APRIL/May Fishing Report

Saco Bay Tackle Fishing Report – April 30, 2020

With fishing being considered an essential and safe social distancing activity by the State of Maine, anglers have had ample opportunity to pursue Maine’s gamefish. Currently, the action is primarily in the freshwater as the majority of schoolie stripers have only made it to the Mass. Coast. However, a picture of a schoolie sized striper caught in the Scarborough Marsh was sent in earlier this week, so there could certainly be some around. This is also the time of year when many of the holdover stripers that stayed in Maine for the winter start to become more active again, presenting a challenging opportunity for saltwater anglers. We have not yet received any reports of shad being caught in any of the rivers, but they should be showing up at any time. For your chance at hooking one of these hard fighting fish grab some shad darts or spoons and fish in the current below the dam.

            In most lakes and ponds in the area, Spring fishing is in full swing with the water temperature around 46-52 degrees. Most see this as an excellent time of year to target any of the trout or salmon species by trolling streamer flies or spoons such as a DB Smelt early in the morning. Largemouth and smallmouth bass are also beginning their migration into the shallow coves to spawn. Right now, they can be found on points and at the mouths of coves around docks, trees, rocks and grass. Popular baits for this time of year include jigs, jerkbaits, shallow crankbaits, spinnerbaits and chatterbaits. The moving baits will work best when fished on overcast days or when there is enough wind to create a chop on the water. Remember to fish slowly and methodically as the bass are more lethargic in the cold water.

Some excellent fisheries for bass and trout in the area include, Little Ossipee Pond, Little Sebago Lake, Mousam lake and Long Pond. For shorebound anglers, try above and below the Skelton Dam in Dayton, and any point in the freshwater portion of the Saco and Mousam rivers for both bass and trout.

Curtis Fortier