Maine Smallmouth Bass are singing the sounds of summer at Skelton Dam on the Saco River in Dayton, Maine. Maine Smallmouths are being caught on each side of the dam. Smallmouth Bass on the lower side of the dam are hitting on worms and various jigs. Maine Smallmouth bass on the upper side of the dam can be found hugging the steeper banks on the north side of the river.

Although many Smallmouths are scattered this time of year, some Maine Smallmouth still school together around points and outcroppings. First try enticing the Smallmouth Bass with a jig and grub or jig and pig presentation. Vary the jig size to provide different drop rates. Sometimes a quick dropping jig being bounced off the rocks of a steep bank can be very effective with Maine Smallmouth this time of year.

Smallmouth Bass are also very sensitive to vibration and have well developed lateral line sensors that enable them to target bait in muddy water. So, when the Saco River is a little muddy or stained, vibration can be the key to drawing a Smallmouth Bass to your lure and making them strike.

I like to start with a small spinner baits and work my way up from there. If you like Crappie fishing, you'll do well with this presentation targeting the Maine Black Crappie as well. If your spinner bait isn't making a strong enough vibration, try a Silver Buddy or Rattle Trap. I usually have better luck with the former, and I will stick with the smaller spinner baits for the first half hour as I make my way up the scale to stronger vibrating lures.

If you are not familiar with the Upper Dam landing, click here for directions. You'll find the ramp on the left at the end of the Union Falls Rd.

The basin that was created by the dam stretches for over two miles, and it has two major inlets. One inlet is the Saco River; it enters the basin one mile from the ramp. Just after the river inlet is a medium sized island that doesn't show up on google maps. The island has some nice drop offs around it. The other inlet is located at the north end of the basin around the juncture of Rt. 35 and 4.

I like targeting the shore directly across from the ramp and working my way up the basin. Earlier in the year, I will hit the shallows on the far end of the basin. With high flows the Smallies will use this area to stage before spawning.

There is also a large number of Brown Trout that are stocked in the Saco River. So the opportunity exist to target multiple species. One important fact to remember is that the Saco River is open to the taking of Brown Trout year round from open water. That's right! The open water of the Saco River can be fished year round. But the area below the dam can get rather treacherous in the winter time. Make sure you explore this area with a friend to be on the safe side.

The opportunities to fish Maine abound. Time to ante up and get fishing.

Have fun and be safe!

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