Kennebec River and Casco Bay Fishing Conditions: Very Good - The river flow is returning to normal levels. Water temps range from the mid-70s up river to 60* on the beaches. Striped bass are staged throughout the River in structure.

Best Striped Bass Fly Fishing Technics: Surface activity is becoming less common with the rise in water temp. Blind cast near structure and rips. Cover lots of water and you'll find them. Go early, by mid morning the stripers have full bellies and are hard to entice.

Best Striper Light Tackle / Spin Fishing Technics: Bucktail jigs and shad bodies are working great along rips and banks.

My Fly Fishing Tip of the Week: Watch for birds diving on bait then use your sounder to locate schools of striped bass. Fish slow and deep especially after sunrise.

7 Day Outlook: Fishing will improve with reduced flow now that the noon is waning.

I get asked from time to time if rainy weather affects the fishing... My smart-alecky answer usually is " Nope, the fish are already wet". I had a great week meeting folks from all over the country who braved the rain and fog with good results I might add...
I'll let you decide if fish care if its raining.

I love foggy mornings on the Kennebec River, though I could do without the rain...  Eric and Janet Teske and Eric’s Brother Chris Braved the wet conditions and wind to catch a bunch of striped bass while on vacation here in Maine.  

Capt. Forrest Faulkingham, Capt. Hank DeRuiter and I were blessed by spending the morning with eight American Armed Forces Veterans today. Though the weather was less than perfect the fishing was good and everyone had a great time. For three years Capt Faulkingham and House in the Woods from Lee, Maine have coordinated this outing.  These eight men were so grateful for the time donated to take them fishing but it does not compare to the gratitude I have for them and their sacrifices.
Thank you to Poulin Bros Lobster, Bath Hampton Inn and The Monsweag Roadhouse who donated rooms and food to round out this two day outing.
House in the Woods is an outdoor retreat program that “honors our veterans and their families' sacrifices and assists them in their journey towards healing the mental and physical pain of loss.”
FMI: www.houseinthewoods.org

Capt. Duane Harris from St. Simons Island, GA joined me for a morning of striped bass fly fishing on the Kennebec River this week. The stripers have settled into their summer habits in that; top water feeds have become less comon and the fish are staging on structure and in the rips. Both poppers and baitfish patterns are producing stripers up to 26". Safe travels home Duane, great getting to know you and I hope to see you again the next time you are in Maine.