By IFW Fisheries Biologist Colin Shankland
It may come as a surprise to many anglers that fantastic stream fishing for wild brook trout can be found in one of the most visited areas of the state. Even though the icy throes of winter are not far away, this spot is deserving of your angling bucket list for the 2018 open water fishing season.
Jordan Stream, in the town of Mount Desert on Mount Desert Island in Hancock County is a crystal-clear stream with a healthy and thriving population of wild brook trout.
Jordan Pond serves as the stream's headwater. This 187-acre pond is well-oxygenated, cold, and deep (150-foot maximum depth) and provides excellent landlocked salmon and lake trout fisheries. Jordan Pond and the upper portion of Jordan Stream lie within the borders of Acadia National Park, while the lower portion of the stream and Little Long Pond, which the stream flows into before reaching the Atlantic, is managed by the Land and Garden Preserve. Little Long Pond is a 22 acre Maine Heritage Brook Trout water and is home to a population of wild brook trout and occasional sea-run brookies. The trout production comes from Jordan Stream which is protected from development due to the unique land ownership surrounding this system.
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Anglers can take advantage of the network of trails and carriage roads along the stream for easy public access to the stream's full one-and-a-half-mile length, as well as all the land surrounding it. Jordan Stream flows through a thick canopy of mature spruce trees, and under the only carriage road bridge on the island built out of round cobblestones- not cut granite from nearby quarries like the other bridges. In 1917, an engineer involved in the construction of the bridge advocated for the use of round cobblestones to more closely match the aesthetics of the stream itself. The trail along the stream is well maintained and includes numerous log bridges, granite stepping stones, and footbridges over the stream. Parking is available at the Jordan Pond House, as well as along Rt. 3 at the outlet of Little Long Pond.
Jordan stream falls 270 vertical feet over its length, with much of the descent occurring in the upstream portion. This significant elevation drop is representative of the mountainous topography of the island and results in many small waterfalls and corresponding pools which offer exceptional habitat for trout. Spawning occurs mainly in the lower portion of the stream where the gradient is less steep and the streambed is comprised of more gravel, and of less boulder and ledge as is seen in the upper section.
Wild brook trout coupled with easy access and spectacular scenery combine to make Jordan Stream one of the region's top spots to wet a line. So, as you plan your angling adventures for 2018, be sure to keep this hidden gem in mind!
