Saturday I launched the boat in Seven Tree Pond just like on many summer trips, hunting for the pike that I understand should be in the shallows in early spring. The water temperature was only 45 degrees and the air was not even that warm. With a fairly stiff north wind, conditions were less than ideal for casting a fly. Still I had a few free hours and some new rods to check out.
I fished for three hours casting a large streamer fly (about 6 inches long) in the warm shallows that were protected from the wind. Managed to catch 2 pickerel both around 24 inches. I guess that the large fly discouraged any smaller fish. Both fish gave a good account of themselves when hooked although the 9 weight rod was a little heavy for them and the water still chilly for them to be fully active. The most remarkable thing was the number and variety of ducks in the Saint George River. Lots of wood ducks in full spring plumage and more green wing teal than I have ever seen in the area.
My transition into spring has begun the Lund Alaskan is fully rigged and ready to go, my meeting schedule easing and the Maine Professional Guides Association Annual Banquet on tap for next Saturday. The following week is the annual Orvis guides Rendezvous in Vermont that for me really marks the kickoff of the spring and summer season.
I hope to spend an afternoon or two on Megunticook Lake in Camden searching for rainbow trout, why don't you join me?
Add new comment