Maine’s Fall fishing opportunities are ample. And, there is no better place to view the foliage than on the water. The bright colors reflecting off of “still water” doubles the experience of fall foliage viewing. If you are the type of outdoorsman that would rather be fishing than hunting, there are plenty of waters to target. Check my previous posting for a smattering of fall fishing opportunities in Maine.

I love Fall’s opportunity to provide presentations to Northern Pike. Northern Pike are predatory type stalkers and are at the top of the food chain. Pike love flash and vibration. Large spinners and vibrating soft baits have worked well. Try trolling in areas that go from deep to shallow. Northern pike are coming in to shallower water after seeking cooler depths during the summer. Depending on the size of the Pike, its preferred water temperature runs between 55 and 65. During the summer I often find them in the shallows after a cool night’s temperature drop. During the fall they are moving into the deep shallows. The actual depth will be dependant on the water and structure available to them.

Remember that Pike are ambush feeders. They would rather lay in an area with good possibilities than chase their prey on an ongoing basis. Check places that give them good opportunities, cover and visibility. Outside points with small divots in the weeds are good holding areas. Weed clumps in wide open shallows also provide good cover for pike. They will hold and wait. Cast large flashy spinners with a strong pumping action on a stiff rod for best hook up success. Pike will often try to stun their prey before turning and securing the target in their powerful mouths. I have landed Pike that were hooked right between the eyes while fishing lipped crank baits. The force of their hit on my artificial lure has driven the hook into their hard snout. And if you know Pike, you know how strong of a hit it takes to drive hooks into its bony snout. The Belgrades are good for targeting Pike. Some of the Lakes are open this time of year.

There are also many areas to fish for Brown Trout and Landlocked Salmon. For Browns, try Square Pond in Shapleigh. For Landlocks, China Lake is a good pick. Landlocks are not stalkers in the way that Northern Pike are. They will lie in wait at times, but they are usually schooled up where Northern Pike are solitary hunters. Landlocked Salmon like to slap their prey. This is where lead core line comes into play this time of year. When Salmon are deep, I prefer to fish them with downriggers. But as water temperatures cool and Salmon rise in the water column, I find that lead core line is more opportunistic.

For Landlocked Salmon troll DG Minnows and small spoons. Grey Ghost and Jerry’s Smelt work well for flies when positioned behind a small dodger. Rig the fly or spoon with three feet of florocarbon leader in the eight to ten pound test range. Attach a swivel and provide twenty feet of ten pound monofilament before transitioning to the lead core. I prefer twelve to eighteen pound lead core line trolled two or three colors out for fall fishing. The trick is to watch your pole. Landlocks have a tendency of slapping their prey with their tail to stun them. Unlike the Pike, that forcefully drive their snout into the prey’s side to stun it, Landlocks prefer slapping it with their tail before turning to mouth it. What does this do for you? It gives you valuable information if you are watching for it.

When a Landlock strikes your presentation with its tail, your rod will pop while trolling. You most likely have seen it before. You are trolling a fly or spoon on lead core and your rods bends. It bends again and returns to its normal position. What is happening? I tell you what is happening; the Landlocked Salmon is hitting your presentation with its tail. The Landlock wants your presentation to appear stunned at this point. So give it what it wants and let out some line. You will be pleasantly surprised when the Landlock turns and inhales it.

If you are a Smallmouth Bass aficionado, all I can do is tip my hat to you. Pound for pound Smallies are the strongest fighting fish out there. I have often thought a five pound prize was at the end of my line until a two pound Smally showed it face. If you are looking for Smallies, try Long Pond in the Begrades or Lond Pond in East Parsonsfield. Vibrating lures work well for Smallmouth bass in colder water. My favorite is the Silver Buddy. It is no longer available due to the death of Kendall Banks, son of the originator of the lure, Buddy Banks. Kendall was only forty-four when he passed. My heart goes out to Brenda Banks and her family for their recent loss. Life is so fragile. We all need to smell the roses before it is too late.

Alternatives to the Silver Buddy are the Vib-E produced by Jenns Netcraft and Cicada produced by Reef Runner Lures. Rattle Trap lures can also be affective if the water is not to clear. If find the previous two to be more affective in clearer water.

There are many opportunities to be had in the Great State of Maine. Just make sure to get out and enjoy the fresh air no matter what your preference is.

Be Safe and have fun enjoying the Out-Of-Doors!

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