The Rapid River

We consider ourselves to be the best of any who guide on the “Rapid.“  Our guides log more days on this river than anyone else and years of combined knowledge and experience have given us a reputation of success on the Rapid that is unmatched.  The Rapid River is arguably known as the best river in the lower 48 of the United States for big native Brook Trout.  Throughout the season there are numerous three to five pound and occasionally even six pound fish taken.  Its other claim to fame is the fastest falling river without a major falls east of the Mississippi River. As a result, limited white water boaters share its use with fishermen. This typically occurs in July and August and only during scheduled water releases.
The river begins at Middle Dam on Lower Richardson Lake and swiftly flows a half mile into Pond In The River, named appropriately, which is about 500 acres. At the outlet of Pond in The River lye the remnants of Lower Dam which was a sluicing Dam when logs were transported via the river.  From Lower Dam the river proceeds on for about another three miles eventually emptying into Umbagog Lake.  The river can be characterized by fast moving riffles and runs with big deep pools spread throughout its entire length.  The fishing doesn’t become consistent here until late April or early May when water temperatures reach at least 45-50 degrees F.  The fish will move from there wintering areas in Pond In The River, Umbagog, and the deep pools and actively feed while traveling up and down the river.  By mid July and into August the water temperatures can rise above the 70 degree mark.  A major misconception about the Rapid is that because it is a tailwater it stays cool even in the warmest months of the season.  Unfortunately, this is not the case because Middle Dam is not a deep draw dam.  During this time of year most of the big brookies have left the river seeking thermal refuge.  Although, there are still a fair amount of feisty 12-16” Landlocked salmon to be caught.  This can be a great time to just enjoy the beauty of the river since the presence of other anglers is minimal.  By early to mid September the water temperatures begin to drop again and the larger adult Brookies and Salmon stage up along various spots in the river preparing to spawn.