This blog highlights the ponds in Cumberland County which provide the best odds of catching larger stocked trout during the 2017 ice fishing season. About 15 ponds open to ice fishing in this county are stocked with trout each fall. Most of these fish are relatively small (7” to 12”), but plentiful, in order to provide fast action. The state also spiced up some of the ponds with larger trout, which are defined here as fish measuring 13” or more, and weighing at least 1 pound. Click here for tips to increase your chances of catching more brookies through the ice.

I only present ponds in Cumberland County that were stocked in the fall with at least 2 large trout per acre. As a rough yardstick, the average stocking density for landlocked salmon in Maine ponds and lakes is about 0.3 to 0.5 fish per acre, which equals 1 salmon every two to three acres. Keep in mind that the number of bigger trout stocked in a pond is typically much lower than for the smaller trout. Hence, patience is required to catch those larger fish through the ice.

It is recommended to consult the latest regulations about special rules that may apply on the ponds presented below, such as number of lines allowed, daily bag limit, use of bait fish, minimum length limit, etc. I did my utmost best to verify that a particular pond is indeed open for ice fishing, but I make no guarantees whatsoever that my interpretation of the convoluted Maine fishing rules is accurate or correct. It is up to each reader of this blog to ensure that the ponds listed below can be fished through the ice. Note also that the list excludes “kids only” ponds which have their own stocking regime and fishing rules.

Your blog author with a 15″ brookie caught through the ice

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Cold Rain Pond covers 38 acres and is located off Kimball Corner Road in Naples (see The Maine Atlas and Gazetteer map 4 B5). Note that the access road to the pond (Tiger Hill Road) is not plowed in the winter. Click here for a depth map and more fisheries information. This pond was stocked in the fall with big brook trout (105 fish of 13”), which yields around 3 large trout per acre.

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Crystal Lake covers 189 acres and is located next to Raymond Road in Gray (see The Maine Atlas and Gazetteer map 5 B3). Click here for a depth map and more fisheries information. This pond was stocked in the fall with big brook trout (615 fish measuring between 13” and 14” and 10 fish of 17”) and big rainbow trout (220 fish of 16”) which yields between 4 and 5 large trout per acre. Crystal Lake offers good odds of catching large trout through the ice this winter.

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Otter Pond #2 covers 12 acres and is located off Route 35 in Standish (see The Maine Atlas and Gazetteer map 5 D1). Note that Otter Pond #2 will be the second pond on the right when walking down the old railroad tracks from the parking area on Route 35. Click here for a depth map and more fisheries information. This pond was stocked in the fall with big brook trout (145 fish measuring between 13” and 14”), which yields about 12 large trout per acre. Otter Pond #2 offers excellent odds for catching large trout through the ice this winter.

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Otter Pond #4 (a.k.a. Snake Pond) covers 6 acres and is located off Route 35 in Standish (see The Maine Atlas and Gazetteer map 5 D1). Note that Otter Pond #4 is not visible from the old railroad tracks. Instead, it is located behind a knoll opposite Otter Pond #2. Click here for a depth map and more fisheries information. This pond was stocked in the fall with big brook trout (90 fish measuring between 13” and 14”), which yields about 15 large trout per acre. Otter Pond #4 offers excellent odds for catching large trout through the ice this winter.

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Sand Pond covers 61 acres and is located next to Sand Pond Road in Baldwin (see The Maine Atlas and Gazetteer map 4 D4). Click here for a depth map and more fisheries information. This pond was stocked in the fall with big brook trout (210 fish of 13” and 15 fish of 15”), which yields between 3 and 4 large trout per acre.

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Upper Hinkley Pond covers 3 acres and is located in Hinkley Park off Highland Avenue in South Portland (see The Maine Atlas and Gazetteer map 73 G4). A depth map is not available. This pond was stocked in the fall with big brook trout (55 fish of 13”), which yields 18 large trout per acre. Note that the pond closest to the parking lot is called Lower Hinkley Pond and is a kids fishing pond. Upper Hinkley Pond is located further up the hill. Upper Hinkley Pond offers excellent odds for catching large trout through the ice this winter.

Was the information in this blog useful? I invite you to share your thoughts and opinions. Also, feel free to discuss your fishing experiences at any of these locations.

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