REGION — The ice is out of most Maine waters, the water is starting to warm up, and our hatchery teams are busy stocking waters with brook trout, landlocked salmon, brown trout, rainbows, and splake.
This month’s fishing report is full of opportunity, from streams and rivers to small remote ponds and larger lakes. Whether you want to fish from shore, paddle a meandering river, or troll, you are sure to find a new place to fish or tip.
In spite of the warmer weather, the water is still extremely cold this time of year. Water levels are often high and fast, so ALWAYS wear a lifejacket! This could help save your life if you end up unexpectedly in the water. Accidents can happen to even the most experienced of anglers, and it’s harder to put a life jacket on once you’re in the water.
Rangeley Lakes Region report by Fisheries Resources Supervisor Dylan Whitaker
May is a great time of year to fish for trout and salmon in the Rangeley Lakes region. Trolling on Rangeley, Mooselookmeguntic, and Richardson Lakes can be productive as soon as ice goes out. Smelt patterns are especially effective this time of year, as smelt finish their spawning runs. Both trout and salmon feed heavily on this important food source during and after this spawning period.
Other notable lakes and ponds:
• Wesserunsett Pond (Madison) fishes well early in the season for brown trout.
• Saddleback Lake (Rangeley) is a reliable spot for brook trout.
• Chain of Ponds (Chain of Ponds Township) offers a scenic adventure near the Canadian border and can provide a productive day for landlocked salmon
Rivers and streams also start producing action in May and stocking efforts are well underway:
• The Sandy River and Temple Stream (Farmington area) are local favorites for stocked brook trout.
• The Carrabassett River and Swift River receive both brook and rainbow trout and can offer fast fishing near Kingfield and Byron, respectively.
For those interested in wild trout, Maine’s North Zone—including the Rangeley area—is true wild trout country. In May, water temperatures are generally favorable, and small backcountry ponds and streams can offer excellent fishing. It’s a great time of year to finally stop at that roadside stream you’ve always driven past but never tried—or to explore that ambiguously named “Trout Pond” you’ve had circled in your 1998 Maine Gazatteer for years. Early May can start slow, but as water temperatures rise and insect hatches begin, the fishing can really heat up. When it does, you might be surprised by where you find a feeding frenzy of wild trout.
Many wild trout ponds and streams are subject to special protective regulations. Always consult the current lawbook or contact a regional office if you’re unsure about the rules on a particular body of water.
Reminder: Please clean, drain, and dry your boat, waders, and any other equipment when traveling between waterbodies. This simple step helps protect our fisheries from aquatic invasive species. Maine—especially the Northern fishing zone—is fortunate to have very few if any invasive aquatic plants or animals. It’s important we all do our part to prevent the spread of any unintended hitchhikers.