Route 302 crosses the river west of Fosters Corner, and the river is wider from that point downstream to the River Road. This section is crossed at points by the Windham Center Road, Pope Road and Cook Road, so access is no big problem. Keep in mind that this stretch is restricted to artificial lures only and all fish you catch must be released.

The St. George River is a good bet this month, too. The river rises from St. George Lake in Liberty, travels to tidewater in Warren and offers a considerable amount of good trout water. The stretch from Liberty through Searsmont and Appleton is worthy of note.

The river receives annual stockings of brown trout, and some native brook trout are always possible. A lot of the fish are small, but specimens in the 12- to 14-inch class and larger holdovers are taken annually.

Late May and June feature good water flows and hatches of various mayflies, with caddis taking over afterwards.

Access is relatively easy at points from Route 173 going east from Liberty, from Route 131 south of Searsmont and Route131/105 south to Appleton. Secondary roads cross the river at various points off these major routes.

Some of the boys at Maine Sport Outfitters in Rockport know the river well. For up-to-date fishing conditions and more information, call 1-888-236-8797. Lodging and other services are available in Camden and Rockport. Contact the chamber of commerce there at (207) 236-4404, or visit the agency's Web site at www.visitcamden.com.

This year, Maine's free fishing days are June 3 and 4. On those days, residents and non-residents may fish without a license anywhere in the state -- another good reason to get out there and fish.

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

NEW HAMPSHIRE
Androscoggin River
The Androscoggin River has always been one of northern New Hampshire's most productive trout streams, and not much has changed. The section from Errol Dam in Errol to markers at Bragg Bay is managed under Quality Trout Water (QTW) rules, so that it offers an opportunity to catch trout larger than the 12-inch average. In most cases, QTW streams carry special regulations such as reduced daily bag limits, minimum length limits or special tackle restrictions. In this area, the daily limit on brook trout is two fish, the minimum length limit on all trout is 12 inches and fly-fishing only is the rule.

Access to the area is from Route 26 in Errol on the Errol Dam Road. Anglers will find several areas to work a line in about 500 yards of diverse water, including the rapids below the dam and Steep Rips, and the Bridge Rips, at the Route 26 bridge. Wading is possible in June, but do so with caution.