Frequently Asked Questions
What should I bring?
Anglers must possess a valid fishing license for the state in which they intend to fish. Licenses are available online from state fish and game agency websites or can be purchased locally at various fishing outlets. You will be required to produce your fishing license for inspection when you meet your guide. **Please note that if you are purchasing your fishing license online, and you are unable to print a paper copy, you are allowed to carry a screenshot of the license on your mobile device, provided you carry a second form of legal ID on your person (ie valid driver’s license).
Anglers are encouraged to bring their own gear, including rods, reels, waders, boots, wading staff etc, if they prefer. If not, gear will be provided by your guide, but please be sure to let us know ahead of time if you need equipment
Any personal medication
Appropriate clothing for the season
Rain gear
Polarized sun glasses
Hat
Camera
Sun screen
Insect repellent
What is provided by my guide?
Full day trips include lunch and beverages. Half day trips include beverages and snacks only. Flies and leaders are provided for clients at no additional cost. Rods/reels, waders, wading boots and the like are available if you need them, but please let us know ahead of time.
What if we encounter inclement weather?
The nature of the weather in this region is often unpredictable. Anglers should always be prepared to encounter unexpected weather and should bring clothing/gear appropriate to deal with a variety of conditions. Please dress warm enough! Always plan on being cold, and you never will be. Your guide reserves the right to cut a trip short if the weather poses a serious safety concern. In the event that a trip is cut off well before the day is complete, it is possible to reschedule your trip for a later date if you so choose.
Does Top Notch Fly Fishing LLC offer trips year-round?
Top Notch Fly Fishing LLC offers trips throughout the open water fishing seasons of Maine and New Hampshire. Generally, this means between April 1st and September 30th. However, there are a variety of extended season opportunities that are available if you wish to fish during the “off-season.” Please feel free to contact Top Notch Fly Fishing LLC to inquire about these options.
What is the best time of the year for fly fishing in the mountains of western Maine and New Hampshire?
The best time of the year to fish in this region will depend on an angler's desired trip and expectations. In general, “prime-time” is May, June and September. However, the variety of water types in this region can offer fantastic fishing at other times of the year as well. Please feel free to contact Top Notch Fly Fishing LLC directly by phone or email to ask any questions you may have, as we are always happy to discuss the wonderful fishing in this area in more detail.
Where can I stay in the region?
Top Notch Fly Fishing LLC recommends a number of lodging businesses in the Errol, New Hampshire and Rangeley, Maine area. Please refer to the Lodging page for more information.
WHAT KIND OF BOATS DO YOU USE?
Top Notch Fly Fishing LLC utilizes several different types of water craft, depending on the trip.
Stillwater trips are done with small rowboats or canoes, depending on the location. These craft are very safe, but do require anglers to fish from a stable, seated position throughout the day.
Drift trips are done utilizing an NRS whitewater raft with fishing frame. This boat is setup and fishes similar to a traditional “McKenzie-Style” drift boat. Because many of our popular float destinations lack boat-ramps, we prefer the light weight raft to a hard-bottom boat. The raft is very stable and suited to extreme whitewater conditions (though we have nothing that exciting here). The raft frame is complete with casting platforms and angler braces, and anglers may fish from both seated or standing positions.