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Here's another Maine Fishing Update. I've been busy for the last several days and am finally setting down to the computer to post photos and give my latest report. Diversity is the name of the game right now as we push into the dog days of summer. Gone are the dry fly frenzied days of June; now you earn your fish, learn new techniques, experiment, get down and dirty, and just plain enjoy what summer has to offer. In the last few days, I've done it all....small stream brookies, early bird trout and salmon on the Kennebec River and one of my favorites this time of year, big lake smallmouth fishing in the heat of the day. One thing you'll never be able to call us here at Kennebec River Angler is 'Elitist Fly Fishermen' because we love catching smallmouth bass with spinning gear as much as we love catching trout and salmon on flyrods. The bottom line is, we just love fishing. We are elitist as far as promoting catch and release, but that is about it. Bring your camera when you fish with us.

The last few trips I've done have included my annual little brook trout adventure with my dog Winger. He's a pretty good bird dog, but a pain in the butt when you take him fishing. He has too good of a time to say stay home, so I tolerate him poaching a pool too.Winger Pointing: Maine Brook Trout

While not huge by any standard, it's nice to know these fish are genetically pure, so it is a pleasure to catch these salt-of-the-earth fish in the State of Maine. Native Maine Brook Trout

So, then it was off to the Kennebec River with the other two members of the Austin Texas party that fished with Mike. I took brothers David and Parker, a pair of southern gentleman who gave it their all in the midst of a bluebird day to catch their first ever landlocked salmon on dry flies. Given the time constraint of the trip these guys were handed the worst conditions known to a fly fisherman and they made the best of it. Both landed fish, with David catching this respectable salmon on a tiny caddis. They now know to either come early or stay late when it comes to July fly fishing in Maine.Maine Fishing: Kennebec River Fishing The next trips I did were just right for the dog days of July.....smallmouth bass fishing. Father Andre and his two fine sons, Wes and Kyle came up from Virginia to see what Maine's fishing was all about. We had a great day on the lake with these guys catching many fish, including a few big boys (girls really, as the biggest bass tend to be females). Here's a few photos of the catches.Maine Smallmouth Bass: AndreMaine Smallmouth Bass Fishing: Kyle
Today, I was with repeat Northern Outdoor's guests Keith and Adam on a big smallmouth hunt. Keith landed a 20.5 inch smallie for his big fish of the day and Adam had one break him off earlier that could have matched or beaten Keith's. I wish we could have had a better look at that one. Adam also had a big fish hit right at the boat that ended up breaking off the hook on his jig head. I just love the raw power and aggressive behavior these fish have. Our biggest five fish total weight for the day was 18 pounds, which by Maine smallmouth tournament standards, would have won or at least finished in the money.Kennebec River Angler: Maine Smallmouth Bass

I'll be back with Keith on Wednesday, as Tuesday is a clean it, fix it and replace it day, proving that being a fishing guide isn't just about fishing out of an office with this pretty of a view......stay tuned for more. For our friend the Flatlander, keep your tip up old buddy!! Chris