Fishing at Cow Pond, Piscataquis County, Maine

• Overview

  In Maine, Cow Pond belongs to Piscataquis County. The bank is 1,175 feet above sea level. It measures about 62 acres, which is a comfortable size for bank fishing. About 1.6 miles of bank, so nothing stays unexplored for long. Supplies mean a trip to Greenville, 24 miles off. Millinocket follows at 31 miles, then Brownville at 35 miles. No border sits close enough to matter.

• Where to Fish on Cow Pond

  We hold no depth figure for this one. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. Piscataquis County records list Atlantic salmon, rainbow smelt and brook trout among the fish reported. At least one recorded species is protected in parts of its range; read the local rules before targeting anything. On Cow Pond that means starting tight and working out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Between January at about 10°F and July at about 64°F, the water has a wide range to work through. Expect a real winter and a strong spring after it. Winter locks it down, and late April brings it back. The water is typically free of ice between late April and late November. Fishing peaks soon after break-up and again before the cold returns. On Cow Pond that shapes the whole year.

• Tackle & Baits

  We have no record of the rules that apply on this bank. Records list it as a natural water body rather than an impoundment. The map shows no ramp or car park nearby, so this is a walk-in water. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Look for a notice board at the entrance. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. If the gate is shut, Ragged Lake at 2.4 miles is the nearest alternative. Ask locally about Cow Pond if anything is unclear.