This blog describes a select group of ponds in Maine that provide the best potential for catching brown trout through the ice during the winter of 2016. Around 110 ponds throughout the state are managed as brown trout fisheries. Most of these ponds are open to ice fishing and are stocked with brown trout each spring and/or fall. I only present ponds that were stocked in 2015 with a minimum of about 2 brown trout per acre. As a rough yardstick, the average stocking density for landlocked salmon in Maine ponds and lakes is about 0.3 to 0.5 salmon per acre, which equals 1 salmon every two to three acres.
It is recommended to consult the latest law book about special ice fishing rules that may apply on these ponds.
I did my utmost best to verify that a particular pond is indeed open for ice fishing, but I make no guarantees whatsoever that my interpretation of the convoluted Maine fishing rules is accurate or correct. It is up to each reader of this blog to ensure that a pond listed below can be fished through the ice by checking the regulations.
Note also that the list below excludes “kids only” ponds which have their own stocking regime and special fishing rules.
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Bradley Pond covers 34 acres and is located off Route 5 in Lovell, Oxford County (see The Maine Atlas and Gazetteer map 10 D2). Click here for a depth map and more fisheries information. This pond was stocked in the fall of 2015 with 100 brown trout measuring 13”, which yields about 3 brown trout per acre.
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Center Pond covers 403 acres and is located off Silvers Mills Road in Sangerville, Piscataquis County (see The Maine Atlas and Gazetteer map 32 C1). Click here for a depth map and more fisheries information. This pond was stocked in the fall of 2015 with 1200 brown trout measuring 13”, which yields a total of about 3 brown trout per acre.
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Crystal Pond covers 47 acres and is located next to Route 4 in Turner, Androscoggin County (see The Maine Atlas and Gazetteer map 11 C4). Click here for a depth map and more fisheries information. This pond was stocked in the fall of 2015 with 50 brown trout measuring 12” and 30 brown trout measuring 18”, which yields a total of about 2 brown trout per acre.
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Deer Pond covers 32 acres and is located between Route 117 and Plains Road in Hollis, York County (see The Maine Atlas and Gazetteer map 2 A5). Click here for a depth map and more fisheries information. The pond was stocked in the fall of 2015 with 100 brown trout measuring 12”, which yields about 3 brown trout per acre.
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Fairbanks Pond covers 14 acres and is located off Mount Vernon Road in Manchester, Kennebec County (see The Maine Atlas and Gazetteer map 12 B5). Click here for a depth map and more fisheries information. This pond was stocked in the fall of 2015 with 50 brown trout measuring 12”, which yields between 3 and 4 brown trout per acre.
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Halls Pond covers 51 acres and is located next to Halls Pond Road off Route 119 in Paris, Oxford County (see The Maine Atlas and Gazetteer map 11 D2). Click here for a depth map and more fisheries information. This pond was stocked in the fall of 2015 with 50 brown trout measuring 12” and 50 brown trout measuring 18”, which yields about 2 brown trout per acre. Note that gasoline-powered augers cannot be used on Halls Pond per town ordnance posted along Halls Pond Road, even though this restriction is not mentioned in the state fishing regulations.
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Hodgdon Deadwater covers 156 acres and is located next to Horseback Road in Hodgdon, Aroostook County (see The Maine Atlas and Gazetteer map 53 B3). Click here for a depth map and more fisheries information. This pond was stocked in the fall of 2015 with 250 brown trout measuring 12”, which yields between 1 and 2 brown trout per acre.
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Hutchinson Pond covers 93 acres and is located next to Hutchinson Pond Road in Albany Township, Oxford County (see The Maine Atlas and Gazetteer map 10 C4). Click here for a depth map and more fisheries information. This pond was stocked in the fall of 2015 with 200 brown trout measuring 13”, which yields about 2 brown trout per acre.
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Lufkin Pond covers 47 acres and is located next to Lufkin Pond Road (off Route 4) in Phillips, Franklin County (see The Maine Atlas and Gazetteer map 19 A2). Click here for a depth map and more fisheries information. This pond was stocked in the fall of 2015 with 100 brown trout measuring 12”, which yields about 2 brown trout per acre.
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Pettingill Pond covers 36 acres and is located next to Route 302 (Roosevelt Trail) in Windham, Cumberland County (see The Maine Atlas and Gazetteer map 5 C2). Click here for a depth map and more fisheries information. This pond was stocked in the fall of 2015 with 80 brown trout measuring 13”, which yields about 2 brown trout per acre.
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Sandy Pond covers 107 acres and is located next to Fahi Road in Embden, Somerset County (see The Maine Atlas and Gazetteer map 20 A3). Click here for a depth map and more fisheries information. This pond was stocked in the fall of 2015 with 200 brown trout measuring 13”, which yields about 2 brown trout per acre.
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Smith Pond covers 160 acres and is located off Route 151 in Brighton Plantation, Somerset County (see The Maine Atlas and Gazetteer map 31 D1). Click here for a depth map and more fisheries information. This pond was stocked in the fall of 2015 with 400 brown trout measuring 12”, which yields between 2 and 3 brown trout per acre.
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Wesserunsett Lake covers 1446 acres and is located off Route 201 in Madison, Somerset County (see The Maine Atlas and Gazetteer map 20 A5). Click here for a depth map and more fisheries information. This pond was stocked in the fall of 2015 with 2200 brown trout measuring 13” and 80 brown trout measuring 18”, which yields between 1 and 2 brown trout per acre.
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Worthley Pond covers 42 acres and is located off Route 122 in Poland, Androscoggin County (see The Maine Atlas and Gazetteer map 5 A3). Click here for a depth map and more fisheries information. The pond was stocked in the fall of 2015 with 75 brown trout measuring 12”, yielding between 1 and 2 brown trout per acre.
Was the information in this blog useful? I invite you to share your thoughts and opinions. Also, feel free to discuss your fishing experiences at any of these locations.
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