Friday, March 11, 2011

Alligator Brook Trout

16.25 in Brook Trout
Alligator Lake has always been one of those waters I was tempted to fish. Having drove by it many time during partridge hunting, it seemed to call out as a great opportunity to score an impressive brook trout. This fact seemed evident, by the numerous plastic worm containers littering the small boat launch. So, when Matt Whitegiver of “Eagle Mountain Guide Service” and his friend Brian expressed an interest in trying out this isolated spot a few weeks previous, it was game on!

Compared to a majority of the southern and central Maine lakes and ponds, Alligator Lake is remote. While not uncommon to see individuals fishing here, care should be taken to make very sure you have an “escape” plan should an accident occur or a vehicle become stuck or not start. Access to Alligator Lake is possible via several different logging roads, the most direct access being a 5-mile stretch of the 29-00-0 road branching off Route 9 - The Airline. (For more information see Maine Atlas and Gazetteer map 24 A-4 and 34 E-4) The drive in is done on what can best be described as “the kind of road where a man could make a good living collecting beer cans” so use extreme caution during all seasons. Additionally, logging truck will pay you VERY little mind and barrel along these narrow thoroughfares at sphincter tightening speeds. In the winter, things get a little bit dicier as logging operations “typically” keep roads plowed and steep hillsides sanded BUT this can’t be depended upon. If you get stuck, help could be a long time finding you so plan accordingly.

Matt and Brian
Once you navigate all the hills, twists and turns you will see the lake and a small parking lot on your left hand side. Staring out across the lake from the landing, you will quickly see it is a good size lake. Depending on your mode of transport (ATV, snowmobile, foot) and degree of determination will help you quickly decide where you want to fish. On our trip, we planned to fish only about 500 yards from the landing (on the lake southern shore) so walking was the simplest solution.

Rainbow smelts in the 3 inch range seem to be the ticket here, though I would be tempted to try worms. In total, three fish for the day, including a small yellow perch, chub and an impressive 16.25-inch brook trout. Several other flags were sprung with no fish.

Pat's Deer
As luck would have it, two fishing neighbors arriving later in the morning turned out to be old Kappa Delta Phi fraternity brothers from UMMachias. Pat Smallidge whom I had last seen at his camp in November to gaze upon his impressive 6 pointer and Gary Quimby an accomplished woodcock hunter. Seeing them both here in practically the middle of nowhere reminded me what a small world it really is!

Fish On!
Fishing almost till dusk, I was actually relieved when my two comrades decided to call it a day and head back tot eh comfort of the truck. Two days of low temps and high winds had me debating my decision to fish Bear Cove on Meddybemps Lake the following day but I was up for the challenge as long promises of a heated ice shack and fried deer steaks were fulfilled. Fate, however, would end up canceling these plans . . .

Next: The Brown Trout of Upper Lead Mountain Pond

8 comments:

  1. Hey Steve,Great story...
    fantastic pic of the Brookie!
    Until next time....
    Matt

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  2. What an epic adventure that day was. Steve must have forgotten the Landlocked Salmon we released and the deer sausage we grilled up on our cozy campfire. It must've been the bone chilling wind that caused the memory loss because even after a long hot shower upon my return home, it seemed to take hours before the chill wore off, but still I'm looking forward to another day out on the ice amongst good friends!

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  3. Very informative post. It's been one of the places that is on my "To Fish" list. Thanks for the heads up on the access. Just finding a way to get into a new spot has always been one of the more worrisome aspects for me. Insider info such as yours is invaluable. Now that we're getting closer to open water fishing, more posts like this would be greatly appreciated!

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  4. Brian! Nice to see you on the blog! It was great meeting you and the fishing was a blast!

    You are correct, the cold killed my last remaining brain cell! This is 1/2 the reason why I keep a blog . . . a repository for memories!

    Deer sausage was excellent and having it cooked over an open fire on the edge of a frozen lake only added to the flavor!

    Hope to fish again soon!

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  5. Brian! Nice to see you on the blog! It was great meeting you and the fishing was a blast!

    You are correct, the cold killed my last remaining brain cell! This is 1/2 the reason why I keep a blog . . . a repository for memories!

    Deer sausage was excellent and having it cooked over an open fire on the edge of a frozen lake only added to the flavor!

    Hope to fish again soon!

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  6. Pointer man, Looks like the ice fishing is over for this year but will have to link up for some fishing in July when I am next in the North country!

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  7. PBM, I wish I could just fish every day. Just got a new GPS so soon I will be providing coordinates to these "secret" spots! :)

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  8. Alligator Lake is now closed to ice fishing.

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