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Executive Angler

Trip brief · West Branch Penobscot River

How to go fish the West Branch Penobscot River

The months we list for the West Branch Penobscot River are May, June, September, October. August is outside that window, so this brief is written for September, the next month we list.

September

No USGS gauge is mapped to this river.

Flies to tie — September

We hold no hatch chart for September on this river, so there is no fly list to publish here. Browse the fly library.

Access

  • Ripogenus Dam Tailout

    45.910, -69.250parking

  • Abol Bridge

    45.870, -69.030parking

  • Nesowadnehunk Deadwater

    45.930, -69.150

  • Big Eddy

    45.880, -69.280parking

Regs — check current rules before you go

Maine fishing license required. Fly-fishing-only sections apply to portions of the upper West Branch. Catch-and-release for landlocked salmon on regulated stretches. Access via Golden Road requires a daily fee payable at checkpoints.

Pack list

  • A current state fishing licence
  • Waders and boots you have already leak-tested
  • Net, nippers, forceps
  • Floatant and desiccant
  • Tippet in the sizes the chart asks for
  • Water, sun cover, polarised glasses

Generic gear. Anything specific to this water is above.

Full hatch chart, access map and live gauge on the West Branch Penobscot River page →