Earlier this month and on the way to Spencer Pond, for a few days off the grid , we found ourselves in the "village" of Kokadjo.
Lying east of Moosehead Lake and 18 miles north of Greenville, this tiny outpost's claim to fame is The Roach River. And along with Grand Lake Stream, the East Outlet, the West Branch, the Upper Dam pool and a few others, The Roach is one of Maine's premier fly fishing waters.
It begins at the outlet dam
at First Roach Pond
which I hear is in itself a great spot to drag a Grey Ghost right after ice
out. Check out the trophy fish hanging on the wall of The Kokadjo
Trading Post, if you have doubts.
The nearly 7 mile long river makes it way thru the Maine woods
eventually dumping into Moosehead Lake. (Another great story about fantastic Maine fishing spots..)
The Roach is fly fishing and catch and release only with a convenient starting point being the Dam and Dump Pools..
We
found just two fly fishermen only at these popular spots testifying
that the fishing pressure during the first week of July is a tad
different than May or September.
Much of the fishing can be
done by wading, accessing the different pools via bushwhacked trails
along it's length. And while you're there, be on the lookout for one of
Maine's most sought after attractions..moose.
But be careful when driving as this sign warns..
This
was a short 2 day family outing to the wilds of Maine. And on top of
that we spent one of those days hunkering down during tropical storm
Arthur's visit. Consequently there was very little fishing done but
that will change come September, on my next visit to Kokajdo.
.....population not many.
