The boat launch by the dam at Mill Street is unimproved and parking by the road is limited
May 19, 2024
Location and Access to Panther Pond
Where is Panther Pond Located?
This 1,439-acre water body is found in Raymond, Cumberland County, Maine (see The Maine Atlas and Gazetteer map 5 B2). My goal this morning is trolling for salmon on Panther Pond.
Access and Boat Launch
This lake has two access points: one is an unofficial boat launch (not shown in The Maine Atlas and Gazetteer) by the dam at the pond outlet on Mill Street; the second is the official public launch on Crescent Lake which also provides plenty of parking spaces. However, the latter requires navigating for about 15-20 minutes through the shallow and meandering Tenney River to reach Panther Pond.
Keep in mind that the launch on Mill Street is unimproved and cramped. Also, it only offers limited parking along the road shoulder.
This first fish tells me that the State has succeeded in establishing a landlocked salmon fishery in Panther Pond.
Panther Pond Features, Stocking, Depth Profile, and Angling Rules
General Characteristics
Panther Pond is a well-developed lake connected to Sebago Lake via Panther Run.
Annual Stocking
For several decades, the state stocked Panther Pond each spring with 450 juvenile 7- to 8-inch landlocked Atlantic salmon to try to establish a fishery. However, that effort failed and resulted in poor/no returns to the angler. I know because I trolled this lake for salmon multiple times in the past and got consistently skunked, except for catching hordes of fat white perch. So, I gave up and instead focused on catching smallmouth bass at this location (click here, here, and here for examples).
I pay close attention to the stocking reports. Hence, I noticed that the state switched its approach starting in 2020 by releasing 450 larger 11- to 12-inch yearling salmon in the fall. I contacted the regional fisheries biologist who confirmed that the previous salmon stocking efforts in this lake had failed. The State decided to release larger fish which have higher chances of surviving. That switch was a last-ditch attempt at rectifying the situation.
Based on that intel, I decided to give salmon trolling on Panther Pond another shot.
Depth Profile
The lake has a mean and maximum depth of 26 and 68 ft., respectively. Click here for a depth map and more fisheries information.
Fishing Regulations for Trolling for Salmon on Panther Pond
Spring fishing on Panther Pond occurs under the general fishing laws applicable to the South Zone.Click here to obtain the full rules.
This second salmon is similarly vigorous and well-fed.
Trolling for salmon on Panther Pond
Arrival and Conditions
I arrive at the launch on Middle Street at 6:15 am and buzz off 15 minutes later. I am the first one on the water. The weather is perrrfect for salmon trolling: overcast with a light east wind and air temps in the mid to high 50’s. The water temperature clocks in at 61°F.
Technique for Trolling for Salmon on Panther Pond
My plan of action is to troll in the deepest part of Panther Pond (45-65 ft.) located in the large basin north of Betty’s Neck.
I deploy my usual equipment when trolling from my motorboat. The first is a small portable downrigger fished with my spinning rod and a live 3-inch minnow attached to a sliding hook rig (note: I could have used the sown bait technique but opted for the sliding hook rig because of its convenience). The second is lead core line teamed up with an 8-weight fly fishing rod and a fly fishing reel pulling three spoons attached end-to-end.
My fish finder helps me keep track of depth. I deploy the live bait on the downrigger 20 ft. below the surface and the spoons on the lead core line 15 ft. down. I also hold the fly rod in my hand and gently rip the spoons to provide additional action and flash.
A 5-gallon bucket attached to 15 ft. of rope behind my boat serves as a “drift sock”. It is important to slow the trolling speed down to 1 MPH or less when fishing with live bait.
I have no idea what to expect of this trip. However, if the larger stocked fish are surviving and growing then these waters should have salmon measuring 15 to 20+ inches…
The two winning “lures” for this morning: a small minnow on a sliding hook rig and a DB Smelt smelt imitator.
Results of Trolling for Salmon on Panther Pond
I spend the first hour circling the basin, but only a single fish strikes my spoons. At least it is a sign of life down there… Suddenly, my spinning rod shakes insistently, announcing a customer on the downrigger. I immediately put down the fly rod, pick up the spinning rod, swing it to unclip the line from the downrigger weight, and fight a fish.
The creature does not breach the surface, as a salmon typically would in the spring. Darn, did I catch a white perch again like in the past?? No Sir, it is a landlocked salmon. YES! The fish takes several strong runs before it gives up and I net it. This visitor measures 17 inches and looks well fed.
I am hopeful for more action. However, I must muster another 30 minutes of patience before I get a second hookup, this time on the lead core line. It is another salmon which gives a splendid fight, including aerial acrobatics and two strong runs next to the boat! This is so much fun. It measures a respectable 18 inches. Woow, two salmon in 1.5 hours of fishing.
A last surprising fish!
Unfortunately, I need to head back home by 8:30 am and therefore retrieve first the downrigger and then the lead core line. I like to spend a moment watching the action of the spoons right below the surface next to the boat. As I stare mesmerized by the lures, a 14-inch salmon appears out of nowhere and grabs the straggler spoon! No way. What are the odds of that happening with the spoons three inches below the surface and trailing 10 ft. behind the boat??
Well, I had a successful morning and can also confirm that the salmon population in Panther Pond is flourishing.
The outcome of trolling for salmon on Panther Pond: I landed three landlocked salmon (largest = 18 inches) in 2 hours of productive trolling.
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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