Mallard prepares to open Madison fly-fishing store

There’s a dream about to unfold, and it’s aimed at benefiting anyone who’s ever handled a fly rod or even considered it.

On Aug. 1 the doors of the Kennebec River Outfitters, located on Route 201 in Madison, will officially swing open for business, and owner Bob Mallard of Skowhegan will hold nothing back. This 42-year-old fisherman has been salting away his coins for the past 20-some years for such a moment, and he’s not about to shortchange the public.

Mallard said his number one focus will be on fly-fishing, which is obvious once you step inside the door. This 1,000-plus-square-foot building will host some of the best-made fly rods and reels in the business, such as Sage, Redington, Winston and Scientific Anglers. But don’t let these big names scare you.

“I plan to carry the low and high end price range of these products,” said Mallard, explaining it’s all free to be sampled at one of the designated casting areas behind the shop.

Fishermen will also be in the presence of more than 8,000 flies tied by five different craftsmen, which will include some of the biggest names in the business. However, if you’re still not satisfied, step into the section designated for the fly-tier. Mallard plans to carry a selection of material that leaves nothing to chance. He’s reached across the aisles to some 10 different vendors to assure the maximum variety of materials and tools for the trade.

Next on his agenda will be guided trips.

“I intend to take advantage of the Kennebec River, which nearly flows through my back yard,” said Mallard. “We’ll be guiding the river from Harris Dam to Augusta.” At your service will be Carroll Ware, a 15-year veteran in the world of guiding who’s no stranger to Maine waters, especially the Kennebec.

For the angler who prefers to chart his own course on the water, “I’ll stock waders, drift boats and canoes made by Scott”, said Mallard. The company manufactures a high-sided square stern that’s legal on the Allagash. However, with all the inventory on display, Mallard will offer something money can’t buy: knowledge. It’s some he’s collected through a lifetime of fishing and he’s anxious to pass it along.

Long Lake is producing

A couple weeks ago Long Lake in Aroostook County was in a slump, but in the past week its waters have come alive. Earlier this week, a Sinclair resident latched onto a landlocked salmon that that missed 8 pounds by just ounces, said Dick Laliberte of Leeds. A few days later it was followed up by a brook trout that weighed 4 pounds.

“This past Wednesday my girlfriend Linda Verrill [also of Leeds] tied into a 51/2-pound salmon.” Just a few hours later, “I got in on the action,” said Laliberte.

However, after a 10-minute struggle, the big fish struck out for deeper waters. They’re catching them at a variety of depths, added Laliberte. However, fishing in 10-30 feet of water seems to be the best remedy, but don’t rule out streamers flies, they’re still in season, said Laliberte.

Landlocked salmon are Grand

The water level in Grand Lake Stream is low, but landlocked salmon are still on the take, mainly in the Dam Pool, said Kurt Cressey, owner of The Pine Tree Store. Bass are also in the stream and they are picking up the slack, added Cressey.

However, stream anglers should pay closer attention to business once their fly is working in fish territory, warned Cressey. There’s been a few occasional Atlantic salmon getting in on the action, and a few sports have found out how fast they can take control of the moment, especially when you’re fishing light gear, said Cressey. These Atlantic salmon are fish that were released into the St. Croix River last fall.

Searching for bass

The stripers are in. Last Wednesday evening while fishing the outgoing tide, a pair of anglers tied into a handsome number of stripers, fishing the Penobscot between Bangor and Hampden. Although there were no heavyweights recorded, the duo managed to catch a few in the 3- and 4-pound range.

Stripers have also been showing up in the Kennebec River as of late, according to fisheries biologist Bill Woodward. Woodward caught one last Saturday while fishing in the Waterville area of the river.

Free fishing

Just a reminder, it’s free fishing this weekend throughout the state.

Question of the week

Atlantic salmon the remain in fresh water over the winter are known as what?

Last week’s question: What is the name for a rainbow trout that migrates to sea? Steelhead

Outdoor Calendar

There’s a public hearing on June 19, at 6:30 p.m., at the Ellsworth City Hall. The topic will be proposed changes in some of the regulations on some Hancock and Washington County waters, which the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife have been petitioned to consider.

Terry Farren’s Outdoor Report is published each Friday’ He can be reached at 990-8067 or by e-mail at outdoor report@bangordailynews.net