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!

Open fresh water fishing opportunities abound in Maine waters. The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife has an abundant management program in place for Maine Fall fishing. Maine's Fall fishing opportunities are fantastic. Lakes and ponds in Cumberland, Kennebec, Knox, Lincoln, Sagadahoc, Waldo and York counties are open from April 1 – November 30; all trout, landlocked salmon, togue, and black bass caught from October 1 – November 30 must be released alive at once. These waters may have special regulations which have been retained, check individual listings for special regulations. But species like Hornpout, White Perch, Bluegill, Northern Pike, Yellow Perch, Black Crappie and Pickerel may be OK to harvest during the Maine Fall fishing season. Again, make sure to check the regulations for the specific water you are targeting. Maine fall fishing opportunities can provide for some great action. Maine winter "open water" fishing is also available in some areas. Make sure to fill in time before ice fishing season with these Maine fishing spots.

Here is a smattering of Maine Fall fishing opportunities listed alphabetically by county (check regulations for the water you plan to target):

Maine Fall Fishing

Androscoggin County:

Androscoggin River, Gilead, etc.

• From the Maine-New Hampshire Border to tidewater: open to open water fishing from January 1 to December 31.
• From the Maine-New Hampshire border downriver to the bridge crossing in Gilead: Single hook artificial lures only. S-27.
• From the bridge crossing in Gilead to the Route 232 Bridge, Rumford Point:
April1 - September 30: S-6; daily bag limit on trout: 1 fish; minimum length limit on salmon, rainbow trout, and brown trout: 12 inches. All trout between 16 and 20 inches must be released alive at once.
October 1 - March 31: S-6; all trout and salmon must be released alive at once.
• From the Route 232 Bridge, Rumford Point to tidewater:
April 1 - September 30: S-19; minimum
length limit on salmon, rainbow trout, and brown trout: 12 inches.
October 1 - March 31: S-6, all trout and salmon must be released alive at once.

Androscoggin River, Little, Oxford, Minot, Poland, Auburn, etc. From Route 26 bridge in Oxford to confluence with Androscoggin River: open to fishing from April 1 to Oct. 31, S-19.

Nezinscot River, Turner.
• From Turner Mill dam downstream to its confluence with Meadow Brook: Open to open water fishing for all fish from January 1 – December 31; S-6, S-27;
• From its confluence with Meadow Brook downstream to its confluence with the Androscoggin River: Open to open water fishing for all fish from January 1 – December 31: S-19.
• The following applies to both river sections. From October 1 – December 31: catch and release for bass. From January 1 – March 31: Daily bag limit on bass: 1 fish.

Aroostook County

No apparent opportunities.

Cumberland County:

County-Wide Specials: Lakes and ponds are open to open water fishing from April 1 – November 30; all trout, landlocked salmon, togue, and bass caught from October 1 – November 30 must be released alive at once. These waters may have special regulations which have been retained, check individual listings for special regulations.

Crooked River Albany to Casco:

• From Bolster’s Mill Road bridge downstream to Route 11 in Casco: October 1 – October 15, S-5, S-22; minimum length limit on salmon: 26 inches. All other fish caught must be released alive at once.

Presumpscot River, Standish, Windham, Gorham, Westbrook. Open to fishing from January 1 - December 31. From October 1 - December 31, catch and release for bass. From January 1 - March 31, daily bag limit on bass: 1 fish.
• From Sebago Lake dam to the red markers approximately 100 feet downstream of the dam: closed to fishing.
• From the red markers to confluence with North Gorham Pond: S-5; total daily bag limit on salmon, trout and togue: 1 fish.
• North Gorham Pond, including the canal and the tailrace: total daily bag limit on salmon, trout and togue: 1 fish.
• From North Gorham Dam downstream to tidewater: S-19.
Royal River, Yarmouth, from Elm Street downstream to tidewater. Open to fishing January 1 – December 31. S-19.

Sebago Lake:

f) From October 1 – November 30, the area located between and including the Standish boat launch ramp and the Portland Water District pump station pier is open to fly fishing only, with barbless hooks, from shore and pier only; all fish caught must be released alive at once.

Franklin County

Carrabassett River.

• From its source in Carrabassett Valley downstream to Rt. 146 crossing: S-5, S-19. From October 1 to October 31, S-5, S-21.
• From Rt. 146 crossing to its confluence with the Kennebec River in North Anson:S-19. From October 1 to October 31: S-6, S-21.
• From its confluence with the West Branch of the Carrabassett to Rt. 146 crossing: Children 16 years of age and under may fish under S-4.

Kennebago Lake, Big, Davis Township.

S-5. Daily limit on trout: 5 fish; minimum length limit on trout: 6 inches, only 1 trout may exceed 12 inches. Open to fishing from April 1 - October 31. Tributaries closed except Kennebago River

Sandy River, Madrid, Philips, Strong, etc. S-19.
• From its origin at the outlet of the Sandy River Ponds to the upper (Route 142) bridge in Phillips:S-6.
• From the upper (Route 142) bridge in Phillips, downstream to its confluence with the Kennebec River, Starks and Norridgewock: From October 1 to October 31, S-6, S-21.

Hancock County

Alamoosook Lake, Orland.

No size or bag limit on largemouth bass from April 1 - November 30. From October 1 - November 30: all trout, salmon, and smallmouth bass must be released alive at once.

Patten Pond, Lower, Surry, Ellsworth. S-2, S-3, S-12. All brown trout caught in the lake, tributaries, and outlet must be released alive at once. From October 1-31: artificial lures only; all fish caught, except for bass and pickerel, must be released alive at once.

Toddy Pond, Orland, etc. S-2, S-3, S-19. Minimum length limit on togue and trout (including splake): 14 inches. From April 1 to October 31, no size or bag limit on largemouth bass. From Oct 1-31;S-6; all fish caught, except for largemouth bass, must be released alive at once.

Kennebec County

Lakes and ponds are open to open water fishing from April 1 – November 30; all trout, landlocked salmon, togue, and bass caught from October 1 – November 30 must be released alive at once. These waters may have special regulations which have been retained — check individual listings for special regulations.

Sebasticook River, Hartland, Winslow, etc.

• From Great Moose Pond Dam, Hartland, to the Fort Halifax Dam in Winslow: S-19. From August 16 to October 31: S-6, S-22;
• From the Fort Halifax Dam in Winslow, to the confluence with the Kennebec River: Open to open water fishing from January 1 – December 31: Single hooked artificial lures only; S-19, S-22; minimum length limit on salmon, rainbow and brown trout: 16 inches.

Kennebec River Regulations

see Kennebec River Chart (Somerset County)

Knox County

Lakes and ponds are open to open water fishing from April 1 – November 30; all trout, landlocked salmon, togue, and bass caught from October 1 – November 30 must be released alive at once. These waters may have special regulations which have been retained — check individual listings for special regulations.

St. George River, From St. George Lake, Liberty, downriver to head of tide in Warren:

Open to open water fishing from January 1 – December 31: Minimum length limit on trout: 12 inches. Total daily bag limit on salmon, trout, and togue: 1 fish.

Lincoln County

Lakes and ponds are open to open water fishing from April 1 – November 30; all trout, landlocked salmon, togue, and bass caught from October 1 – November 30 must be released alive at once. These waters may have special regulations which have been retained — check individual listings for special regulations.

Oxford County

Upper Dam Pool, T4R1.

That area between Mooselookmeguntic Lake dam and a line drawn between the two cribwork piers approximately 800 yards west of said dam: S-1, S-5, S-21, S-22; Minimum length limit on salmon: 18 inches. No motorboats allowed from the gates of the dam, downstream or westerly 150 yards. Open to fishing October 1–October 31: S-5, S-27.

Penobscot County

Kenduskeag Stream from its origin in Corinth downstream to the head of tide (Harlow Street Bridge in Bangor):

September 16–October 15; open to fishing:S-6, S-12,S-19. Minimum length limit on trout: 8 inches, and maximum length limit on landlocked salmon 25 inches. From the Harlow Street Bridge (head of tide) down to the Maine Central Railroad bridge in Bangor closed to all fishing after July 15 (Marine Resources Rule).

Penobscot River, Medway-Veazie, also see Fish Consumption Advisory, From the confluence of the East and West Branches of the Penobscot River downstream to Veazie Dam: S-24. Maximum length limit on landlocked salmon: 25 inches.

• Mattaseunk Dam to Milford Dam-Gilman Falls Dam in Milford: From April 1 - September 30, S-6 for bass; daily limit on bass: 1 fish between 12-15 inches. From October 1 - November 30: S-6; All trout, salmon, togue, and bass must be released alive at once. The area within 150 feet of any part of the West Enfield Dam, including fishway: Closed to fishing at all times.
• All tidal waters of the Penobscot River from the Veazie Dam to the downstream side of the Bangor Water District pipeline crossing, located approximately 3100 feet downstream of the Veazie Dam and identified by two red posts on either side of the Penobscot River in Eddington and Veazie: Closed from June 1 - October 30 (Marine Resources Rule).
Snag (Stump) Pond, Lincoln. No size or bag limit on largemouth bass throughout the open season. Remains open to fishing through November.

Piscataquis County

Bennett Pond, Big, Guilford.

Open to fishing from April 1 - October 31.S-19.

Currier Pond, 1st, T9R11 WELS. From April 1- September 30: S-5, S-18. From October 1-31: S-5, S-27.

Doe Pond, Monson. Open to fishing from April1 - October 31: S-4, S-19.

Piscataquis River, Guilford, Sangerville, Dover- Foxcroft, Sebec, Atkinson.

• From the dam in Guilford downstream to the Atkinson-Sebec Bridge (includes tributaries upstream to the first bridge): open water fishing from January 1 to December 31: S-6, S-19.
• From the Sebec/Atkinson bridge to the confluence with Penobscot River (includes tributaries upstream to the first bridge). S-23.
Prong Pond and tributaries, Beaver Cove Plantation, Greenville. Open to fishing from April 1 – October 31:S-19.

Sawyer Pond and tributaries and outlet to barrier dam, Greenville. Open to fishing from April 1 – October 31:S-19.

Shadow Pond and tributaries, Greenville. Open to fishing from April 1 - October 31: S-4, S-19.

Snow’s Pond, Dover-Foxcroft. Open to fishing from April 1 – October 31:S-19. Motorboats prohibited.

Unnamed Pond (Gravel Pit Pond), T3R5 BKP EKR. Open to fishing from April 1–October 31:S-19.

Unnamed Pond (Power Trout Pond), T3R5 BKP EKR. Open to fishing from April 1–October 31:S-19.

Sagadahoc County

Lakes and ponds are open to open water fishing from April 1 – November 30; all trout, landlocked salmon, togue, and bass caught From October 1 – November 30 must be released alive at once. These waters may have special regulations which have been retained—check individual listings for special regulations.

Somerset County

Baker Lake, T7R17 WELS. From October 1–31: S-6. Open to the taking of muskellunge only.

Daymond Pond, Moose River Plantation. S-5, S-17. Extended Season-Remains open to fishing through October. From October 1- 31;S-5, S-27.

Fifth St John Pond, T5R17WELS, T6R17 WELS. October 1–31: S-6. Open to the taking of muskellunge only.

Kennebec River:
Check the regulations, many opportunities abound. Click this link to view the Kennebec River Chart

Parlin Pond and tributaries, upstream to Route 201 and outlet (Parlin Stream), down to the confluence with Bean Brook: casting and trolling with artificial flies only. Minimum length limit on salmon: 12 inches. S-19. Extended Season remains open to fishing through October. From October 1-31; casting and trolling with artificial flies only; all fish caught must be released alive at once.

Rancourt Pond, Dennistown Pltn. S-5, S-16. Extended season remains open to fishing through October. From Oct. 1 - Oct. 31:S-5, S-27.

Round Pond, Sapling. Open to fishing from April 1 – October 31: S-19.

Saint John River, Baker Branch. T7R17, T7R18, T7R19 WELS. S-13. From October 1-31: S-6, S-13. Open to the taking of bass and muskellunge only.

Waldo County

Lakes and ponds are open to open water fishing from April 1 – November 30; all trout, landlocked salmon, togue, and black bass caught from October 1 – November 30 must be released alive at once. These waters may have special regulations which have been retained, check individual listings for special regulations.

Ducktrap River, Belmont, Northport.
• From Tilden Pond to tidewater, S-5, S-12, S-17. Maximum length on landlocked salmon: 25 inches.
• From the confluence of Black Brook to tidewater: River open until October 15.

Washington County

Boyden Lake, Perry, Robbinston. S-2, S-3, S-23. From April 1 - October 31, no size or bag limit on largemouth bass. From October 1-31: S-6, all fish caught except largemouth bass must be released alive at once. From April 1 - June 20: closed to the taking of smallmouth bass. From June 21 - September 30: daily bag limit on smallmouth bass: 1 fish; minimum length limit on smallmouth bass: 18 inches.

Cathance Lake and all tributaries, No. 14 Township etc. S-17. From April 1- October 31 no size or bag limit on bass except that only one may exceed 14 inches. From October 1- 31: S-6; all fish caught except for bass must be released alive at once.

Grand Lake Stream, Grand Lake Stream Plantation, etc. S-5 from April 1-October 20, including that portion of the stream adjacent to the hatchery pools. Closed to all fishing within 150 feet of Grand Lake Stream dam. From April 1 – August 15: S-19, S-22. From October 1- 20: S-27.

Grand Lake, West, T6 NDBPP, etc. S-15. From October 1-20: S-6, S-27. Daily bag limit on whitefish: 8 fish.

Meddybemps Lake, Meddybemps, Alexander, etc. From April 1 - November 30, no size or bag limit on bass, except that only one may exceed 14 inches. S-20. From October 1 - November 30: all salmon must be released alive at once.

York County

Lakes and ponds are open to open water fishing from April 1 – November 30; all trout, landlocked salmon, togue, and bass caught from October 1 – November 30 must be released alive at once. All existing special regulations will be retained. See individual listings for special regulations.

Great Works River, South Berwick, North Berwick. From Route 9 downstream to the confluence with Salmon Falls River: From October 1 – March 31: S-6; all fish caught must be released at once.

Merriland River, Kennebunk. From the northbound lane bridge of the Maine Turnpike to the upstream side of the Route1 bridge- open to fishing from April 1 - October 31: S-6, S-19.

Mousam River, From Acton to Kennebunk:
• From the Dam at Mousam Lake downstream to the dam immediately upstream of Route 1: S-23.
• From the dam immediately upstream of Route 1 to tidewater: open to fishing from Jan. 1- Dec. 31. Minimum length limit on brown trout and rainbow trout is 14 inches.

Ogunquit River, Wells. From the northbound lane bridge of the Maine Turnpike to the upstream side of the Route 1 bridge: open to fishing from April 1 - October 31: S-6, S-19.

Ossipee River, Little, Newfield and Shapleigh.
From the stone dam immediately above Route 11 in North Shapleigh downstream to Bridge Street in Newfield: From April 1 – October 31:
S-6, all trout caught must be released alive at once.

Saco River: From the Maine/New Hampshire border in Fryeburg to Cataract Dam in Saco: open to fishing from January 1 - December 31. S-19. From Jan. 1 - Mar. 31, daily bag on bass: 1 fish. From Oct. 1 - Dec. 31, catch and release for bass. Caution: rapidly rising water levels associated with river dam operations could pose a danger to fisherman.

End Of List

Remember, just because most fisherman are entering hunting mode at this time of year, there are still many opportunities to be had. If you are the type of person that likes to fish for Smallmouth Bass, check out Long Pond in upper York County. It is loaded with the species. Try tubes, vibrating baits or crayfish imitators. If you are more prone to Pike fishing, any of the Belgrade Chain of Lakes is a good place to target. I picked up a twelve and half pounder on an artificial there. If Brown trout are your favorite check out Square Pond in upper York County, the place is packed with nice fish. Messalonski also has some nice splake to offer up this time of year. Catch and release only on this species - it is a member of the trout family of fish.

If you are the type of person that would rather hunt than fish, just remember me when you shoot your Moose, I love Moose meat but have never had the luck of being drawn for the hunt. Whatever your flavor is, make sure to get out this Fall to enjoy the beautiful weather. Fall outdoor recreation is one of Maine’s best kept secrets. I don’t have to tell you that if you live here. I’ll soon be clamming as our flats have a fall season that opens at the beginning of October.

Remember to get out and enjoy the outdoors. Fall air is fresh, beautiful and crisp. I love this season. It packs a wallop.

Be safe and enjoy the outdoors!