Fishing Report

From Fisheries Resource Biologist Nick Kalejs

As the weather cools in the last month of summer we get a second chance at the fish that eluded us during spring fishing.  Rainbow trout as well as salmon can produce hot fishing, particularly in the last two weeks in September.  Rainbow trout can be had at Stanley Pond in Hiram, Little Ossipee Lake in Waterboro, and Ell Pond in North Berwick.  Sebago Lake in Standish has traditionally turned on in late September with salmon responding to tactics usually reserved for spring.  Streamers, lures, and shiners all work fine and if this past spring is any indicator, salmon should be fat and numerous.  Remember, general law changes on October 1, so check your regs and be aware! You can find regulations in the law book, online, or using FLOAT (Fishing Laws Online Angling Tool). Be sure to download our new app which gives you both the law book and FLOAT at your fingertips—find the app in Google and Apple stores by searching "ME Outdoors".

From Fisheries Resource Supervisor Jason Seiders, 8-28-25

River Smallmouth Bass: Some of our rivers provide incredible smallmouth bass fishing this time of year. Some of these rivers provide great opportunities for float trips in canoes or kayaks, but there are also plenty of spots to fish from the riverbank. Catch rates can be very high if you try a float trip (50 fish days are very possible), and you could catch fish ranging from 8-18 inches. Unless we get some rain soon some spots could be a little boney, so even canoes and kayaks could do a little scraping if you're in rocky habitat. Slow moving areas in some of these rivers provide a great spot to fish for largemouth bass as well. Here are a few spots to consider fishing for river bass in central and midcoast Maine.

• Kennebec River (Forks, Bingham) -  Tons of smallmouth of various sizes. Each of these areas provides an opportunity to catch trout and salmon as well. River flows can change significantly and rapidly in these areas, so please check SafeWaters by Brookfield Renewable US to get accurate information on river flows.
• Kennebec River (Skowhegan, Fairfield, Waterville) – The Skowhegan and Fairfield section offers great habitat for largemouth in addition to smallmouth. The flowing section below the Shawmut Dam offers a great float trip opportunity with incredible fishing. Waterville can provide some really fast fishing when juvenile alewives begin migrating from upstream ponds. The smallmouth feed heavily on these small, shiny fish!
• Sebasticook River (Pittsfield, Burnham, Clinton, Benton) – The Sebasticook River is a tremendous smallmouth bass fishery and it can be truly incredible when millions of juvenile alewives begin migrating downstream. Great place for some topwater action!
• Pemaquid River (Bristol) – This is a slow moving river section that provides fast action for largemouth bass. It's a great place to paddle and see wildlife as well.
• Bartlett Stream (Searsmont) – This is a great stretch of slow-moving water to paddle and fish for largemouth bass. You can put in at the launch on Quantabacook Lake and paddle upstream toward Route 3. You'll find lots of largemouth bass and chain pickerel to keep you busy.

Remember that as we approach Fall, fishing rules start to change. Make sure you check out our Fishing Laws Online Angling Tool (FLOAT) on our website or mobile app. It's the best way to make sure you're following the rules on every water in Maine!

From Fisheries Resource Supervisor Jake Scoville, 8-22-25

September is one of my favorite months. When the calendar turns to September, it means it is the unofficial start to fall in my book. September weather can be so diverse. One day it can be in the 90s and in the blink of an eye you could wake up to a frost. It's those cool stretches in September that get the fishing warmed up again here Downeast.

Where to fish:
As mentioned, the weather can really change quickly in the month of September. The beginning of the month is still much like summer, and fishing your warm water lakes for bass is still likely to be your best bet. But, as the days shorten and the water cools, and with any luck, the fall rains begin, stream fishing for colored up brookies should be high on your agenda. I would fish the same streams you targeted in the spring. If you're looking for a new spot, I'd suggest adventuring around the Pleasant River, which flows through the heart of Downeast Maine.

If the streams are too warm or too low, pond fishing can be good as well. Look for waters that are deeper and will hold over coldwater fish through the warm summer months. Trying your luck at a few splake waters would be a good bet. Ponds like Burntland Lake in T35MD and Heart Pond in Orland should provide some good splake fishing. If you're looking for a salmon water to troll, I'd try Long Pond in Southwest Harbor/ Mt. Desert on MDI.

Folks who are seeking an easy spot to bank fish, that may even provide a nice brook trout, and possibly a brown trout, there are a few unique options in the Downeast region. Both Simpsons Pond in Roque Bluffs and Fox Pond in T10SD are easily accessible and hold some nice fish.

Reminder:
Be sure to check the regulations before heading out. South Zone General Law on rivers, streams, or brooks changes in mid-August and applies until September 30th. Even if your planned spot is not affected, it is good practice to always check before casting a line. Be sure to download our new app which gives you both the law book and FLOAT at your fingertips. Find the app in Google and Apple stores by searching "ME Outdoors."

Tip:
If you're fishing a brook trout stream this fall with your fly rod, don't forget about those hoppers! Even into late September, big terrestrials will be abundant and using big foam dry flies can be highly effective, and just flat out fun.

From Fisheries Resource Biologist Tyler Grant, 8-22-25

After the heat of the summer, September is a great change of pace, with cool mornings and a sun on your back that warms you, not bakes you.  The water is cooling off, and the fish are getting more active.  While many outdoor enthusiasts are switching gears toward fall hunting, don't be in a rush to pack away that fishing gear.  September is a great time to target brook trout in their most vibrant fall colors. 

Places to Try
Ironbound Pond, or Wentworth Pond, depending on where you are from, is an excellent September fishing option.  This 200-acre pond is located between Solon and Athens on the Hole in the Wall Road.  An Inland Fisheries and Wildlife owned hand carry launch is located near the end of the West Shore Road, on the Northwest corner of the pond.  The 45' deep pond is stocked yearly with brook trout, brown trout and splake, making it an excellent choice for some good fall fishing action.  There is also excellent fishing for smallmouth bass and white perch which can be harvested year round. 

Another great option that will get you out and about 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. 

Stream anglers know that September means cooler water and brook trout in their amazing bright spawning colors.  The Rapid River, the Magalloway River, the Dead River and the Kennebago River in the western part of the Rangely Lakes Region are well-known and highly regarded wild brook trout fisheries that really come alive in the later part of the month.  Small stream anglers should check out Bear Brook, along rt 26 in Newry and Sunday River and its many branches and tributaries.  Nearly all of them have wild brook trout. 

Fishing Tips
Many of the best fishing locations get a lot of fishing pressure in the fall.  Getting there early and being willing to walk further than your fellow anglers should generate more success.

Reminder
Stream anglers should keep in mind that general law on all rivers and streams in Maine after August 15th is artificial lure or fly fishing only, and the bag limit is reduced to one brook trout and one landlocked salmon or less if the water is already catch and release only.  All length limits still apply. 

From Jeff Bagley, Fisheries Resource Biologist, 8-22-25

What started out as a relatively normal spring and summer regarding rain was short lived here in the Moosehead Lake Region.  The hot temperatures and lack of precipitation during late July and August have likely had an impact on our small shallow trout ponds this summer and will have a definite impact on the fall river fishing.  Free flowing waters such as the upper Moose River and Piscataquis River are very dry.  Unless they have been able to find cold water refuge, the young trout and salmon inhabiting these waters have had a very difficult time this summer.  However, during these times when Mother Nature is not so kind to our aquatic dwellers in their natural setting, anglers can still find fishable water downstream of the many hydro facilities we have in the Moosehead Region.  These reservoirs provide the cooler, well-oxygenated water that hold fish for many of our early fall fisheries. 

Places to go: 
The Moose River below the Brassua Lake Project, the East Outlet of the Kennebec River, below the Moosehead Lake Project, the West Branch of the Penobscot River below Seboomook Dam and the Ripogenus Project all provide good fishing for landlocked salmon and brook trout.  These projects have flow management scenarios incorporated into their FERC Licenses that allow for increased flows during September.  These increases are designed to draw fish into the rivers from the waters downstream and often provide some fabulous fishing opportunities during this time.  As we do each August, we've consulted with Brookfield to review storage conditions for their projects in our region.  Because of this year's dry conditions, we have devised a flow release strategy that we hope will benefit anglers for the upcoming fall fishing season.

Another popular September fishing destination is the Roach River between the outlet of First Roach Pond and Moosehead Lake.  The Roach River provides exceptional fishing for landlocked salmon and brook trout. The First Roach Dam is operated by MDIFW, and we typically make a gate adjustment to increase flows in the river around Labor Day.  We need to make sure that once we begin the release that there is enough storage to maintain the flow through September. This year we will likely have to hold off until around September 4th or 5th to begin the release on the Roach. 

Fishing tips: Wet flies and nymphs would be a good bet for early in the month.  Anglers should try to change to larger and brighter streamers as salmon and brook trout shift gears into spawning mode later in the month.

For anglers looking to fish one of the numerous ponds in the Moosehead Region, the cooler water temperatures of September trigger many fish, especially salmonids, to increase activity and expand their movement in preparation for spawning. The decreasing water temperatures typically bring fish closer to the surface.  Those fish preparing to spawn will also begin moving into shallower water, so try fishing closer to shore than usual during sunrise and sunset.

Reminders:
Anglers looking to travel to one of these river destinations can visit Brookfield Power's Safe Waters web page.  This page provides flow information at each of their hydro facilities. Before heading to the Roach River, anglers can call into the MDIFW Roach River automated flow line at (207) 695-3756 ext. 21 to find out what the current flow is.  Unless the region gets some much-needed rain, flows in many of these waters will be lower than normal. 

From August 16 to Sep 30, the general law for fishing in rivers, streams, and brooks is restricted to the use of artificial lures and flies only. General law length and bag limits apply, except there is a daily bag limit of one landlocked salmon and one brook trout.

Fisheries Resource Supervisor Kevin Dunham, 8-22-25

The cooler night temperatures of September should bring water temperatures down considerably which bodes well for late season fishing.

If you are looking to scrap with some hardy smallmouth bass, the Penobscot River is the place to go. From Milford to Medway the Penobscot creates exciting angling memories. Not only providing world-class bass fishing opportunity, the river also offers some great canoeing and kayaking, with several boat landings in various towns (Old Town, Costigan, Greenbush, Passadumkeag, Howland, Lincoln, Chester, Winn, and Medway) along the rivers course. Chances to observe a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, is just an added bonus of a fall float down the Penobscot River.

Landlocked salmon and brook trout activity will be on the rise as water temperatures fall and their spawning season approaches. Among the waters anglers looking for fast action should target this fall include the Pemadumcook Chain of Lakes in the Millinocket region. We have had several reports recently of some very nice landlocked salmon being boated. We ended the salmon stocking program at Pemadumcook in 2017 and a naturally reproducing population now appears to be thriving. There is great boat access off the Golden Road in T1 R9 WELS as well as another landing located off Rte. 11 at North Twin Lake in T3 Indian Purchase Twp.

Cooler water temperatures in September trigger many fish, especially salmonids such as trout and salmon, to increase activity and expand their range in preparation for spawning. Not only are the decreasing water temperatures bringing fish closer to the surface, but fish readying for spawning will begin moving into shallower water as well. For salmonids try fishing in shallower than normal water as well as closer to shore than usual during sunrise and sunset and you may just catch more fish.

Part of your fall fishing planning should include becoming familiar with MDIFW Fishing Lawsv. Many waters have special regulations in the fall for extended season action; most are catch and release only beginning in October, though some do allow for late season harvest. Rivers, streams, and brooks also have special regulations beginning mid-August. It's best to know before you go.

From Fisheries Resource Supervisor Frank Frost, 8-28-25

It has been an exceptional summer fishing season in Northern Maine.  The extended spring weather combined with a mostly wet summer (until August), created great fishing conditions all over Aroostook County the past few months.  Due to a recent cooling trend, the prospects for September and those waters with extended fall seasons look promising.  Currently, water levels are lower than normal on rivers, brooks and streams; lake and pond levels are at summer low.  However, we have recently seen lots of young trout in small brooks which reflects the exceptionally cool, wet summer we had.  The result should be a great fall for brook trout and an even better outlook for 2026. 

Where to go:

1. Fish River, Fort Kent etc.  The Fish River and the Fish River Thoroughfares are well known for great brook trout and salmon fishing especially in September.  The high river flows the past few months should result in lots of fish spread throughout this waterway.  The Soldier Pond  stretch, located in the Town of Wallagrass, is a popular area.  There are extended seasons on the Fish River downstream of Fish River Falls and the thoroughfares connecting Square, Eagle and St. Froid Lakes.
2. Aroostook River, Caribou, Fort Fairfield.  Located in eastern Aroostook County, the Aroostook supports some great fishing for brook trout in September.  Focus on confluences of tributaries and anglers should also consider exploring larger tributaries like the Little Madawaska River and Otter Brook.
3. Nickerson Lake, New Limerick.  A stocked brown trout water, Nickerson is producing some great fish lately.  Brook trout are also stocked here and provide some great fall fishing opportunity.  There is a public launch site near the East end off the Drews Lake Road.

Fishing Tips:

Late summer, early fall fishing can be difficult particularly when trying to locate sportfish that will oftentimes be using much different areas than they did in spring and early summer.  In flowing waters, focus efforts further upstream in watersheds.  Trout and salmon often make seasonal migrations to get closer to spawning areas that tend to be further upstream compared to the early season locales when feeding and growth is more important.  In lakes and ponds, water quality limitations can force fish into narrow bands of water with suitable water temperatures and dissolved oxygen levels.  These depths are generally 20-35 feet for our northern Maine waters. 

Fishing Reminder:

We continue to ask anglers to consider harvesting salmon at Eagle Lake, northern Aroostook County.  There is currently a very liberal harvest rule in place that allows anglers to keep most of their catch.  This rule also extends downstream to the outlet, the Fish River (mentioned above in "where to go") as well as the inlets, Fish River Thoroughfares connecting Square, Eagle and St. Froid Lakes.