A friend of mine recently sent me an article from Fly Fisherman magazine about Lefty Kreh and his favorite smallmouth bass river. I expected it to be somewhere far from home. Instead, it was the Androscoggin River — right here in our state. That caught my attention immediately.
The article touched on how much the Androscoggin has rebounded over the years and how Lefty Kreh returned to fish it every season. It mentioned the river’s history, even a Civil War artifact found along the banks, and encouraged anglers to target smallmouth during the warm months to protect trout. As I read it, I couldn’t help but think about the waters closer to home — and how many of those same qualities exist right here in eastern Maine.
I haven’t fished the Androscoggin yet — but I plan to this year. What anglers describe as a world-class smallmouth fishery sounds a lot like the Penobscot River and Union River systems here in eastern Maine. Rivers that were once polluted. Rivers that have rebounded. Upper stretches that support coldwater species. Lower stretches that widen, warm, and produce thick, hard-fighting bass.
Whether it’s the Androscoggin, the Penobscot, or the Union, Maine is blessed with incredible smallmouth water. Reading about Lefty’s experiences only fuels my excitement for open water season. As soon as the ice disappears, I’ll be ready. Flies are getting tied. Lure boxes are being sorted. Boats are being fine-tuned. Spring can’t come soon enough.
If this year feels anything like last, I have a feeling more anglers will start looking north for new smallmouth water. The Penobscot and Union systems deserve to be in that conversation. If you’re thinking about getting out once the ice melts, it’s never too early to lock in your dates. Open water will be here before we know it.
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