This blog highlights the ponds in Knox County which provide the best odds of catching larger stocked trout during the 2016 ice fishing season. About a dozen ponds open to ice fishing in this county are stocked with trout each fall. Most of these fish are relatively small (7” to 12”), but plentiful, in order to provide fast action. The state also spiced up some of the ponds with larger trout, which are defined here as fish measuring 13” or more, and weighing at least 1 pound.
I only present ponds in Knox County that were stocked last fall with at least 2 large 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 fish per acre, which equals 1 salmon every two to three acres. Keep in mind that the number of bigger trout stocked in a pond is typically much lower than for the smaller trout. Hence, patience is required to catch those larger fish through the ice.
It is recommended to consult the latest regulations (click here for details) about special ice fishing rules that may apply on the ponds presented below.
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 the ponds listed below can be fished through the ice.
Note also that the list excludes “kids only” ponds which have their own stocking regime and fishing rules.
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Crystal Pond covers 98 acres and is located next to Crystal Lake Road in Washington (see The Maine Atlas and Gazetteer map 13 C5). Click here for a depth map and more fisheries information. This pond was stocked last fall with big brook trout (300 fish of 13” and 20 fish of 20”), which yields about 3 large trout per acre.
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Hosmer Pond covers 53 acres and is located next to Hosmer Pond Road in Camden (see The Maine Atlas and Gazetteer map 14 D3). Click here for a depth map and more fisheries information. This pond was stocked last fall with big brook trout (250 fish of 13”), which yields about 5 large trout per acre. Hosmer Pond offers good odds for catching large trout through the ice this winter.
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Maces Pond covers 32 acres and is located next to Route 17 in Rockport (see The Maine Atlas and Gazetteer map 14D3). Click here for a depth map and more fisheries information. This pond was stocked last fall with big brook trout (150 fish of 13” and 20 fish of 20”), which yields around 5 large trout per acre. Maces Pond offers good odds for catching large trout through the ice this winter.
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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