2 min read

D’s Camps is open for smelt fishing on the frozen Cathance River in Bowdoinham. The O’Brien utilized a shack Jan. 28 for their first time fishing for smelt. Others also braved the cold as temperatures dipped into the teens. The shacks are heated with wood stoves.

The camps offer veterans half off fishing rental on Wednesdays.

Charlie O’Brien, 12, left, along with her brother Ollie O’Brien 5, and dad John O’Brien of Lisbon carry gear as they arrive to fish for smelt at D’s Camps on the frozen Cathance River in Bowdoinham.
Smelt fisherman Jeff Morrill of Gray returns to the warmth of a shack he shares with brother Bill Morrill of Durham.
Smelt fisherman carry gear as they arrive at D’s Camps.
Derek Saxon, owner of D’s Camps, walks across the ice.
Smelt fisherman Jeff Morrill of Gray prepares his line while fishing.
Smelt fisherman Jeff Morrill of Gray, right, prepares his line while fishing with his brother Bill Morrill of Durham.
John O’Brien of Lisbon breaks out snacks to share with his daughter Charlie O’Brien, 12, right, and son Ollie O’Brien, 5, as they fish.
Bob Lawler, a veteran from Lisbon Falls, checks his fishing line Jan. 28 as Charlie O’Brien, 12, of Lisbon, does handicrafts while fishing for smelt with O’Brien’s brother Ollie O’Brien, 5, and dad John O’Brien, also a veteran.
Open water borders D’s Camps, left, as the sun set over the frozen Cathance River in Bowdoinham. Temps dipped into the high teens Jan. 28.
Smelt fisherman enjoy the ice as the sun sets.

Rich is a career photojournalist and writer who got his start in newspapers in 1987 at the Fort Morgan Times in Colorado. His appreciation for photography and stories began as a kid while watching slide...

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