Upper Dam Pool
Since before the time of Carrie Stevens and her famous Gray Ghost, Upper Dam Pool in the Rangeley Lakes Region of western Maine has been a major draw for landlocked salmon enthusiasts. It still produces some of the most exciting spring salmon fishing in the region.

On the west side of Mooselookmeguntic Lake, this popular spot offers a pool of considerable size and depth immediately below Upper Dam. Downstream is a near continuous cascade of riffles and short rapids broken by smaller pools down to Upper Richardson Lake, a distance of about 800 yards. The entire stretch is restricted to fly-fishing only.

Nearly all the fishing is from shore, or by careful wading in select spots, which should be done with caution due to high water. Water levels normally start to recede by the end of the month, opening more areas to wade or stand. Good fishing action can often stretch into early June.

The minimum length limit on salmon is 18 inches, and the daily limit is one fish (salmon, trout or togue).

Access to the Upper Dam Pool is via a dirt road about 15 miles west of Oquossoc. A gate blocks direct public access to the dam and pool area, and anglers must hike the last mile or so, and the trip back is uphill most of the way. Most fishermen plan a full day at the pool, packing in a lunch.

Providing the lake is free of ice, boat access is also possible from Upper Richardson Lake using the public boat launch facility off Route 16 at Mill Brook.

Camping facilities are on the north end of Cupsuptic Lake on Route 16. Cabins and other limited services are available at Oquossoc and Rangeley.

For more information, contact the Rangeley Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce at (800) MT-LAKES, or visit the agency's Web site at www.rangeleymaine.com.

NEW HAMPSHIRE
Upper Androscoggin River
One of the top spring landlocked salmon waters in New Hampshire is the upper Androscoggin River. Fishermen will find about one mile of productive water running from the dam in Errol downstream to Bragg Bay. The uppermost section above the Route 26 bridge consists primarily of riffles, rapids and some pools, and below are the so-called Bridge Rapids. There is good salmon water all the way downstream to Clear Stream, which enters on the west bank. Nearly all the fishing is done from shore in this section, which is restricted to fly-fishing only.

Bragg Bay offers somewhat slower water, although in May the current is quite strong and should be respected. The river is wider and deeper here and most locals and fishermen who know it well work from small cartop boats that can be easily launched about 75 yards downstream from the Route 26 bridge on the east bank.

Bragg Bay may be fished with lures as well as flies.

For lodging and water condition information, contact the Umbagog Area Chamber of Commerce in Errol at (603) 482-3906.

Merrymeeting River
The Merrymeeting River is much slower than most typical salmon rivers, lacking the consistent runs of pools, riffles and rapids. It does, however, offer some challenging opportunities for big fish, particularly in May on the heels of the smelt run.

The best fishing most years is below Alton Dam downstream from Route 140. This stretch offers good public access to the river for about one mile to about the second footbridge at Jones Field.

Below Jones Field, the fishing can be equally as good, and the river parallels Route 11, though much of it borders private land.

The Merrymeeting River is restricted to fly-fishing only and the daily bag limit is two fish. The salmon action is dependent to a certain degree on water levels. Low water conditions generally means fewer smelt in the river and therefore fewer salmon.

More information on river conditions may be obtained by calling the Region 2 office of the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department at (603) 744-5470.

For information on lodging and other services in the area, contact the Lakes Region Association at (800) 60-LAKES or (603) 744-8664.