On 2011-02-08 13:48:18 -0500, flebow said:

Dave

I will be planning a trip to ME with my 2 nephews
We wll fish the salt above Casco Bay

Then I would like to fish the West Branch of the Penobscott by the
Ripogenous dam
What is the best time of year ?(not too crowded) and can you suggest
an outftter w a drift boat?


Thanks in advance
Fred

You would start your float at the Big Eddy Campground. I did it a
couple of years ago with a Lakewood friend. The drift is short, but we
caught lots of brookies and land locks on dries and nymphs.

We did it in early July and only found one other boat on the river, but
lots of wading fishermen above the Big Eddy. It is a fairly good sized
river, so I doubt you will be "crowded". Watch out for logging trucks!

I can't remember the name of our guide, but if you Google West Branch
Penobscot fishing guides, you will have several to choose from. The
fly shop in Greenville, Maine floats the river and is highly
recommended.

http://www.maineguideflyshop.com/

You might also consider floating the East Outlet of Moosehead Lake
(start of the Kennebec River). Big brookies and land locks. If I had
my choice, I would do the East Outlet. If you are camping, there are
several spots along the East Outlet for primitive camping. When I had
my motor home, I camped up there every October for several days each
year. Great fishing, but colder than a witch's tit in October.

If you do the Penobscot, there are several camp type rentals in
Millinocket. East Outlet you can stay in a number of places in
Greenville. Greenville has better restaurants, btw. d;o)

Dave