Prime time on the water: Dawn and dusk deliver for anglers

Osgood recommends using satellite imagery to discover new fishing grounds and to ‘take advantage of the good weather […] and get out on some adventures.’ Photo by Unsplash

June 30, 2026

By Ridge Osgood

Hot weather, low flows, and deer flies: all sure signs that summer has arrived. If you ask me, there's no better place to be at this time of the year than on the water.

Where to Fish:
Rivers and streams: Prime trout fishing in Downeast streams went by quick this year. Water temperatures continue to rise as the little bit of rain we have had so far seems to have barely put a dent in recovering from last year's drought. If you are eager to put a limit of brook trout in the frying pan, luck may still be had if you can locate cold water. If you are out to catch and release, it's a good idea to bring a thermometer with you to check the water temperature. As the water reaches around 68 ̊ F, brook trout experience high levels of physiological stress. Fighting them for long periods of time or removing them from the water increases the chance of mortality under these conditions.

Lakes and ponds: Some stocked brook trout ponds may still be productive in the evenings or early mornings when water temperatures are slightly cooler and fish are more active. As our lakes get set up, trolling at deeper depths is a great way to target landlocked salmon. I'd recommend fishing Green Lake in Ellsworth, Long Pond on MDI, and West Grand Lake. The heat of the summer is a great time to target warmwater fish. If you want to hook into a few smallmouth bass, Branch Lake, Big Lake, and Third Machias Lake are good bets.

Fishing Tip:
I have found some of my favorite places to fish by studying satellite imagery and heading out to explore. I've spent many days bushwhacking into places that yielded no fish, but the successful reconnaissance missions have made it all worthwhile. Whether it's a remote section of stream, or a lake or pond you've never been to, take advantage of the good weather this time of year and get out on some adventures. You won't know unless you go.

Reminder:
As previously mentioned, brook trout are highly sensitive to high water temperatures. Temperature induced stress generally begins to occur around 68 ̊ F. As water temperatures approach 75 ̊ F, stress becomes extreme. When the water gets too warm, it's worth targeting other species to avoid unintended release mortality.

—Osgood is a Fisheries Resource Biologist with the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.