Note: these tips on hatch timing and fly selection come from Shannon LeRoy, Program Manager and Manager and Registered Maine Guide

As in most years, open water fishing season in Maine runs from April 1 to September 30. AMC’s Maine Wilderness Lodges open for the season in early May, but for those who want to fish earlier and manage to get in through the muddy roads open waters may be fished in keeping with the open season. Fast fishing for wild brook trout is the draw at First and Second Little Lyford Ponds (location of Little Lyford Lodge and Cabins), while Long Pond (location of Gorman Chairback Lodge and Cabins) features wild brook trout and landlocked salmon.  Some of the best fishing is on the remote ponds on our property. Ponds like Pearl Ponds, Grassy Pond, Lost Pond, Baker Pond and Big Houston Pond are the best kept secrets for fishing in AMC's Land.

Hatch timing varies from year to year, depending on water temperature, so ask the staff at the lodge for current information.

From early May through the middle of June, March Brown nymphs and dry flies are the angler’s choice on the smaller ponds, while Grey Ghost streamers or other smelt imitators are good on the larger ponds. Caddis flies are also good choices through August.

Early July brings the green drake hatch, which typically brings lots of action at twilight. This is a good time for anglers to spend the day hiking or canoeing with friends or family, and still get in some exciting fishing at the end of the day.

Late September is usually a good time for fly fishing, and the brook trout are especially bright in their fall coloration.

Look for brookies to run from 6 to 14 inches, with an average of 8 inches. Lake trout (togue) and landlocked salmon from 10 to 24 inches, some weighing 5 pounds or more, can be caught in the larger ponds.

A well-stocked fly box for anglers visiting the AMC’s Maine Wilderness Lodges should include the following flies:

Best Flies for Waters Near Maine Wilderness Lodges
Fly	Size	Dates
White Wulff	12, 14	All season
Royal Wulff	12, 14	All season
Grey Ghost	8, 10, 12	All season
Muddler Minnow	8, 10, 12	All season
Wood Special	8, 10, 12	All season
Elk Hair Caddis	12, 14, 16	June - August
Blue Winged Olive	16, 18	All season
March Brown	12, 14	May - June 15
March Brown Nymph	12, 14	May - June 15
Eastern Green Drake	6, 8	July 1 - 20
Eastern Green Drake Nymph	6, 8	July 1 - 20
Blake Wooly Bugger	8, 10, 12	All season
Olive Wooly Bugger	8, 10, 12	All season
Hare's Ear Nymph	12, 14, 16	June - August
Hendrickson	12, 14	May - June 15
Mickey Finn	8, 10, 12	All season
Yellow Bodied Hopper	10, 12, 14	All season

We work with several local guides if you are looking to go out to remote spots or are looking for some additional instruction.  We also offer instructional fly fishing workshops in June and September.