Central Maine Fishing Report: May 31, 2007

he past few springs have been anything but productive for the wading angler who desires to fish the Shawmut stretch of the Kennebec River. Lower than normal angler use has been directly related to water flow. In recent years, it has been well into July before water levels have reached a manageable level that allowed for productive wading. Unfortunately in July, water temperatures are undesirable and less productive for good trout fishing.

Currently, water levels are in the process of receding and water temperatures are becoming more conducive for good insect hatches. The flashboards on the Shawmut Dam should be installed soon, provided we do not get another tremendous rain event.

Some management changes have occurred in the Shawmut stretch since 2006. Voluntary angler data has suggested that our prized brown trout fishery is in decline. In an effort to reduce the competition between the two species, rainbow trout stocking will be reduced from 2000 to 1000 spring yearlings. In time, if results show that this stocking reduction is having a positive effect one can expect that rainbow trout numbers will decrease and the quality of the brown trout fishery will begin to improve.