Guiding in 2025 - A Maine Fly Guide Review!
A Season on Maine Rivers: Life as a Maine Fishing Guide
My name is Brandon Bichrest, and I’m a Maine fishing guide specializing in river fishing and fly fishing on the Androscoggin River, its tributaries, and the lower Kennebec River. I guide from an 18-foot river boat powered by a jet drive, giving me access to shallow, hard-to-reach stretches of water that see far less fishing pressure than most areas.
These remote sections of river hold some of the best fishing Maine has to offer, and getting clients into this water is a big part of what sets my trips apart.
Maine River Fishing by Jet Boat
Running a jet drive river boat allows me to safely navigate shallow water and access stretches of river that traditional prop boats can’t reach. This opens up miles of productive habitat for fly fishing and light tackle anglers alike.
Whether we’re drifting soft seams for smallmouth bass or targeting migratory fish in moving water, fishing from a jet boat provides flexibility, mobility, and access to truly wild river experiences.
A Full Season on the Water in Maine
In 2025, I spent 163 days on the water. Most of those days were guiding clients, with additional time devoted to personal fishing and scouting new water. Many days included double or even triple four-hour trips, following fish movement and changing conditions throughout the day.
Spending that much time on the river builds an understanding of seasonal patterns, water levels, and fish behavior that can only come from experience.
Spring Fishing in the Sebago Region
The guiding season begins in April in the Sebago region. Early spring fishing in Maine is slower paced but incredibly rewarding, with opportunities to target Northern Pike, landlocked salmon, lake trout, and smallmouth bass.
As the rivers open up after winter, these fisheries provide a great start to the season and a chance to ease into spring conditions.
Rangeley Region River Fishing Trips
By May, I add river fishing trips in the Rangeley region. These boat-based trips focus on landlocked salmon and brook trout in some of Maine’s most scenic and productive waters.
Fishing the Rangeley region rivers allows us to cover water efficiently and target fish that are actively moving and feeding during the spring runoff period.
Lower Kennebec River Shad and Striped Bass Fishing
In mid-May, I begin guiding on the lower Kennebec River for American shad and striped bass. This fishery offers exciting action as migratory fish push upriver, creating fast-paced fishing and great opportunities for both fly and spin anglers.
From May 1 through July 1, I split my time between the lower Kennebec River and the Rangeley region, following fish migrations and river conditions to provide the best possible trips.
Summer and Fall Fishing on the Androscoggin River
Starting July 1, all guiding efforts shift exclusively to the Androscoggin River. From mid-summer through November, I focus on smallmouth bass and Northern Pike fishing.
This stretch of the season offers some of the most consistent fishing of the year, along with warm water, aggressive fish, and classic Maine river scenery. The Androscoggin River provides excellent opportunities for both experienced anglers and those new to river fishing.
Guided Fly Fishing and River Trips in Maine
Guiding isn’t just about catching fish. It’s about understanding river systems, reading water, and putting anglers in places they wouldn’t reach on their own. Every day on the river brings new challenges, changing conditions, and opportunities to learn.
If you’re looking for guided river fishing or fly fishing trips in Maine, I’m on the water from April through November, following the fish and the seasons wherever they lead.
