“The fishing’s just not what it used to be.” WRONG!

 Time to rethink that often heard saying.

As one of the only Maine bass fishing guides in the Moosehead Lake area I can
 assure you that the smallmouth bass fishing in Maine can be just spectacular!

"Pound for pound you’ll not find another fish in God's creation with a more feisty fight than a Maine smallmouth bass.  Let me share some spots and techniques that will hook you up with a braggin’ size bass"

My father and I enjoyed an incredible week of fishing with Chris as our guide. He was so competent and so helpful. We caught togue, trout in a hidden lake, and small mouth bass. We also went on a moose safari. Many thanks Chris for the trip of a life time!"

Scott Y., Mississippi

On 09/21/07, we had the privilege of having Chris Young guide us on a morning of fishing. Windy, chilly and not a normally good fishing day, we began catching several fish under Chris' expert guidance. He is a gifted young man, who is very knowledgeable of fishing & wildlife in the Greenville area.

 The B's Colchester, Connecticut

The morning I spent fishing for smallmouth bass with Chris is probably the best fishing I have ever experienced. I think we caught in excess of thirty fish, all of them weighed more than two pounds. The best part was that we released all of them so that someone else could experience the enjoyment of catching them.

Dean G., Ohio

Maine Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Too often you hear “The fishing is just not what it used to be.”  This is your chance to get in on great fishing experiences.  The Moosehead Lake region is, consistently, one of the best places to catch bragging sized, tough fighting and high jumping smallmouth bass from cold, clear mountain waters…just like yesteryear.

The days of expecting to catch a 20-inch Brookie, a 12-pound Togue (Lake Trout) or an 8-pound Landlocked Salmon are mighty rare these days.  My goal as your Registered Maine Guide, is to consistently have you catching bragging size smallmouth bass.  On a good day we’ll boat up to a dozen smallmouth bass.  One or more may be in the 3-½ lb. range.  Last year we took several in the 5 lb. class.  That’s good fishing.  “Fishing like it used to be.”

On a bad day we might only get a few but it is unlikely that you will get skunked.  And a bad day on the boat still beats a good day at work!

Using a range of traditional bass fishing techniques and some developed over the years on local smallmouth bass habitats.  The fish are reliably eager and nothing is scrappier than a smallmouth from our cold clear lakes and rivers.  The cold waters and cool evenings of the north woods keep the fish in, or adjacent to, shallow water for unmatched action with top water lures and flies.  Fly-fishing for these bruisers is a real experience and fly-fishing for smallmouth bass in Maine is an unexploited fishery.  A medium weight outfit and some smallmouth bass flies are all you’ll need.

As a bass fishing specialist, it is my treat to share some unspoiled and under fished hot spots with a small group of fishermen.  My boat has a casting platform, removable pedestal seats, electric motor and all the necessary accessories to make your day safe, comfortable,  and productive.  We generally release all the fish but if you wish to keep a trophy for mounting that is okay too.  Two adults and two children are the limit.

Beginners are welcome.  Bass fishing tips and even fly fishing bass techniques are readily shared.  If you want to introduce your kids to fishing we can visit some spots for smaller bass and other fish where the action is fast and the smiles are frequent and big!

You can use your own gear and bass fishing lures or mine.  The essential gear will be provided including locally proven lures and the best smallmouth bass flies, but if you have some favorites by all means bring them.  Sometimes, a new lure or fly that the fish have never seen, could be just the ticket!

What to expect on Your Maine Smallmouth Trip

Well before dawn your guide will be double-checking the equipment and gear, loading ice in the cooler, packing some snacks and checking the updated weather forecast.  After your early breakfast you will be picked up in town at 6:00 am and you’ll head out to the day’s destination.  The choice of where to go will depend on the time of the season, the weather conditions and your personal objectives.

On the ride out you will get a chance to have some questions answered and learn about the Moosehead Lake area.  You should keep your camera ready since we often see wildlife including deer and moose.  We will launch the boat on calm waters before the sunlight hits the water and head out to some favored holes.  There will not likely be another boat around.  As good as the fishing is, few have discovered it.  We might start poking around with top water lures or fly rods for some explosive action, or you can put on your “ole reliable” and introduce our local fish to it.

We will spend time adapting to the smallmouth’s feeding activity and exploiting any discernable pattern that develops.  We will use several perfected techniques for enticing smallmouth bass which are very successful and allow you to adapt to changing situations.  The fishing generally holds up well until mid to late morning.

If you choose a full day trip, we will adventure to a secluded spot for a shore lunch over an open fire, where you can give your tired arms a rest. If a half-day trip is what you desire, we will head back into town.  You won’t have to practice any fish stories on the way back.

Rates and Policies

Party size is strictly limited to a maximum of 4 people, only 2 of which can be adults.  This means lots of personal attention, and enough space for safe, uncrowded fishing in the boat.

Half-day bass trips last around 4 hours.  You can expect a couple hours or more on the water.  Morning bass trips typically depart around 6 a.m. but an evening trip can be structured to fit your personal schedule.  Evening can also provide some great smallmouth action.  $100.00 per person based on two clients, $25.00 for each additional person.

Full-day trips last a full 8 hours and include a shore lunch.  $150.00 per person based on two clients, $35.00 for each additional person.

A 50% deposit will secure your reservation.  Spur of the moment trips are okay too but subject to availability.  If a fishing trip is cancelled due to inclement weather, your trip will be rescheduled or refunded, your choice.

Call for info and reservations 207-695-2661
 or email Young's Guide Service

What to Bring Bass Fishing

The most important item is your fishing license!  You can get one on-line at Inland Fisheries and Wildlife's online hunting & fishing licensing system, or pick one up at several locations in town.  Kids under 12 do not require a license.

If you do not have gear you prefer to use, all the necessities will be supplied.  6 to 10 lb. test spinning or bait casting gear works well in our clear waters.   A 7 wt. to 9 wt. fly rod with floating line will fit the bill.  If you have some special flies or lure you want to try by all means bring them.  It’s a known fact that something new and different might be the bass slayer today.

You will want to have polarized glasses, the clear waters are spectacular and you can see the underwater structure better.  A hat or cap, long sleeved shirt and sunscreen are suggested as the glare from the water can be intense.  A raincoat or windbreaker will be desirable too.  Bug spray, camera and personal snacks and non-alcoholic beverages should be brought as well.  Everything else needed for safety, comfort and success will be provided…including the where, when and how!