Friday, October 10, 2014

Fly Fishing Maine: Upper Dam Pool

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The old upper dam.  The new dam looks to be about the same height (perhaps a bit higher), but it is fortified with steel and modern technologies. Photo courtesy of Portland Press Herald.

Upper Dam Pool Facts

Location:  Rangeley and Oquossoc Maine area. Google Maps:https://goo.gl/maps/A2clW
Fishing Season: April 01 to September 30th.  Please visit http://www.eregulations.com/maine/fishing/
Special Rules: Fly Fishing Only.  Amongst the angling community catch-n-release is widely popular. Personally, I would not be caught killing a fish here.  Why? Your inviting negative feedback from fellow anglers. 
Daily Bag Limits: One fish only.  18" minimum for LLS and 12" for EBT.  
Licensed Required: Yes, general fishing only.
Floating:  For general public, walk-wade only. The use of watercraft is only allowed to private home owners and guest.
Size: About 3 acres.
Depth: Mean depth of 12 feet, and maximum of 20 feet. 
Entrance Fee: No.
Camping: Yes. Search nearby options in Oquossoc or Rangeley.
Length:  0.46 Miles.  The dam separates Mooselookmeguntic and Richardson Lake.
Access: Entrance is off of Route 16.  You must park 1 mile away and walk down to the dam.  There is boat access via Mooselookmeguntic (tie up at dock).

More information about Mooselookmeguntic and Richardson Lake available at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mooselookmeguntic_Lake


A hot spot for EBT and LLS.  Folks, they get much bigger here!

Why Fish the Upper Dam Pool
    
  • Native Species:  Wild Eastern Brook Trout, Land Locked Salmon.
  • Non-Native Species: Lake Trout live in Richardson lake.  I am uncertain if the Lake Trout frequent this area (I have never caught a Lake Trout at this spot).
  • Stocked Fish:  Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife has stocked EBT and LLS in Richardson Lake.
  • Location:  No more than a 30 minute drive from Oquossoc. A short drive from Errol, NH.  2.5 hours from Portsmouth, NH.
  • Experience:  Easy to access, high quality tailwater fishery.  Good wild EBT/LLS action.
  • Scenery:  The old dam is being replaced.  Until complete, be prepared for new dam construction.  There are private camps/homes in the area.  


How to Fish the Upper Dam Pool

Final Word


Enjoy! The history surrounding the upper dam is worth the visit alone (think Carry Stevens). Easy access to plentiful wild EBT/LLS makes this a favorite spot. 

Thanks for reading.  We hope you enjoyed this post.

Gone Fishing,

Mark