Ready to drill through the ice and drop a line into the chilly waters of Maine's largest lake? Join Tony Kariotis for a day of ice fishing on Sebago Lake that'll have you hooked from the start. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time on the hard water, Tony's got the know-how to put you on fish and keep you comfortable in the elements. With all the gear provided and access to prime fishing spots, you're in for a real Maine winter treat.
Picture this: You're zipping across a frozen Sebago Lake on a snowmobile, the crisp winter air nipping at your cheeks. Tony's leading the way to his honey holes, spots where the fish are known to hunker down in the winter months. Once you arrive, it's time to fire up the auger and drill through that thick Maine ice. You'll set up your tip-ups, bait your hooks, and wait for that flag to fly. But don't worry, there's plenty to do while you wait. Tony's full of local fishing tales and tips to keep you entertained. And when that flag pops up? Get ready for the thrill of pulling up a fat lake trout or salmon through a hole in the ice!
New to ice fishing? No sweat. Tony's got you covered with all the gear and know-how you need. You'll learn how to use an ice auger to drill holes, set up tip-ups (those nifty contraptions that signal when you've got a bite), and jig for fish in the comfort of an ice shack if the weather turns nasty. Tony will show you how to read the lake's contours to find where fish are likely hanging out in the winter months. And don't worry about freezing your toes off – Tony's got the lowdown on staying warm and comfy on the ice, from layering up to the art of the perfect thermos of coffee.
"Tony was awesome! We had an amazing day with him. He was so knowledgeable and gave us and our kids an experience we will never forget. The kids said they will never forget using the ice drill, riding on the skidoo and pulling a fish up out of the ice! Highly recommend having this once in a lifetime experience with Tony." - Adam
"My grandson and I went ice fishing with Tony. The experience could not have been better. Tony is a great guy, very knowledgeable, and was able to connect with my 7-year-old grandson without any problem. He even brought along hot chocolate. It was a great experience, not just for being in the outdoors with an experienced guide, but for the opportunity to meet a wonderful person. Five stars plus! Steve Watson" - Steve
Sebago Lake is home to some real beauties, and winter is prime time for certain species. Let's break down what you might be reeling up through the ice:
Largemouth Bass: These bucket-mouths don't quit, even in winter. They slow down a bit but can still put up a good fight. Look for them near structure like sunken trees or rocky areas. A slow presentation is key in the cold water.
Brook Trout: The jewel of Maine's waters, these native char are a sight to behold with their vibrant spawning colors. They're most active in the colder months, making ice fishing a perfect time to target them. They love hanging around spring holes and underwater structures.
Atlantic Salmon: Sebago's landlocked salmon are a real trophy catch. These acrobatic fighters are known for their impressive leaps and runs. Winter finds them cruising the deeper parts of the lake, often following schools of smelt.
Smallmouth Bass: Pound for pound, smallies are some of the hardest fighting fish in the lake. In winter, they tend to school up in deeper water. When you find one, you've often found a bunch.
Rainbow Trout: These aren't native to Maine, but they've made themselves at home in Sebago. Rainbows are opportunistic feeders and can be caught throughout the water column. Their pink stripe makes for a pretty picture on the white ice.
Ice fishing with Tony isn't just about the catch – it's about the whole shebang. You're getting a proper Maine outdoor experience, complete with stories, laughs, and maybe even a moose sighting if you're lucky. Tony's been guiding these waters for years, and he knows how to make a day on the ice feel like you're hanging out with an old buddy. Plus, there's something magical about being out on a frozen lake, surrounded by snow-covered pines, with nothing but the sound of the wind and the occasional pop of the ice. It's the kind of day that sticks with you long after you've thawed out.
So, what do you say? Ready to bundle up and see what's biting under the ice? Tony's got the spots, the gear, and the good times all lined up. Whether you're looking to check ice fishing off your bucket list or you're an old hand looking for a new honey hole, this trip's got you covered. Don't let winter keep you cooped up – get out there and make some memories on Sebago Lake. Give Tony a shout and book your spot before the ice melts. Trust me, you won't regret it!
March 15, 2025
My grandson and I went ice fishing with Tony. The experience could not have been better. Tony is a great guy, very knowledgeable, and was able to connect with my 7-year-old grandson without any problem. He even brought along hot chocolate. It was a great experience, not just for being in the outdoors with an experienced guide, but for the opportunity to meet a wonderful person. Five stars plus! Steve Watson
March 22, 2025
Atlantic salmon in Sebago are true trophies, typically 24-30 inches and 8-12 pounds. These "landlocked" salmon prefer deep, cool waters but move shallow in spring and fall. Look for them near drop-offs, underwater humps, and tributary mouths. Spring ice-out and fall spawning runs offer peak action. Salmon are prized for their acrobatic fights and long, powerful runs. Trolling with streamers or spoons is effective, but nothing beats the thrill of casting to a rising fish. A local secret: when salmon are chasing smelt, try jigging a tube lure tipped with a piece of night crawler. The salmon's nickname "leaper" is well-earned - be ready for some spectacular jumps. While their numbers are carefully managed, hooking into one of these silver missiles is an unforgettable Maine fishing experience.
Brook trout are the jewels of Sebago's cold, clear waters. These colorful natives average 8-12 inches but can reach up to 5 pounds in the lake. Look for them around spring seeps, tributary mouths, and rocky shorelines. Early spring and fall offer the best fishing as water temperatures cool. Brookies are known for their delicate presentation and stunning colors - from olive backs to red-spotted sides and bright orange fins. They're a treat on light tackle, putting up spirited fights despite their size. Fly fishing with small nymphs or dry flies is especially effective. A local tip: on calm evenings, try skating a small mouse pattern across quiet coves. The strikes can be explosive. Whether you're after a tasty dinner or just enjoy fooling these wary fish, brook trout fishing on Sebago is a special experience that connects you to Maine's wild heritage.
Largemouth bass are the heavyweights of Sebago Lake, typically reaching 2-5 pounds but sometimes topping 8. You'll find them lurking around submerged logs, weed edges, and rocky points. Spring and fall are prime times as they move shallow to feed. These fish put up an impressive fight, often leaping clear out of the water when hooked. Their size and aggressive strikes make them a blast to catch. For the best action, try working soft plastic worms or jigs slowly along drop-offs. A local trick is using a weightless wacky-rigged Senko worm - let it flutter down naturally and hold on tight. Largemouth aren't too picky, so experiment with retrieves until you find what works. Just remember, they love ambushing prey, so focus on cover and structure. Whether you're after a trophy or just want steady action, largemouth bass fishing on Sebago is hard to beat.
Rainbow trout in Sebago typically run 12-18 inches and 1-3 pounds, though larger fish aren't uncommon. Look for them around creek mouths, underwater springs, and offshore drop-offs. Spring and fall are prime seasons when water temperatures are ideal. Rainbows are known for their hard strikes and acrobatic fights, often cartwheeling across the surface. They're a blast on light tackle and make excellent table fare. Trolling with spoons or small plugs is effective, but fly fishing with nymphs or streamers can be especially rewarding. A local trick: when fish are deep, try slow-trolling a nightcrawler harness with a small spinner blade. The flash and vibration can trigger strikes even in cooler water. Whether you're after a limit for dinner or just enjoy the challenge, rainbow trout fishing on Sebago offers consistent action in a beautiful setting.
Smallmouth bass are the scrappy fighters of Sebago, usually 1-3 pounds but reaching up to 5. You'll find them around rocky points, gravel bars, and offshore humps. Early summer and fall offer great action as they move shallow. Smallies are known for their acrobatic leaps and bulldogging runs. They put up an incredible fight for their size, often feeling twice as big as they are. Try working soft plastics or jigs slowly along rocky bottoms. A local favorite is a drop shot rig with a small finesse worm. When smallies are aggressive, topwater lures can produce exciting strikes. Remember, these fish love current, so focus on areas with some water movement. Whether you're after numbers or just enjoy testing your skills against a worthy opponent, smallmouth bass fishing on Sebago is pure fun.
Tony was awesome! We had an amazing day with him. He was so knowledgeable and gave us and our kids an experience we will never forget. The kids said they will never forget using the ice drill, riding on the skidoo and pulling a fish up out of the ice! Highly recommend having this once in a lifetime experience with Tony.