Chick Hill Guide Service

​A Maine bass fishing, trout fishing, canoeing and upland hunting guide service located in central Maine in Clifton. Fish for smallmouth bass out of a boat, wade Grand Lake Stream for brook trout and landlocked salmon, troll for landlocked salmon after ice-out, remote pond fish for native brook trout, canoe the Allagash Wilderness Waterway, or hunt ruffed grouse and woodcock with dogs. For 2021 we will be offering limited lost big game tracking services with our dogs. We are within a 45 minute drive of Bar Harbor and Acadia national park which is perfect for a full or half day trip. We are close to beautiful Grand Lake Stream, home to some of the best smallmouth bass fishing and upland bird hunting in Maine.

Smallmouth bass fishing from a boat

Smallmouth are ferocious fighters, and will readily take any fly or lure. The nearby Penobscot river and local lakes are full of them. Many of these lakes also contain largemouth bass. Prime time is Memorial day to late July as the bass start to spawn and 50 plus fish days are not uncommon. We use flies, poppers, lures of all sorts. We fish out of our 21 ft Freighter canoe.

Upland hunting with dogs

​Chase ruffed grouse and woodcock in over 4 million acres of logging trails and endless areas to hunt. We are in the direct flight path of migrating woodcock which can make for some great shooting days. We hunt with our dogs or yours, or a combination. We hunt Rockwood, Jackman, Allagash, the North Maine Woods, and Grand Lake Stream.

Wade fish Grand Lake Stream

​Come fish three mile long Grand Lake Stream for landlocked salmon and brook trout. Best time to fish the stream is mid-May to mid-July, and mid-September until the 25th of October. 

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Ice-out trolling for landlocked salmon

​We troll for landlocked salmon, brook trout, and lake trout (togue) during the period after ice out when the fish come into the shallows to feed on spawning smelt. We troll in the traditional way with fly rods and tandem streamer flies.

Fish remote ponds for native brook trout

We fish Nesowadnehunk and surrounding areas, ponds near Moosehead Lake, Oxbow, and Debouille. Involves a stay at a Maine Sporting Camp or remote camp site due to distance, two day minimum. All food, gear, boats, included.

Canoe the Allagash Wilderness Waterway

We guide small, private groups on the Allagash. We put in at the Umsaskis ranger station and conduct a 5 day, 4 night, 53 mile trip, all on the Allagash river, ending up in Allagash village where the vehicles are parked. All meals, camping fees, gate fees, shuttle fees and day usage fees included. 2 portages (Long Lake dam, Allagash falls).  In-reach capability for weather and outside contact. Fishing, hiking, wildlife watching at it's best!

Lost big game tracking

This year, 2021, we offer lost big game tracking with our Deutsch Drahthaar, Sam, from Vom Kervinshof Kennels. 

Your guide, Mike Hegarty

Mike Hegarty is the owner and operator of Chick Hill Guide Service. After 40 years of active service in the United States Navy, Mike now guides full time in the beautiful state of Maine. He has been taking folks out hunting and fishing most of his life, and came to Maine 10 years ago and started his guide business. Licensed for hunting, fishing, recreation, small boat operator, big game blood tracking, and is fully insured. Active member of the Grand Lake Stream Guide's Association, Maine Professional Guide's Association, Maine Wilderness Guide's Organization, and United Blood Trackers.  

Reviews

What a pleasure it was spending a day on the Penobscot River. The river’s tranquil beauty and excitement of catching fish with friend Nancy C. made for a great day! Our expert guide Mike Hegarty provided all the equipment necessary, a boat load of enthusiasm, encouragement and helpful tips. There wasn’t a care in the world except to enjoy the picnic lunch, company, conversation and laughs! Thanks Mike for making the day fun and memorable! I highly recommend Chick Hill Guide Service for its attention and commitment to provide clients with an exceptional experience!"

"Retired Navy Captain Mike Hegarty was just the guide to safely orient me and my 3 sons 21, 19 and 14 to upland bird hunting. Good basic gun safety and awesome bird dogs Duke, Jake, Kaleigh and puppy Sam worked the covers in different but complimentary styles at Mike's command. Despite being late in the season and rainy, Mike helped the boys bag their first Woodcock and Grouse. We will be back for birds next Fall and the boys want to have Mike introduce them to fly fishing next Spring!"

Rates

​We request a $100 deposit to hold your trip. 
Boat fishing- $375 day (2 people). Lunch and gear provided. $250 half day. 
​Upland bird hunting for grouse and woodcock - $400 day, lunch included
Wade fish Grand Lake Stream - $400 a day for up to two people
Ice-out trolling - $375 day (two people). Lunch included. Dress warm!!
Canoe the Allagash - call for pricing.
Remote fishing - $500 a day, two day minimum.
Lost big game tracking - donation appreciated.