Photo by Chris Ricardi

May is the month when smelt, the landlocked salmon's primary food source, enter natal tributaries on their spawning runs, and after the long winter, hungry landlocks will be hot on their tails.

Fortunately, finding a place to wet a line is not a problem. Maine has dozens of rivers and streams that contain landlocked salmon or have significant spring spawning runs. And New Hampshire and Vermont offer more topnotch fishing this month.

Here is a look at five spots noted for their spring salmon-fishing opportunities; just a sampling of what is available out there this season:

MAINE
Rapid River
Despite its relatively small size, the Rapid River is considered to be one of the best landlocked salmon rivers in northern New England. After exiting Middle Dam on the west side of Lower Richardson Lake, the Rapid travels just over four miles before dumping into Umbagog Lake on the Maine-New Hampshire border.

Above Pond-In-The-River, the river in most spots is less than 40 feet across.

The river may be accessed from Route 16 east of Wilson Mills via Fish Pond Road, but it is over a mile hike from the gate to Middle Dam, then another couple of miles to Lower Dam. Various fishing areas will be found along the way.

The river may also be accessed by boat from the public launch at South Arm on the south end of Lower Richardson, but crossing depends upon the weather and wind conditions.

The river's nearly consistent series of rapids, pools and riffles contribute to its cool, well-oxygenated water. Between its source and Umbagog Lake, the river drops an average of 40 feet per mile, maintaining good fishing conditions even during the dog days of summer.

In May, water levels will be high, but it is this annual high tide that gets salmon on the move and provides good early-season action.

The best fishing is from Middle Dam downstream to Lower Dam, but there are at least a half dozen pools and riffles downstream as well. All of them can be reached by using the old carry road that parallels the river from Middle Dam, and trails leading to the popular fishing spots.

The entire river is restricted to fly- fishing only and the daily limit is one salmon, although anglers can catch and release at their pleasure.

Lodging at Middle Dam can be arranged at the Lakewood Camps, which offers a boat shuttle from South Arm or easy walking access to the river. The lodge does not open until the middle of the month and advance reservations are recommended.

The lodge can be reached by calling (207) 243-2959. Additional information is available at www.lakewoodcamps.com.

Starting Memorial Day weekend, camping is available at South Arm Campground. Reservations may be made by calling (207) 364-5155.

Grand Lake Stream
Grand Lake Stream is the preeminent landlocked salmon stream in eastern Maine. It flows three miles from West Grand Lake before it dumps into Big Lake.

Early in the month can be tough on this river due to its notoriously high water, but salmon can be caught any time. Water levels are apt to be high because the flow is somewhat controlled by the dam on West Grand Lake.

It is not until later in May, around Memorial Day, when the crowds arrive, so early-season fishermen have sections of the river to themselves, especially during the week.

Anglers should keep in mind that fishing is prohibited within 150 feet of the dam, but from there downstream the river is wide open, and there are numerous spots to cast and work a streamer or bucktail. A road parallels the east bank of the river and offers easy access to the best fishing areas.

To reach the Grand Lake Stream area, take Route 9 (the famous "Air Line") east to U.S. Route 1 at Baring west of Calais, and then continue on Route 1 north through Princeton. The road to West Grand will be found on the left.

For information on lodging and services, contact the Grand Lake Stream Chamber of Commerce, P. O. Box 124, Grand Lake Stream, Maine 04637, or visit the agency's Web site at www.grandlakestream.com.