Cotter, Arkansas heralds itself as the trout capital of the USA. Nine states including Vermont, NY, NC, PA, and NH, have declared the brook trout as their state fish. And, some folks up north have crowned brookies the Provincial Fish of Nova Scotia. But ask anyone in Rangeley and they’ll unabashedly tell you that their little town in Maine is the undisputed brook trout capital of America.
No doubt, Rangeley is steeped in fly fishing history. An 1877, 15-page article about the Rangeley region published by Harper’s New Monthly Magazine attracted huge publicity, encouraging railroads to expand and tourists to arrive in large numbers. By 1900 there were already over 200 fishing guides in the watershed. Wealthy anglers acquired land and established homes and private camps, a tradition that to some extent has not been broken. Famous guides like Herbie Welch drew tourists, including former President, Herbert Hoover. During the late 1920s and 1930s large hotels were built and many guests brought their own chefs and staff. It was the “Golden Age” of Rangeley.
Other notables include Carrie Stevens. Born before the turn of the 20th century, she became a milliner before working with her husband/guide throughout the early 1900s from her camp on Mooselookmeguntic Lake. She studied the fish and the waters around Rangeley and applied her millinery skills to developing flies that soon became famous – the Blue Charm, Gray Ghost and Golden Witch to name a few. Still in use today, Steven’s flies and appearances on the cover of Field and Stream helped secure Rangeley’s stature as a premier fly fishing destination.
Today Rangeley is much lower key but the tradition of private camps and limited access still persists on sections of its neighboring lakes and rivers. However, guests arriving now have a wide range of lodging options, from luxury living to tent camping. Restaurants are plentiful, the town calendar of events is full and there is a wide range of activities for anyone coming along that doesn’t care to fish. Opportunities for outdoor sports such as boating and biking are nearly unlimited, while hikers can easily find their way to the Appalachian Trail. Winter skiing remains popular with many ski-runs named after legendary river guides and flies.
There are many options for traveling to Rangeley, including:
- Fly to Bangor International Airport and drive for approximately 2 ½ hours
- Fly to Portland International Jetport and drive for approximately 2 ½ hours
- Drive from Boston, approximately 4 hours
- Drive from Manchester, less than 4 hours