cold.  For bigger lakes like Moosehead, Chesuncook, Sebec, and Chamberlain Lakes, that usually means you need to be fishing in the 35-50 foot range in the summer.  Lake trout like that range too but can often be found deeper. However, the very deepest water, say in excess of 90 feet, is where the small lake trout usually hang out.

You don’t need to go this deep. Smaller ponds with deep water (greater than 25 feet) also stratify in the summer, but most of these ponds are void of oxygen in the deepest areas and the fish can’t survive there. Don’t waste your time fishing the deep hole. For smaller trout ponds try fishing in the 12- to 15-foot range. A thermometer with a cable is the best way to locate the thermocline. Lower it down the water column and watch for the temperature to drop. That’s the depth to start fishing.

July and August are perfect for taking a family fishing/canoe trip. The pesky bugs have receded, and the weather is great for outdoor activities. Of course, the Allagash River is the quintessential Maine canoe trip. The friendly folks at the Allagash Wilderness Waterway do an excellent job managing the river and lakes in the Waterway. The campsites are immaculate and there always seems to be a good flow in the river.

We see a lot of trippers heading up Chamberlain Lake on the beginning of their journey. The Penobscot River between Lobster and Chesuncook Lakes is another good option if you’re looking for a less challenging paddle. The Bureau of Public Lands manages this area and there are plenty of nice campsites on the river and the lakes. The trout fishing might not be at its peak, but the perch and chubs will keep the kids occupied until it’s time to cook the smores.