Paddling and Fishing Kidney Pond

August 8, 2021

Hi Blog!

Maine has more waters possessing wild and native brook trout than any state in the lower 48. In fact, it has been listed as the last real bastion of those prized denizens of clear, cool water. One of the best places to try and catch those wild beauties is Baxter State Park. While there are dozens of remote ponds we could hike and canoe around, we felt we would be more comfortable fishing from our own kayaks. We stopped at the ranger station and were given three good locations to pick from. In the end, we chose Kidney Pond. 

The kayak launch is located at the Kidney Pond Campground which boasts 12 rustic cabins for rent. All cabins except #3, #4, and #5 are walk-in. Cabin #12 can only be accessed by a one-mile paddle or hike. These rustic cabins are equipped with beds, a stove for heat, and gas lights. Communal fireplaces are provided for most cabins. Cabins #1, #2, and #12 have a fireplace for outdoor cooking. There are several canoes and kayaks for rent.

We learned that Irving O. Hunt and his brother Lyman began building camps near the Kidney Pond in 1899. They were grandsons of William H. Hunt who built the well known Hunt Farm along the East Branch of the Penobscot River in the 1830s. Irving and Lyman had worked as guides and trappers in the 1880s. Their camps attracted “sports” with an interest in fishing and hunting. When their guests began asking about climbing Katahdin, the Hunts developed a trail to the summit in 1900. The Hunt Trail is the northernmost section of the Appalachian Trail which ends at the summit of Katahdin.

As we pulled away from the launch, we got our first view of Katahdin. With the recent warm weather, we expected the fish to be in the deepest part of the lake. Kidney Pond is designated for fly fishing only.

As we trolled back and forth across the pond, we encountered a pair of loons. Here is Momma Loon with a baby in tow.

A hiking trail circles Kidney Pond. There are a number of canoe landings. This landing leads to a connector trail that will take a hiker from Kidney Pond over to Celia Pond and Jackson Pond.

When the clouds lift, we are treated to views of the mountains beyond.

While the fishing was slow, the photo opportunities were numerous.

Below, Kathy finds a quiet spot to tie on a new fly. We tried a number of different combinations, but nothing seemed to work.

Despite the warm weather, we have been starting to see the first signs of Fall color.

While we didn't catch any fish, we did find a sea serpent.

There were plenty of pretty wildflowers along the shore line.

Of course there were rocks --

-- lots and lots --

-- of rocks!

After paddling to the far side of the lake, we discovered Cabin 12 complete with its own canoe.

We leave you with three dragon flies doing something only dragon flies do.

After taking a break for lunch, we tried one more time to cast about for trout, but had no better luck. We called it quits and headed back to camp. Not to worry, we didn't go hungry. We had some smoked trout from Grindstone Neck Smokehouse, near the campground where we stayed in Winter Harbor, hidden in the freezer for just such an emergency.