Key Species: brook trout, brown trout possible Best Way to Fish: canoe, bank Best Time to Fish: May through September MAG: 16, C-3
Description: This scenic 35-acre pond is situated along Maine Route 3. The deepest part, 37 feet, is slightly south of the center of the pond, and shoreline depths range from 5 to 17 feet, perfect for shore-based anglers. Special regulations include artificial lures only (except for children 12 years and under, who may use dead fish, salmon eggs, or worms), a daily bag limit on brook trout of two fish, a slot limit on brook trout, and a no-kill, artificials-only season from October 1 through October 31.
Fishing index: Easy access and plenty of fish make Upper Hadlock Pond the perfect spot to teach a young child about trout fishing. If the child is old enough to handle a fly rod, try to get here in the early evening, when trout are feeding on the surface. Otherwise, supply the child with an ultralight spinning outfit and have him or her fish with a single worm on the bottom. The pond is regularly stocked with brook trout.
You really do not need a boat here, since the entire west side of the pond is bounded by the main road. Fly fishers can easily launch a canoe along the road if they wish.
The high-quality brook trout fishing here is due to strict length, bag, and slot limits. This means that trout more than 12 inches long are a distinct possibility. If you fish here in daylight during summer, try a sinking line and a yellow bucktail such as Edson tiger light. On dark days, use a woolly bugger or leech pattern fished slowly near the bottom. If you hit the pond in early morning or evening, small dry flies will work, as will slowly fished nymphs.
Directions: From the intersection of Maine Routes 3 and 233 in Mount Desert, drive south toward Northeast Harbor for 4 miles. Look for Upper Hadlock Pond on the left, next to the road.
For more information: Contact the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife in Bangor, or Acadia National Park.
