How Do I Catch Monster Trout in Maine?
Anglers in Maine can catch a variety of trout species, including brook, lake, rainbow and brown trout, throughout the year. Although the weight of most trout species averages less than 4 lbs., monster size fish in the 10-lb. class inhabit the state's waters. Increase your chances of finding large trout by knowing where to look and how to target them properly.
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Things You'll Need
- Baits and lure
- Rod and reel
- Trolling boat
- Fish weights
- Sinkers or downriggers
Instructions
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Target fishing grounds with large lake trout. East Grand Lake in Washington and Aroostook counties contains large lake trout weighing 10 lbs. and above. Hot spots for bigger trout include the greater depths behind Five Islands, the area west of Hayes's Point, and between Greenland Cove and Shipwreck Point. The 1,768-acre Great East Lake, near the towns of Acton, Wakefield and New Hampshire, also produce some of the biggest brown and lake trout in York County, according to New England Game and Fish. Cast in the deeper waters for 6 to 8 lb. lake trout and search for big browns near the shore.
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Search in large bottom areas where big lake trout congregate. Bottoms with constant depth are ideal, so you can fish without snagging the line. Lower your lures and baits near the bottom by attaching weights on the line. Use sinkers or downriggers to keep presentations low. A lead core line equipped with a 25-foot leader is ideal for sinking lake trout lures in depths up to 50 feet.
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Troll at slow speeds to match lake trout's sluggish bottom feeding habits. Drift fishing, still fishing and the use of a bow-mounted electric troll motor for achieving slow speeds work well. Baits like shiners and live smelts are productive for trolling or drift fishing along the bottom. For artificial lures, opt for flatfish, spoons, cowbells and Rapala plugs with a spinning gear equipped with10-lb. test fluorocarbon leaders and a sinker tipped with a large shiner.
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Visit Square Pond in Shapleigh for large brown trout in the 2 to 3 lb. class. Browns in this pond can reach up to 10 lbs., according to Jim Pelloran, assistant fisheries biologist for Shapleigh. The spots around the main lake's big island, as well as the smaller islands located on the north end, produce the biggest browns. For monster brook trout, visit Mousam Lake at the junction of routes 109 and 111, especially during winter.
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References
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