Messalonskee or great pond

[fishcaptain1]

Looking to come up from the Seacoast of nh in a couple weeks to do a little fishing  trying to figure out witch lake might be better for a mixed bag of fish would love to catch a few white perch and crappie along with maybe a pike to go along with it. We fish messalonskee during open water for pike and usually do well but have never fished great pond open water or ice. And have never fished messalonskee through the ice wondering what your thought are on this and also how the ice is we have very little along the ocean down here
Thanks again for the help

[Jim_C.]

There was a foot of ice on Maranacook Lake on the 4th.  That's not too far from  the Belgrades.  However, conditions may vary, especially on Messalonskee.  I don't get to fish there often.  Maybe someone more in the know will chime in with info.

[Stealurfish]

I can’t comment regarding the fishing on Great Pond, but will say after living on Messo for 4 years it is hands down one of the more dangerous lakes to ice fish on.   The ice thickness varies and unless you really know the lake or are with someone experienced With the safe areas, you should really rethink hard water fishing on Messalonskee. 

That said, we’ve had lots of success catching pike this year, but the majority being caught are small fish.  Seems strange because a few years ago, we were pulling monsters from the lake.

Good luck and tight lines... 

[woodchip]

Because of all the excess rain we have had .This year is a very dangerous ,All fishermen should have a local that knows the lake well  Springs and excess current  cause thin ice in open area .They skim over at night and with a little snow it all looks the same..

[brookmaster]

we fished Great Pond Saturday, 10" of ice had to drive around 2 pressure ridges. caught a 3lb white and smaller ones, a 10lb pike, and some smaller ones of those to.

[caught_the_fever]

we fished Great Pond Saturday, 10" of ice had to drive around 2 pressure ridges. caught a 3lb white and smaller ones, a 10lb pike, and some smaller ones of those to.

Good warning re: Great Pond.   Some areas will remain open despite temps; I've seen some snowmobilers skimming that open water while fishing and hoped for the best as I was there to fish, not rescue someone seeking a thrill.