Sea run Browns are another new introduction to the Maine stocking program. This is a great idea. Since you can fish them in tidal water, access is less of a problem. They go to the ocean, fatten up and come back. What could be better? Check the stocking list and see if a nearby river is being stocked. They are already seeing fish as big as 9 lbs! Taken on light tackle these fish are sure to become a major part of the fishery here in maine. They look a lot like the Atlantic Salmon, except the Adipose fin, (little fin back before the tail) is spotted on Browns and not on the Atlantics. Any doubt put it back!
Open Water
Look for sea runs around the area where the salt water meets the fresh. Like their fresh water brethren, sea runs like shelter. They like the cut banks, riffles and structure for hiding. sea runs may spend 2 to 3 years in freshwater before moving downstream to spend a couple of years at the mouth of the river or in nearby marshes and estuaries. Sea runs live up to 15 years or so, and can spend as long as 9 years in the sea. They will respond to much of the same tackle as freshwater browns do. Small spinners, gold and silver spoons, and streamers matching the baitfish patterns do well. In spring try using Rapala type minnows in chartreuse and red patterns. Flies and lures imitating shrimp or small minnows work best. Even small live eels can take sea runs.
