This has been a topsy-turvy spring — 80 degree weather and bright sunshine for two weeks of April and the last couple of weeks feature rainy, overcast days with plenty of wind. Not conducive weather for area anglers to enjoy what is usually a top-rate trolling period in May each spring. On the plus side, chilly nights and regular rain should preserve water levels and temperatures leading to good fishing for at least another two or three weeks.
By the third week of May, water levels in the thoroughfare between Cross and Square lakes dwindled so much that boaters regularly dinged propellers on rocks just below the surface. Many sportsmen with larger boats opted to suffer the long drive to the Square Lake launch site rather than chance damaging a motor. However, recent rain should allow thoroughfare passage for at least another week.
Whichever path you use to float your boat, it’s worth the effort as trout and salmon still take baits near the surface and action remains dependable. Try size 8 or 44 Sutton spoons with bronze on one side, silver on the opposite, bronze Mooselook Thinfish, or a medium-sized tinted green or purple mirror minnow, or size 7 floating Rapala with gold sides and an orange belly. All of these lures and plugs work best when fished on seven- or eight-pound monofilament with a barrel or snap swivel tied in to prevent line twist. I prefer at least an eight- or nine-foot long light action spinning rod to get the line out from the boat and offer more action during the fight.
My favorite method to troll local lakes and ponds involves dragging tandem streamer flies on a five-weight, nine-foot fly rod using a sinking tip fly line and at least nine feet of fluorocarbon leader. A red and white bucktail with jungle cock eye for cheeks has been a real killer so far this spring for both brookies and landlocks. A gray ghost, Colonel Bates, Herb Johnson special, and a blue devil prove to be good back-up selections. If a sinking tip fly line isn’t available or doesn’t produce strikes, try the new light weight lead core line fished at two or three colors on a fly rod.
After last weekend’s heavy rain, Cross and Square should rejuvenate and be accessible from the thoroughfare again. June will be even better for the next couple of weeks. East Grand Lake near Danforth, and Nickerson and Drew’s lakes near Houlton are waterways to the south well worth a road trip as well. For trolling enthusiasts who have togue at the top of their wish list and also desire a bit of seclusion while trolling might want to consider First and Second Musquacook lakes.
Fishermen who prefer running water to still water should turn from lakes and ponds to rivers and streams. In particular the Aroostook River, which meanders a connect-the-dots route through over a dozen towns and villages, should be explored. Before the rain, the shallower, upper reaches of the Aroostook near Masardis and Ashland were producing a lot of trout on worms, lures and streamer flies. The lower end of the river from Caribou to Fort Fairfield had just about reached good trolling depth.
Higher, mud and debris filled water will likely postpone any style of fishing on the Aroostook until the first of June. As soon as the river drops to safe, clear levels, launch your boat or canoe and visit the section closest to your community. Troll Sutton spoons, Mooselook wobblers, Phoebes and DB smelt lures. Baitfish imitations such as a black and white bucktail, black nose dace, jasbo, or black ghost in size 6 to 12, 2X or 3X long single hooks work all day, every day for trolling. Troll with the current for the most consistent results.
One final piece of advice for June trollers on the Aroostook would be to have a five- or six-weight dry fly rod at hand. Many afternoons and evenings an insect hatch will develop and it’s possible to anchor along shore and cast to rising trout for some fast and furious surface action.
Many years, spring trolling on regional lakes and river diminishes about now and sportsmen turn to stream wading. This year we get to enjoy at least a couple of weeks extra trolling, so perhaps the erratic weather wasn’t completely detrimental. Don’t waste a single day — get out there soon.
