Some Important Notes…

• In order to preserve these unique and fragile fisheries, Kennebec River Outfitters has a strict Catch-and-Release policy applicable to all Salmonids (see note) during all Guided trips. If you do not own, or forget to bring a camera, affordable disposable cameras will be available at the shop. In addition, all of our Guides carry cameras and will be glad to send you a picture of that special moment!
  
  Note: As a result of illegal stockings in the upper Kennebec system, Smallmouth Bass can now be found in areas once barren of this non-native and aggressive species. The future of our native (and legally introduced) wild salmonids has been put at risk by these reckless acts perpetrated by selfish so-called "Sportsmen". As such, we have instructed our guides to kill all smallmouth bass.
  
  

• All of our guide boats are outfitted with "fish-friendly" nets that utilize rubber net bags (as opposed to traditional cloth) that will not harm fish. In addition, we require our clients to use "barbless" hooks at all times (or those with the barb crushed down) to help reduce accidental mortality (you'll just have to pay more attention to landing your fish!). Lastly, "Treble" style hooks will not be allowed on any waters during guided trips.
  
  

• While Maine law prohibits the sale of lead weights under a certain size (i.e., typical "Trout" tackle), anglers may still legally use them. However, in order to protect the resources and the fish, birds, animals, and people who use them, we do not allow lead weights in conjunction with any guided trips. If you do not have "lead-free" split shot, it will be available in the shop (all guides carry "tin" shot).
  
  

• Our boats allow us to cover a lot of river in a given day (typically between 4 and 8 miles). As such you will be asked to yield to all wading anglers (their options are much more limited than ours!). As you approach a wading angler, your guide will request that you refrain from casting until beyond reasonable "walking distance" of the anglers.
  
  

• Studded wading boots wreak havoc with the floors of driftboats, rafts and canoes! As such, they will not be allowed for any trips that involve these types of watercraft. They are however allowed (and are in fact recommended) for Wade trips on most of the Kennebec. If needed, we stock a broad range of "boat-friendly" wading boots. We also have felt-sole loaner boots available upon request.
  
  

• In addition to our standard rental rods (5 and 6-Weight Sage DS2 Outfits), we maintain an inventory of top-quality "Demo" Rod Outfits (Sage XP amd Winston WT) that may be used for free in conjunction with our guided trips. If there is something that you would like to "Test Drive", please let us know in advance.
  
  

• All of our watercraft is outfitted with three quality Type III life jackets (and one Type IV "throwable" boat cushion). Although not required by law, we encourage anglers to wear a life jacket at all times when in the boat (and actually require that the customer wear them on certain stretches of water). Please yield to the safety requests of your guide. (Note that children under 10 years of age must wear a life jacket at all times.)
  
  

• For safety reasons, Kennebec River Outfitters requires protective "Glasses" for all Guided trips (must be worn by both Guides and "Sports" when anyone in the boat is actively fishing). If you do not own a pair, or forget to bring them, affordable (as well as top-quality!) Polarized Sun Glasses will be available at the shop. We also stock loaner glasses for emergencies.
  
  

• In order to ensure that our clients get the most enjoyable, educational and safest trip possible, we limit each Driftboat or Raft to no more than two "Sports" plus one Guide. For trips that do not involve our Driftboats or Raft (Wade, Float Tube, etc.), we will accommodate groups of up to four "Sports" per Guide.