Fishing Report

From Fisheries Resource Supervisor Jim Pellerin, 9-19-25

Where to Fish: Hard to believe it’s almost October, the drought has been tough for stream trout populations and has certainly delayed fall spawning runs of salmonids.  I am hoping for some rain!  Fall stockings should begin soon and southern Maine offers many opportunities to fish in the fall, you can view the stocking report here.  Some popular waters with year-round fishing regulations include:  the Androscoggin (entire river), Little Androscoggin (Welchville to Auburn), Mousam River (entire river), Presumpscot (entire river), Royal (Elm St – tidewater), and Saco Rivers (entire river).  The Presumpscot River at Route 35 is a very popular fall destination for brook trout and salmon.  While flows are low required minimum flows in the bypass reach should keep it fishable.  Don’t forget to try the other tailwaters on the Presumpscot River as several of the dam sites are stocked each fall and hold fish.  Several other rivers and streams in the Region have extended seasons for specific sections: Little (Berwick), Merriland, Ogunquit, and Pleasant (Windham) Rivers.  In addition, most lakes and ponds in southern Maine are open year-round and provide excellent opportunities for both coldwater and warmwater species.   While river fishing for salmon in the fall is limited in southern Maine, many of our lakes have areas that attract spawning salmon and can provide some fantastic fall fishing opportunities.  Also, many of our smaller, quality trout ponds have extended seasons.  Be sure to check the lawbook for more details and water specifics.   Good luck and I hope you enjoy my favorite season of the year!

Fishing Tip: I recently came across this quote, “Many go fishing all their life without knowing it is not the fish they are after!”  Enjoy your time outdoors.  For me, it feeds my soul, gives me perspective, and is rejuvenating.  Hope it does the same for you.

Reminders: While many of our lakes/ponds in southern Maine are open to year-round angling, those that support holdover trout and salmon typically have artificial lure only (ALO) and catch and release (C&R) regulations on salmonids for the fall period.  This allows fishing opportunity but protects those fish in areas where they concentrate and are overly vulnerable to angling/harvest.

From Fisheries Resource Supervisor Jason Seiders, 9-25-25

Where to Fish:

Lake St. George (Liberty): I include Lake St. George in so many fishing reports, but for good reason. This is the best and most consistent landlocked salmon water in this region. It routinely grows salmon in the 3-5 pound range, and the brook trout fishing can be outstanding. Brook trout size quality is great with fish up to 4 pounds! This is definitely a water you should try if you’re interested in fishing during foliage season.

Belgrade Lakes: The Belgrade Lakes offer a wide variety of fishing opportunities. There’s always tremendous smallmouth bass fishing: lots of fish and lots of 18 inch+ fish. This time of year is a great opportunity to fish for huge brown trout. Whether you like to catch them trolling or casting from shore, the larger Belgrade Lakes provide all of those opportunities. Inlets and outlets to these lakes can be especially productive as the water temperatures cool off. We routinely hear about brown trout weighing 10 pounds or larger on these lakes, so it’s a chance to catch the fish of a lifetime. The rainbow trout fishing can be very productive in Long Pond this time of year as well. Fall anglers typically have fast trout fishing here!

Coastal Rivers: If nature cooperates and provides some water, the coastal rivers can be a great chance to catch good numbers of stocked brown trout and brook trout. Rivers such as the St. George, Medomak, and Megunticook all get fairly high numbers of fish. As long as the rivers have some water, they are typically stocked at several road crossings. These are the best spots to fish because it’s the best fishing access, and many of them have great holding water for trout. Again, we definitely need water before we can stock these rivers this fall, otherwise we will hold the fish for these locations until spring.

Reminder: Fall is a great time to fish central and midcoast Maine. We stock a lot of fish this time of year, which provides a lot of opportunities for local anglers. As the water cools off, fish become more active, especially trout and salmon. Waters that support wild trout and salmon populations are often closed, or may have restrictive regulations. Always check the fishing laws before you head out, just to be safe!

From Fisheries Resource Supervisor Jake Scoville, 9-18-25

Well, if you read the September fishing report from Region C, I hope you weren’t holding your breath for those fall rains… It was a dry month, and I’m sure that affected the fishing in some of the smaller waters on your go-to list. October is a great month in the Downeast Region, and if the weather cooperates, you might get a mulligan to make up for a less than ideal September.

Where to Fish:

The water temperatures throughout the region will be dropping and will fall below the 60°F mark, indicating that the peak movement for coldwater fish is approaching. Many salmon and trout waters remain open in October here in Downeast, but it's important to check the lawbook to confirm. I recommend taking a drive to Echo Lake in Mt. Desert on MDI. This water remains open for fishing in October and supports healthy populations of salmon and brook trout. The brook trout will likely bite first, but if you manage to hook a salmon, you'd better hold on.

Another lake worth fishing this time of year is none other than the largest lake in the region, West Grand Lake. Fishing at West Grand is open through October 20^th. Recent surveys indicate that the lake trout population is trending upward, suggesting that anglers should have no trouble catching several in a single outing. West Grand salmon should be in peak condition, consistently providing anglers with fish between 16 and 19 inches.

Tips:

If you’re going out to troll for some fall lake trout, not only should you be trolling in shallower water near shore, but you should also try to identify and spend time near any shoals. This could be off mainland points, islands, or outcroppings in the main portion of a lake. Lake trout may be concentrated near these locations in hopes of finding adequate spawning substrate. Also, do yourself a favor and be sure to dry those fly and tackle boxes out if you have traded in your fishing rods for shotguns already. There are few things more discouraging than a bunch of rusty hooks when April 1^st arrives.

Reminder:

A hot topic across the state this fall has been water levels. This isn't new information, but we are in a drought. Historically, stable fishing flows at Grand Lake Stream could be expected in October. This year, flows will be lower than in previous years. That said, watch the USGS flow gauge starting in October. Although flows are currently at 125cfs, an increase is expected to attract fish to the stream and provide anglers with satisfactory fishing conditions, given the circumstances Mother Nature has presented us with.

From Fisheries Resource Supervisor Dylan Whitaker, 9-25-25

Where to Fish:

Anglers looking for a fun fall trip should check out Hills Pond in Perkins TWP.  This 22-acre 30’ deep pond abuts Rt 156 on the east allowing easy access.  Hills Pond is stocked in the spring and fall with brook trout and provides a fast fishery for medium sized trout.  Easy access along Rt 156 makes it a great place to bring kids.  Anglers looking to combine a fishing trip with a fall foliage hike should check out the Bald Mountain Pond trail, which is just south of Hills Pond on rt 156.  This advanced 2-mile hike provides a great opportunity to see the Western Mountains in their fall colors.

Another great option that will take you off the beaten path this fall is Hurricane Pond.  This 20-acre pond is located in Kibby Township and has fantastic views of the Kibby Mountain range in addition to a healthy population of brook trout.  It can be easily accessed from a side road off the Gold Brook Road near Chain of Ponds.  The angler trail to the water is short and well used.  Hurricane Pond is also open through October and November under an artificial lure only, and a catch and release regulation.  Anglers that want to fish this water should also try to have a canoe or float tube, as shoreline options are limited. 

River anglers have some good options in October, although ongoing drought conditions have left water levels abnormally low. Upper Dam Pool and the Rangeley River remain open through October. These fly-fishing-only waters are catch-and-release during the fall, but they offer relatively easy access and can make for an enjoyable trip in the scenic Rangeley Region.

Fishing Tip:

Fishing always requires a degree of patience, and I find this especially true during the fall season. Salmon and brook trout are focused on spawning and are generally less likely to strike a lure or fly compared to other times of the year. Still, fall brings unique opportunities: many large fish move into shallow waters or migrate up rivers and streams toward their spawning grounds. This gives you a better-than-usual chance at landing your personal best. So be patient—and don’t forget to enjoy the fall foliage while you're out there.

Reminder :

It’s been a dry summer and fall, and many of Maine’s rivers and streams are running abnormally low. Fishing conditions may not be what you'd typically expect in a more normal year. If you're traveling from out of town, plan ahead with a few backup options. Consider checking out lakes and ponds in case your usual spot has low water levels.

From Fisheries Resource Biologist Stephen Seeback, 9-22-2025

Fall Fishing Opportunities in the Moosehead Lake Region

While the traditional fishing season wraps up on most waters in the Moosehead Lake Region by September 30, there are still great opportunities for anglers who haven’t swapped their fishing rods for hunting gear. In fact, fall is a perfect time to enjoy the popular “Cast and Blast” experience—spend the morning grouse hunting and cast a line in the afternoon.

These extended fishing opportunities are available on waters that don’t support wild salmonids like brook trout, landlocked salmon, or lake trout. Instead, they are stocked fisheries that allow continued angling in the fall. Designated trout ponds remain open from October 1 through November 30, under Artificial Lures Only (ALO) and Catch and Release (S-7) regulations.

Trout ponds open during the extended season in the Moosehead Lake Region include:

• Attean Pond (Attean Twp.)
• Bean Ponds (Lower, Middle, Upper) (Rainbow Twp.)
• Bell Pond (Monson)
• Center Pond (Sangerville)
• Crocker Pond (Dennistown Plt.)
• Demo Pond (Rockwood Strip)
• Doe Pond (Monson)
• Fowler Pond (T3 R11 WELS)
• McClellan Pond (Elliottsville Twp.)
• Mountain View Pond (Big Moose Township)
• Salmon Pond (T4 R13 WELS)
• Sawyer Pond (Greenville)
• Shadow Pond (Greenville Junction)
• Ten Forty Pond (T2 R12 WELS)
• Trickey Pond (Alder Brook Twp.)

For anglers who prefer moving water, the East and West Outlets of the Kennebec River offer excellent fall fishing.

• West Outlet:

Open year-round with ALO regulations in effect during the fall and winter. Anglers may harvest two brook trout over 6 inches throughout the year. However, all landlocked salmon must be released alive at once from August 16 to March 31.

• East Outlet:

This is a Fly Fishing Only river open all year. During the extended season, fishing is strictly Catch and Release. All brook trout and landlocked salmon must be released immediately. The entire river is open in October, but from November 1 to April 1, only the stretch from the Beach Pool upstream to the Dam remains open.

Anglers can check current flows before heading out at SafeWaters by Brookfield Renewable US:

https://www.safewaters.com/facility/moosehead-east-west-outlet

This is one of the region’s premier fall fisheries---and now is a great time to try your luck!

Fishing Tips for Fall:

In autumn, brook trout often move close to shore and can be taken near the surface using small flies, streamers, and lures. Streamer flies that mimic smelt are especially effective for both brook trout and landlocked salmon in flowing water.

A Season Not to Miss

Fall in the Moosehead Lake Region is stunning—vibrant foliage, crisp air, and peaceful waters create a perfect backdrop for unforgettable days outdoors. Whether you’re casting a fly or hunting birds, make the most of this season!

From Fisheries Resource Biologist Zach Glidden, 9-19-25

Zachary Glidden, Fisheries Resource Biologist

Fall has officially begun, and many anglers have transitioned from pursuing Maine’s abundant gamefish to chasing ruffed grouse and dreaming of the upcoming rifle season on white-tailed deer. Some hardy anglers continue to carry a fishing rod and are well rewarded with fantastic fall fishing. As of September 30^th, many of the wild brook trout, landlocked salmon, and togue fisheries are now closed to angling. However, the Penobscot Region abounds with opportunities to get out and wet a line late into the fall.

Millinocket Stream, T1 R8 WELS can be accessed below the Millinocket Lake dam off the Stacyville Road and along a woods road on the west side of the stream. Millinocket Stream is open to open water fishing from January 1 – December 31 and affords anglers the chance to harvest brook trout year-round with a daily bag limit of two brook trout.

Located within Baxter State Park, Abol Pond, T2 R9 WELS offers anglers wonderful fishing for brook trout and views of Maine’s highest mountain. Abol Pond has several access points along the Park Tote Road and at the Abol Picnic area. Abol Pond is open to catch and release fishing with artificial lures from October 1 – November 30. As is the case in most BSP waters, the use of motorboats or outboard motors is prohibited.

Duck Lake, T4 ND (Oqiton TWP) and West Lake, T3 ND both are open to angling under S-7 (All trout, landlocked salmon, and togue caught must be released alive at once) and artificial lures only regulations from October 1 – December 31. Duck Lake has a gravel launch at the east end of the lake and has great fisheries for both brook trout and landlocked salmon. West Lake features an improved boat launch on its northern shore and from there anglers can also fish for brook trout and landlocked salmon.

Tip: For brook trout focus your efforts along the shoreline and weed beds, as temperatures drop brook trout move into shallower areas looking for prey. In the fall, my go to trolling streamer for landlocked salmon is the Wood Special tied on a size 4 4x long hook.

Reminder: Remember to dress appropriately for the changing weather and wearing a life jacket isn’t just fashionable it’s functional.

From Fisheries Resource Biologist Jeremiah Wood, 9-18-25

While waters in northern Maine are seldom crowded with anglers, fall fishing provides a great opportunity for even more solitude in some of the most pristine settings you can find. Although most lakes and ponds throughout the Fish River Lakes region are closed to fishing after September 30, many of our stocked waters remain open to catch and release fishing with artificial lures only.

Despite low water conditions in the latter half of the summer, temperatures have remained cool, and brook trout survival appears to have been much better this year than we’ve observed during summers that are both hot and dry.

Rockabema Lake in Moro Plantation can provide fast fishing for both trout and salmon this time of year. Although there is a publicly maintained boat launch at the lake, low water may make it difficult to launch a large boat this fall.

Perch Pond in the Deboullie Public Lands Unit (T15 R9) is a beautiful place to fish in the fall. The pond can be accessed by vehicle to the shoreline and fished effectively from shore or small watercraft. This would be a great trip to combine with a hike up Deboullie Mountain or another of the well-maintained hiking trails in the township.

Update: We’ll be stocking the Fish River between the Fish River Falls in Fort Kent with both brook trout and salmon in late September. These fish are most readily caught soon after stocking, and can provide some really fast fishing on an autumn afternoon. Due to repair work on Scopan Dam, we won’t be stocking Scopan Stream this fall. Instead, those fish will go into Scopan Lake, providing the potential for some fall lake trolling for salmon in the Ashland-Presque Isle area.