Central Maine Fishing Report: March 23, 2007

In Region B, the open water season for lakes and ponds will be delayed until Old Sol does his work on the ice crystals of our surface waters. The best bet to wet a line in the region will be the flowing water sites that traditionally attract anglers who have to get out, despite the possibility of freezing in waders surrounded by ice-cold water.

For a chance to catch salmon, brown trout, and possibly a brook trout, popular places to go are Belgrade Lakes Village and the Wings Mills Dam in the Belgrade Chain of Lakes. There may also be some sluggish pike and bass in the area. The outlet dam on Cobbossee Lake and other dam sites on Cobbossee Stream also attract many anglers. Cobbossee Stream is primarily a brown trout water, but an angler could be surprised and land a variety of species. The Kennebec River – if the flows are not too high – will attract many anglers to sections including Waterville, Winslow and Fairfield. All the dam sites should have open water providing fishing for brown trout, salmon and rainbows. Closer to the coast, the Sheepscot, St. George and Medomak Rivers have sites that will be yielding the elusive brownie. All of these rivers are capable of giving up a decent 20-inch fish if you can find the hidey hole where they over-wintered.

The only lakes and ponds that may provide some surface water action will be closer toward the coast. Biscay Pond is a popular site that usually has an area of open water near the outlet of Pemaquid Pond. It is accessible from the bridge near the pond. The shoreline of Chickawaukie Pond in Rockland is sometimes free of ice and may provide anglers the ability to fish from shore.

Remember, fishing while positioned on the ice is prohibited after March 31st. This rule, which was passed many years ago, prevents anglers from ‘cleaning out’ trout ponds by fishing through melt-holes.

Use caution this spring as the water will be quite chilly until the ice is gone and weather warms up.