Bosebuck Fly Fishing Areas

Courtesy of Lou Zambello, Master Guide

The Upper Magalloway River

The upper river starts from a large spring-fed bog on the Canadian border and winds down into Parmachenee Lake. Access to this water is behind a private gate so fishing pressure is light. We maintain a canoe on this section of river, which is about ½ an hour from camp, traveling on a dirt logging road. The upper river is small stream fishing at its finest with riffles, runs, and pools. It is best fished by wading or from a canoe. There are a few stretches too deep to wade and a few where you might have to drag the canoe. The main quarry here are wild, native brook trout and wild landlocked salmon from 6 to 14 inches long with larger fish possible during the fall when the larger fish ascend the river to spawn. The fish do not see a lot of flies so rise readily to standard dry flies presented reasonably. This is a great place for new or less experienced fly fishers and folks that appreciate consistent action.

The Mid Magalloway River

This part of the Magalloway includes several pools that then drain into Parmachenee Lake, begins again at the outlet of Parmachenee Lake, and then runs for a mile of pool and pocket water before it empties into Aziscohos Lake. While good numbers of “resident” trout from 6 to 14” will rise readily to a fly in this part of the river, it is the larger lake fish that run into this section of river from Aziscohos and Parmachenee that draw anglers. Although they are not there all the time, several times each year – in the spring chasing smelt or feeding on mayfly hatches- or in the fall during their spawning runs- large fish can be found in relatively easy to fish runs and pools. It is very exciting to cast to a three-pound trout rising right in front of you and you do have a chance at catching the fish of a lifetime

This section of river has good trails to the major pools that are easily wadable and much of it is gated access only. A limited number of our guests are allowed access through the gate each day.

The Lower Magalloway River

Is accessible from route 16 at the end of Bosebuck’s dirt access road (about ½ hour from camp). This is a tailwater and the water runs cool all summer. Like all tailwaters, it has consistent hatches of small insects such as blue-winged olives. It contains brook trout, landlocked salmon, splake, and small mouth bass. The size of all species ranges from pan sized to 4 pounds. River flow varies dramatically from day to day depending on the dam release schedule. It pays to find out the flow schedule because fishing is easier during the lower flows.

The first several miles below the Aziscohos Dam is fast water with rips, riffles, and a few deep pools. The river flattens out and becomes more of a meadow stream with logjams and undercut banks. There is a good trail that follows most of the river and provides good access. Wading can be difficult in the faster stretches and the fish are powerful and difficult to land. The keys to success are fishing well-hackled dries or heavily weighted nymphs in the deeper runs.

The Ponds

Bosebuck keeps small boats at three small (under 100 acres) ponds within ½ an hour from camp on improved logging roads. These are classic cold water ponds with native brook trout up to 16 inches although most will be in the 6 to 12 inch range. Because of their small size and reasonable depth, these ponds can be fished even on windy days and the fish are reachable even on the bottom. These ponds are a delight to fish after dinner to catch the evening hatch on 4 or 5 weight rods with dry flies.

Aziscohos Lake

The lake is fairly good size, 6700 acres, 60 feet deep, with numerous small bays and channels. Because of its shape you can always find relatively calm water to fish regardless of the weather. Because Bosebuck camps is situated on Aziscohos Lake and you can start your fishing right off the camp dock. Because of the amount of water – many anglers prefer to troll until they see signs of surface activity or active fish before they try casting. Because the depth of the lake varies dramatically from year to year and season to season, fish tend to move around. However, more consistent action is usually found where the Little Magalloway River or main Magalloway River dump into the lake - or at the mouth of any of the numerous small streams that enter the lake.

Parmachenee Lake

This lake is only 900 acres but over 90 feet deep at its deepest point. It holds brook trout and landlocked salmon only (with the exception of some chubs) with a fair number running to two to three pounds or more. Bosebuck keeps two boats with outboards on the lake for guest use. The best way to fish the lake is to cast near the inlet or outlet of the Magalloway River or where any of the numerous small streams enter the lake. Another good option is to troll the lake until you see signs of surface activity or receive hits from active fish, and then start casting.

Surrounding Waters

Within a scenic one-hour drive, usually filled with wildlife spotting, are the famous waters of the Kennebago River, Middle Dam on Mooselookmeguntic, the Rapid River, and the headwaters of the Androscoggin. Regardless of the season or the weather, usually at least one of these options is fishing well. You could fish every day the entire summer and not cover all of the available water. Our fishing guides are very familiar with all of these waters.