Location and Access to Harlow Pond
Where is Harlow Pond Located?
This 176-acre water body is found in Parkman, Piscataquis County, Maine (see The Maine Atlas and Gazetteer map 31 C1). My goal this morning is wader fishing for trout on Harlow Pond.
Note that Google maps is confused about the location of Harlow Pond. It places the name to the right of the causeway (looking north), next to – but not separated from – Manhanock Pond. Instead, I follow the information provided on the depth map (see further below) and The Maine Gazetteer. They both place Harlow Pond to the left of the causeway (looking north), which makes more sense.
Access
Public access occurs along a short section of Harlow Pond Road that separates Harlow Pond from Manhanock Pond. That section is actually a causeway running between the two ponds. A large culvert connects both water bodies.
The whole causeway is available to access the water. However, it provides only limited parking at one or two spots along its narrow shoulders. More limited parking may be available at an unmarked dirt boat launch at the end of the causeway next to Manhanock Pond.
Anglers need to be aware of which direction they are driving from when reaching the causeway to make sure they fish the correct pond!
Harlow Pond Features, Stocking, Depth Profile, and Angling Rules
It took me a while to locate this first brookie.
General Characteristics
The pond is mostly undeveloped and surrounded by low, forested hills. The surrounding area is rural. Harlow Pond Road is also lightly traveled. Hence, the minimal traffic does not impinge on the general quietness.
I identified it as a target fishing location using my proven search strategy.
Annual Stocking
The State provides a light stocking of catching-size brook trout each fall to support a winter fishery. Unlike most ponds in Piscataquis County, Harlow Pond remains open to fishing year-round, including in the winter.
Depth Profile
Harlow Pond has a mean and maximum depth of 5 ft. and 25 ft., respectively, making it quite shallow. Click here for a depth map and fisheries information.
I could not resist checking the summer water quality data provided in lakesofmaine.org for this pond. The limited information shows that the one deep hole develops a cool and oxygenated thermocline, which would allow year-over-year brook trout survival. Hence, I suspect that a few trout in this pond may grow to a larger size.
Fishing Regulations
The general fishing laws for the North Zone apply at Harlow Pond.
In addition, this pond is open to fall fishing from October 1 to November 30. However, anglers can only use artificial lures during this period. They also have to release all trout alive at once.
Wader Fishing for Trout on Harlow Pond
The spawning colors of the male brookies never disappoint.
Arrival and Conditions
I drive up the causeway at 7:30 am and park my vehicle on the shoulder. I take a moment to orient myself using GPS and the Maine Gazetteer to make sure that I pick the right pond to fish…
It is totally overcast but relatively warm (52°F) considering that we are in early November. The temperature is forecast to spike into the low 70’s when the clouds clear later today. Currently, a nasty little western breeze makes it feel much cooler than that! Also, the water temperature is a chilly 47°F.
I layer up with warm clothes, don my waders, and enter the water from the causeway. The wading conditions along the shoreline are not great. My boots sink 3-6 inches into the soft, muddy substrate, and the water quickly gains depth away from shore. So, I have to remain close to the causeway to stay safe.
The muddy conditions also favor aquatic plant growth along the shore. Fortunately, most of the plants have died back by now and do not obstruct my fishing.
Technique for Wader Fishing for Trout on Harlow Pond
These fish give splendid fights on ultra-light gear.
I fish using an ultra-light spinning rod teamed up with a small reel spooled with light monofilament line. The Mepps #2 spinner is my lure of choice. I can fan-cast that spinner a country-mile away using the ultra-light gear. That allows me to cover a lot of ground quickly and efficiently.
The trick with the Mepps spinner is to let it sink before kick-starting the blade. Then, the angler needs to constantly twitch the rod tip throughout the retrieve to cause the blade to flutter. That fluttering effect draws attention and triggers the killer instinct of the trout.
Results of Wader Fishing for Trout on Harlow Pond
It’s been a fun morning tussling with feisty brookies!
I start casting out the Mepps but fail to garner any attention from the trout below. I slowly wade along the shore while continuously fan-casting the lure until I finally get a hit and hookup 20 minutes later. Good, I think I found my quarry! It is a 13-inch brookie that gets netted, photographed and released.
I continue casting in that general area of the shoreline, hoping that other trout may be gathering there. And that turns out to be the case. I hook and land another 5 brookies over the next 45 minutes. The bite is slow, but it is consistent.
By now, the cold water and the insistent breeze have chilled me down. It is time to move on. I am satisfied with the results this morning. I also did not see another soul, except for a handful of cars that drove by. That is exactly how I want it: peaceful, alone, and tussling with fall brookies.
The outcome of wader fishing for trout on Harlow Pond: I caught 6 brook trout (largest = 13.5 inches) in 1 hour of fun fishing.
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 this location.
Tight Lines, y’all.
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