Fishing Report

From Fisheries Resource Biologist Nick Kalejs, 10-24-25

Where to fish
The fall season can provide some great fishing on lakes and ponds here in southern Maine—often with limited competition from fellow anglers. Our smaller brook trout ponds in southern Oxford County can provide great catch rates in picturesque settings, with many remaining open into the fall (check your lawbooks—most have more restrictive regulations after October 1). Broken Bridge Pond or Crocker Pond (both in Albany) are good examples, with other similar opportunities nearby. Alternatively, fall fishing for landlocked salmon on larger waters like Thompson Lake or Kezar Lake can be rewarding. These fish are often at their healthiest and most colorful at this time of year. Again, be sure to note the changing regulations on these high-quality salmon waters.

Fishing tip
As waters really start to cool down in November, don't rush your fishing. A slower approach may give sluggish fish more time to strike.

Reminders
While most lakes and ponds remain open to fishing in the South Zone, many have more restrictive regulations in the fall and may require the use of artificial lures and/or catch-and-release of trout and salmon. Be sure to consult the lawbook or the FLOAT tool before you head out.

From Fisheries Resource Biologist Jason Seiders, 10-27-25

Coastal Rivers: We stock trout in a number of rivers along the mid coast: St. George River, Megunticook River, Medomak River, and the Pemaquid River. These are all great fall fishing opportunities because they're well-stocked and open year-round. Give these a try if you're looking for brown trout and brook trout, and a lack of mosquitoes and black flies! Stocking in these rivers depends on rainfall; if the drought breaks and we have suitable river flows the rivers will be stocked. If the drought continues and flows are too low for the fish to survive, we will hold onto those trout until spring stocking season. Keep an eye on our website to see where our hatchery crews have been recently so you can plan a successful trip!

Flying Pond (Vienna): Flying Pond is one of the most picturesque ponds in central Maine.  Additionally, it has great water quality and a tremendous smelt population. If you're looking for an opportunity to catch some beautiful salmon or maybe a trophy brown trout, this is the place. We recently surveyed Flying Pond and we're very pleased with the growth and condition of both species. Salmon grow very well here due to the high smelt population, and anglers could expect decent numbers of fish between 18-20 inches. Additionally, we collected brown trout that many anglers would consider the fish of a lifetime. Flying Pond is a great spot for anglers looking for panfish – there are tons of yellow perch!

Messalonskee Stream (Oakland, Waterville): Messalonskee Stream is a great spot for folks looking for a trout fishing spot that offers easy access. We stock Messo Stream quite heavily in the spring, but rely more on drop-down fish from Messalonskee Lake in the fall. That makes the Oakland section of Messalonskee Stream a great bet this time of year, especially the outlet dam area. We always stock brook trout in that area in the fall, and it's a likely spot for us to stock any unscheduled surplus fish like splake. Again, keep an eye on our website to see if the hatchery folks have stocked some additional fish!

Fall is a great time to fish because the scenery is awesome, the bugs are few, and competing anglers could be even fewer. A lot of waters have different fishing regulations in the fall, so please check before you go fishing. Several waters switch to artificial lures only and catch and release for trout and salmon during the October-December period.

From Fisheries Resource Supervisor Jacob Scoville, 10-28-25

Undoubtedly, November is likely among the months with the lowest fishing pressure in the state. Hunting seasons are in full swing, and many anglers have traded their rods in for bows, rifles, and shotguns. I'm guilty as charged. Fortunately, the Downeast region provides avid fall anglers with opportunities to get back on the water.

Where to Fish:
For November, I would suggest targeting smaller stocked brook trout ponds. Many of these small trout ponds in the Downeast Region remain open to fishing into the fall and were stocked in October. These small waters have several size classes of brook trout, and they should be eager to eat. Vining Lake in Cooper and Lovejoy Pond in T34MD are excellent examples of ponds perfect for fishing in November. These ponds are just far enough off the beaten path that they have likely received little to no fishing pressure yet. Anglers in the Machias area are still getting accustomed to the new regulation change at Six Mile Lake. This is the first fall that anglers can fish this small lake. Highly recommend giving Six Mile a try this fall.

Fishing Tips:
Whether you're casting a fly or lures, I would stick to the basics this month: flashy colors and varied retrieves. Golden retrievers and crystal buggers are excellent choices for fly anglers, and my personal favorite lure is a gold phoebe. If we happen to have a heat wave for a few days this month, don't put away the dry flies either. Catching a November hatch could mean an epic day of fishing.
Also, there are several larger lakes still open to fishing throughout Washington and Hancock counties. Opportunities to troll for salmon, brook trout, lake trout, and brown trout are out there if you haven't winterized your boat yet.

Reminders:
November is deer hunting season in Maine. If you are out fishing some of these remote ponds or just fishing from shore in general, it would be a good choice to wear an article or two of blaze orange.
As always, be sure to check the regulations on each water you plan on fishing this fall. It's also worth noting that many of the small brook trout ponds still open to fishing in the fall are great choices for early ice fishing, so keep them in your back pocket in December too!

From Fisheries Resource Biologist Ashley Houle, 10-22-25

This fall season has looked different across western Maine this year amid the drought conditions. Despite these dry conditions, there are still plenty of great fishing opportunities to take advantage of before winter sets in.

For anglers looking to get out on the water a few more times this season, Varnum Pond, Hills Pond, and Lower Shaw Pond are excellent choices. Varnum and Hills Pond are located near each other in the towns of Temple and Perkins TWP, Varnum Pond supports populations of lake trout, brook trout, and landlocked salmon, while Hills Pond maintains a popular stocked brook trout fishery. For those seeking a more remote experience, Lower Shaw Pond, located north of Flagstaff Lake in T3 R4, offers the chance to catch quality brook trout in a quiet backcountry setting.

The cool water temperatures in the fall allow for coldwater species to move into shallower areas of lakes and ponds. In November, brook trout and landlocked salmon are finishing up their spawning season and can often be found near inlet or outlet tributaries. Lake trout are still within spawning season in November and will congregate over rocky shoal structure to spawn. On calm days, vertical jigging over these structures with a heavy swimbait or tube jig can be an effective and exciting way to target them.

For those interested in river fishing, both the Dead River and Swift River offer good late-season opportunities. The Dead River system extends from Chain of Ponds Township south through Eustis and into Flagstaff Lake, then continues down toward Dallas Plantation. The river's North and South Branches support brook trout and landlocked salmon populations. The Swift River located in Byron and Roxbury provides opportunities to catch rainbow trout, brook trout, and brown trout. In the fall season trout are often keyed in on baitfish forage, using spoons or streamer patterns are effective ways to imitate baitfish species. Be sure to review the law book before heading out, as regulations vary by each section of these rivers.

Although early fall has been mild, colder weather is moving in quickly. Make sure to pack extra layers and consider bringing a small dry bag with a spare set of clothes to stay safe and comfortable on the water.

To explore additional open waters this November, visit our website's Special Fishing Laws page for an easy way to search through the law book for fall fishing opportunities.

From Fisheries Resource Supervisor Tim Obrey, 10-22-25

It's tough to find a good open water fishing spot in November in the Moosehead Lake Region. Most of our ponds have wild fish and close at the end of September.  There are waters where the fishery is maintained through stocking programs that are open to open water fishing through the end of November, but many will be freezing during the month. These waters are stocked in October so there will be fish available to catch.  The regulations include catch and release fishing with either an Artificial Lures Only or Fly Fishing Only regulation.  You'll need to check the law book to be sure you are complying. We've been asked why we don't allow harvest on these waters in the extended fall season. Afterall, they are just hatchery fish.  The primary purpose of these fall stocking programs is to provide ice fishing opportunities.  We want those fish available for harvest after ice forms.  The spring stocking programs provide harvest opportunities for the open water anglers.

You might try Brann's Mill Pond in Dover-Foxcroft. This pond is stocked heavily in the fall and there are also some bass, white perch, and pickerel around to provide some action.

Mountain View Pond (aka Fitzgerald Pond) just north of Greenville will also have hatchery brook trout available in the fall.

Beware, both of these waters freeze early. So, pre-Thanksgiving is probably the best time if you're looking for "One more cast!"

The East and West Outlets are perennial favorites for avid fly fishermen and women. The East Outlet is open year-round from the dam to the Beach Pool (about 1 mile downstream).  The entire West Outlet is open all year.  Anglers can pick up both brook trout and salmon in these waters.

Remember, it is deer hunting season so wear something orange if you're pounding the water in November.

From Fisheries Resource Supervisor Kevin Dunham, 10-27-25

For all but the hardiest of fall anglers the fishing season has slowed until good, safe ice is formed on their favorite lake or pond.  November weather can surely present challenges for anglers, but there are still opportunities to wet a line and some waters even remain open to harvest.  Millinocket Stream in T1 R8 WELS remains open to open water fishing year-round and is a little-known trout fishery with the occasional landlocked salmon dropping out of Millinocket Lake. Most recently stocked in Mid-October with over 300 fall-yearling brook trout in the 13" range, Millinocket Stream should be offering a prime angling opportunity about now. The portion of stream from Millinocket Lake dam down to the Route 11 bridge remains open year-round and harvest is permitted. Best access is directly below the dam, off the Stacyville Rd., or just downstream of the Stacyville Rd. bridge at the Huber Rd. intersection. 

Some years there is enough ice forming on smaller, shallow ponds later in the month to entice a brave ice angler. If that's you, please use caution and focus on lakes and ponds in the South Zone as the majority of these waters remain open year-round to angling of any type (unless closed by Special Rule, always check the Maine Inland Fishing Laws book).

Norton (Peters) Pond located in Brownville is open to open water and ice fishing from January 1 – December 31 (harvest permitted in the fall) and is stocked with fall-yearling brook trout.  This is a great little pond to visit in December if ice conditions are right and the opportunity exists to ice fish in November, if it is a particularly cold year! 

Although Davis (Wapiti) Pond is located in the North Zone, it has a special regulation and remains open to open water and ice fishing year-round, and harvest is permitted. This small, picturesque pond located in T5 R7 WELS beside Lower Shin Pond can be accessed by a walking trail on the northwest side of the pond.

Due to colder water in November remember to use a slow retrieve and concentrate on the shallows and mouths of tributaries as fish will still be coming in-shore to access spawning habitat. Keep these tips in mind and transitional fishing can be surprisingly productive.

From Fisheries Resource Biologist Jeremiah Wood, 10-17-25

November is generally not a popular fishing month in far northern Maine, with most of our waters closed to fishing by September's end. Increasingly, though, anglers have sought more fall fishing opportunities, and recent stretches of warmer weather in the fall have made it a great time to wet a line.

One of the most popular fall fisheries in our region has been in the sections of the Fish River that remain open to year-round fishing, particularly Nadeau Thoroughfare connecting St. Froid and Eagle lakes, and the river downstream of Fish River Falls in Fort Kent.

Fish River salmon can be readily caught in the slower pools using most lures. For fly anglers, swinging streamers or large wooly buggers is usually effective. Sometimes it's necessary to fish your fly deeper below the surface for slower moving fish. Color can often be important to success, with gray, white and purple being some of the more effective streamer colors on the Fish River.

Fishing regulations during the extended fall season typically require the use of artificial lures only and catch and release fishing, with some exceptions.

Year-round harvest of landlocked salmon is allowed in the Fish River thoroughfares connecting Square, Eagle and St. Froid lakes. Numerous small salmon from these lakes frequent the thoroughfares to feed and spawn, and the overabundance of these fish impacts the lakes' smelt populations and their ability to grow to a large size. We continue to encourage anglers to harvest small salmon in these waters.

The Saint John River also remains open to fishing through November for anglers targeting bass and muskellunge with no harvest restrictions on those species. Numerous public access sites exist on the lower Saint John, while the upper portions of the river offer a more remote fishing experience.

Remember to check the fishing laws before you go and use caution as the water is extremely cold this time of year.