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 Maine
Fly Fishing
Twenty-two mile long East Grand Lake is a Maine fly fishing
paradise. Whether fly fishing for landlocked salmon,
smallmouth bass, or brook trout, we are your sporting
lodge of choice.
Maine Fly Fishing for
Salmon
We are home to what many consider to be the finest fly
fishing for landlocked salmon in the nation. In recent
years East Grand Lake has produced salmon over 8 pounds,
and it is not unusual to boat 15-30 legal salmon in a
single day's angling.
Excellent top-water landlocked salmon fly fishing begins
each year in late April and early May and continues in
full strength through June. During this time salmon
fishermen typically make use of a fly rod or spin
casting rod to troll streamer flies.
Trolling tandem streamer flies does require the use of a
good boat and trolling motor. These are available
through the lodge or feel free to bring your own. Guests
desiring a Maine fly fishing experience during the early
season often use the traditional patterns such as Gray
Ghost, Governor Aiken, Blue Gray Ghost, and East Grand
Lake Special. However, our salmon tackle shop has
literally dozens of additional fly patterns that may be
selected depending on weather and water conditions.
More on salmon
fishing
Our customers have written several articles over the
years about our excellent fly fishing for salmon. You
can find basic streamer
fly fishing
technique information in our "Guides Corner"
articles, and
more in-depth detailed information about our fly fishing
in our longer newsletter articles. Either way this is
information that is particular interest to the salmon
fisherman (or woman) on East Grand Lake.
 Maine
Fly fishing for Bass
Our Maine fly fishing for bass is second to none in New
England. Smallmouth bass up to six pounds are taken
every year by our customers, and 3, 4, and 5 pound bass
are quite common.
If you’ve never tried Maine fly fishing for bronzebacks
you’re in for a real thrill! Just add up the parts and
common sense will tell you that it’s a true formula for
“fishing nirvana”: a quick powerful game fish, a highly
flexible fly rod, an inbred tendency for the fish to get
acrobatic, and tackle that allows you to feel every
little nuance of effort from the deep bold runs to the
final desperate thrashing at the net…. Yes, the sport is
very appealing in many ways, and it’s becoming more and
more popular with each passing year.
At the Lodge several of our long term guests fly fish
for bass exclusively. Each evening they gather together
to plan their strategy and every morning, with their
Mickey Finns and Wholly Buggers in tow, they head out in
search of our smallmouths. Quite often they succeed in
“contacting” bronzebacks in great numbers and large
sizes (pushing 6 lbs). And sometimes they accidentally
contact both big bass and other “undesirable fish” in
the shallows…as they jokingly refer to 3-4 pound
landlocked salmon in their good natured competitive
spirit.
Truly, East Grand Lake is a wonderful place for fly
fishing for bass. The water is clear and cool, there is
great structure, and the fish are literally everywhere.
The lake is also littered with coves so that cover from
the wind is convenient when needed. And landlocks can be
caught on the same day and in the same places as bass at
many times of the year.
More on bass fishing
 Maine
Fly Fishing for Brook Trout
Over the past several years the square tail
population has increased dramatically on
East Grand Lake. In fact, in the Spring of
2005, several fish up to 18 inches and 2 1/2
pounds were brought into the Lodge for the
fry pan. Two or tree years ago, most of
the brook trout were being caught when out
trolling for salmon or casting for bass.
But starting early last year, because of
their larger size, many fly fishermen began
targeting the square tails specifically.
Most did this by casting wet and dry flies
along the shorelines of our large coves.
Look for brookies up to 3 pounds in East
Grand Lake in 2006!
Regarding stream fishing for brook trout, we do have access to
several small streams in the area for traditional wet or
dry fly fishing for brook trout (also
landlocked salmon can be caught in our
streams very early in the spring). In particular Dark Cove brook, Sucker brook and
Greenland Cove brook can be excellent brook trout haunts
and all are within easy reach of the lodge. Because
access to these streams can be tricky, and the woods may
be thick and swampy, the services of a local guide is
recommended. If you prefer to fish alone good maps and a
compass are essential, not to mention a vehicle that can
safely navigate rough terrain. Finally, the “Maine Guide
and Gazetteer” can be very helpful in finding your way
(we have a copy available for customer use).
Casting Practice
Don’t forget that our large docks (one over 200 feet in
length) can be used to limber up your casting arm,
instruct a novice fly caster, test your tackle, and even
snag a few smaller ones in the evening.
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Your Hosts:
Bob Sr. & Annie Lorigan
& Bob Jr. & Jami
Lorigan
Rideout's Lodge
6 Waterfront Drive
Weston, ME 04424-4248
1-800-594-5391
1-207-448-2440
info@rideouts.com |
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