This blog highlights the ponds in Knox County where fishermen have the best odds of catching larger stocked trout during the 2015 ice fishing season. About 10 ponds open to ice fishing were stocked with trout in the fall of 2014 in this county. 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.
I only present ponds in Knox County that were stocked in the fall of 2014 with a minimum of 1 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.
Always consult the latest regulations (click here) about special ice fishing rules that may apply on the ponds presented below. 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 Maine fishing rules is accurate or correct. It is up to each reader of this blog to ensure that a pond 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.
Finally, feel free to use the website linked to this blog to discover how many trout and salmon are released per acre in the spring and fall in all the 600+ ponds and lakes stocked annually throughout Maine.
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Alford Lake covers 577 acres and is located off Route 235 in Hope (see The Maine Atlas and Gazetteer map 14 D2). Click here for a depth map and more fisheries information. This pond was stocked in the fall of 2014 with big brook trout (500 fish of 13”), which yields about 1 large trout per acre.
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Chikawaukie Pond covers 352 acres and is located next to Route 17 in Rockland (see The Maine Atlas and Gazetteer map 14 E3). Click here for a depth map and more fisheries information. This pond was stocked in the fall of 2014 with big brook trout (350 fish of 13”), which yields about 1 large trout per acre.
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Crystal Pond covers 98 acres and is located next to Crystal Lake Road in Washington (see The Maine Atlas and Gazetteer map 13 C5). Click here for a depth map and more fisheries information. This pond was stocked in the fall of 2014 with big brook trout (450 fish of 13”), which yields between 4 and 5 large trout per acre. Crystal Pond provides one of the best odds for catching 1-pound trout in Knox County during the 2015 ice fishing season.
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Hosmer Pond covers 53 acres and is located next to Hosmer Pond Road in Camden (see The Maine Atlas and Gazetteer map 14 D3). Click here for a depth map and more fisheries information. This pond was stocked in the fall of 2014 with big brook trout (300 fish of 13”), which yields about 6 large trout per acre. Hosmer Pond provides one of the best odds for catching 1-pound trout in Knox County during the 2015 ice fishing season.
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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