In the sport of fly fishing, few things match the beauty and simplicity of native brook trout. From the places they call home to their vibrant colors and their willingness to eat a fly, brookies are, in many ways, the perfect fish. Recently, we came across Native Brookies, a film by Old Town. This legacy brand is synonymous with exploring the great outdoors, and that is exactly what they set out to do in this film. Deep in the Maine wilderness, they paddled into the heart of brook trout country, exploring the history and importance of this iconic fish.
We sat down with Old Town’s own Ryan Lily to learn more about the making of this incredible film. Ryan has been with Old Town for almost nine years, working his way to his current role as Brand Evangelist (translating all things creative and marketing for the brand). Located in Hampden, Maine, he is at the heart of the last wild brook trout stronghold. Join us as we learn about Maine brook trout fishing and this epic film.
What was the goal in making this film?
To be succinct, The Old Town Watercraft Presents film series aimed to highlight iconic gamefish, places, people, and the unique conservation stories behind each fishery.
How did this film turn into a reality?
Over the last five years, we’ve invested in representing our passionate community. Folks have used our watercraft to fish all over North America for many species. We wanted to tell the story behind the places, people, and species behind these epic adventures. Furthermore, we recognize the extraordinary efforts behind the conservation and maintenance, and in some cases, the establishment of an iconic fishery. As a leader within our space, we wanted to use our brand to celebrate and educate folks on the motivation behind targeting and conserving these fisheries. Ultimately, we want to encourage people to get out there to experience the awe of the great outdoors with a deeper appreciation.
Can you tell us about the film’s characters?
In Native Brookies, we introduce three perspectives: a Maine Guide, a retired Game Warden, and Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife biologists.
Maine guide Blaine Bronson grew up fishing for brook trout and now, after years of honing his craft, offers guided experience in the remote wilderness to target the species he loves so much.
Retired Game Warden Roger Guay dedicated his entire career to protecting Maine’s natural resources. As a warden and passionate brook trout angler, he chose his district (northern Piscatiquis County) because of the sheer volume of native trout waters. He committed himself to conserving the species and habitat for his kids and future generations to enjoy.
Maine Department of Fish & Wildlife Commissioner Judy Camuso and her team of wildlife biologists, including Tim Obrey and Liz Thorndike, are charged with conserving and maintaining Maine’s various fisheries, including brook trout. They explain their work to understand what needs to happen, from regulations to stocking, to preserve the trout population and habitat.
What do brook trout mean to you?
As a Mainer, fishing brook trout connects me to a rich sporting heritage. They are gorgeous and delicious and usually take me to incredible and adventurous places.
What is the cultural importance of brook trout to Maine?
Maine’s sporting heritage is rich. Folks have come to Maine searching for large brook trout and salmon since the mid-1800s, a driving force behind our tourism industry, from which many Mainers have benefited. Aside from tourism, Mainers are hardy, adventurous folks who cherish time in the wilderness. Brook trout take you to some of the most memorable places within the state, and the experiences are passed on from generation to generation.
Why is brook trout protection so critical, and what is being done to protect brook trout in Maine?
As one of Maine’s few “heritage fish species,” and since Maine is the last native brook trout stronghold in the lower 48, it must be stewarded well. The Maine Department of IF&W continues to do a great job through regulations, stocking programs, and habitat protections. It will require continued collaboration between the public and state agencies to maintain and steward.
What is it about brook trout that is so compelling to you and to the audience?
Although I grew up catching small brook trout in the stream beside my house in suburban Southern Maine, the usual places you find a handsome, mature native brook trout are in the remote reaches of Maine. It requires adventure and some skill to land a good one. We wanted to capture this in our film and show people what brook trout fishing is all about. In other words, the film serves as a message to inspire people to get out and explore what Maine has to offer.
Was there a key message you hoped viewers would take away from this film? If so, what was it?
If you love it, preserve it so future generations can also love it.
What opportunities does fishing from a canoe for brook trout offer that anglers otherwise may miss out on?
Although you’re able to catch a brook trout wade-fishing a stream or river, trolling Maine lakes from a fishing boat, or casting from a dock of a cold-water pond, a canoe unlocks access to remote lakes and ponds where you’re unable to fish effectively from shore or unable to launch a fishing boat. Many of the best brook trout waters can only be fished by canoe–and man, we have many remote brook trout waters in this state!
If someone has never fished for brook trout, what can they expect?
Brook trout fishing is best in spring, from ice-out to July, and again in early fall. My favorite way to fish for trout is with a fly rod – a 3 to 5-weight rod with floating line – with an assortment of streamers and dry flies. My favorite flies for Maine native brook trout are as follows: Gray Ghost, Golden Retriever, Muddler Minnow, Stimulator, White Wulff, Caddis, and Adams. It always helps to do a little research to understand what the fish are eating when you plan to go.
I recommend hiring a guide because Maine is a big state with a lot of water. Many Maine fishing guides offer half or full-day experiences and will provide the best chance for you to have a great experience, knowing exactly where to go and what to throw.
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