Fishing Report

From Fisheries Resource Biologist, Brian Lewis, 10/28/2026

November offers a variety of fishing opportunities not available during warmer months. As the surface water of lakes and ponds cool from the heat of summer, cold water species like trout and salmon once again have access to the upper areas of the water column including the shallows of coves and beaches. This condition combined with hatcheries in high gear stocking fall yearling trout in the 10-14 inch class in support of the ice fishing season provides a unique opportunity to angle over some very nice trout in shallow waters. Species available include brown trout, brook trout, and rainbow trout.

Likely opportunities include the beach area of Crystal Lake in Gray, Otter Ponds number two and number four in Standish, and Chaffin Pond in Windham. Fly fishing with sinking tips and wooly buggers or spin casting with spinner baits are both good bets. Please remember no live bait is allowed after September and all trout and salmon must be released immediately.

From Fisheries Resource Supervisor, Jason Seiders, 11/2/2026

Stocked Trout Rivers: If you're looking for a great chance to catch brook trout and brown trout, now is the time to fish some freshly-stocked coastal rivers. We stock a variety of sizes of each species, and our hatchery staff stock these trout at most road crossings along these rivers. This gives anglers decent access to these fish, and most of these areas have great holding water for trout. Many smaller streams are closed this time of year to allow wild trout to spawn without being caught by anglers, but the rivers listed below rely upon stocking to have a trout fishery. This provides a great year-round opportunity to catch fish in flowing water. Some good options include:

• St. George River
• Medomak River
• Megunticook River
• Pemaquid River
• Nezinscot River

Lake St. George (Liberty): I always tend to recommend Lake St. George, regardless of the season. Our recent survey confirmed that salmon growth remains really good, and there are a good number of salmon around 20-inches. We observed good numbers of brook trout at-large, before the new fish were even delivered from the hatchery. St. George offers a good chance at 4+ pound salmon and brook trout, which are not easy to find in central Maine. Keep in mind that Lake St. George has special regulations in the fall (artificial lures only and catch and release on trout and salmon until January 1), but it's definitely worth a shot if you want a fishy break from deer season.

Long Pond (Belgrade): Fall is the perfect time to hit Long Pond for some trout action. Long Pond is heavily stocked with nicely-sized (14+ inches) rainbow trout each fall, and they are eager and aggressive fish. These fish typically seek out areas with moving water (inlets and outlets), and these spots can produce multiple fish in a short amount of time. Along with rainbows, Long Pond grows some impressive brown trout, and November is a great time to catch the brown trout of a lifetime. These fish drop down from Great Pond and grow really well on abundant food sources in Long Pond. It's not uncommon to see or hear about Long Pond brown trout that push the scales into double digits.

I urge you to take advantage of some awesome fishing opportunities in November. You're sure to encounter fewer bugs, fewer anglers, and you may encounter a ton of fish. Good luck!

From Fisheries Resource Supervisor, Jacob Scoville, 11/2/2026

The clocks have gone back an hour, and hunters have hit the woods in search of deer, but if you're still looking to fish, the Downeast Region offers plenty of late-fall angling opportunities.

Where to fish: If you haven't tried it yet, put fishing for colored-up brookies on your radar. Many stocked brook trout waters in the Downeast region remain open to fishing throughout the fall. Small ponds such as Williams Pond in T 28 MD, Six Mile Lake in Marshfield, Keenes Lake in Calais, Bubble Pond in Bar Harbor, and Berry Patch Pond in Day Block Township are all great chances to catch trout around 10 to 15 inches this November.

I would also suggest fishing for Brown Trout this time of year. Lakes such as Pennamaquan and Round Lake in Charlotte, and Walker Pond in Brooksville, have brown trout ready to catch. I'd also suggest Simpsons Pond in Roque Bluffs and Fox Pond in T-10 SD. Both of the small ponds have brown trout and brook trout. Recent surveys show these small ponds producing browns over 20 inches!

Reminder: Just because you are in the south zone doesn't mean the lake is still open to fishing! Consult your law book to confirm the regulation for the specific lake or pond you plan to fish. Some lakes, such as Berry Patch Pond, are only open through November and then close to all fishing on December 1st!

From Fisheries Resource Supervisor, Dylan Whitaker, 10/28/2026

Places to Go:
November has arrived, temperatures have dropped, and daylight is dwindling. For many of us, that signals the start of deer season. But there are still plenty of fishing opportunities to enjoy, whether you tag out early, prefer to fish on Sundays, or are simply a fishing fanatic!

For those looking to spend some time on a picturesque river, the Dead River, from Flagstaff to its confluence with the Kennebec River, remains open through the end of November. Fishing is restricted to artificial lures, and all trout and salmon must be released alive. Easy access can be found off Long Falls Dam Road or below Grand Falls on the Lower Enchanted Road.

Flagstaff Lake also remains open through November under artificial lure only (ALO) and catch-and-release regulations for trout and salmon. The lake has been producing some quality salmon in recent years, making it well worth a visit before winter settles in.

MacDougall Pond in Carratunk is an often-overlooked fishing spot right along Route 201. A privately owned campsite and boat launch provide easy access, and the pond remains open to open-water fishing through the end of November under catch-and-release and artificial-lure-only regulations. At just 8 acres, MacDougall offers a small-pond experience without the extra travel. This little pond reaches 45 feet deep, has beautiful blue water, and is stocked with brook trout in both the spring and fall.

Round Pond in Rangeley is another great option for late-fall fishing. This 166-acre pond reaches a maximum depth of 50 feet and is stocked with trout each spring. Thanks to its excellent water quality, the pond has also shown good holdover, meaning some of those stocked fish stick around and provide fishing opportunities beyond their first season. Round Pond remains open through November under fly-fishing-only and catch-and-release regulations during the extended fishing season. If you're looking for a quieter place to wet a line before winter arrives, this pond is worth considering.

Ironbound Pond, also known as Wentworth Pond, depending on where you're from, is another excellent option for fall fishing. This 200-acre pond is located between Solon and Athens on Hole in the Wall Road. An Inland Fisheries and Wildlife-owned hand-carry launch is located near the end of West Shore Road, on the northwest corner of the pond. Ironbound remains open to open-water fishing through the end of November under catch-and-release and artificial-lure-only regulations. Reaching depths of 45 feet, the pond is stocked annually with brook trout, brown trout, and splake, making it a great choice for some late-season fishing action.

If trout aren't what you're after, Ironbound also offers excellent fishing for smallmouth bass and white perch, both of which can be harvested year-round.

Fishing Tip:
Fish can be more selective in late fall. As water temperatures continue to drop, so does a fish's metabolism, meaning they may need to eat less frequently to maintain body condition. That doesn't mean they won't bite! Fish remain opportunistic and will still go after bait, flies, or attractors when presented in the right place and at the right pace. Try different offerings, pay attention to where you're fishing, and don't be afraid to switch things up.
Stay persistent, and good things are bound to follow!

Reminder:
Anglers will be sharing the woods with hunters throughout November, so it's important to keep safety in mind.

Good luck out there, enjoy the last of the open-water season, and stay safe!

From Fisheries Resource Supervisor, Jeff Bagley 10/25/2026

If you look at the calendar it says November and this means, it's time to grab the rifle and head to the woods in search of that buck of a lifetime or the opportunity to put some venison in the freezer.  However, for those not quite ready to pack up the fishing rod and tackle there are still a few opportunities here in the Moosehead Region to pursue that late-season salmon or brook trout.

A few waters to try:

• Kennebec River, East Outlet From the dam at Moosehead Lake to yellow markers at tail of Beach Pool: Open to open water fishing from November 1 - March 31: FFO, S-7.
• Piscataquis River, Guilford to Medford (North Zone). General fishing laws apply, except: – From the dam in Guilford downstream to the Sebec-Atkinson bridge (includes tributaries upstream to the first road crossing): Open to open water fishing from January 1 - December 31. ALO, S-19.
• Prong Pond, Beaver Cove, Greenville (North Zone). General fishing laws apply, except: A. S-11, S-19. From October 1 - November 30: ALO, S-7.
• Shirley Pond, Shirley (North Zone). General fishing laws apply, except: A. S-8, S-11, S-19. From October 1 - November 30: ALO, S-7.
• Manhanock (NORTHWEST POND), Parkman, Sangerville (North Zone). General fishing laws apply, except: A. S-11, S 19. From October 1 - November 30: ALO, S-7.

Fishing Tip:
These late season waters are regulated with special fishing regulations requiring the use of artificial lures and flies only, so using a sinking fly line can be effective in helping catch fish.  A sinking fly line will help you reach the fish that are feeding on minnows and insects in the deeper parts of the waterbody you're fishing. Flies such as muddler minnows and woolly buggers are good bets. Artificial lures such as Weeping Willows, Super Duppers, and other spoons are good options as well.

Reminder:
A couple of things to remember when heading out onto any water during the late season.  First, water and air temperatures are similar to early spring conditions and an unintended dip into any river or pond could turn an enjoyable day into disaster.  Make sure to wear a life jacket and have a set of dry clothes available should you need them.

From Fisheries Resource Biologist, Zachary Glidden, 10/27/2026

Fall is in full swing; the leaves are off the trees and colder weather is firmly entrenched. While many anglers have put away their boats and waders in favor of rifles and orange attire, there is still plenty of fishing opportunities to be had. Many Penobscot Region waters remain open for angling under the S-7 regulation; "All trout, Landlocked Salmon, and Togue caught must be released alive at once". Remember to check your law book or our website Laws & Rules: Fishing: Fishing & Boating: Maine Dept of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, for water specific regulations.

Where to Fish:
New this year is the opportunity to chase Togue and Landlocked Salmon into the fall at Schoodic Lake, Brownville and Lake View PLT. From October 1 – December 31: ALO, S-7: except that Togue may be harvested under a no minimum size or bag limit less than 23 inches and a 1 fish daily bag limit on Togue greater than 23 inches regulation. With a population estimate of 14,416 Togue greater than 13", we are exerting every effort to get the Togue population under control with the aim of improving the growth and wellbeing of both Togue and Landlocked Salmon. Long known as a place to catch above average Landlocks and Togue, this will be a place to watch in the years to come.

Millinocket Stream, T1 R8 WELS can be accessed below the Millinocket Lake dam off the Stacyville Road and along a logging 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.

Looking to take a young one fishing? There are several local waters just for them. Edwards Family Kids Fishing Pond, Lincoln and Jerry Pond, Millinocket are open year-round and can be fished under ALO and S-7 regulations during November. Pickerel Pond, T32 MD located at the Maine Youth Fish and Game Association facility is open to angling and harvest throughout the year. All three of these locations receive both spring and fall Brook Trout stockings, Jerry Pond and Edwards Family Kids Fishing Pond will also sport some large retired brood fish for the upcoming winter ice fishing season.

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, traditionally I tie these on a size 4 4x long hook or more recently as a tube fly.

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, Frank Frost, 10/29/2026

Northern Maine is now closer to ice fishing opportunities than the previous open water season and with colder weather lately, ice-in on our regional lakes and ponds is feeling very close.  Most northern waters are closed after September to protect our native salmonids during their annual spawning time.  Outdoor enthusiasts are mostly focused on hunting opportunities now but those who still want to hit the water for angling can do so in many of our regional waters.  As a general rule, our stocked brook trout waters in northern Maine remain open in the fall months of October and November.  Waters in the southern Aroostook area like Mud Pond, Linneus; Nickerson Lake, Linneus; Spaulding Lake, Oakfield; and Conroy Lake, Monticello are all good opportunities for recently stocked fish.  In Central Aroostook, waters like Monson Pond, Fort Fairfield; Trafton Lake, Limestone; and Durepo Lake, Limestone are also great waters to try this time of year.  Terminal gear restrictions are artificial lures only in these waters.  Anglers' primary focus in any of these waters should be brook trout. 

Our fall field work wraps up in early November and this season has been busy on several of our regional waters.  Spawning salmonids in October and November give biologists a great opportunity to live-capture fish and provide a lot of great information for management.  This year we have focused on wild brook trout on the Allagash Wilderness Waterway and Arctic charr in several of our regional waters.  Attached is a photo of Fisheries and Hatcheries Director, Liz Latti, with a mature male Arctic charr.