Penobscot River Maine: West Branch Landlocked Salmon
I just returned from a week in Maine. Amos and I had a wedding to attend over the holiday so I broke away for a few days and was able to Fish with my good friend Luke aka raw dog and meet up with Greg “boz” Bostater on the West Branch of the Penobscot River. Upon arriving in Maine Amos and I had to grab a quick brew in our old stomping ground. Grittys.
After a few of these we needed a ride home so we jumped in my buddies truck and headed north.
Luke picked me up in Bangor a few days later and we hopped back on the interstate and drove another 1.5 hours to our campsite. The weather in Maine had been raining for about 26 days straight and outta the blue the sun appeared and actually stayed out for our evening session on the river. We fished for a couple hours near Mckay Station and had some Giant Salmon follow streamers but no takers. Luke quickly switched to nymphs and hammered a beautiful fat Landlocked Salmon.
The blue cheek on this fella was outta sight!!
Back in the truck we headed back to camp and started cooking amongst the black flies and mosquitoes.
The next day we met up with Boz and hoped in the blue bus for the day. Fishing out of a boat in this river is critical to achiving longer drifts and reaching some of the better water. We caught numerous fish in the 14-18 inch range on dries, streamers and nymphs. The West Branch is an amzing fishery and the potential to hook a Salmon in the 30 inch range is not uncommon. Landing it is another story. These were the fish we were after although anything that took our offerings was much appreciated. Luke was close with this fella that measured 24″ on the tape.
Another Look. There were more fish hooked like this one that could not be stopped. We’ll get em next time.
The days ended like this. Thanks to Boz and Luke for making this a great trip. Now get out here to Colorado so I can row you two around. Thanks again.
It has been four years since my dad and I have fished the Big Eddy and below. What flies would you suggest for the last week of July?
Also where might be the best run to drift with a drift boat?
Thanks any help would be great.
FJ Fish
Frank-
The only area that you can drift with a drift boat is from big eddy down. All the water above big eddy you need a raft to run. class4 and 5 rapids. But the fishing above there is phenomenal. Basic nymphs, hares ear, stones, caddis, phesant tails, copper johns. Big dries, sofa pillow, stimis, caddis should all work for the last week in July. Call boz if you want to float the upper section. Have fun.
There is no place like home and the ole stomping grounds
looks like the crown got some use !
We rafted with Boz and had great fishing. My mom learned how to fly fish from the raft. The other highlight? The evening hatch at Little Eddy. The sun set and the black clouds rolled in and rolled out. When the hatch set in the salmon and trout danced across the water in bigger sizes and bigger numbers. My dad got so tired from catching and releasing fish he had to stop! Phenominal! Great job Boz!
This is why I like www.laterallinemedia.com. Killer posts.