Fishing Maine's Rapid River

[Silentstkr]

Can someone tell me if there is a website, local shop with phone number, etc. that may give river conditions, hatching info concerning Maine's Rapid River? I intend to be there the first week of June 2007. Any help would be appreciated.

[alanb_ct]

You might be able to get river flow conditions from a USGS Maine web-site. For success fishing, I would probably drift heavily weighted black stoneflies at the head of the pools. Welcome to the web-site!

[AaronJasper]

i know that defeatist is up there right now fishing... the only bad thing is the phone service is non existent there > as soon as he get back i will have the down low on whats going on. he told me that this time of the year he does well with big brookies and landlocks... as for flies. i didnt ask but i am sure he will lend you a hand when he gets back... hes a great guy and an awesome resource.

[Defeatist]

Well, well,
a fellow brookie bum like myself. Brookies up to 19 inches this year, didnt really fish much though. I was sick for the first half of my trip and stuck in bed. (good times) It happens when you burn the candle at both ends for 2 months straight and then stop. Its almost like doing a hundred and then slamming on the brakes as you hit a mudpit, never know whats going to happen. the fishing in the Rapid right now is slow, and the water is a bit higher, they are lowering the lake but running the stream higher. The lakes in the region are fishing good, the landlocks are running strong, my buddy boated several while I was there, the largest a 2 footer at just over 4 lbs. In the days to come the Rapid will get better, this was the earliest that I have been there to date.

In June you should have a plethora of insects coming off, caddis primarily, but do not forget your Golden Stones...a mere staple for that fishery and bring plenty of streamers, the trout love them there. And dont just bring the classics either, my olive/black sculpin has been the top producer there for me as well as zonkers in all the colors, white and natural being the best. hint,hint...

As for flows, when you get your license, get a copy of the regs, there is a 1-800 number in the back that will give you a ballpark idea on the flow of the rapid. It isnt 100% accurate but gives you an idea. I unfortunatly left my book in Maine, but if you order your license online you can request a copy of the regs and the number is in the back portion of the book. My advice to you is, dont get so hung up on the flows for that time of year, they will be good unless there is a flood event. Concentrate your fishing on pockets, the rapid is loaded with them, the Brookies there have a tendency to hold behind large rocks at the heads of pools, and any large noticeable current seams......My personal best on that river is a 21 1/2 incher in the 4lb class.....good luck and have at them. I will probably be going back over Memorial day weekend, and maybe in July for the Drakes...(ridiculous). Good luck, and take some pics...I unfortunately erased my memory card on my trip with all my pics...oh well, at least my memory still works...

[alanb_ct]

By the way, the Maine USGS site is here:

http://waterdata.usgs.gov/me/nwis/current/?type=flow

One of the listed areas on this site must be close to where you are fishing. Good luck! I hear there are more and more smallmouth bass in that area.