Don’t forget to fill out the permit form available at the little wooden kiosk by the parking lot.
November 8, 2023
Location and Access to Otter Pond #4
Where is Otter Pond #4 Located?
This 6-acre water body is found in Standish, Cumberland County, Maine (see The Maine Map and Gazetteer map 5 D1). My goal this morning is fishing for trout on Otter Pond #4.
Access
To reach this destination, drive down Route 35 (Chadborne Road) towards the southern tip of Sebago Lake. The parking lot for the Otter Ponds is located just to the north of the Route 35 bridge that crosses over the unused railroad tracks.
After you park, do not forget to fill out the short form provided at the little wooden kiosk, and leave a copy on your vehicle’s dashboard.
From the parking area, go down towards the old railroad tracks, turn left, and walk for about 10 minutes next to those tracks. You will pass several ponds on your right. Otter Pond #2 is the largest and last one. However, Pond #4 is not visible from the tracks because it is hiding behind a low wooded knoll on your left, across from Otter Pond #2.
Access to Otter Pond #4 is by the sandy beach area at the southern end of the pond.
Otter Pond #4 Features, Stocking, Depth Profile, and Angling Rules
General Characteristics
All the Otter Ponds began their lives as gravel pits that were abandoned eons ago. As a result, their surface waters, which are an expression of the local groundwater table, are crystal clear and clean. Also, none of the ponds have inlets or outlets.
The surrounding land is wooded and totally undeveloped, except for a picnic area and a handful of small primitive cabins used by a local summer camp for kids.
Annual Stocking
Otter Pond #4 was stocked earlier this fall with 75 13-inch brook trout. Those are not the main reason I am here this morning. My real targets are the ten 20-inch brookies that were also stocked earlier… Catching one of those 3-pouders on my ultralight rod would sure make my day!
Depth Profile
The pond has a mean and maximum depth of 9 ft. and 21 ft., respectively. Click here for a depth map and more fisheries information.
Fishing Regulations
Fall fishing at this location occurs under the general fishing laws for the South Zone. Anglers can also fish between October 1 and November 30 but using artificial lures only. In addition, they have to immediately release all brook trout alive back to the water. Click here for the full angling rules pertaining to Otter Pond #4.
The first fish of the morning is a beautiful male brookie stocked several weeks ago.
Fishing for Trout on Otter Pond #4
Arrival and Conditions
I reach the parking lot next to Route 35 at 6:30 am. The place is all mine, as expected for this time of the year. I fill out the day-use form, don my waders, walk down to the old railroad tracks, and march ten minutes towards Otter Pond #4.
The morning is a nippy 36°F. In addition, a nasty cold breeze blows in from the northwest and generates a definite windchill.
Technique for Fishing for Trout on Otter Pond #4
The entrance point is by the sandy beach at the southern tip of the pond. It is best to fish on the right side of the beach when wading. The reason is that the shoreline to the left is steep and the water gains depth quickly.
The wading conditions on the right are also perfect: a firm and sandy bottom, no submerged obstructions such as boulders or logs, and no aquatic vegetation.
The only fly in the ointment this morning is that the wind has blown a million oak leaves against the southern shoreline just to the right of the beach, creating a dense, 10-foot-wide floating leaf pack. Waders are definitely required in order to fish passed these leaves!
The bite is slow but steady. Unfortunately, I do not encounter any of the three pounders I was hoping to catch this morning.
I use my ultralight spinning rod teamed up with a small spinning reel spooled with 6-pound monofilament line and a magic #2 Mepps spinner. I cut off the third hook of the treble and flatten the barb on one of the two remaining hooks. This simple change makes it easy to remove the lure and also minimizes damage to the fish.
Results of Fishing for Trout on Otter Pond #4
I start fan casting by the beach, letting the lure sink to the bottom (one thousand one, one thousand two, …) before starting the retrieve. I do not generate one nibble in the first 15 minutes. Damn, I am going to have to look further to locate my target fish.
I slowly wade and cast to the right of the beach and finally get a hookup. The fish is a fat 14-inch male brookie in all its gorgeous spawning colors. I catch another five 12- to 14-inch brookies over the next hour or so, all within 100 ft. of the beach.
But no 3-pounders…
I wish I could say the same thing about the 3-pounders which are nowhere to be found this morning… My odds of catching those exceptional fish would increase if I could stay longer, but I unfortunately must leave to start my workday. On the other hand, I landed six smaller trout so life is good anyway!
The outcome of fishing for trout on Otter Pond #4: I caught six brook trout (largest = 14 inches) in 1.5 hours of fun but cold 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.
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