Like the area below Wyman Dam in Bingham, the Shawmut stretch is a tailwater fishery. However, the river is larger here and not as fast. And if there's any possible downside this time of year, it is warm water temperatures and at times, low flow.

Early morning and late in the day are generally preferred times, but check before you go. The website given above has weekly updates on water level and temperatures and fish activity. You can also obtain information by calling Mainely Fly-Fishing at (207) 453-6242.

For information on lodging and other services in the area, interested anglers may contact the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce in Waterville at www.midmainechamber.com, or call (207) 873-3315.

Bingham Area
The stretch of Kennebec River below Wyman Dam, about 25 miles north of Skowhegan, is another prime and potentially productive tailwater area for trout at this time of year, offering enough cool water to keep its wild rainbows and stocked and holdover browns active.

As in the stretch below Shawmut Dam, trout measured in pounds rather than inches are quite possible here. Locally dubbed "the Yellowstone of the East," it offers a pleasant mixture of shallow riffles, deep pools and cut banks -- a little bit of everything to challenge trout fishermen.

Except for some rough spots close to the dam, much of the stretch can be waded, especially from where Austin Stream enters on the east side in Bingham, downstream to the old Gaddabout Gaddis Airport. You can wade areas upstream as well, but exercise caution due to the frequent and somewhat unpredictable water releases. You can obtain information on those releases by calling 1-800-557-5369.

Walk-in access is easy at the so-called Powerline below the dam on the west side (reached by crossing the river onto Route 16 just south of Bingham, and then turning right after crossing the bridge), off the mouth of Austin Stream, or by utilizing the old railroad tracks -- now a bicycle path -- just below the airport.

For anglers who want to explore downriver, it is a nice three-mile float to Solon Deadwater. A float trip opens up a lot of exciting and productive water away from the crowds and pressure.

For updated conditions and activity, the boys at Kennebec River Outfitters in Madison know the stretch well and are more than happy to provide current, helpful information. You can reach them at (207) 474-2500, and there is a lot of information on their Web site as well, at www.kennebecriveroutfitters.com.

Accommodations in the area may be made at Pine Grove Lodge, on the Ridge Road on the west side of the river, by calling (207) 672-4011, or visiting www.pinegrove.lodge.com.

Farther downstream in Solon, the Evergreens Campground offers cabins, a restaurant, a campground and canoe rentals. Contact them at (207) 643-2324, or visit their Web site at www.evergreenscampground.com.

There's also some pretty good trout fishing in the Solon area near the campground, especially the walk-in area near the 201A bridge and at Carratunk Falls, where browns and brookies add to the mix.

Maine's Short Picks
While the larger rivers generally offer the best trout action at this time of year, a number of smaller runs are worth visiting, especially if rain keeps water levels up a bit and temperatures remain moderate.