Moosehead Lake Region fishing report
By Fisheries Resource Supervisor Tim Obrey
Where to fish: June is a great time of year to hit the trout ponds in the Moosehead Lake Region. The mayfly hatches are well underway and typically the caddis hatch starts around the first of the month. Evenings and early morning are the best times, especially with flat, calm conditions. There are so many ponds to choose from, it’s sometimes difficult to pick which direction to point your flyrod. But there is a cluster of wild/native trout ponds in and around Cold Stream Pond, just west of Moosehead Lake and east of Route 201, that offers some great brook trout angling opportunities. Similarly, there are also a number of ponds just east of Greenville that provide a variety of fish sizes and catch rates. These ponds are easily accessible, and the fishing can be very good.
The East Outlet is excellent fishing in June. The caddis, mayflies, and stoneflies are hatching throughout the day. The best way to fish the river is by drift boat. There are many excellent guides offering trips on the river. A lot of anglers wade the upper sections of the river as well. Just check the flows at SafeWaters.com to be sure the river is safe. Flows below 1800 cfs are best for wading. If the flow is too high, you can always fish off the dam or the adjacent lawn/rocks and never get your feet wet. Many fish have been caught here over the years.
Fishing tip: The West Branch of the Penobscot River below Rip Dam is also another good river fishery in June. It has insect hatches similar to the East Outlet as well as the occasional “smelt hatch.” Smelt are sporadically transported through Rip Dam/McKay Station downstream into the river. The salmon quickly key in on these baitfish giving anglers a chance to mix up the typical June fly box and try dead drifting a smelt pattern. It can be very effective. Make sure to check the flows at SafeWaters.com.
Reminders: Again, check the flows on the SafeWaters.com website and wear your flotation device when wading or boating.