Great Pond
Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife biologists confirmed the presence of northern pike in the Belgrade Lakes back in the early 1980s. Since then, the impromptu fishery has developed a huge following and is often the topic of discussion during the winter season. Each winter, pike weighing into the double digits are brought through the ice, and some exceeding 30 pounds have been caught.

According to recent studies, spawning-sized males average 26 inches and weigh about 5 pounds, while spawning-sized females average 31 inches and 9 pounds.

Five ponds in the Belgrade region now support northern pike. Covering nearly 8,240 acres, the biggest of the lot, is Great Pond in the towns of Rome and Belgrade. With a maximum depth of 69 feet and a number of large shallow coves, the pond offers perfect habitat for the species, and pike can be found just about everywhere.

Some good spots to explore, however, include North Bay, much of which is less than 30 feet deep. The area off the town of Rome on the north end can be good, as can both sides of Hoyt Island, including along the mainland shoreline on the west side. The area off Long Point and Camp Abena Point and off the village of Belgrade Lakes can produce good action as well.

On the east shore, the water off Cooks Beach and Hatch Cove is good, and the large coves on the south end are popular spots also, especially around Foster Point and off Austin Bog, where Bog Brook enters the lake.

Great Pond may be easily accessed from Route 27 out of Augusta off Interstate 95.

The minimum length limit on pike is 24 inches, and the daily bag limit is two fish.

Non-resident fishing licenses, bait, jigs and other fishing tackle, lodging and other services may be found in Belgrade Lakes, or in the town of Rome on Route 225 on the north end of the lake.

Day’s General Store on Route 27 in Belgrade Village generally carries all that is needed. They can be contacted by calling (800) 993-9500 or (207) 495-2205. For more information, visit www.belgradelakesmaine.com.

For more information on ice-fishing in Maine, contact the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife in Augusta at (207) 287-8000, or visit the department’s Web site at www.mefishwildlife.com.

NEW HAMPSHIRE
Newfoundland Lake
One of the best trout waters in New Hampshire’s lakes region is Newfound Lake in Bristol. While it doesn’t get the same attention as Lake Winnipesaukee, Winnisquam or others in the region, when it comes to lake trout and rainbows, Newfound Lake can hold its own.

The lake is blessed with a strong population of smelt, and big fish are nothing unusual. The state-record lake trout was caught here, a fish weighing more than 28 pounds. While such examples are rare, lakers over 10 pounds are caught each winter. The lake also contains rainbows and offers some good night-fishing for cusk.

Newfound Lake covers just over 4,100 acres, so there is plenty of area to fish. For lake trout, however, the deep water at the north end of the lake is a good bet. The same is true off Owls Head and Wellington State Park, both on the west shore. Lakers are also a good possibility off Whittemore Point on the east side.