To fish the Kennebago
How to get there
Oquossoc, Maine, is about 230 miles from Boston, roughly a five-hour drive. Take Interstate 95 to Interstate 495 to exit 12 for Auburn, Maine. Turn left onto Route 4 toward Auburn, and follow Route 4 through Livermore Falls, Farmington, Strong, and Rangeley. Continue on Routes 4 and 16 toward Oquossoc. When Routes 4 and 16 split, bear right on Route 16 about 3 miles to Cupsuptic Fire Warden Station. Look on the right for the sign to Grant's Kennebago Camps and the road to the gate.
Where to Stay
Any number of hotels and motels are available in the Rangeley area, but to be closer to the action, try the following:
Grant's Kennebago Camps
Box 786, Rangeley
800-633-4815
www.grantscamps.com
grants@rangeley.org
Established in 1905, this still has old Maine charm. All of the 18 cabins have woodstoves. No phones, no television. From $150 a night including three meals daily. Rangeley boats available.
Kennebago Kamps
Box 677, Rangeley
207-864-2402
E-mail: info@krkamps.com
Housekeeping cabins on the Kennebago River between Big Kennebago and Little Kennebago lakes. Daily rates from $80, weekly $500.
To fish the Rapid River
How to get there
Maine Turnpike to exit 11 (Gray). Go north on Route 26 through Poland Springs, Norway, and South Paris. At Bryant Pond, take Route 232 to Rumford Point. Bear left onto Route 2 and travel one-half mile, turning north (right) on Route 5 to Andover. Follow the signs for South Arm. Telephone from Andover and the Lakewood Camps boat will be at the camps' private dock at South Arm to ferry you the 5 miles to Lakewood Camps.
Where to stay
Lakewood Camps
Box 1275, Rangeley
207-243-2959
www.lakewoodcamps.com
E-mail: info@lakewoodcamps.com
An inclusive vacation destination. Rate includes lakefront cabin, three home-style meals daily, chambermaid service, round-trip transportation from South Arm to Lakewood Camps, use of canoes, kayaks, safety equipment. Doubles from $126.
Information
Flies to bring
Because the Kennebago fisheries are so rich, most flies will catch trout. As a rule, bigger fish hit streamers and some traditional patterns got their start on Kennebago Lake. Try the Black and Grey Ghosts, a Herb Johnson, or a Montreal Whore in all sizes. Dry flies vary with the season, but Grey Wulffs, Adams, and Light Cahills should be in every fly-fisher's vest. Nymphs like a Red Fox Hornberg or a Hare's Ear are standard.
Guides
Fishing guides can be extremely helpful, especially when you are new to an area. Most camps have a number of guides to recommend. Call ahead to make a reservation and be clear about the kind of fishing you enjoy. Rates average from about $150 for a half day, to $300 for a full day. A guide cannot guarantee results, but a good guide will give you a sense of the fishing season and make your visit more successful.
From the Globe: Read the story
