Libby Sporting Camps

Libby's has been catering to fly-fishermen in the North Maine Woods region of Maine since 1890. Libby's is sandwiched between Baxter State Park and the Allagash Wilderness Waterway, at the headwaters of three of the finest fly-fishing rivers in Maine, the Allagash, Aroostook, and the Penobscot. We are in close proximity to over 40 of the 300 native trout waters in the State of Maine.

Date Range

May 15 - September 30 for rivers and ponds. October 1 - November 30 limited pond fishing.

What is Provided to Customer

Rods, reels, waders, vests available for rental. A small fly shop on site for those things you may have left home.

Region/Terrain Where You Fish

Fly-fishing for brook trout, landlocked salmon, and smallmouth bass. Libby's two seaplanes access over 80 canoes on 40 plus waters in a 20 mile radius from camp. 4X4's for access to those ponds too small to fly into or on foul weather days. Spring and fall wading on streams and rivers. Pond fishing from canoes from May to September.

Typical Weather by Season

Spring fishing (May and June) weather is typically a mix of rain and sun with temperatures dipping into the 30's and 40's at night and creeping up to the 60's by mid afternoon. Mid-summer (July and August) temperatures are generally in the upper 70's, but can jump to 90 or dip down to the 50's. September starts to cool off with frost expected towards the end of the month. Rain gear is a must throughout the season.

Sample of Typical Itinerary

A typical trip is four days of fishing with a guide, five nights lodging and two seaplane fly-outs. Most fishing is done from 8:00 to 6:00, but expect to stay out late for the Hex hatch in early July. Don't be afraid of inclement weather, since the fishing tends to get better when there are more clouds.

On-site Activities

Fishing, Hiking, Canoeing, Kayaking, Seaplane Scenic flights, Moose watching, Swimming, Orchid Hunts, Bird Watching.

Off-site Activities

White Water Rafting, Mountain Climbing.

Lodging, Meals, and Accommodations

Private log cabins with bathrooms. All cabins have at least one queen size bed with the larger cabins sleeping up to six. Meals are served family style in the historic, rustic lodge overlooking the lake.

Species You Fish for by Season

May and June: We fish for brook trout with mostly dry flies on the ponds and dries and nymphs on the rivers. Dark Hendrickson, BWO's, and March Brown's towards the end of May, early June, moving into Caddis hatches in the middle of June. When the water warms up and the sun is bright, you will have to go sub-surface for the fish. A good sinking line is highly recommended. For landlocked salmon in the rivers, we mostly use small streamer patterns.

July and August: Fishing for brook trout in cold water spring holes using anything from terrestrials on top to nymphs or wooly buggers.

September: Streamer fishing for brookies and landlocked salmon in the rivers. Caddis, BWO's, Wooly Buggers and nymphs in the ponds for Brookies.

What Should Customers Bring?

Good rain gear all season long, sunscreen, footwear that you don't mind getting muddy, hiking boots. Long sleeve, fast drying shirts in light colors especially in black fly season. Bug spray.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Where is the closest airport?
A. Closest airports are Bangor (BGR) and Presque Isle (PQI). Seaplane shuttle from these airports or from any lake in Maine is available. If driving from the south, the last available services including gas, groceries, and cell service is in Patten, Maine.

Q. What is a typical gratuity?
A. Typical guide gratuity is $75 - $100 per day. Typical staff gratuity is 15 - 20% of the lodging portion of the bill.