There are many fishing reports in Maine, but we focus on the West Branch of the Penobscot. Offering detailed information on everything from road conditions to what flies are working. We love the West Branch and want every angler brave enough to venture this way, catching fish and enjoying a top notch experience. While we are happy to guide or rent a boat to you, we are happy to offer information to everyone. If you have specific questions, shoot us a message.
Brook Trout Ponds
I spend some time on the Telos Road last Friday, and it was clear looking at the traffic, pick up trucks loaded with canoes and aluminum v-hulls, that the word is out! The trout are biting. I have not personally seen a green drake yet, but I’ve heard tell of early drakes sailing on local ponds. If the weather lets up this afternoon, I may head out toward my favorite trout pond to see how things are going. It’s been a few years since I’ve watched the mountains of western Baxter State Park turn purple in the waining light of the sunset. . . perhaps Nesowednehunk. The folks at Nesowednehunk camp ground (https://nesowadnehunk.com/) rent motor boats which make it easy to get around such big lake.
West Branch of the Penobscot – Salmon fishing
Mid week big eddy underwent a seismic shift. The fish were there, the fish were rising, but people were not catching fish. The past few days have brought challenging, even frustrating fishing. Fish refusing flies, rising to slap at them and swim away without biting. Even the most seasoned anglers have been wringing their hands, and gathering in secretive groups to discuss fishing tactics.
River Flows and Water Temperatures
While water has been running 1800-2400 for the past week, but as of 9:00am today, that’s old information. The river is up to 3,000 cfs. How does this affect the fishing? Wade areas like the Culvert Pool (West Branch Fishing Information) will be a little deeper, but still wadable. Expect your wades to be deeper, the water to be faster, and the drifts to be shorter.
On the positive side, a little water may encourage some bigger fish to move into feeding areas on the river where we can find them!
Bug Activity
Caddis
Early in the week, the caddis hatch was a new thing, and the fishing was easy. With the midweek shift, the salmon appear less interested in the caddis. I may try a different pattern. A mothers day caddis is an egg laying caddis pattern, rather than a hatching caddis.
Mayflies
I suspect the salmon are targeting mayflies instead of caddis. There are still a few Hendricksons around, along with Sulfur’s and Cahill’s. The cold, rainy, wet weather feels like it’s really affected the hatches. Everything is running behind from the water temperatures to stonefly hatches.
What to look for in Coming Weeks
Stoneflies
Three weeks ago, I saw my first black stonefly of the summer. I haven’t seen one since.
This week the weather is forecast to improve. Maybe I’ll have a chance to dry out my gear! Hopefully with a few days of sun and warm weather, the bug activity will get back on schedule.
Fly Recommendations
X-Caddis, Maple Syrup Hornburg and varied colors of a Wolff.
On Deck: Bugmeister, Parachute Madam X (PMX) and a Stimulator.
