North Maine Woods
P.O. Box 421
Ashland, Maine 04732
(207) 435-6213

The Sportsman's Innkeeper in Northwestern Maine
Multiple Ownership Area
Under Multiple Use Management

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Planning the Trip

Early in May the trip is cool with high water, and in June the water may be low with more blackflies, more wildlife and perhaps better fishing. In the past few years, 70% of the yearly canoeing traffic has occurred during the week surrounding Memorial Day. The weather can be varied. One year parties were swimming in 75 degree weather on May 20th, and the next year during the same week it was 30 degrees and snowing. Preparation for either extreme should be considered. Good canoeing is possible at times throughout the summer. A couple of days of heavy rain will raise the water level for up to a week. If your schedule is flexible, then trips at these times are best. Parties generally have the river and campsites to themselves. The water level may change radically due to rain in the headwaters so tie canoes and move all gear away from the shore. A rise of three feet in one night is not uncommon. We suggest an extra day in your schedule if possible to allow for an upriver wind or bad weather. It is also recommended that at least one occupant of each canoe have experience with fast water and rapids. The following equipment should be considered:

• Life jackets (1 USCG approved PFD per person in canoes required by law.)
• Spare paddle
• Bow and stern lines
• Spray cover and plastic bags for gear
• Flashlight, ax, maps, waterproof matches, compass, pocket knife, patching materials, fly repellent (even in the earliest of May), rain gear, change of clothing, first aid kit, extra food.

Camping is allowed only at authorized (designated) campsites along the river. These are shown on the enclosed map.

Maps and Other Helpful Information

1. U.S. Geological Survey Topographical Maps in 7.5 minute quadrangles as listed:

47069 -

• A1 Allagash
• A2 Big Rapids
• A3 Schoolhouse Rapids
• A4 Rocky Mountain SW

46069 -

• H4 Big Black Rapids
• G4 Blue Brook
• G5 Seven Islands
• F5 Ugh Lake
• F6 Nine Mile Bridge
• F7 Maryl Pond
• E8 Eastman Brook
• D7 Doucie Brook
• D8 Baker Lake NW
• C8 Baker Lake
• B7 Spruce Brook
• B8 St. John Pond Depot

These are available at many sporting goods stores and from The Map Store, 130 Nutting Hall, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469 or U.S. Geological Survey, Distribution Section, Federal Center, Building 41, Box 25286, Denver, Colorado 80225.

2. The Appalachian Mountain Club has available its AMC Guide-Northeast New England Volume 1. It is a good reference available at many bookstores or by writing the club at 5 Joy St., Boston, MA 02108.

3. This St. John River Pocket Guide is intended to be a supplement to the North Maine Woods Guide rules and regulations plus a larger scale detailed map of the northern Maine area. It is available from the North Maine Woods office.

4. North Maine Woods annual listing of flying services, outfitters and guide services serving this area is available from our office upon request.

Access

Since the best time to do this trip is May or early June, there is always a question whether road access is possible due to snow, mud, or other road conditions. We recommend you contact us or some other authority before leaving on your trip.

The most used access points are listed below:

1. Fifth St. John Pond - Fly in is possible or use road access via Great Northern Paper Inc. West Branch Region. Information on Land Use and Camping in the West Branch Region is available by writing West Branch Region, Great Northern Paper Inc., Box 240, Millinocket, ME 04462.
2. Baker Lake - Road access via Caucomgonac checkpoint or St. Aurelie*. Vehicles must leave through checkpoint used for entry. Fly-in is also possible.
3. Moody Bridge - This location is accessible via the Daaquam*, Quebec or Six-Mile (Ashland) checkpoints. Vehicles approaching from either point must leave in the same direction.
4. Priestly Bridge - This location is accessible through the St. Pamphile*, Allagash or Dickey checkpoints.
5. Down River (Northern) sites are accessible through Dickey, St. Pamphile*, and Estcourt* checkpoints.

*Please note that border gate hours are limited by U.S. and Canadian Customs hours. Please check the North Maine Woods Sportsman's Map Rules & Regulations folder for schedules of operation of customs and checkpoints.

Emergencies

Help and assistance in an emergency can best be obtained by contacting people in the Maine Warden Service (Fisheries & Wildlife), Forest Service (Dept. of Conservation), or landowner representatives, all of whom have radio contact with people who can obtain help. Although the access points listed previously are probably the best opportunity to do this, for the most part, you are responsible for your own safety and comfort.

 

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