Fly Fishing the Kennebec River Maine

The Kennebec River rises in Moosehead Lake in west central Maine and travels 150-miles past Madison, Agusta, and Richmond before emptying into the Gulf of Maine nearth Bath. The Abnakis Indians gave it the name of Kennebec River which translates into "long quiet waters".

The Kennebec River starts as two outlets from Moosehead Lake where it flows through two dams on the west side of the lake forming both the East and West Branches. Both the East and West Branches flow into Indian Pond. From the East Outlet to Indian Pond (Harris dam's impoundment) is about 3 miles that happen to be some of the best landlocked Salmon fishing in Maine. This is a rocky area with pools, riffles, and runs but the current can be swift here and caution is the order of the day. Water releases below 2,000 CFS make the river fishable, but above that requires floating on a raft or canoe. Between Ledge Falls and the 8 mile long section known as Indian Pond there are a good number of nice brook trout. The West Branch is a slower, softer stream however, it is not as good a fishery containing only a few brook trout.

Below Indian Pond the Kennebec River flows through a gorge and becomes quite remote. This section can be fished however keep to the west shore down to Carry Brook. A ledge along here will provide an escapes route should the sudden rise in water make it necessary. Do not attempt to fish the river from the East side as it is very dangerous. Also, at any time on the river, it is a good idea to wear a life saver vest. From Carry Brook on down to The Forks you can fish either side of the Kennebec.

As you approach The Forks, the river affords some good brook trout fishing especially around the mouth of either Cold Stream or Moxie Stream. Do not ignore these streams as they also contain good populations of brook trout as well. Continuing down the river for 9 miles to Caratunk, there are opportunities to fish, but it is best done with a canoe.

Below Wyman Dam often referred to as the Bingham Dam, there is a good self sustaining population of Rainbow trout. This area can be fished all summer as the water released from the dam maintains a temperature comfortable for trout. Also, by the same token, it can be fished early in the season without being iced over. Downstream below Gadabout Gaddis airport the river contains some good trout and often there are some salmon caught in this stretch as well.

Fly Fishing the Kennebec River:
The River contains a good population of landlocked salmon, as well as brook, brown, and rainbow trout. The brown and the rainbow trout probably average around twelve to fifteen inches, but occasionally some are caught up to and over twenty inches. A nine foot-6 WT rod will probably be the best all around choice as it will give you a good range of flies, and give you good line control as well. High Sticking will be handy is some areas.

Locals freely suggest that the Upper Kennebec Valley contains one of the best wild trout fisheries in the eastern United States.

Spring:
The fly fishing season on the Kennebec opens at various times depending on the section so be sure to check out the Maine Fishing Regulations. The Blue Winged Olives are the main staple of the river and they start in April. Follow up in May with the Quill Gordon hatches and the Hendricksons. There are plenty of baitfish in the Kennebec, so do plan to have some streamers in your fly box.

Summer:
When fly fishing the Kennebec River, watch for the March Browns hatch to start in early to late June followed by the Yellow Stoneflies. Of couse the BWOs will continue to hatch on the cloudy days. Keep the streamers and the terrestrials handy just in case.

Fall:
The fall season for fishing the Kennebec can be very short but watch for Light Cahills thru July and expect to see some Tan Caddis, Little Black Caddis and BWO’s as late as September