pond fishing Moosehead region in Sept

Will be fishing ponds at end of September. Can anyone tell me if dragonfly and damselfly nymphs are important part of fly inventory and, also, has anyone had any experience fishing immature Hex nymphs in late season? Other flies I'll be fishing include wooly buggers, streamers (Roman Moser style). Other suggestions welcome.

Would also value opinions of fishing sink tip vs. full sinking lines in ponds.

[RonMT]

I was lucky to be able to fish that area a few years back. I am no expert on it but can help with the flies. The Dragon flies and Damsel flies are in the lakes all year and work all year long. I have caught fish on them right after ice out and right before they froze up. I would also have Midges, Scuds and some Leachs with me to.

As for the line to use I like an intermidate line and use one most of the time while lake fishing. I like the clear ones. You will detect more takes with this type of line over a dry line and you will also get the flies down better to. Keep your rod tip in the water and in line with your fly line. you will detect more takes this way.

I carry 3 spools for my reel when lake fishing. One has a dry line (which is the least one used) The intermidate and I also have a shooting head system I carry with me. That way I can get down deep if I have to or to any depth for that matter.

Don't short yourself on the flies as Midges can be great in the fall of the year. If it has not cooled off by then you will probably be going as deep as you can with Scuds Leeachs Damsel and Dragon flies. Don't forget to have some good leeach patterns with you to. While wolly buggers are ok they do not take the place of some good leeachs. LOL.. Good Luck and if it is hot look for the spring holes. Ron

RonMT, thanks for the info. I'll be sure to add leeches and some midge patterns to my fly inventory.

I'm going up with some friends who have fished ponds the past few years. They tell me that the vast majority of fishing is on the bottom. Since some of the ponds are more than 25' deep I was wondering whether my Sci Anglers Quad Tip line will work well enough to get me down to the fish. The tips are 15' long. That's why I'm wondering if a full sink line might perform better.

[RonMT]

I think if I were you I might go with the full line. I just like the way they sink better. I also think you have more control over them to.

Here is a Fly Shop up were you are going. Good people and I am sure they will help you out if you ask them. Good Luck and have a safe trip. Ron

[url=http://www.maineguideflyshop.com/index.html:4b504]http://www.maineguideflyshop.com/index.html[/url:4b504]

Thanks again, Ron. We always stop in at the Maine Guide Fly Shop when we're there. The trip wouldn't be complete without it

[Bill Blake]

I spent the last several years fishing that neck of the woods, though I just recently moved to Texas (for a couple of years, I'll have to get back to the trout eventually). I've got to say, I have yet to fish a pond anywhere that Damsel flies did not produce strikes for me. Now, I have not have made anything of those strikes due to my own fault, but these days I never leave home without them.

[maineguide]

Don't forget the Maple Syrup fly. This fly produces a lot of fish in a pond up north. I don't leave home with out them. Cause you never know.
Good luck.

[DT]

My favorite fall flies for that area are:
Montreal Whore
Wood Special
Cardinelle

You can buy all @ MGFS, or the patterns can be found at: [url=http://globalflyfisher.com/streamers/index.php:fcc18]http://globalflyfisher.com/streamers/index.php[/url:fcc18]

Also check out: [url=http://globalflyfisher.com/streamers/swaps/fall/:fcc18]http://globalflyfisher.com/streamers/swaps/fall/[/url:fcc18]

all the flies suggested will work. Try flourocarbon tippets and try different retrieves.

I just guided in a remote pond for wild brook trout and one guy caught 10 and the other 2. The flies and leaders were the same but as far as i could see was the retrieve, even though they try to match each other. also the one using the sink tip caught all the fish and the other was using full sink.

if you need more info. on fly fishing Maine email me

Thanks to Bill, maineguide, DT and Kevin. The information is much appreciateed.

Being a guide myself, I especially appreciate fellow guides willing to share info. I do the same whenever afforded the opportunity.