Outdoors
The BDN outdoors section brings readers into the woods, waters and wild places of Maine. It features stories on hunting, fishing, wildlife, conservation and recreation, told by people who live these experiences. This section emphasizes hands-on knowledge, field reports, issues, trends and the traditions that define life outside in Maine. Read more Outdoors stories here. 

The weeks after ice-out are prime time for trout and salmon fishing in Maine.

While many anglers rely on live smelts, tandem streamer flies or classic lures like DB Smelts and Mooselook Wobblers, several Maine companies are producing lures that catch plenty of fish of their own.

I reached out to four Maine lure makers and asked them to send me their best catches from the last month, along with the lure that caught them.

Here’s what they sent.

Pine State Sports Supply

Owned by Justin Blouin and based in Lisbon, Pine State Sports Supply was founded in 2023. The company offers several styles of spoons and plugs designed to imitate smelt, dace, shiners, alewives and other baitfish. All trolling spoons are made by hand.

The Harry Lure 

The Harry Lure is owned by Adam Bergeron. Founded by Harry Ellison, the lure was developed on New Hampshire’s Lake Winnipesaukee. Bergeron moved the company to Kennebunk and began stamping lures there in March 2024. Unlike traditional concave spoons, the flat lure is designed to swing side to side and flash light as it moves through the water.

Northeast Troller

Founded by Christian Carlson in 2016, Northeast Troller produces custom trolling and casting spoons from its shop in Thorndike. Carlson, who is also a taxidermist, began making spoons as a passion project and thank-you gift for his clients. The spoons are CAD-designed, painted and assembled in Thorndike, and tested on the water before production.

Dream Catcher Lures 

Dream Catcher Lures are made by Jesse Dicker in Lincoln. Established in 2020, the company produces a variety of lures for salmon, lake trout and other species.

Its lineup includes a smelt series, trout casting and trolling spoons, dodgers, jerkbaits, bass poppers, jigs and worm-bait rigs.

Earlier this spring, Registered Maine Guides Jake Rackliff and Adam Bergeron landed a 10-pound rainbow trout on a Dream Catcher Lures Solid Pink UV.

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – The average gas price in Massachusetts has fallen by 10 cents from last week, now averaging $4.29 per gallon.

This decline occurs despite ongoing disruptions in global oil markets and overseas conflict.

According to AAA Northeast, the average gas price in Massachusetts is 17 cents lower than one month ago. However, prices remain $1.30 higher than the same day last year and 13 cents above the national average.

Petroleum markets remain unsettled as negotiations to end the war in Iran continue. The conflict in Iran has entered its 15th week, contributing to market instability. U.S. crude inventories are currently at their lowest levels since mid-February.