Maine Splake! That's right, and maybe record setting Maine Splake! If you're not sure what Maine Splake are, you are not alone.

Maine Splake is a hybrid species; Splake are a cross between Brook Trout and Lake Trout. And, Splake do not reproduce in the wild. They are cross bred at the hatchery and stocked in various waters. They are more aggressive than Brook Trout which makes them easier to catch; they also grow much larger.

Splake assume the characteristics of either Lake or Brook Trout. In Maine, the former is usually true. At times it is hard to tell the difference between a true Maine Brook Trout and a Splake. But, the size will usually give it away. Splake have a slight v-notch in the tail inherited from the Lake Trout. Brook Trout, also known as Square Tails, do not have this notch. Stocked Maine Splake will also have a fin clipped. This helps the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife track the year the Splake was stocked.

If you're looking for large Splake, Snow Pond has an abundance of them. When I stopped into Charlie's Log Cabin Bait Shop in Oakland, we began discussing the size of the Splake in Snow Pond, and the possibility of the next state record for Splake coming out of Snow Pond. With all the pictures of large Splake hanging on his walls, it was easy to see why Charlie feels Snow Pond has a State record in it.

According to the Maine State Governments Species Identification Page on July 27th, 2006, "The Maine State Record Splake was caught in Basin Pond by Dan Paquette. It weighed 10 lbs. 3 oz.". And according to Charlie, there are fish close to that size being caught out of Snow Pond now (Snow Pond is also known as Messalonskee Lake).

Charlie says most of the larger Splake are being caught around outcroppings and islands adjacent to deep water. Smelt and DG Minnows seem to be the preferred bait. Charlie will steer you in the right direction

While I was there, I couldn't resist asking him about the Pike fishing. He admitted that summer Pike fishing can be a little slow. But, he did know of one guide that was catching them on large bait by slow drifting over shelves in the twenty foot range. You'll have to ask him for the particulars. I believe the Pond was north of his shop.

Spring and Fall are historically the best times to target Pike in the Belgrade Chain. While the biggest Pike are taken during the winter months, there is nothing quite like fighting a large Pike with a medium spin casting outfit. The Pike hit hard then come to the boat with steady resistance. When they surface and see the boat, the Pike make three or four tantalizing dives searching for weeds, cover or anything they can tangle your line into.

The Belgrade chain of lakes has always had great fishing opportunities and Charlie's is the place to stock up on knowledge, supplies and bait.

Be sure to also stop by the Early Bird Restaurant while in town. Ask for one or two of their blueberry pancakes. You'll be pleasantly surprised!

Have fun fishing and be safe!

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!