Fishing for brook trout? Think small and shallow!
Brook trout like shallow, near-shore habitat in the winter, your best brook trout water is going to be between 4 and 12 feet. Although some prefer less than 5 feet of water! And keep your bait small. Small minnows or pieces of nightcrawler work just fine. You can certainly bait-up with a big shiner, but just know that brookies may keep picking at that bait without getting hooked. A small bait works best for brook trout. Always check regulations to make sure live bait fish is allowed.?
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Fishing for wary trout and salmon??
Try using fluorocarbon line as a leader on your fishing trap or jig stick. For tip ups, two to five feet of 6- or 8-pound fluorocarbon line after the ice line and tied directly to the hook will minimize the visibility of the gear and may lead to more flags. A #8 hook size is ideal when using small smelt.
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Think "just under the ice" for landlocked salmon
Landlocked salmon are frequently caught ?just under the ice? and should be targeted within the first 15 feet below the ice.?Ice anglers also have luck jigging for salmon. When jigging use small, colorful spoons or flashers as attractors.
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Fishing for lake trout? Think deeper!
Try fishing around points of land that extend into deeper water.?Focus on water depths of 15-40 feet off these landmarks. Large togue cruise these areas searching for food and can often be caught close to the surface as well as near bottom. Ice fishing for lake trout can be quite productive in water depths between 10 and 100 feet.
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Seeking warmwater fish, such as bass, perch, and chain pickerel??
Warmwater fish can be found throughout the water column (various depths) during the winter months. However, these fish typically favor areas with lots of cover such as woody debris, weed beds, and rocks. Try fishing 2 to 10 feet off the bottom.
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Get jigging!
Anglers who catch the most fish, jig! They also aren't afraid to move locations if they aren't getting much action.?
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Wondering where to fish?
Each month fisheries biologists across the State put together a list of recomened waters, how to acess them, and fishing tips. Click here to read the February Fishing Report.?Or view the Stocking Report to see where we stocked fish near you (focus on waters that were stocked fall 2022). Before you go, look at a depth map online to find an area with your target depth.?
Enjoy your day on the ice, and remember these tips
There is no question, ice fishing is a large part of Maine's outdoor heritage. Enjoy your ice fishing trip, and remember:??
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Leave no trace ??Carry out all that you carry in.?
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Park in public or designated areas?- Don't block paths or other roads. Be mindful of muddy, soft road conditions.
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Respect private property ??Utilize public access sites or areas where you have permission to park or access.
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Be prepared ??Check the weather, bring what you need for the day, and let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.
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Take care of your catch????If you are practicing catch and release, do so quickly and responsibly.?If you harvest your catch, please bring it home with you.
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Beginner?s guide to ice fishing in Maine
Starting a new hobby can be both exciting and intimidating, luckily ice fishing is a winter hobby that can be enjoyed with a few pieces of equipment and there are endless opportunities throughout the state. Learn what gear you need to get started and more in our beginner's guide.?
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