Joe McLean, a seasoned fisherman, shared his secret to success on Rangeley Lake: “It’s all about the smelt, really.” Smelt, a small fish that’s a vital food source for many species of fish, including salmon and trout. Rangeley Lake, located in northwestern Maine, is a 10-square-mile lake with a maximum depth of 149 feet. Its central basin averages 95 feet in depth, making it an ideal location for land-locked salmon and brook trout to thrive. The lake is situated in the Androscoggin watershed and is part of the New Hampshire border. Its elevation of over 1,500 feet gives it a northern woods feel, making it a haven for both beauty and character. Fishing in Rangeley Lake gets better with the warming season, and summer to early fall is considered prime time. The lake is home to a variety of fish species, including salmon, trout, and smelt. Fishing with Joe and Andrea McLean of Ursus Outdoors, a custom-built Duckworth 20 NavigatorSport, Rangeley Lake is their home water. Although they live over an hour away, they return to the lake frequently to fish and guide clients. Andrea McLean, a native of New Brunswick, Canada, got her guiding license in 1996 and is one of the first women to join the Maine Master Guide Association Board. She is known for her confident professionalism and is personable, following in the footsteps of her predecessor, “Fly Rod” Crosby. “Fly Rod” Crosby, born in nearby Phillips in 1854, was a trailblazer for women in fishing. She was known for her unconventional dress and was a skilled fisherwoman. Crosby befriended Annie Oakley and was an early advocate for catch-and-release fishing. She was also a strong advocate for the establishment of the Maine Fish and Game Association, which led to the creation of the first guides license in 1897. Crosby was presented with the first license by the Maine Legislature in recognition of her work. Today, Crosby’s legacy lives on in the Rangeley region, and her impact is still felt. My first fish of the day was a nice land-locked salmon, which I didn’t keep due to the abundance of fish in the water. The McLeans had six rods out, each equipped with different fishing gear, including lead-core lines and spinners, to increase the chances of catching fish. We started trolling through a part of the lake with springs adding cold, fresh water, which attracts fish. The McLeans used a Garmin GPS and sonar to navigate the lake and locate the best fishing spots. They caught eight great trout in a couple of hours, all between 16 and 19 inches. As their guide, my job was to reel in the fish after they were hooked. The McLeans were experts, and I followed their lead, which made the experience enjoyable. After a visit to the Rangeley History Museum and lunch, we returned to fishing. My first catch of the afternoon was another large brook trout, making it clear that Rangeley Lake is an exceptional fishery. The McLeans know the lake intimately and know how to fish it, making it a great destination for anglers. I left Rangeley Lake already planning a return trip to experience its grandeur.
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