The Mag is back! Yesterday the flow at the Magalloway was raised to 630 cfs. While the low flow was fun for awhile,its better for the fisherman and the fish to get the flow up to a normal level.The Rapid and Upper dam are now at increased flows as the lakes are all full. With the warmer temps expected this week the water temps should come up and there will be an increase in hatch activity. Mayfly hatches will start in ernest if they haven’t already on the small ponds. One local river has had great hatches for a week now  even with the high water. Sucker spawn will be in full swing this week with the higher water moving them up into their spawning beds. Number 10 bridge should fish real well from now on an I would expect fish to show up at Steep Bank pool on the Kennebago with the falling water.  The lake have been fishing really well but as the water temps rise you might have to start going a little deeper for them and remember,being our there early is the best thing you can do to be successful. With the increased flows there will be alot of stirring up of the bottoms of the rivers,this will make new food available to the fish.Caddis larva,stoneflies and worms will now be dislodged and floating around so dig deeper into the fly box and use something they haven’t seen yet this spring.Any questions,just give a call.

Flow info; 1-800-557-3569

This past couple of days we have inched close to spring weather. Over the week-end the water temps in the local rivers have risen into the mid 40′s and Mayfly hatches have begun. With expected rain this week the levels once again rise and subside hopefully bringing new fish in. I would not expect any flow increases on the Rapid or Magalloway even with the rain we might get,as the lakes are still filling up. The smelt runs are finishing up and the fish that have been feeding on them should start  feeding more on bugs and the sucker spawn.  As the water warms be ready for dry fly action with Red Quills and Hendricksons becoming active and caddi and stoneflies sarting to move around more in the subsurface. Reports from the area ponds are good with mayfly hatches and feeding fish active.

river flow info;  1-800-557-3569

After a cold and windy week it will I am hoping that some sunshine and warmer temps will get the fish more active.The Rangeley and Kennebago rivers are still running high but as the levels subside this week, some fish might begin to show up in them.The Magalloway below the dam is still low but fishin good while the Mag. at #10 bridge is high and fast.The Rapid saw a rise in flow from 200 cfs to 400 cfs last Tuesday and I fished it on Wednesday and found plenty of fish.The water temps are still between 40-42 degrees and until the temps rise things will not change much.

River flow info; 1-800-557-3569

Its finally raining in Gods country. This rain should raise the water levels in the rivers that are not dammed but don’t expect the Rapid or Magalloway to see any extra flow from the dams as they are trying to fill up the lakes. Water temps are running in the low 40′s and some suckers have been seen making their way up the rivers. There have been no hatches reported yet so its all subsurface. The smelts are running so smelt pattern streamers are the way to go. The small ponds should start fishing good as the days warm up after this wet spell passes.Look for flying ants and midges before the Hendricksons show up. Rangeley Lake is fishing great with 5 to 7 pound salmon being caught every day.Sewn smelt is the way to go right now as they are spawning and close to the surface.

Flow info; 1-800-557-3569

The ice in Rangeley lake could go out at anytime while Mooselook is out and being fished. Most of the smaller lakes and ponds are out also. The river levels are still very low as we have not had any rain in weeks. Water temps are moving into the 40′s,meaning that the smelt will start running in force and some are already being netted. It looks like a great week weather wise just pray for some good rains.

River flow levels at; 1-800-557-3569

The area rivers are running at very low flows because of the lack of run-off needed to fill the lakes. This low flow means easy wading and clear water. There are fish being caught at the Magallaway and Rapid. You can expect the low flows to continue until we get a good shot of rain or warm weather to melt the remaining snow pack.

The lake ice is slowly melting.Mooselookmeguntic could be out by the12th according to a long time guide, with Rangeley a few days behind. The earliest Rangeley has ever gone out is April 14th. Quimby Pond is ice free and Dodge is getting close. There are fish being caught at the Hunters cove bridge also.

River flow info is available at 1-800-557-3569

Things have been getting busy at the shop in the last couple of weeks.  We started fly tying classes and fishermen have been coming in to restock for the upcoming season.  I will continue with the Saturday morning tying thru the spring,we do the lessons from 10-12 and all are welcome.  Four days a week I spend tying flies at home to stock  bins for the fishing season.  As some may know we have four Brittanys  grouse dogs that we share our lives with.  While this breed is considered by most to be “high-strung” they at times can be down right lazy.  During a typical work session at home they will be lying around(mostly on the couch) while I am tying at the vise.   A brittany  seems to always have an eye on you and can spring to its feet and be ready to roll in an instant.  The daily walk after lunch is the highlight of their day and as soon as I start putting my outdoor clothes on, the excitement reaches its climax.  They burst out the door and into the great outdoors, snow flying everywhere. When we are done with our walk (run) they stand in the kitchen barking at me demanding that I feed them. After they eat, they retire once again to the couch for a nap until my wife gets home from work, when the whole cycle starts again.  That is my typical winter day: rewarding labor  under the watchful eyes of mans best friend.  Only 29 days till fishing season.

Brett

We will be offering fly tying lessons at the shop starting Sat. Feb. 18th. The classes will run from 10-12 in the morning.The cost is $10 and there will be a 10% discount on any tying  supplies purchased during the class. You can bring your own vise and tools or use ours.Call or e-mail to sign up,or just stop in.

Brett

I want to introduce you to the tandem trolling streamers that are stocked in the store.  My tandems are tied by Ken Grimes of  Fishing Favorite Flies.  Ken has been tying since  1962 and for our shop since the early 1980′s.  I have to tell you, I am a tough guy to satisfy when it comes quality, I like to sell good flies.  Ken’s streamers pass all the  tests.  They are well tied and catch fish for my customers.  What more can I say?  Give me a call or e-mail if you would like to order some in time for ice-out. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These are tandem streamers we usually carry in stock:

Governor Aiken                                   9-3 – Chartreuse
Sneeka – bead                                        Supervisor
Nine  - Three                                          Sneeka
Golden Smelt                                         Royal Coachman marabou
Jerry’s Smelt                                         Yellow Marabou
Pearl Smelt                                             Black Ghost – feather
Sportsmen Say                                      Golden Demon
Silver Doctor                                         Yellow Joe’s Smelt
Kennebago Smelt                                 Frost’s Blue Smelt
Blueback Smelt                                     Joe’s Smelt
Winnipesaukee Smelt                         Grey Ghost – beads
Rangeley Promise                                Jane Craig
Red Grey Ghost – beads                     Barnes Special
Green Ghost                                            Pink Lady

Close-nuff                                                 I Dunno
Mickey Finn marabou                        Magog Smelt
Light Edson Tiger                                 Light Edson Tiger marabou
Mickey Finn                                            Orange-yellow Hornberg
Yellow Hornberg                                  Hornberg
Warden’s Worry                                    Queen Bee
Parmachenee Belle                              Blue Smelt
Tri – Color                                                Footer Special
Montreal                                                  Mickey Finn marabou – bead
Red/white marabou                           York’s Kennebago Smelt
Black Ghost marabou                         Miss Sharon
Golden Witch                                         Red Hornberg
Herb Johnson                                       Dark Edson Tiger
Grey Ghost

Greeting from Rangeley.The lake just  froze -up yesterday and we only have a couple of inches of snow on the ground.Lately I have been re-doing the emerger department restocking and adding new patterns.I have added a line of soft hackles like the partridge and orange,green and yellow in sizes 12-16.Also I have added a full line of Barr emerger from size 16-20.We have the new One rod from Sage in and plan on adding a couple of new product lines this spring ,so stay tuned.