Smallmouth bass begin to get active when water temperatures reach 55F.  During the higher water periods of May and June, bass are frequently found close to shoreline structure and river banks.  While later in the summer, they often migrate to deeper water associated with weed beds and rock piles.  

Many anglers feel that the best fishing occurs during the spawn, which usually takes place the first two weeks of June in most Maine waters.  Since I am busy guiding trout and salmon fishermen in May and June, I do almost all of my smallmouth bass fishing from July through September.   Most of my fishing is done from a drift boat on the Penobscot River, and it is common for us to catch more than 50 fish per day all summer long. 

The growing season for smallmouths in Maine is short, so they generally are not very fussy about what they will eat.  Fly fishermen do well with popping bugs and sliders, and spin fishermen are successful with everything from stickbaits and spinners, to a wide variety of soft plastic baits.  A chartreuse Rapala was probably our most productive bait so far in 2011.  Along with their versatility, I also appreciate the fact that Maine smallmouth bass can be caught right through the hot, bright part of a mid-summer day.  And, of course, their fighting and jumping ability, is legendary.

The shorter days and cooling water temperatures in early fall trigger a period of heavy feeding in Maine smallmouth bass, as they  try to build up extra body mass for the coming winter.  We experience some of our best fishing of the season in September and early October.  So don’t trade your fishing rod for your shotgun too soon.

To learn more about late season smallmouth bass fishing opportunities in Maine, please feel free to call or email:

Kevin Tracewski, (Tracewski Fishing Adventures), info@fishguideme.com, (207) 827-3110

A seasoned angler caught a potentially record-breaking striped bass on an evening outing in Long Island Sound. Greg Myerson, 43, of North Branford, Connecticut, was drifting with live eels on August 4, when the big fish hit. Myerson, an accomplished fisherman who won Angler of the Year in the 2010 Striper Cup competition, brought the fish to Jack’s Shoreline Bait and Tackle in Westbrook to be weighed the next morning—nearly 12 hours after the catch—and tipped the scales at 81.88 pounds. Myerson submitted his paperwork and materials to the International Game Fish Association for review and possible certification of the record.

IGFA officials confirmed they received the application for the record, along with additional unsolicited testimony. “It’s going through the same process that every application goes through,” says Jack Vitek, World Record Coordinator for the IGFA. “Certainly it’s a historical record, and because of that we have been receiving a lot of different feedback from concerned anglers. However, being the international authority on record keeping, we assure them that every record that comes in here receives a 110-percent review.” The current All Tackle Striped Bass Record is held by Albert McReynolds for a 78 lb., 8 oz. fish caught off Atlantic City, New Jersey on September 21, 1982.

AUGUSTA, Maine – The arrival of spring means deer are on the move along roadways. MaineDOT and the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife are urging drivers to heed posted warning signs and slow down, particularly in areas where historically a high number of deer-vehicle collisions have occurred.

As snow slowly disappears this spring, areas along the sides of roads are generally one of the first areas to green up with vegetation. Deer, who have been feeding on poor quality food throughout much of the winter, flock to roadsides where they can feast on tender, green plants. As deer disperse from areas where they have wintered, motorists will often see deer feeding along the sides of roads. Often these areas are along the sides of major highways or high speed routes.

Recognizing the need to protect both motorists and deer, MaineDOT and MDIF&W have identified several seasonal areas where there are a high number of deer crashes and have installed unique signs that alert motorists to deer during this peak season.  These signs are generally specific to a 1-mile or less stretch of road with very high collision rates.  It is extremely important that motorists watch for these signs and slow down.

“It’s a scenario we don’t like to see happen – a car hitting a deer, injuring the driver and the animal,” said MDOT Commissioner David Bernhardt. “Unfortunately, it does happen too often. Please, heed the roadside warning signs and be alert for deer that may want to cross in your path. Save your life, and that of the deer.”

These “Caution — High Hit Area” signs feature a silhouette of a deer, and are a bright, reflective orange and yellow.  These signs are foldable signs, and they are only opened and displayed during this time of year, when deer collisions are frequent. As deer disperse away from the roads, these signs will be folded up by MDIF&W personnel so drivers do not become accustomed to them. Next year, they will be unfolded as deer start to move.

These signs were recently installed at a high deer crash area along I-95 in Sherman. That particular stretch of highway is located alongside a deer wintering area, and crosses a traditional travel corridor used heavily by deer.

“As we work to reduce mortality factors on deer and rebuild Maine’s deer population, alerting motorists to these high-hit areas is critical,” said MDIF&W Commissioner Chandler Woodcock. “By slowing down and using extra caution in these limited-but-distinct sites, drivers have an opportunity to save a deer.”

Over the past two years, these orange-and-yellow signs have been installed at the following locations where there has been a history of deer/vehicle crashes during this time of year:  Route 9-Amherst, Route 9-Wesley, Route 193-Cherryfield, Route 191- Jacksonville, Route 1-Edmunds, Route 1 in East Machias, Route 2-Oakfield, Route 212-Smyrna Mills and Route 1-Monticello.

Motorists who see these new signs should be aware that deer are likely in the area, and should drive accordingly.  Remember, these signs are only erected during high risk periods for a specific section of road.

Over the past 10 years, Maine has averaged over 3,000 deer-vehicle crashes each year. Drivers should take care this time of year, and be on the lookout for all wildlife on the sides of the road. Motorists should reduce their speed when it is dark, use high beams where appropriate, and always wear their seatbelt.

The ice fishing season on most Maine lakes opens January 1, so by the time March rolls around, many of the traditional hotspots have been fished fairly hard.  In order to achieve consistent late-season success, anglers should use the events of the season to your advantage.

For landlocked salmon, this means concentrating your efforts around inlet brooks where smelt (the principal food source for salmon) will be starting to congregate for spawning runs. All lakes with healthy salmon populations also have a thriving population of smelt.  So if your target the mouths of the spawning streams late in the ice fishing season, you will be sure to find salmon.  Anglers should fish their bait a few feet under the ice in fairly shallow (5 to 15 feet) water.

Brook trout also congregate off the mouths of inlet brooks in March. For them, the attraction is food being washed down into the lake with the melting snow. Best success usually comes by fishing worms, crayfish or small minnows within 50 yards of the stream inlet in very shallow water (less than three feet deep).  Most of the large lakes in the Allagash Wilderness Waterway, like Webster, Chamberlain, Eagle, Telos and Churchill, provide great opportunities to catch late-season brook trout.

Although less glamorous than their salmonid cousins, my favorite late-season fish is the cusk.  A freshwater relative of the cod, these fish grow large (up to 10 pounds) and are great to eat. And because they receive almost no angling pressure the rest of the year, I don’t feel too badly about bringing a few home for supper.

For the most part, cusk are nocturnal bottom-feeders that generally don’t bite well during daylight. In March, however, they leave their deep-water retreats and congregate in sandy coves and shoals to spawn. At this time, they can be taken fairly consistently during the day on large, dead minnows fished right on the bottom.  In large part, cusk locate their food by smell, so sometimes it’s helpful to crush your bait with your boot before placing it down the hole, so that you rupture its body cavity, and allow the oils and smells to disperse in the water.

Well-known cusk fishing grounds include Sebago, Chesuncook, Pemadumcook and East Grand Lakes. A few lesser-known lakes that also have healthy populations of cusk are Brassua , Spencer, Musquacook and East Musquash.

The fish that probably attracts the most attention from die-hard late-season anglers are togue (lake trout). Because of their size (many over five pounds) and fighting ability, they are considered by many to be the ultimate ice fishing prize.  Big-name lakes such as Moosehead, Sebago, Chamberlain and East Grand have well-deserved reputations as togue producers. But lesser-known waters like Sebec, Millinocket, Ross and Spider also produce braggin’ size togue each year.

Togue are best caught by jigging in relatively deep (25 to 40 feet) water. I like to use a silver Leadfish or a Swedish Pimple, but just about any heavy spoon with a piece of cut bait attached to it will do. To attract togue, some anglers like to stir up the bottom by bouncing their jigs off the rocks and gravel before beginning to fish. Others like to move around a lot, jigging only 10 to 15 minutes at a time in a given hole. Personally, I find that anything that increases your confidence and comfort (and thus extends the amount of time you spend jigging) will ultimately boost your chances of success.  And the great weather that March often provides is an important factor.

To learn more about late season ice fishing opportunities in Maine, please feel free to call or email:

Kevin Tracewski, (Tracewski Fishing Adventures), info@fishguideme.com, (207) 827-3110

Most opportunities exist in southern Maine, and one of my favorite spots is the Presumpscot River near the outlet of Sebago Lake.  Anglers can either go up or down stream from the Route 35 bridge and sight-fish the crystal clear water for brown trout and brookies.  The Crooked River is the primary inlet to Sebago and provides streamer and nymph fishermen with a great opportunity to catch large lake-run salmon that enter the river in the fall to spawn.

The Mousam and Ogunquit are two south-coast rivers that give fall anglers a chance to catch sea-run browns and brook trout.  Rogers Park in Kennebunk provides convenient access to the Mousam, which is best fished with nymphs and small egg patterns at low tide.  On the Ogunquit, my favorite spot is at the head of the tide, just below the falls on Route 1.  Small shrimp and scud patterns mimic the natural feed in this area and work best at high tide.

Countless other fall fishing opportunities exist on lakes, ponds and streams throughout the state.  The Kennebec and Piscataquis rivers in central Maine, the Dead River near the Forks, the East Outlet at Moosehead, and the St. George River on the mid-coast are a few more of my favorites.  Check the law book or the Inland Fisheries website (www.maine.gov/ifw/fishing ) to find other places in your area; then get out and take advantage of some of the best fishing that Maine has to offer.

Please feel free to call or email to discuss Fall fishing in Maine.

Kevin Tracewski, (Tracewski Fishing Adventures), info@fishguideme.com, (207) 827-3110

Deep sea fishing, though, is anything but calm. Imagine hooking and landing an 1100 pound marlin. It isn’t calm; it’s a thrilling, adrenaline-pumping adventure of man against fish. It makes sense, then, that you’re going to need equipment that can handle the fight. Included below are some key points on the right way to select a deep sea fishing reel.

The Reel Story
Understand that not all deep sea fish are 1100 pound marlins. There are many shapes and sizes of fish in the open water, so the reels come in many shapes and sizes. To purchase the right reel, it’s essential that you know what type of fish you want to catch.

In addition to the type of fish, you need to know its environment and feeding preference. For example, some fish feed in the surf. Others prefer to hunt for food on the bottom. Still others prefer to eat in shallow waters. To successfully fish for any of these fish, you’ll need a reel that fits the conditions. Choose the wrong reel, and the chance for adventure will rapidly become an experience in frustration.

Saltwater Reels
Reels are made from several different types of materials, including metals. Saltwater can and will corrode some metals until they completely fall apart. Your best bet for a saltwater deep sea fishing reel is one with a frame made from aluminum or stainless steel, which are rust and corrosion resistant. These reels are generally large and sturdy, can handle severe weather conditions and very large fish, such as the 1100 pound marlin mentioned above.

Not all saltwater fish weigh in at half a ton, however. Smaller fish include grouper and red snapper. With these fish, you’ll need a lighter reel and lighter fishing line.

Technique and Complexity
Factor in your skill level. If you’re a beginner, don’t buy a high-tech fishing reel with tons of features. You’ll spend more time figuring out how everything works than fishing. Start with a basic reel, and as you gain experience you can move up to the multi-featured reels.

You also need to match the reel to your preferred fishing technique. If you prefer medium speed trolling, a kite fishing reel will just catch you headaches. Likewise, a medium speed trolling reel will spell disaster for deep drop fishing. The last thing you want is to be out on the boat, hook the “big one” and discover your reel can’t handle the job.

Getting Information
You can get all kinds of information about deep sea fishing equipment from the Internet. Before you buy, though, visit your local fishing retailer. Try out some of the reels. Ask questions. Let the salesperson walk you through the features and point you in the right direction. Once you have the correct equipment, head to your favorite spot and enjoy the adventure of a lifetime.

The Green Drakes aren’t a particularly easy hatch to fish.  The adult flies usually begin to emerge just as the sun drops below the tree line.  And the trout feeding activity usually peaks just when it’s getting too dark to see your fly on the water.  The most maddening thing is that one evening there will be a massive hatch with fish gorging themselves like pigs, and the next night, there will only be a few sporadic rises.   When you hit it right though, the Green Drake hatch can be an unforgettable experience.

Fishermen who live in Maine know that 2010 has been a very early season.  The ice went out earlier than ever before, the smelts and suckers spawned weeks ahead of schedule, and the Green Drakes are already hatching.  I saw rafts of empty nymphal shucks on one of the trout ponds that I fish on June 19 (2 weeks earlier than usual), and fished Drakes successfully a few days after that.  So if you are waiting for this year’s Green Drake hatch, wait no longer, it is happening NOW.

Please feel free to call or email me to discuss Green Drake fishing in Maine.

Kevin Tracewski, (Tracewski Fishing Adventures), info@fishguideme.com, (207) 827-3110

Common Name: SPLAKE (from speckled trout and lake trout)

Other Names: WENDIGO

Scientific Name: Salvelinus namaycush X Salvelinus fontinalis

Origin: Hatchery Hybrid

Adult Size: In Maine, splake typically range in size from 10 to 18 inches. Splake grow at a faster rate than either of its parental species. They can attain lengths of 18 inches in just 2 years after stocking. Splake over 10 pounds have been caught.

Identification: Splake and brook trout have very similar coloration patterns, making it very difficult for the untrained eye to distinguish between the two species. Splake tend to have a slight fork in the tail, a trait passed down from its lake trout parent, while brook trout tend to have no fork or “square” tails.

Splake are a hybrid trout resulting from the cross of brook trout and lake trout.

Splake have been culturally produced since the 1870′s.

This hybrid trout is genetically stable and capable of reproducing. However, splake reproduction has never been documented outside of the hatchery environment.

Splake are commonly stocked across the northern United States and throughout Canada for the purpose of providing fishing opportunity.

In 1958, splake were stocked in Long Pond in T10 SD, Washington County. This was the first stocking in Maine. It was part of a comparative study between brook trout, rainbow trout, landlocked salmon, and splake.

In 1990, the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife began a pilot program to determine if splake could provide acceptable fisheries in waters where stocked brook trout had failed.

This study determined:

• Splake grew at a faster rate than stocked brook trout.
• Splake survived to older ages than stocked brook trout.
• Splake fed on other fish species, such as white perch and yellow perch, that typically out-compete brook trout.

In one study water, stocked brook trout rarely survived beyond age 1 and returns to the anglers were in the 2-8% range. In the same water, splake survived to age 4, providing fish in the 16-18 inch range. The estimated splake returns to anglers, during ice fishing only, were as high as 78%.

Nearly all of Maine’s hatchery fish including brook trout, landlocked salmon, lake trout, splake, and brown trout are stocked for the sole purpose of providing angling opportunity. These fish are stocked in waters where there is insufficient spawning habitat. Very few fish are stocked for the purpose of creating wild populations.

Maine currently has approximately 53 waters managed primarily for splake. Fourteen of these waters are in the General Management category, 29 are in the Quality Management category, and 10 are in the Trophy Management category. 

Splake are also stocked in conjunction with hatchery brook trout in some waters to provide an occasional larger fish.

In 2001, the ME DIF&W stocked just over 1.2 million fish. The total number of splake stocked was around 90,000 (7.5%).

This hybrid trout is not stocked in waters with significant wild brook trout fisheries. In one case, splake are stocked in a reclaimed pond in which brook trout have become self-sustaining. Splake are stocked in an effort to reduce the number of illegally introduced smelts. Since the introduction of smelts the population of brook trout has been declining.

This hybrid trout is easy to catch and provides excellent winter fishing opportunity. Over 90% of the total acreage of waters managed for splake is open to ice fishing.

In the winter, splake can be found in most any location. During the spring and fall, they can be caught with light tackle near the surface, even on flies. In the summer, they generally go deep, preferring water less that 60ºF.

Splake feed primarily on smelts, white perch, yellow perch, and minnows. They rarely feed on other coldwater gamefish.

This hatchery fish also provides expanded fall fishing opportunities in many lakes and ponds around the State.

The Maine State Record splake was caught in Basin Pond by Dan Paquette. It weighed 10 lbs. 3 oz. The world record splake was caught in Ontario and weighed 20 lbs. 11oz.

Most importantly, this hybrid trout is capable of creating quality fisheries in waters where other hatchery species have not been successful. This creates additional fishing opportunity for Maine anglers.

Common Name: SMALLMOUTH BASS

Other Names: SMALLIE, SMALLMOUTH BLACK BASS, BLACK BASS, BROWN BASS, GREEN BASS

Scientific Name: Micropterus dolomieu

Origin: Introduced

Adult Size: Smallmouth bass commonly live 5-7 years, with a few individuals reaching ages from 10-20 years. Most bass waters grow some adults to weights of 2-3 pounds. In Maine, only a few exceed 4 pounds, and bass heavier than 5 pounds are rare. The state record smallmouth bass is 8 pounds.

Identification:  Bass are members of the sunfish family. The upper jaw of smallmouth bass does not extend beyond the back of the eye. The notch between the spiny and the soft-rayed section of the dorsal fin is not deep.

Before the Civil War, there were no bass in Maine.  Records show that bass were first stocked in Maine in 1869.

The smallmouth is not actually a bass.  It’s a member of the sunfish family but, along with the largemouth, is called a black bass.

June is the peak of the spawning season in Maine.

Spawning will usually take place when the temperature is between 59º F and 65º F.

An average of 8,000 eggs per pound of body weight is carried by the female.

Males build the nest and guard the eggs and young.

The young smallmouth is more solitary, preferring to feed alone, while the young largemouth apparently prefers to remain in schools for at least a part of the first summer.

Favorite foods are smaller fish and crayfish. 

Common Name: CHAIN PICKEREL

Other Names: PICKEREL, CHAINSIDES, EASTERN PICKEREL

Scientific Name: Esox niger

Origin: Native

Adult Size: Most of the pickerel caught in Maine are age 3-5, at which time they range in length from 14-19 inches. Productive waters grow good numbers of 2-3 pound fish, along with occasional 4 pound fish. The state record, caught in 1992, weighed 6 pounds, 13 ounces.

Identification: Pickerel are a member of the pike family. The fish is green with the sides prominently marked by yellow-green areas broken by dark, interconnecting lines resembling the links of a chain. The jaws are elongated containing large, sharp teeth; the large dorsal fin is located way back towards the caudal fin, which is forked.

Chain pickerel are generally distributed throughtout the eastern United States and southern and eastern Canada in quiet, weedy waters.

Chain pickerel represent one of the four most abundant warmwater game fish in Maine.

Chain pickerel are one of the first fishes to spawn after ice-out in the spring.

No nest is prepared, and the adhesive eggs drop to the bottom to cling to whatever they happen to fall upon.

Young pickerel hatch after an incubation period of one or two weeks, depending on the temperature.

The pickerel has earned a well-deserved reputation as predaceous and habitually feeds on other fish.

Adults lie in wait of their prey and capture it in one quick lunge.

Favorite foods of the pickerel are yellow perch, white perch, and minnows.   Pickerel are also known to feed on frogs, snakes, ducklings, mice and muskrats.