Ready for some world-class fishing on Maine's crown jewel? Join Tony Kariotis for a 6-hour charter on Sebago Lake that'll have you hooked from the start. We're talking monster landlocked salmon, hefty lake trout, and hard-fighting smallmouth bass in a picture-perfect setting. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, Tony's got the local know-how to put you on fish and make sure you have a blast doing it.
Sebago Lake is the fishing hotspot you've been dreaming of. We'll spend our day targeting the lake's famous landlocked salmon - some of the biggest in the state. These silver bullets put up a fight that'll test your skills and leave you grinning. But that's not all - we've also got lake trout lurking in the depths and smallmouth bass that'll bend your rod double. Tony knows every nook and cranny of this 45-square-mile fishery, so we'll hit the prime spots and use techniques that work best for the season and conditions. Expect to troll the deep water, jig along drop-offs, or cast to structure-loving smallies. The action here is so good, you might forget to look up at the stunning scenery (but don't worry, I'll remind you).
No need to stress about tackle - I've got you covered with top-notch gear that's perfect for Sebago's fish. We'll be using a mix of downriggers, planer boards, and good old-fashioned rod-in-hand techniques. For our salmon and trout, we often troll with flashy spoons, stick baits, or live bait rigs. When we're after those bruiser smallmouths, we might switch to casting soft plastics or working a jig along the bottom. Don't worry if some of this sounds like Greek to you - I'll walk you through everything, and you'll be fishing like a pro in no time. Just bring your Maine fishing license, some sunscreen, and a camera to capture your trophy catches.
Landlocked Salmon: The crown jewel of Sebago Lake. These acrobatic fighters are known for their spectacular leaps and blistering runs. We typically find them in the cooler, deeper parts of the lake, especially near underwater structure. Spring and fall are prime time for these beauties, with fish in the 3-5 pound range common and the chance at a real trophy always possible. There's nothing quite like the thrill of a big salmon peeling line off your reel!
Lake Trout (Togue): These deep-water predators are the bruisers of Sebago. They prefer the cold, oxygen-rich depths and can grow to impressive sizes. We often target them by jigging or trolling close to the bottom in 50-100 feet of water. While they might not leap like salmon, their powerful runs and dogged fights make them a favorite among serious anglers. The best part? They're delicious if you decide to keep one for dinner.
Smallmouth Bass: Pound-for-pound, these are some of the hardest fighting fish in freshwater. Sebago's rocky shorelines and underwater structure provide perfect habitat for smallies, and they grow big here. We'll target them with a variety of techniques, from topwater lures in the early morning to deep-diving crankbaits later in the day. Expect explosive strikes and acrobatic fights that'll test your drag and your nerves!
Look, I could go on all day about the fish, but there's something special about Sebago that keeps folks coming back year after year. Maybe it's the way the mist rises off the water in the early morning, or how the loons call across the lake as the sun sets. Could be the thrill of watching your rod double over with a big fish, or the satisfaction of learning a new technique and seeing it pay off. Whatever it is, Sebago has a way of getting under your skin. I've guided here for years, and every trip still feels like a new adventure. Plus, let's be honest - the bragging rights from landing a trophy Sebago salmon are pretty sweet.
Here's what you can expect when you step aboard: We'll start bright and early (the early bird gets the worm, or in this case, the fish). After a quick safety briefing, we'll head out to where the fish are biting. I'll get you set up with the right gear and show you the techniques we'll be using. Then it's lines in the water and game on! We'll move around the lake, trying different spots and adjusting our approach based on what the fish are doing. I'm always happy to share tips and tricks, so feel free to pick my brain. We'll break for a quick lunch (bring your own snacks and drinks), then it's back to the action. By the end of our 6 hours, you'll have some great fish stories, maybe a few photos with your catch, and definitely a newfound appreciation for Sebago's incredible fishery.
So, what do you say? Ready to experience some of the best fishing Maine has to offer? Whether you're looking to catch your personal best, learn some new techniques, or just enjoy a day on the water, a trip on Sebago with Tony Kariotis Guide Service is the ticket. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to book your adventure. Give me a call or shoot me an email, and let's get you out on the water. Trust me, once you've felt the tug of a Sebago Lake monster on your line, you'll be hooked for life. See you on the lake!
Atlantic salmon are the kings of the river, averaging 28-30 inches and 8-12 pounds. These sea-run fish return to our freshwater to spawn, usually in fall. You'll find them holding in deeper pools and runs. Salmon fishing is catch-and-release only these days, but man, what a thrill when one of these silver missiles hits your fly and goes airborne. Their acrobatic fights are legendary. Swinging big streamers or skating dry flies can both produce strikes. Early mornings and evenings are often best. Water temperature is crucial - they get sluggish above 68°F. My local tip: focus on tail-outs of pools where fish stage before moving upstream. Mend your line to get a drag-free drift. Patience and persistence are key with these elusive trophies. Even just seeing one of these magnificent fish is something special.
Brook trout are a favorite around here, typically running 8-12 inches long. You'll find them in cold, clear streams and rivers, especially near fallen logs or boulders where they can hide. These little fighters put up a scrappy battle on light tackle. Their beautiful colors make them a real prize catch too. Fall is prime time as they get aggressive before spawning. Look for them in faster riffles and pools. A small nymph or attractor dry fly usually does the trick. My go-to tip is to use a shorter leader in tight spots - helps you place your fly right where you want it without getting tangled. Brookies are pretty wary, so a stealthy approach is key. Wading upstream and casting to likely spots ahead of you tends to work well. They're also mighty tasty if you decide to keep a few for the pan.
Brown trout are the trickiest of our local species, averaging 14-24 inches. You'll find them in deeper runs and pools, often tucked under cut banks or fallen trees. They're most active at dawn and dusk, especially in summer. Fall brings out some real monsters as they prepare to spawn. Browns are known for their wariness and hard fights when hooked. Anglers love targeting them for the challenge and their potential size. Streamers and large nymphs are go-to flies. My local tip: focus on undercut banks during high water - browns often tuck in there to ambush prey. A stealthy approach is crucial. Keep a low profile and make your first cast count. Night fishing can be incredibly productive too. These fish have a reputation for being selective, but fooling a big brown is a true accomplishment for any angler.
Rainbow trout are a blast to catch, typically 12-20 inches here. You'll find them in faster water - riffles, runs, and the heads of pools. They love to sit behind boulders picking off drifting insects. Spring and fall are prime, but you can catch them year-round. Rainbows are known for their hard strikes and acrobatic leaps when hooked. They put up a great fight on light tackle. Nymphing is deadly effective, but dry fly action can be incredible during a hatch. My go-to setup is a beadhead nymph with a smaller dropper. Cast upstream and let it drift naturally through likely holding spots. Rainbows aren't too picky, but presentation is key. Keep a low profile and make accurate casts. These fish are a favorite for their willingness to take flies and their tasty pink flesh if you keep a few for dinner.