Rangeley Region Fishing Report - May 2, 2024

There isn't much going on in the area rivers yet but we are inching toward that day. Our weather is cool and damp with river flows at normal to a bit high for this time of the spring. The Magalloway is the most reliable place right now to catch a fish, mostly from the Rte 16 bridge down river. Water temps are around 40 degrees. I have heard reports of some good action on some small ponds like Quimby and Beal. The smelt are on their annual spawning run in the rivers and streams. A good way to catch fish this time of year is to fish the mouths of these brooks and streams either from a boat or shore. The best time of day is before and around first light before the trout head to deep water to take a nap. Flies to use would be any smelt pattern like Black Ghost or Joe's smelt. On the rivers use nymphs like the pink worm, zebra midge and small mayflies like Pheasant Tail. Looking ahead we will see slow progress as water temps continue to rise. Any predicted rain should not effect the flows, but levels might not drop either. Dress warm and be careful wading.

Till next time,

Brett