f) From October 1 - November 30, the area designated by red markers at Sebago Lake Station is open to fly fishing only, with barbless hooks, from shore and dock only; all fish caught must be released alive at once.

I read this paragraph in the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife’s Open Water Fishing Regulation's website. And I really want to fish Sebago Lake. With Monday being such a nice day, I decided to play hooky and went looking for Sebago Lake Station.

I traveled up Rt. 35 from Kennebunk and entered the Town of Sebago Lake. It lies at the southern most tip of Sebago Lake. I pulled into the town’s public landing to see if any one was fishing, but found the place vacant. I figured this could be Sebago Lake Station because there is a pumping station nearby that feeds The Portland Water District.
Did I mention I’m a plumber at heart?

Nope, this couldn’t be the spot. All I found were signs welcoming me to Sebago Lake and warning me not to get in the water. It would be hard to fly fish anyways the shore isn’t that deep and I don’t see a dock. I moved further on Rt. 35 towards Windham. The ride seemed longer than I remembered. Finally, I see a fly fisherman. Could this be Sebago Lake Station? I always thought it was the Presumpscot River and after speaking to Edward Nadeau my thought was confirmed. We spoke of fishing and what species he was after; I plumb forgot to ask him where Sebago Lake Station was.

I forged on to Windham stopping at the local CVS drug store in search of a Maine Gazetteer. If anyone would be able to tell me where Sebago Lake Station was, it would be Mr. Delorme - a local boy that started a mapping company in Freeport, Maine, and made it big. I finally find a copy of the Gazetteer at Shaw’s.

Nope…..no listing here. I purchase the Gazetteer for twenty dollars to scourer it again in my van. There is no listing……how peculiar.

I made my way up Rt. 302 and stopped at an undisclosed Marina. I walked in and looked around. “Can I help you?” I’m asked. Welllll……I was then informed that I just came from Sebago Lake Station and was told it’s located in Sebago Lake Village.

I tried to get a name and picture to substantiate my find but was refused…..afraid to get involved I guess. Hmmm....the plot thickens.

As I head north on Rt. 302 the sun is brilliant. I stop at the Jordon Bay Boat Launch and find people sitting in their cars but no fisherman. Remember, the only part of Sebago Lake that is open to fishing between October 1st and November 30th is Sebago Lake Station.
I’m starting to believe my “source” from the Marina may be right.

Since Mr. Delorme can’t tell me where Sebago Lake Station is, maybe my friends at Naples Bait and Tackle Shop can. The shop is located just before Naples off of Rt. 302. Just follow Rt. 35 onto Harrison Rd., as it leaves Rt. 302, the shop is less than 1000 feet on the left.

When I arrive at 1:00 PM, I notice the shop looks empty. I walk up to the door and see a note explaining the shop’s fall hours are 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Rats! I wanted to pick up lavender DG Minnow and can see it through the window. I continue my pursuit.

Getting back on Rt.302, I stop on the bridge between Long Lake and Brandy Pond to admire the view. The sun is glimmering over the inlet to Brandy Pond. The view is gorgeous. Could this be Sebago Lake Station? I ask workers that have congregated around the draw bridge, but they are from out of town and are unsure.

I continue my trek around the Lake taking a left on to Sebago Rd., which is also Rt. 11, confident I will find Sebago Lake Station. The drive has been very relaxing and I can’t resist the temptation to stop at the Songo River Locks. Located on the State Park Road, I veer left, almost missing the road and travel three miles to the locks. This couldn’t be Sebago Lake Station, but it sure would be fun to fish here.

I search for signs that would designate the locks as Sebago Lake Station, but am not surprised when I find signs describing the area as the Songo Locks. I walk around peering into the water, but see no fish.

I hop in my van and head for the Village of Sebago Lake. When I finally arrive there I will have made a full loop around the Lake and logged some forty miles or so and taken in some beautiful sights. I remember that Nasons Beach, “a private beach”, is on the way. Could this be Sebago Lake Station? Located on Rt. 11, I stop for a rest bit. The beach is brilliant and the spring like weather fools me into thinking that it is spring, just after ice out, and that I should be fishing, not searching for the Station!

I push forward, making my way to the Village of Sebago Lake, the exact area where my search began. I stop to ask two locals if they know where Sebago Lake Station is and they point me to Plummers Service Station. Could this be Sebago lake Station? Maybe, somehow, the shore has receded over the years. I find this hard to believe, but stop and ask them since I needed gas anyways.

I’m informed that although some people have referred to it as Sebago Lake Station, the name of the service station is Plummers, and the only thing you can fish for here is a full tank of gas.

I make my way back to the Sebago Lake Landing and run into an old timer…..remember I’m forty-six, so this guy has to be old. He’s letting his dog do his duty and seems a little surprised by the question. “Can you tell me where Sebago Lake Station is?” I ask. “Well….it’s right here son” he replies. “How can you be sure?” I asked “there are no signs labeling it as such”. “Take it from me son; this has been called Sebago Lake Station since I was a kid. Heck the only thing left of the Station is that old building over there. Everything else has been torn down”.

A light goes off in my head. “This was a railroad station, wasn’t it?” I reply. “Why of course son, this was a lively place in its day.” I believe him, even though I can only find one of the red markers. The Open Water Fishing Rules refers to “red markers” not “a red marker”. I believe I have found it!

So, which side of the buoy do I fish, the left or the right? Questions, questions, questions, will I ever get them all answered? You bet I will! See you next time.

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