Kennebec River Angler

• Kid Friendly
• Fishing Gear
• Drinks

Kennebec River Angler in Caratunk, Maine, provides professionally outfitted fishing trips throughout the Kennebec, Dead, and Penobscot River regions. Specializing in remote fishing for Maine brook trout, landlocked salmon, and smallmouth bass, they focus on fly fishing float trips for the state’s four major cold-water species. The Upper Kennebec Watershed offers acrobatic landlocked salmon, rugged brown trout, frisky rainbow trout, and the legendary brook trout. Their knowledgeable guides assist with tackle selection, fish location, and effective techniques while navigating waters ranging from tail-water fisheries below hydroelectric dams to freestone river sections and secluded mountain lakes. Each trip includes a Registered Maine Guide, transportation from local accommodations, and all necessary gear. Fly rods, spinning gear, flies, and tackle are provided, though anglers are welcome to bring their own. Snacks and water are included, with a hearty riverside lunch on full-day trips. Fishing is catch-and-release, so a camera is a must. Bringing a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and rain gear is recommended.

Owned and operated by Captain Mike Pilsbury, Greg Caruso, and Chris Russell, the team brings years of experience to the waters of Maine. Mike Pilsbury received his first fly rod at age eight and has been dedicated to the sport ever since. He started guiding in the Forks as a whitewater guide in 1992 before shifting to fishing, where he found his passion. He enjoys sharing his knowledge and believes that fishing is a lifelong learning process. Greg Caruso, originally from the Millinocket area, grew up fishing and hunting around the Penobscot watershed. His earliest fishing memories include solo wading trips on the East Branch and catching brook trout with his grandfather near Baxter State Park. After high school, he worked as a rafting guide before settling into outdoor guiding full-time. Chris Russell, from Gardiner, Maine, started fishing as a child and became a whitewater rafting guide while attending the University of Maine at Orono. After moving upstream, he began guiding fishermen in 1991 and co-founded Adventure Bound in 1998. In 2008, he started his own guide service, eventually partnering with Mike and Greg to establish Kennebec River Angler.

Fishing trips include fly fishing float trips from May 15 to October 31, targeting landlocked salmon, brown trout, rainbow trout, and brook trout. The Upper Kennebec Watershed provides multiple locations, with each trip including a guide, all necessary gear, beverages, snacks, and a hearty lunch on full-day trips. Full-day smallmouth bass trips, available from May 15 to September 30, take anglers to remote lakes and river systems where trophy-sized smallmouth bass up to five pounds and 23 inches long are caught each season. These remote waters are known for their clear, uncrowded fishing opportunities. Half-day smallmouth bass float trips offer a shorter option for those with limited time. These trips run three times a day, morning, midday, and evening, allowing flexibility for travel plans. Customized trips are available for those looking to fish in specific locations or under unique conditions. Group trips can be arranged for corporate retreats, bachelor parties, family vacations, or other gatherings. Fly fishing lessons provide hands-on instruction for beginners, while experienced anglers can work on refining techniques. In addition to local waters, Kennebec River Angler also runs trips in the Penobscot, Kennebec, and Androscoggin River systems, offering fishing in towns like Millinocket, Bangor, Waterville, Augusta, Rumford, and Lewiston.

A range of watercraft is used to access remote fishing spots, including rafts, drift boats, and jet-drive bass boats. Rafts are ideal for floating rivers and targeting smallmouth bass. Drift boats provide stability for river fishing and typically hold two to three anglers plus a guide. Jet-drive bass boats, at 19 feet long, are used on remote lakes and allow navigation through shallow waters efficiently.

Ready to hit the water and reel in some incredible fish? Plan your next fishing adventure in Caratunk, Maine, with Kennebec River Angler. Visit their website to book your trip and get ready for a day of great fishing in some of Maine’s most scenic and productive waters!

Regions

• Caratunk
• Maine