Kennabago River Fishing Report

Information
Like other rivers in the Rangeley region, the Kennabago begins at Big Island Pond near the Maine/Quebec border and ends in a lake – in this case Mooselookmeguntic Lake – about a 25-mile long run.  And, like other rivers in the area, it is chock full of wild brooks and landlocked Atlantic salmon. What’s different is that it is also home to wild brown trout.  Ask anyone who has fished near Rangeley and they’ll tell you that the Kennabago is the third best brook trout river in the state and might rank higher if it were more accessible.

The upper Kennabago starts at Big Island Pond and flows for about 12 miles before flowing through the west end of Kennabago Lake. Described as scenic and remote, this section is mostly gated, although you may gain access through a guide or by paying a fee. It is possible to wade at the junction of Little Kennabago Lake and the river, as a substantial sandbar extends several yards into the lake. During the spring and fall seasons, the brook trout are ample and active every hour of the day.

While fish remain in the river all year long, each spring and fall large brook and landlocked salmon migrate out of the lake and into the lower river in great quantity. Here access is very good between Steep Pool Bank and Mooselookmeguntic Lake. Open from April through September, the entire river and its tributaries are available for fly fishing only. Limitations on fish are fairly strict – 2 trout with a minimum length of 10 inches and only 1 can be in excess of 12 inches. The limit on salmon is one. After August 15th the river becomes catch and release only, with its tributaries closed to fishing to safeguard spawning.

Anglers looking for another type of experience will find Kennabago Lake interesting. It is thought to be the first fly-fishing-only lake in Maine (since the 1920s) and is commonly assumed to be the largest east of the Mississippi. Getting there can be a challenge since there are no paved roads and access can be difficult. Deemed a Wilderness Gem Lake, it is one of a mere five in the state with that designation. Brooks range from 10-14 inches accompanied by a healthy population of salmon. Though not as common, wild brown trout, five pounds and greater, are found here as well.
 
Additional Information
Tributaries:
Wiggle Brook, Otter Brook, Black Brook, Bear Brook
Source:
Big Island Pond
Mouth:
Mooselookmeguntic Lake
Length:
25 miles
Seasonal Conditions
Season
Hatches
SpringLittle black stones, BWO, quill gordon, gray caddis, buggers, Hendrickson, march brown, midges
SummerBWO, yellow stone, caddis, midges, terrestrials, buggers
FallMidges, terrestrials, BWO
Game Fish Opportunities
Fishing Trips
  • Holes drilled in the ice
  • All equipment provided
  • Lunch provided
We offer guided ice fishing trips here in the cove at Willsons on Moosehead Lake. We'll drill holes and provide all the equipment you need for a day of ice fishing. And we'll also ... moreprovide a free lunch. Pricing starts at $200/per day for 2 people, and $50/day for each additional person.
Destination:
Hire a fishing guide for a day on Moosehead Lake. We provide expert guide service at the following hourly rates (3 hour minimum): ... more

Three people - $60 per hour

Four people - $65 per hour

Family Special (2 Adults and Children) - $60 per hour
Destination:
  • Transportation
  • Boat
  • Lures
  • Picnic lunch
  • Expert guide
Enjoy some a guided fishing trip to catch small mouth bass. Feel free to bring along a favorite drink or snack to put in the cooler, but we'll take care of the rest. You'll be amazed ... moreby the peace and tranquility, while hauling in LOTS of big bass, and even see some wildlife along the way. A great trip for ALL ages. Don't forget your camera!

You Need: Warm clothes, raingear, baseball cap, sunglasses, fishing license and a smiling sense of adventure!
Destination:
  • Experienced Guide
  • Lunch
  • Tackle
  • Leaders
Drop down the river in a guided drift boat allowing you to achieve perfect drifts in hard-to-reach pools while experiencing the thrills of white water fishing at its finest. The combination ... moreof the freeboard dynamics of a drift boat, and the rowing experience of your expert guide makes for a safe and pleasurable trip down the river. Here at Wilsons On Moosehead Lake we offer a variety of trips with something for everyone to love! Our most popular trips are half-day ones that run the upper Kennebec River early in the morning or later in the evening to capture the best fishing hours of the day. We also offer full day trips to Indian Pond! All trips include the necessary equipment (flies, rods, leaders, etc.) with full day trips including lunch! Don't forget your license!
Destination:
Current Forecast
Water Flow
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Fishing Quality
Scenery
Access
Water quality

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