Fishing in The Forks Area of Maine

Fish World-class trout, salmon, & smallmouth bass in the rivers and lakes of Maine

World-Class Fishing in the Kennebec River Valley

Anglers can target world-class trout, and salmon waters, as well as a smallmouth bass fishery that will keep you busy all season long. The Forks area is renowned for spectacular salmon fishing after annual ice-out. By accessing the “H2O Line” number, anglers can enjoy some prediction of river water flows to ensure their safety.

Registered Maine Guides offer half and full day trips, either floating with a drift boat, wading various sections of the Kennebec and Dead Rivers or trolling smelt imitations that originated in the area.

Some outfitters offer ice-fishing trips for salmon and brook trout during the winter. Once the water temperatures begin to climb and stabilize, smallmouth bass move to their spawning areas. Ice Out takes place between April and May. The smallmouth fishery in this area of Maine is nothing short of amazing, with fish over several pounds being common. Smallmouth are known for their aerial antics, eagerness and willingness to strike a surface lure or fly.

The Forks Area is proud to offer waters such as: The Dead and Kennebec Rivers, Wyman Lake, Indian Pond, Parlin Pond, Moxie Pond and Pleasant Pond. There are also many Fly Fishing Only remote ponds that hold native wild brook trout.

For information on Upper Kennebec Valley fishing seasons, rules and regulations, as well as online licensing opportunities you may refer to: www.maine.gov/ifw/fishing.

Grab a friend, neighbor, family member, colleague… it’s time to go fishing!

During Free Fishing Weekend, any person may fish without a license.*

It’s the perfect opportunity to get someone out on the ice for the first time or for the first time in years. The key to a successful first day (or reintroduction to the sport) is to keep it fun and comfortable. After all, ice fishing is about so much more than the “catch.” For many, it is about the views, time spent outside with friends and family, and memories made. Here are a few tips:

Target warmwater species such as bass, pickerel, and perch for a fast-action day! Once the angler is hooked, you can move onto the harder to catch coldwater game fish if you desire. Check out our monthly fishing report for ideas on where to go.
Cook a warm meal and bring coffee or hot chocolate.
Pick a sunny, low-wind day. Otherwise, set up in a wind-protected cove or shore.
Pack extra, dry pairs of socks, mittens, and a hat and make sure your new fishing partner dresses warm. Here are a few tips to share on how to dress in the winter.
Bring other activities to keep the group engaged between flags. Consider bringing ice skates, a hockey stick and puck, a football to toss, binoculars, or cards. Or, build a snowman!
Choose an easily accessible location. For beginners, comfort is a priority. Pick locations close to access points when snow depths are minimum for easy walking.
Keep the day short. Save your more adventurous trips for another day.
Enjoy! For many outdoor enthusiasts, the thrill of sharing knowledge with a novice is as exciting as the hobby itself.

*Those whose license has been suspended or revoked cannot participate in Free Fishing Weekend.

Enjoy your day on the ice, and remember these tips

There is no question, ice fishing is a large part of Maine’s outdoor heritage. Enjoy your ice fishing trip, and remember:

Leave no trace – Carry out all that you carry in.
Park in public or designated areas – Don’t block paths or other roads. Be mindful of muddy, soft road conditions.
Respect private property – Utilize public access sites or areas where you have permission to park or access.
Be prepared – Check the weather, bring what you need for the day, and let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.
Take care of your catch – If you are practicing catch and release, do so quickly and responsibly. If you harvest your catch, please bring it home with you.

Ice safety tips

Winter is one of the greatest seasons to enjoy the Maine outdoors but to do so safely, you must keep in mind that ice conditions are always changing. There are many factors to consider when determining whether the ice conditions are safe, and they can vary from day-to-day and from one water body to the next. Here are some important tips and tricks to keep in mind when judging ice conditions.