50 Best Places Fly Fishing the Northeast. Bob Mallard

in this area due to the tougher access and the fact that wading is more difficult here than in the upper pools. The lower

      stream returns to its riffle-pool-run characteristics, with some pocketwater before it enters Big Lake.

      A small dam at the outlet of West Grand Lake regulates the flows in Grand Lake Stream. Flows run from a low of 175 cfs to well over 1,000 cfs. Average flows are from 300–500 cfs. Lower flows allow access to some parts of the river that are otherwise difficult to reach. Higher flows—up to 1,000 cfs—allow fish to hold in areas where they otherwise could not. Suitable habitat is determined by the water levels as much as anything else. Salmon holding water changes as the flows change.

      The open season on Grand Lake Stream runs from April 1 though October 20. The daily limit on salmon is one fish, with a minimum length of 14 inches. There is a brief catch-and-release season starting October 1. The stream has been fly-fishing-only since 1903.

      Salmon move back into West Grand Lake when the water warms. Weatherby’s

      Fishing on Grand Lake Stream starts soon after ice-out. This can vary dramatically from year to year, but averages late April to early May. Once the ice is off the lakes, flows increase, drawing smelt from the lakes into the stream to spawn. Hungry after a long winter, salmon follow the smelt into the stream and feed

      Inset. Guide Kevin Winsor with

      male salmon. Weatherby’s

      Fall nymphing at the Picnic Pool. Weatherby’s

      voraciously on them. White suckers enter the stream for their spawning run soon after the smelt. Salmon follow the suckers and feed heavily on the eggs as they drift in the current. After the spring spawning runs, salmon move upstream and settle into the pools and runs.

      By midsummer in most years, the majority of salmon have moved back to West Grand Lake. However, in summers with high water and cool temperatures, the salmon stay in the stream longer—sometimes into August. By mid-September, the days are shorter, air

      Fat spring female. Weatherby’s

      temperatures drop, and the water cools. This triggers the annual salmon spawning run in the stream. Fall fish are typically much larger and heavier than spring fish, having fed on smelt all summer in the lake. They sport their bright autumn colors, with males displaying the pronounced kype that is typical of spawning salmon.

      The later in the fall one fishes, the more fish can be found in the river. This starts in the upper pools, and spreads downstream from there. Fall fishing can be rewarding. However, it can be frustrating as well, as the salmon are not feeding aggressively and begin to exhibit territorial behavior. Many of the fish in the fall will be caught on smelt imitations, as they have been feeding on smelt in the lakes all summer. They will also take large, bright streamers that stimulate territorial strikes. Fish will still feed on caddis, stonefly, and mayfly nymphs. There are also some significant BWO hatches in September and October—if you have trouble hooking up, go smaller.

       Hatches: The first hatches begin in mid-May as Hendricksons and March Browns start to appear. This is followed by prolific caddis hatches starting in late May and running well into June. Mid-June to July finds the caddis tapering off, with stoneflies and Sulphurs taking over, followed by Blue-winged Olives into July. In late spring, terrestrials such as flying ants, dragonflies, and hoppers are present.

      Access to Grand Lake Stream is good. From the dam to the village of Grand Lake Stream—a distance of approximately 1 mile—there are many private houses and camp lots, but public access exists in several locations. Below the village down to Big Lake—approximately 2 miles—the streambank is primarily public, with excellent access along unmarked footpaths following the stream to the lake. There are only a few private lots in this area, and one can easily wade around them.

      Grand Lake Stream is the most famous landlocked salmon fishery in the country. Along with the Sebago, Green, and Sebec Lake systems, it is part of one of only four native landlocked salmon watersheds in the country. This is a unique and historically important fishery.

       Tackle: A 9-foot 5-weight rod with a floating line is your best bet for Grand Lake Stream most of the time. If you want to fish streamers, a 9-foot 6-weight with a fast-sinking line is your best option. Dry-fly fishing is best done with a 9-foot 4-weight, as you may need 6X tippet to effectively fish small patterns. While rods longer than 9 feet can work, especially for nymphing, rods shorter than 8½ feet are not practical. Strike indicators should be large enough to float two flies and added weight. Flies should include Woolly Buggers; smelt patterns; mayfly and stonefly nymphs and adults; all stages of caddis in a variety of sizes and colors; and egg patterns in the spring.

      Tailout of the Dam Pool. Weatherby’s

      JEFF MCEVOY owns and operates Weatherby’s in Grand Lake Stream. He is a Registered Master Maine Guide and can be booked through the lodge. He can be reached at 877-796-5558, [email protected], or www.weatherbys.com.

      Closest fly shops

      Weatherby’s Fly Shop

      3 Water Street

      Grand Lake Stream, Maine 04637

      877-796-5558

      www.weatherbys.com [email protected]

      Pine Tree Store

      3 Water Street

      Grand Lake Stream, Maine 04637

      207-796-5027

      [email protected]

      Closest lodging

      Weatherby’s (see above)

      Bellmard Inn

      86 Main Street

      Princeton, Maine 04668

      207-796-2261

      [email protected]

      Indian Rock Camps

      3 Water Street

      Grand Lake Stream, Maine 04637

      800-498-2821

      www.indianrockcamps.com [email protected]

      Cobbscook Bay State Park

      (tent and RV sites)

      40 South Edmunds Road

      Dennysville, Maine 04628

      207-726-4412

      www.maine.gov/doc/parks/

      Closest restaurants

      Weatherby’s (see above)

      Pine Tree Store (see above)

      7 . Magalloway River

       Location: Northwestern Maine, about a 3-hour ride from Portland and Bangor; a 3-hour ride from Manchester, New Hampshire;