Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont Fishing Report – September 26, 2019

The fish appear to be outlasting the fishermen! At least that’s the case regarding the fall run of striped bass which for the few who are still at it, is impressive. The anomaly in the less effort equation is groundfishing with many taking advantage of the loosening on the cod reigns.

Southern Maine Fishng Report

According to Captain Lou of Diamond Pass Charters the fishing in Maine is still going strong. There are plenty of fish out front on the beaches and ledges. Live and chunk bait, as well metal lip swimmers, pencils, and spooks are all effective. The basic premise is to show the stripers anything that shows a slim profile. There are still fish in the rivers with flies, bucktails, and soft plastics all reigning supreme. The night bite is also going well, eels and needlefish are doing the lions share of the catching. All in all the fall run is living up to it’s reputation as something not to miss.

Brandy from Webhannet Bait and Tackle/Boatyard fished last week with her husband Scott and they caught 30 to 40 schoolies inside the Saco River! Some bigger bass are being taken on mackerel which are not difficult to jig up. The tube and worm are working well also. Top spots are by the Jetties of Drakes and Kennebunkport.

Jeffrey’s Ledge has been a beehive of activity thanks to the liberalization of the cod regs but there are closer and more convenient spots to catch cod just outside of Cape Porpoise. Other locations worth a go are Boone Ledge and The Peaks.

Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont Fishing Forecast

The Granite state gang have given up the ghost regarding striped bass for the season. However, if they knew of the success which downeast anglers are achieving they might want to reconsider! Schoolies are still swarming throughout the Saco River with slim-profile lures and the good old tube-and-worm working best. Mackerel are still present in large numbers and can be reached off jetties by Drakes Island and Kennebunkport. Trolling a mack at the mouths of rivers or over ledge remains a best bet for a bigger-than-average bass!

Want to get in on the bite? Find an OTW-approved Charter Fishing Captain for Maine!