I burned almost a full tank of gas and waded miles of shoreline in search of Smelt. I knew if I could find the Smelt the Salmon would be close behind. Finally after a half day of searching I found both of them. I threw out a bunch of line and the Mickey Finn hit the water and began to sink. I interchanged short quick strips with Salmon twitches. I could see my fly twitching through the water and then I saw the torpedo like shapes tracking and swatting at the fly. I quickly pulled in my fly hoping not to hook one of the Salmon. I wanted to check all my knots and my leader because I knew the next cast would most likely result in a hook up. Everything looked good. I cast my line. The fly hit the water and the Salmon hammered the fly instantly. He was out of the water several times and the battle was on. This Salmon was true to its reputation. The Salmon made long blistering runs and then tail walked across the surface of the lake. What a sight, what a fish and what a memory. It is no wonder why the Landlocked Salmon is Maine’s premiere freshwater game fish. They seem to fit so perfectly with their surroundings and other species of trout just seem pale in comparison. Their bright silver bodies provide the perfect contrast to the dark evergreens and jagged rocks that surround the crystal clear bodies of water that are home to the Maine Salmon. The fish continued to amaze me with its acrobatic antics and finally came to hand. The fish was released unharmed. Fisherboy was up next. We both realized that these Salmon were very particular about how they wanted to see the fly. They absolutely wanted to see the fly twitching in a certain fashion. Fisherboy perfected the twitching motion and tricked a beautiful Salmon. Immediately, the Salmon was airborne peeling line off Fisherboy’s reel. The day came to an end but the Salmon season is just getting started. If these Salmon were a sign of things to come, it certainly seems as though 2006 might be a good season.
What majestic fish. Wish we had fishing like that for LL’s around here. Great Job!!
I may have to go looking for smelt today…and not stop until I’m in Maine!!!
I spent all day yesterday fishing the dead and the Kennebec in several areas,0 fish.
I give, I am selling all my rods and reels to take up rocking chair riding.
Great fish! and some good scouting, I am convinced you could find fish in the water treatment plant.
Those are some beautiful fish!! In the two places I’ve lived MA and NY we don’t have any quality LL’s. I wish we did, since they are a great game fish. My only experience with LL’s was a secret spot in MA where we could get them in good numbers for a few weeks a year. There sure are lots of fun.
Nice fish! Looks like a great start and its great to see Fisherboy out there again. We haven’t heard too much from him lately.
Jeremy where is the action packed video?
Mickey
NIce work guys. LLS are definetly my favorite fish to target. The funny thing is, lots of guys, especially out west, have never even heard of them. Dirigo!
Keith
what does Dirigo! mean???
Jeremy,
I just happened upon what I believe to be the answer to this while e-browsing for landlocked salmon info. The word “Dirigo” is atop the official Seal of the State of Maine. I believe that it means “I guide.” I would expect any good Mainiac/Mainer to be aware of this (at least those that read three deep in this site!) Perhaps this will be a conversation piece at the next Fliesandfins convention in Portland, Provo, or Pulaski.
Do I win a FliesandFins hat for today’s trivia challenge?
That’s “I lead,” “I guide,” or “I direct.” It’s the State Motto of Maine. “I lead” is most commonly quoted; however, I think that “I guide” might be more appropriate for many of our colleagues on this site.
That picture in the middle is unbelieveable…..what a fish!!!
well, i guess that explains it… and just for the record.. i am “from away”.. my wife is the true mainer.. born and raised.. and i guess my son is now.. but me.. i am what i have always been …. a drifter… never really in any one place long enough to call home… that lifestyle certainly complimented my fly fishing addiction … then i got married and now i have a son – so i guess you could say that i am settling down .. i have been living in maine now for 5 years and i still love it … i have made some great friends here in maine, i love the way of life, the speed of things and most of all the fly fishing… there is sooooo much water.. (including an ocean) … i am always learning and always able to venture into the unknown …. so – point being – getting married and having children required me to “settle down” somewhere .. and for me, maine, is the perfect place … in all my years of drifting from state to state and working here and working there … i never really felt like anywhere was “home”. … Maine certainly feels that way for me now .. whenever i leave .. i love coming back .. i get a little uneasy when leaving the state and the sign on the highway says “now leaving maine” – and i feel a sense of comfort when i return and the sign says “welcome to maine… the way life should be.” …….
so – forgive me for not knowing the motto and all the fine details …. as i do not pride myself on being born and raised in maine.. and nor would i want to … i would never exchange all the places i have been and lived and fly fished.. they are all very special to me .. however, at this point and time in my life – i am glad to be laying my head at night in maine and calling maine my home .. i look forward to many more years of experiencing the wonders of maine … and teaching my son about “the way life should be”… in this great state …
whip — i agree – i find myself staring at that fish over and over again .. looking for any flaw … but i have yet to find one… that is the best landlocked salmon i have ever been fortunate enough to catch … ….. although, i think i say that with each one i catch:)
seriously though — how freakin’ cool lookin is that fish in the middle … that dorsal fin is just killer looking .. pretty sooon these fish will be making there way into the rivers — and i got some serious repaying to do for all the steelhead tips/tricks/advice you have given me … so, you are welcome to come with me anytime and take first casts/drifts through my precious runs…
guess what … in a couple weeks .. they will be on dry flies … and i got some killer spots where these fish just demolish big stimulator patterns … you would love it .. and you are always welcome
Jeremy bought those fish at a fish farm…and the pcitures are faked…there was a second fisher on the grassy knoll….AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH
Dude flights into Portland are 128$ round trip. I think I might be seeing you soon.