Smelt Fishing in Maine: A Winter Tradition on the Kennebec River

See what it's like to ice fish for an entire 6-hour tide at James Eddy Smelt Camp on the Kennebec River.

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Every winter, when tributaries of the Kennebec River freeze over, pop-up fishing outposts, known as Smelt Camps, are set up on the ice. Fishermen from all over Maine visit these smelt fishing camps to rent shacks in six-hour intervals, hoping to fill a bucket with delicious rainbow smelt. Last winter, we visited James Eddy Smelt Camp to experience this ice fishing tradition for ourselves.

• Learn More: Take a Winter Road Trip To Smelt Camp

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2 on “Smelt Fishing in Maine: A Winter Tradition on the Kennebec River

  1. Logic 1

    You captured the essence of tidal water smelt fishing. I plan my winter work schedule around the area to take advantage of smelt fishing on the tidal rivers.

  2. Randy Klemp

    This is a happy video. It’s one of those things in life that makes it worth living. I’m glad to see something peaceful and wholesome for once on here.

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