The Forks Area has everything one could hope for in a fishery.
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.
A Word from our Fishing Department
Free Fishing Weekend is February 15-16, 2025
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.
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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.
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The Hawk's Nest Lodge features handcrafted furnishings and amazing wooden cravings, Delicous dining inside and out, fabulous river views. Great outdoor recreational adventures are right outside your door. All in first class style at an affordable rate.
RIVERDRIVERS offers motel rooms starting at 90 for up to 2p and 15pp after that. Also offering a spacious lodging unit with full kitchen, full bath, heated home that sleeps 14, and relax at the end of the day by a crackling campfire in your private yard! WI-FI available. Cabin rental available at 30pp/pn.
At the end of the day, relax in our riverside campground complete with hot showers, facilities and a crackling campfire, perfect for toasting marshmallows. RIVERDRIVERS Camping & Lodging customers can camp at our base starting at $36 (2p) a site per night (plus tax). All sights have fire pits and firewood is available. All sites have electricity & water!!! You have access to bathrooms and showers 24 hours a day.
We offer year round guided and semi-guided hunts and fishing trips. We provide a unique opportunity for you to fully enjoy your time outdoors without having to do the all-important legwork involved with planning a safe and successful trip. By leaving the preparation to us, you will be able to maximize your time outdoors and incrase your chances for a successful hunt.Our meals are prepared and served daily in our restaurant and lounge and we provide clean, comfortable cabins that accomadate 2-12 people with easy access to major ITS and ATV trails. You will come as a stranger and leave as a friend.
A fun and friendly resort offering rafting, snowmobiling, and other activities as well as various lodging, dining, and entertainment opportunities. Join us at "The Home Of Serious Fun!" for your getaway any time of the year!
Discover the Maine Outdoors with North Country Rivers. Our Riverside resort offers Whitewater Rafting, Cabin Rentals, Camping, Restaurant, Snowmobiling, Moose Safari, Kayaking, Hiking, Biking, Fly Fishing, ATV Trails and more!
Northern Outdoors is Maine's PREMIER Adventure Resort, with outdoor activities for all ages! Raft New England's best whitewater on the Kennebec, Dead & Penobscot Rivers. Explore hundreds of miles of trails on your ATV (rentals & guided tours) right out your cabin door. Fish for fiesty smallmouth bass in areas so good, you're guaranteed to catch fish. Cruise on well groomed trails through spectacular scenery on snowmobiles (Polaris sled rentals & guided tours). Savor great food and fresh ales brewed on site, in our Kennebec River Pub & Brewery, with outdoor seating, hot tub, and outdoor pool. After it all, relax at your private cabin or riverside campsite. Since 1976, we have been providing great Maine vacation getaways.
Inn By The River is a fun, comfortable place to stay! Whitewater Rafting, Fishing, Hiking, ATV Trails, Snowmobile Trails and Hunting are all at your fingertips from the Inn. Each guest room is individually decorated in a charming country style and has a full private bath. There is also a two bedroom housekeeping apartment that sleeps up to 10 people. Inn By The River's restaurant and Pub is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner for your dining pleasure.
Indian Hill Trading Post is a full service supermarket,agency liquor store and hunting/fishing licensing agency.
