Ice Out Land Lock Salmon And Lake Trout Trips
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Target landlocked salmon and lake trout during peak iceout seasonFollow spawning smelt in jetboat across Maine's pristine watersComplete gear, expert instruction, and lunch included with trips
When the ice starts breaking up on Maine's lakes, something magical happens. The water temperature shifts, baitfish get active, and suddenly you've got some of the best fishing conditions of the entire year. Our ice out trips target landlocked salmon and lake trout during that sweet spot from mid-April through Memorial Day when these fish are absolutely fired up and feeding aggressively. We'll be running our jetboat to follow the action, chasing schools of salmon as they hunt spawning smelt in crystal-clear Maine waters. This isn't just another fishing trip – it's a chance to experience a generations-old tradition that my guide Rich grew up with right here in these same waters.
You'll be fishing from our jetboat with just one other angler, keeping things intimate and maximizing your time with active rods in the water. The beauty of ice out season is that fish are shallow and hungry, making for fast-paced fishing that'll keep you on your toes. We're talking about landlocked salmon that have been locked under ice all winter, now free to chase massive schools of smelt that are running to spawn. The action can be absolutely electric – one minute you're watching your rod tip, the next you're fighting a chrome-bright salmon that's jumping clear out of the water. We cover a lot of water with the jetboat, moving between productive spots and following the fish as they move throughout the day. The scenery alone is worth the trip, with snow-capped mountains reflecting off glassy water and that crisp spring air that makes every breath feel fresh.
We fish both fly and spin gear depending on conditions and what you're comfortable with. On the spinning side, we'll be trolling with downriggers and running streamers that imitate smelt – think gray ghosts, black nosed dace, and other classic New England patterns. When we mark fish on the sonar, we'll often switch to casting spoons and spinners right into the schools. For fly fishing, we use sinking lines and weighted streamers, working them through the water column where the salmon are actively feeding. The key this time of year is matching the depth and speed of those smelt schools. We provide all rods, reels, terminal tackle, and flies, though you're welcome to bring your own gear if you've got favorites. Our jetboat setup lets us cover water efficiently while giving you a stable platform to fight fish from. When conditions are right, we'll also anchor up and work structure where lake trout like to ambush baitfish.
Landlocked salmon are the stars of the show during ice out, and these aren't your typical stocked fish. Maine's landlocks are hard-fighting, acrobatic fish that'll test your drag and your reflexes. Most of our fish run between 14 and 20 inches, with occasional trophies pushing into the mid-20s. What makes them special is how they fight – multiple jumps, long runs, and that head-shaking determination that makes your heart pound. They're feeding heavily on smelt during this period, so they're in prime condition with silver sides and that distinctive spotted back. Lake trout are the other target species, and while they might not jump like the salmon, they make up for it with pure power. These deep-water predators can hit 25 inches or more, and when you hook into a big laker, you'll know it immediately. They dive hard and use every bit of leverage they can get, making for arm-burning fights that'll leave you grinning. The combination of species keeps things interesting – you never know if that next strike is going to be a jumping salmon or a bulldogging lake trout.
Lake trout in Maine waters are something special, especially during the ice out period when they move up from their winter depths to follow the food. These char are perfectly adapted to our cold, deep lakes, and they can live for decades, growing into true trophy-sized fish. During ice out, they're actively hunting in 20 to 40 feet of water, much shallower than their typical summer haunts in 60-plus feet. What makes them exciting to catch is their initial power – when a big lake trout hits your lure, it feels like you've snagged a freight train. They use their broad tail and thick body to generate incredible pulling power, often heading straight for deep water or trying to wrap your line around underwater structure. The best part about targeting lakers during ice out is that they're often mixed in with the salmon schools, so you're getting variety in your catch while fishing the same productive areas. These fish are also excellent table fare when handled properly, with firm white meat that's perfect for the grill or smoker.
Ice out fishing in Maine is a limited-time opportunity that depends entirely on Mother Nature's schedule. Once the water warms up and the smelt runs end, the fishing dynamic completely changes and you'll have to wait another full year for conditions like this. With only two anglers per trip, our calendar fills up fast among locals who know just how good this fishing can be. We're running trips daily from mid-April through Memorial Day, weather permitting, but the absolute peak action usually happens within a three-week window when everything aligns perfectly. Don't forget about adding the smelt dip netting option – it's a unique Maine tradition that most people never get to experience, and having fresh smelt for the table makes the day even more memorable. Our trips include expert instruction whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting started, plus all the gear you need and a hearty lunch to keep you fueled for a full day on the water. Book now and secure your spot for what many consider the best fishing Maine has to offer all year.
Our trusty 18-foot G3 jet boat gets you to the best salmon and trout spots fast when ice-out season kicks off in Maine. With a 90HP Yamaha pushing us to 35 knots, we can chase the landlocked salmon as they follow spawning smelt around the lake. The shallow draft lets us work tight to structure where the big fish hide. Built for serious fishing, she's loaded with a fish finder to mark schools and structure, GPS to hit productive spots, and a wireless trolling motor for stealthy approaches when the fish get spooky. The onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and lunch cold during those long spring days on the water. Perfect for 2 anglers who want room to fight fish without getting tangled up. Whether you're casting spinners or working flies, this boat puts you right where the salmon are staging in Maine's pristine waters.
Maine