The boat launch by the dam. The launch is on the right and the dam is on the left.
October 17, 2023
Location and Access to Keewaydin Lake
Where is Keewaydin Lake Located?
This 307-acre water body is found in Stoneham, Oxford County, Maine (see The Maine Atlas and Gazetteer map 10 C3). My goal today is fishing for trout on Keewaydin Lake in waders.
Access and Boat Launch
The public access is located at the boat ramp by the dam, right next to Route 5 at the southern tip of the lake. Also, the area around the launch provides plenty of parking.
I love the conditions this morning: fishy, with a low cloud deck, and no wind!
Keewaydin Lake Features, Stocking, Depth Profile, and Angling Rules
General Characteristics
Keewaydin Lake is a moderately developed body of water that abuts the White Mountain National Forest. The forested hills along the northern horizon provide a beautiful natural backdrop.
Annual Stocking
The lake supports a two-species salmonid fishery consisting of landlocked Atlantic salmon and brook trout.
What draws me to this spot this morning are the 250 13-inch brookies that the State stocked earlier this fall for the upcoming ice fishing season.
Depth Profile
This body of water has an average and maximum depth of 17 ft. and 52 ft., respectively. Click here for a depth map and more fisheries information.
However, depth is of less concern to me since I am fishing in waders around the dam area.
Fishing Regulations
Fall fishing in Keewaydin Lake occurs under the general fishing laws applicable to the South Zone. Anglers are also allowed to fish from October 1 to December 31. However, they can only use artificial lures during this period. Plus, they have to release all salmonids alive and at once.
Fishing for trout on Keewaydin Lake in Waders
Arrival and Conditions
I reach the launch area by the dam at 7 am. The weather conditions are great: a low cloud deck, an air temperature of 47°F, and no wind.
I am already in my waders and dressed up warmly and therefore waste no time getting into the water. For the record, all the fishing described below could be done from the dam structure itself without entering the water, which is a real plus. However, I like being in waders because it gives me more flexibility to move around and explore.
The substrate in front of the dam consists of a firm sandy bottom interspersed by a few large, submerged boulders. The water is also clear and gains depth gradually. That creates ideal wading conditions similar to those in Crystal Lake and Worthley Pond.
Technique for Fishing for Trout on Keewaydin Lake
I notice several splashy rises in front of the dam. Great, the trout are feeding! I start casting out a trusted copper-colored #2 Mepps spinner using my ultralight spinning rod and small reel spooled with 6 pound test monofilament. That combination allows my to get that spinner way out.
I also removed one of the three hooks from the treble and flattened the barb on one of the two remaining hooks to minimize harm to the fish.
I let the lure sink for a few second. Then I start the retrieve and constantly twitch the tip of the rod to cause a random flicker in the blade. It is that flickering which triggers the killer instinct in the trout.
And the trout just keep on falling for that magic spinner!
Results of Fishing for Trout on Keewaydin Lake in Waders
The action starts immediately. I hook and land two brookies in the first 5 minutes. Yes, that is how I like my fishing! Every time I hook a trout when wading, I make it a point to move back to shore. That way, I remove the struggling fish to avoid spooking any other trout that may be present in the vicinity.
The right lens suddenly pops out of my glasses and disappears in the water as I struggle with the third fish in. Are you kidding me?! I try to locate the lens on the bottom, but it is a lost cause.
I leave my busted glasses by the dam and continue fishing half-blind, landing and releasing three more trout. I have been at it for 30 minutes and have caught six brookies so far.
I have essentially not moved, except for walking to and from the dam, and have yet to spook the school. I am fully satisfied with this morning’s action and call it good in order to check the next lake on my list. Life is really good, except that I have to get a new lens for my glasses…
I have caught six brookies in 30 minutes and it is time to move on. I suspect that I could easily have doubled the catch if I stayed longer.
The outcome of fishing for trout on Keewaydin Lake in Waders: I caught six 12- to 14-inch brookies in 30 minutes of fast and furious 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.
~ ~ ~ ~ ><« ({(« º >