This blog presents the kids fishing-only ponds in Maine that were stocked with trout last fall with the specific goal of encouraging youngsters to enjoy ice fishing during the winter of 2017. Be aware that these special ponds are governed by strict and convoluted rules regarding opening dates, use of bait fish, number of lines allowed, and daily bag limit, among others! It is strongly encouraged to consult the latest law book when planning a fishing trip to one of these ponds.
The purpose of these unique set-aside ponds is to provide a reasonably quick and assured way for youngsters to catch trout through the ice. I encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to introduce a child to what may blossom into a life-long passion for fishing and the outdoors. I can’t think of a better means to redirect fledgling minds away from the corroding effects of electronic devices and social media!
The following kids fishing-only ponds are excluded from the list below because they were not stocked with trout last fall, even though they are open to ice fishing (the map number refers to the Maine Atlas and Gazetteer).
• Big Pond (Richmond, Sagadahoc County, map 6 A5)
• Coffin Pond (Brunswick, Cumberland County, map 6 C3)
• Giles Pond (Patten, Penobscot County, map 52 B1)
• Waldoboro Quarry Pond (Waldoboro, Lincoln County, map 13 E5)
In addition, the following kids fishing-only ponds are not listed in this blog because they are closed to ice fishing (the map number refer to the Maine Atlas and Gazetteer).
• Aldens Pond (Gorham, Cumberland County, map 5 E2)
• Hannington Pond (Reed Plantation, Aroostook County, location unknown)
• Hight Pond (Skowhegan, Somerset County, map 21 B1)
• Mantle Lake (Presque Isle, Aroostook, map 65 D1)
• North Meyers Pond (Columbia, Washington County, map 25 C3)
• Pettingill Park Pond (Auburn, Androscoggin, map 75 C2)
• Pinnacle Pond (Kingfield, Franklin County, map 29 E5)
• South Meyers Pond (Columbia, Washington County, map 25 C3)
• Wilcox Pond (Biddeford, York County, map 3 C2))
This process of elimination identified 16 kids fishing-only ponds which were stocked with trout last fall and are open to ice fishing this winter. These ponds are listed below by county. Make sure to follow these simple tips to maximize the odds of putting brook trout on the ice.
AROOSTOOK COUNTY:
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Rock Crusher Pond covers 12 acres and is located next to Rock Crusher Road in Island Falls (see The Maine Atlas and Gazetteer map 52 B3). A depth map is not available. This pond was stocked last fall with 200 brook trout of 13” and 15 brook trout of 17”, which results in a total of 18 trout per acre.
CUMBERLAND COUNTY:
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Lower Hinkley Pond covers 2 acres and is located in Hinkley Park off Highland Avenue in South Portland (see The Maine Atlas and Gazetteer map 73 H5). A depth map is not available. This pond was stocked last fall with 200 brook trout of 9” and 55 brook trout of 13”, which results in a total of 128 trout per acre.
FRANKLIN COUNTY:
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Toothaker Pond covers 30 acres and is located next to Toothaker Pond Road in Phillips (see The Maine Atlas and Gazetteer map 19 A3). Click here for a depth map and more fisheries information. This pond was stocked last fall with 350 brook trout of 9” and 100 brook trout of 13”, which results in a total of 15 trout per acre.
HANCOCK COUNTY:
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Pickerel Pond covers 11 acres and is located next to the Stud Mill Road in Township T32 MD (see The Maine Atlas and Gazetteer map 34 E1). Click here for a depth map and more fisheries information. Pickerel Pond, which is under the stewardship of the Maine Youth Fish and Game Association, was stocked last fall with 500 brook trout of 13” and 40 brook trout of 17”, which results in a total of 49 trout per acre.
KNOX COUNTY:
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Rocky Pond covers 10 acres and is located next to Route 17 in Rockport (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 250 brook trout of 7”, 50 brook trout of 14”, and 15 brook trout of 18”, which results in a total of 32 trout per acre.
LINCOLN COUNTY:
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Thompson’s Ice Pond covers 1 acre and is located next to Route 129 in South Bristol (see The Maine Atlas and Gazetteer map 7 C3, but the pond is not shown due to its small size. Click on the Google Maps link above to get an exact location). A depth map is not available. Thompson’s Ice Pond is a tiny reservoir associated with Thompson’s Ice House, which is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. This pond was stocked last fall with 250 brook trout of 9” and 100 brook trout of 14”, which results in an amazing total of 350 trout per acre!
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Wiley Pond covers 18 acres and is located off Dover Road in Boothbay (see The Maine Atlas and Gazetteer map 7 C2). Click here for a depth map and more fisheries information. This pond was stocked last fall with 600 brook trout of 7” and 100 brook trout of 14”, which results in a total of 39 trout per acre.
PENOBSCOT COUNTY:
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The Edwards Family Kids Fishing Pond covers 0.5 acre and is located next to Airport Road by the Lincoln Regional Airport in Lincoln (see The Maine Atlas and Gazetteer map 43 E5, although the pond itself is not shown; use Google Map above instead). A depth map is not available. This pond was stocked last fall with 250 brook trout of 13” and 20 brook trout of 17”, which results in an amazing total of 540 trout per acre!
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Jerry Pond covers 66 acres and is located at the end of New Jersey Street in Millinocket (see The Maine Atlas and Gazetteer map 43 A3). Click here for a depth map and more fisheries information. This pond was stocked last fall with 650 brook trout of 13” and 40 brook trout of 17”, which results in a total of 10 trout per acre.
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Little Round Pond covers 75 acres and is located in Lincoln (see The Maine Atlas and Gazetteer map 34 A1). Click here for a depth map and more fisheries information. This pond was stocked last fall with 250 brook trout of 14” and 20 brook trout of 17”, which results in a total of 4 trout per acre.
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The Penobscot Conservation Club Pond covers 1 acre and is located between the Penobscot River and North Main Street (Routes 9/178) in Brewer (see The Maine Atlas and Gazetteer map 23 B3). A depth map is not available. This pond, which is under the stewardship of the Penobscot County Conservation Association, was stocked last fall with 425 brook trout measuring 8” and 50 brook trout measuring 13”, which results in an amazing total of 475 trout per acre!
PISCATAQUIS COUNTY:
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Drummond Pond covers 2 acres and is located between the Piscataquis River and Routes 6/15/16 in Abbot (see The Maine Atlas and Gazetteer map 31 B4). A depth map is not available. This pond was stocked last fall with 250 brook trout of 13” and 25 brook trout of 25”, which results in a total of 138 trout per acre.
SOMERSET COUNTY:
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Tibbetts Pond covers 6 acres and is located next to Route 16 in Concord Township (see The Maine Atlas and Gazetteer map 30 D4). Click here for a depth map and more fisheries information. This pond was stocked last fall with 150 brook trout measuring 13”, which results in 25 trout per acre.
WASHINGTON COUNTY:
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Foxhole Pond covers 4 acres and is located off Beddington Road (Route 193) across from the Deblois Air Strip in Deblois (see The Maine Atlas and Gazetteer map 25 C2). A depth map is not available. This pond was stocked last fall with 250 brook trout of 8”, 75 brook trout of 13”, and 15 brook trout of 17”, which results in a total of 85 trout per acre.
YORK COUNTY:
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Round Pond covers 8 acres and is located right next to Route 35 and Mast Road next to the York County Fish and Game Association in Lyman (see The Maine Atlas and Gazetteer map 2 B5). Click here for a depth map and more fisheries information. This pond was stocked last fall with 300 brook trout of 9” and 50 brook trout of 12”, which results in a total of 51 brook 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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What a great way to introduce ice fishing to the young because frustration comes fast.when your 8
Yes, indeed. That’s the whole point of this kids fishing-only program: create conditions favorable for quick action to keep the kids interested and willing to come back for more!