Posted 6/2/2007

Dropping water levels and warming temperatures have combined to perk things up in the North Country fishing conditions.

The East Outlet and the Moose are officially full of fish and fishing very well. Although the Moose is still running a bit high folks are using canoes and small boats and anchoring around the area of Gilbert’s Pool. The smelt runs are over but the salmon and brookies are still very willing to chase streamers on sink-tip lines. Cast 45 degrees across the current, mend once and let the streamer swing downstream. The strike usually comes at the end of the swing. Start with a short line then add a couple more feet to the next cast and so on covering all the water. After you’re worked all the water you can reach and done nothing, either change flies or change spots. Find one fish and you’ll probably find more not far away.

This has been working well but the Main Event has arrived. Drifting a dry fly to feeding fish is what we live for and the Blue Win Olives started on the E.O. two days ago. The first fish of the season on dries is a magical moment. I had a customer land a 19” salmon on a #18 dry a couple of days ago. Good stuff, leaves you grinning from ear to ear.

So polish off those dry fly leaders and stock-up on 4x and 5x tippet because you are going to need plenty coming up.

The blue wing olives are just the beginning for what is to come. When the Hendrickson show starts, any day now, fish will be making pigs of themselves and life will be grand again. Remember one thing when fishing the mayfly hatches “A good drift is better than a good cast”. If the #14 Hendrickson isn’t on a drag-free drift the fish wanted even have a look.

Oh, pack some #12 black stonefly nymphs, they’re crawling and will be hatching as well any day.

Life is good and it’s only going to get better!!!

Dan Legere
Maine Guide Fly Shop