Fishing
The Kennebec River begins at two dams located on the west shore of Moosehead Lake. It is at this point that the river begins its journey towards the coast. As the crow flies the distance is 120 miles, but as the river takes a more crooked course it travels 120 miles. The Kennebec River Basin stretches 75 miles wide with a drop of more than 1000 feet in elevation. This river drains an area of 6,000 square miles. This makes up almost 1/5 fifth if the entire state.
There are nine dams located on the waterway between the state capital Augusta and Moosehead Lake. These areas offer great fishing as some provide cool water being discharged from the bottom even during the warmest times of the year. While wading these stretches of water please pay attention to rapidly rising water levels. Most of these areas will be marked so please pay attention to the signs. Beginning at the East outlet
Because the state does no stocking of trout on the upper reaches of the Kennebec it is known as the finest Wild trout fishery in the North East. Beginning at East outlet the river winds its way to Indian pond. Here you will find native brook trout, salmon, togue and smelt.
From the confluence of the Dead River to the mouth of Wyman lake you will find a range of fishing that will satisfy most all. An easy access point is the Caratunk boat landing. This will allow boats of all sizes easy access to the river. Although river fisheries tend to be more technical than pond fishing, you do not need to be an expert fisherman to land a salmon or trout in this region.
Below the dam at the outlet of Wyman Lake you will be able to catch Rainbow Trout from a self sustaining trout population that is second to none. Access below the dam is steep and wading is only an option on the west shore of the river. The real secret is the cool water being released from the bottom of the lake. This allows for some action later in the season when most areas have slowed down. Down stream you will find Salmon and trout lingering around the islands near Gadabout Gaddis Airport. Pay special attention to the eddies created at the tail ends of the islands.
The stretch of river from Bingham down stream to the Solon dam is also a great place to land a huge Rainbow or respectable Salmon. It is best accessed from a primitive ramp located just above the dam on the old rail bed. This will give you access to head up stream and float the stretch that lies between Solon and Bingham.
From Solon to Madison this stretch is some what deep and with flat water. Wading is not an option along this stretch as most choose to fish this section with canoes, kayaks and small boats. A nice ram is located in Madison on the Eastern side of the river.
Below Madison is the confluence of Sandy River. From this point back up stream to the power line crossing you will find great Brown trout and salmon fishing. Be cautious as I would recommend a staff if you plan to fish this area. Wading is the only option and you can easily access this stretch via a trail behind the cemetery on the Father Rasle road. A ramp located at the Oosoola Park in Norridgewock will allow easy access from the confluence of the Sandy River to the Weston dam in Skowhegan. This area often finds recreational boaters enjoying the dog days of summer. Fishing is limited but pay attention to the eddies.
Skowhegan to Hinckley offer some great Bass fishing opportunities. A ramp located on Route 2 below Skowhegan will allow easy access for boats of all sizes. As you motor down stream you find respectable Large Mouth Bass fishing noted by some as the finest in the state.
Below the Shawmut Dam you will find wonderful wading conditions for approximately 500 or so yards. Beyond that you will need a small boat or canoe. Some of the finest Brown trout fishing in the area is located on this stretch. Access can be made from either side of the river.
Waterville provides the next best section of fishing in the area. A ramp for small boats is located below Waterville on the Western shore and can be accessed from the lower end of Water Street. Be cautious as the water is shallow from here to Augusta but can produce some fine fishing opportunities.
From Augusta down stream to Popham beach you will find great opportunities for fishing. In Augusta at the old Edwards mill parking lot you will find stairs that will take you to the river. Wading in this area is an option. Fishing for Stripers beginning in May will provide for some great action. Later in the season you will find sea run Brown trout in this area. This will provide opportunities until late into the Fall. Below Augusta is tidal water and wading is not an option. You will find this water is best fished from a good sized boat.
Please pay special attention to the Open Water Fishing Regulation book as the laws vary for different areas of the River. You may find these laws on line at www.maine.gov/ifw
Mainely Adventures Guide Service
