The first brookie of the afternoon.
June 1, 2024
Location and Access to the Pleasant River
Where is the Pleasant River Located?
This relatively short river originates in Gray and merges with the Presumpscot River near South Windham. The stretch I am targeting flows upstream from the bridge on Windham Center Road in Windham (see The Maine Atlas and Gazetteer map 5 D2). My goal this afternoon is fishing for trout on the Pleasant River.
Other good fishing areas flow between Windham Center Road and the Pope Road bridge (roughly behind the Windham high school), and the stretch downstream from Pope Road. It and I are ancient friends as I have been visiting these waters on and off for over 25 years.
It is remarkable how few people bother to fish this place, given its central location close to multiple large population centers in southern Maine. I do not remember ever bumping into more than 3 or 4 people during any one outing. In fact, I see no one else during today’s trip even though it is a gorgeous Saturday afternoon in late spring, which is prime time for trout fishing!
I focus my efforts on the pools.
Pleasant River Features, Stocking, and Angling Rules
General Characteristics
The stretch of the Pleasant River upstream of the Windham Center Road is 20-40 ft wide. Even though it flows through busy Windham, the area has a definite “remote” feel to it which I personally deeply enjoy.
The river moves mostly through an intact riparian corridor which provides much shade from overhanging trees and branches. Some of the white pines growing along the shoreline are massive and must be well over 100 years old.
The river shows multiple personalities, consisting of long and deep slow-flowing pools, swift runs, and shallow riffles. Depending on location, the substrate may consist of a combination of bedrock, silt, coarse sand, gravel/cobble, or boulders. One “negative” is the obvious intense scouring that takes place along its entire shoreline.
The banks are deeply eroded with multiple toppled trees. Also, the surface water is permanently clouded, even under base flow. In addition, the substrate is covered with a fine layer of silt. This “flashy” river becomes a muddy mess during high flow events.
Annual Stocking
The State stocks the Pleasant River several times each spring with a combined total of about 2,500 brown trout and brook trout measuring 9 to 12 inches.
I suspect that the vast majority of these fish do not survive the summer because I have never caught a trout larger than about 14 inches in these waters.
Fishing Regulations
This stretch of the Pleasant River is governed by strict rules. Angler can fish between April 1 and November 30. However, they can only use artificial lures and must also release all trout alive and at once.
I see bobbers hanging from branches, and earthworm containers on the ground. Clearly, some people are not following the rules…
The brown trout are decidedly of a smaller size.
Fishing for trout on the Pleasant River
Arrival and Conditions
I arrive at the Pleasant River flowing underneath the Windham Center Road bridge at 3:45 pm, put on my waders and wading boots, grab my ultralight spinning rod, and walk down towards the water.
The flow conditions are perfect. The spring runoff is over and the water level is approaching base flow.
Technique for Fishing for Trout on the Pleasant River
I start fishing the large pool found just downstream of the bridge. Everyone does the same because that pool always produces, and today is no exception. I quickly land two brookies which fall for a #2 Mepps spinner.
However, do not make the mistake of getting stuck at this location because so much more water is available to explore further upstream!
By the way, this particular pool is also a great spot for fly fishing. Few other places on this river lend themselves to dry flying or nymphing because of the closed canopy and its multiple overhanging branches.
Unfortunately, the high siltation degrades the quality of the substrate habitat needed to sustain a healthy bug community. I have rarely seen rises in the past. Also, aquatic bugs are few and far apart, except for mosquitos of which there are a trillion!!
The brookies are my all-time favorites!
Results of Fishing for Trout on the Pleasant River
I slowly wade my way upstream, focusing my angling efforts on the deeper pools, and mostly bypassing riffles and runs. The pools are 2 to 5 ft. deep and provide great fish holding habitat.
However, wading is a challenge because the banks are steep, the silty boulders are slippery, and this stretch of river is choked with many fallen trees. But the trout are at their post and eager to bite.
I land ten brook trout and brown trout measuring between 9 and 11 inches. That is the going rate for the Pleasant River: quantity but no quality. The river is unable to hold trout year-over-year so that anglers will only catch this year’s stockers.
Regardless, I enjoy my time alone in the water trying to fool the trout and highly recommend a spring visit. Just make sure to bring plenty of bug dope to ward of the hordes of mosquitos that will pester the angler in late May-early June.
The outcome of fishing for trout on the Pleasant River: I caught 10 brook trout and brown trout in 2 hours of fun wader 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.