EDITOR’S NOTE: The scene is taking to the field to give fishermen a report on fishing conditions throughout the state. As the seasons change we’ll tell you how others fare in the field.

Reports from the West Branch and Sebago Lake through last weekend indicate that the salmon and trout are beginning to take.

Peter Pray at Pray’s Big Eddy Campground said landlocks are taking smelt pattern streamers and Rapala lures on the surface. Pray is working to get the campground open for the season between May 1 and May 15, and notes that the road to Greenville is still rough, limiting speed to around 10 mph. Rafting companies are starting to run the West Branch.

Carroll Cutting at Jordan’s Store in East Sebago reports that fishing at Sebago Lake has been excellent, especially for lake trout (up to 18 pounds) fished close to the bottom. On the surface, landlocked (up to 4 pounds) are taking sewed bait, streamers and lures.

Cutting said the smelt run is over and the lake is getting back to normal after heavy fishing pressure during the run. Up to now sewed smelts have been the most effective bait near the surface. Togue and salmon fishing have been excellent, and Cutting predicts that once the salmon begin feeding the conditions will improve. Lake trout have been taking spinners, sewed bait, flatfish and copper Mooselook wobblers.