West Branch (Posted by Dan D.)

I had the chance to fish the west branch with Dave P. on Friday and we had a great time despite the rain. When we started fishing the flow was nice and we were catching fish and then a while later they boosted the flow and fishing slowed down considerably. After the boost in flow we looked for alternative fishing areas and made out well enough. I landed one nice fish that was 20" but most of the others were small. Fish were caught on nymphs, streamers, and dries. I just bought a new pair of LL Bean breathable waders to update from my neoprenes and all I can say is that I wish that I had done it sooner. Here are some pics.

Dave landing a small salmon


A nice salmon...put up a nice fight too

A New Trout Pond

I decided to hike into a new trout pond this am. After a 2 mile very muddy walk, I got there. After setting up the tube I got out and caught a fish on the 2nd cast. The next couple hours proved to be a bit more frustrating. There were fish rising all over the pond, but I could not get them to bite. I threw most of what I had and nothing. As I broke for lunch I began to look a little closer at the rises. It was actually the tails of the fish breaking the water. I figured the fish must be hitting emergers under the surface. I re-armed with a sinking line and a nymph and went back out. I would let the line sink to bottom and then retrieve it fast. This turned out to be the trick!

On the way out I ran into four hikers, one from DC, One from Mass, One from Jersey, and 1 from NH. One of the guys had sliced his foot open good, so I gave them all a ride to the emergency room in Millinocket.