Maine's Backcountry

Upper West Branch of the Penobscot

Maine’s Allagash Wilderness Waterway and neighboring Penobscot River Corridor offer several unique fishing opportunities. Brook Trout and Landlocked Atlantic Salmon are the main target for anglers in Maine, but for an experienced angler a more difficult challenge awaits. The Sunapee or Blueback Trout (a subspecies of arctic char) is found in less than a dozen ponds in northern Maine along with several ponds across the border in Canada. They can be difficult to catch due to their affinity for deep water during the warmer months. To make this challenge more difficult, several of the ponds have had invasive smelt take over, slowly reducing the numbers of brook and Sunapee trout that can be found. Several years ago, the eradication of the smelt occurred in several of the ponds and have since been restocked with trout from neighboring ponds. While Sunapee populations are back on the rise these days, accompanied by the popular salmon and trophy brook trout fisheries, Maine offers some excellent choices for fly anglers looking for something new.

The town of Millinocket, Maine is the gateway to the backcountry. The Golden Road follows the West Branch of the Penobscot upriver through some of the best landlocked salmon waters in the state. The West Branch is a fast flowing river until it hits the Nesowadnehunk deadwater, and yes, most the names in Maine’s backcountry are nearly impossible to pronounce. In the mile long stretch of river upstream of the deadwater  are several areas to wade for salmon. For better success, fishing from a boat or float is optimal as more water will become accessible. Fast water current seams hold

Landlocked Atlantic Salmon of the Upper East Branch of the Penobscot River

fish throughout this stretch and fish can be caught on various flies. Caddis imitating dries, ghost streamers, and pheasant tail nymphs are excellent patterns for both salmon and brook trout. The upper reaches of the Penobscot, below Loon Lake, offer more opportunities for wading and small water fishing in a much more secluded environment. Streamers are a great choice in these waters as the tailwater fish aggressively feed on bait entering the river from the lake. A map is recommended when finding these smaller waters as the logging roads of the area get very poor service.

Moving to stillwater, Maine’s ponds offer fantastic brook trout fishing no matter which one you choose, but only a few offer a chance at the Sunapee trout. The best chances at the Sunapee are on Deboullie and Black pond in the far north and Big Reed and Wadleigh Pond of the Allagash. Wadleigh and Big Reed are more accessible and shorter drive, while the lakes and ponds of the Deboullie region have larger

populations of Sunapee trout. While probing the ponds for Sunapee, focus on the

Large Male Brook Trout (Bottom) and Female (Top) from Wadleigh Pond

steepest banks of the lake. Small streamers and wooly buggers on longer sink tip lines are great choices as the Sunapee are largely piscivorous fish feeding in or near deeper water. These tactics will also give you an opportunity at larger brook trout as well. Brookies in the 20” range are not uncommon in these ponds and are an excellent surprise while exploring. The most important tip is to stay ware of your surroundings. Noticing small rises on the other side of the lake can be the difference between a bad day and the day you will never forget. You may also be able to spot the occasional moose, black bear and a number of water fowl species traveling from pond to pond.

The Allagash is a perfect spot for a weekend camping trip but there are several lodges throughout the region that offer excellent amenities. Lodges offer a safe bet should inclement weather, which is not uncommon, should move through the area. My stay brought me to the Johnson Allagash Lodge. Bob, the owner, was tremendously helpful and offered loads of information on the local fisheries. Within close range of the Penobscot, Wadleigh Pond, and a trophy brook trout pond within feet, the lodge has it all. A canoe comes with your stay should you wish to explore the neighboring areas along with many other options. Wherever you decide to roam in Maine’s backcountry, the deep green of the dark forests, the tranquility of the hundreds of desolate ponds, or the view of Mount Katahdin towering above the forest in the distance will assure a fulfilling trip for any outdoor enthusiast. It will be tough going back to the small brookies we find when fly fishing in North Georgia.

Mount Katahdin looming over the East Branch of the Penobscot River