Photo by Michael Skinner

Okay, ice-fishing fans, it is that time of year again, so name your poison! “Trout and salmon,” you say? No problem. Maybe bass, pickerel or northern pike? No problem there, either. Big lakes? Small ponds? Whatever your angling heart desires, New England has it all, and the exciting thing is, from Maine to Connecticut, things should start to “heat up” this month.

Even if the winter is normal, most others will come online later, and when they do, there will be plenty of opportunities available around the region.

With the increasing popularity of ice-fishing in recent years, more waters are now open to winter angling than ever before. Along with holdover fish from previous stocking efforts and wild fish, most fisheries departments are making supplemental stockings during late summer or early fall in anticipation of the winter season. There is not only plenty of fish to go around, but some trophy classes can be found just about anywhere you go.

Whatever the next few weeks bring, there is something for everyone out there, every reason to be excited and no reason not to hit the ice. Here’s a look at a few places that are definitely worth trying this winter.

MAINE
Kennebunk Pond
It may not be the largest body of water in southern Maine, but in recent years, Kennebunk Pond in Lyman has come on strong as a hotspot for winter trout. Most years, the pond freezes over early, allowing access by the time trout are legal targets on Jan. 1.

Kennebunk Pond offers easy access and is relatively close to Sanford, Biddeford and Saco, and only about 40 minutes from Portland.

From Biddeford, take Route 111 west toward Sanford until you hit the Kennebunk Pond Road on the right in Lyman across from the old Spang Mill. There is a public beach that offers easy access. The pond can be busy on weekends, but during the week it is not unusual to see just a handful of fishermen on the ice.

While it is possible to catch trout anywhere on the pond, most of the effort takes place from about the middle of the pond to the west end. Local fishermen always have ice shacks on the pond, and they are most often over the best water. Just follow the crowds!

There are no special rules governing Kennebunk Pond, which is managed under the state’s general length, bag and possession limits.

Brown trout are the primary target on the pond, and in recent years, it has been stocked with several hundred 12- to 14-inch fish in October in anticipation of the winter season. By the time the season opens, specimens up to 18 inches are not uncommon.

The pond also contains a few holdovers from spring and previous year stockings, and each winter several lucky hardwater fishermen haul in lunkers in the 2- to 4-pound range. A few rainbows and brook trout are also stocked when available, so a mixed bag is possible.

The biggest towns in the area are Sanford, Biddeford and Saco, all accessible via Route 111.

For information on lodging and services in the area, contact the Sanford-Springvale Chamber of Commerce at (207) 324-4280; or visit the agency’s Web site at www.sanfordchamber.com; call the Biddeford-Saco Chamber of Commerce at (207) 282-1567; or visit www.biddefordsacochamber.org.