Opening my mailbox in the morning sometimes is like Christmas. Thanks, Richard!

Tom Remington

Hat tip to The Adventurist.

A friend of mine used to do a lot of work as a graphic artist and much of his work appeared on T-Shirts sold in Maine and then abroad as their popularity grew. Several of his designs became very popular and I believe it was him that used the “Maine State Bird” on a T-Shirt. The one I do remember vividly is “Black Flies Don’t Bite They Suck”.

Evidently there are bad things that come with the good when it comes to cleaning up our rivers and streams - black flies. It appears these 2,000-plus species of blood sucking insects are finicky when it comes to where the female fly decides to drop her eggs that have been nourished with your blood.

Many people believe these bugs thrive in standing, stagnant and even murky, dirty water. That actually closely describes where mosquitoes breed but black flies prefer pristine, fast-moving water.

Many of Maine’s rivers used to be very dirty, polluted from paper mills and municipal runoff which included raw sewerage. Over the past 30 years, we have made great strides in cleaning up our waters and as a result we now are seeing more abundant black flies and the pesky creatures are showing up in places many of us never saw them before.

I grew up on one of America’s ten dirtiest rivers, the Androscoggin. Not so now. The area where I now spend my summers, the Upper Androscoggin, is a decent place to go fishing for rainbow, brown and brook trout, as well as bass. The state record rainbow was caught on this river near here.

Of course as we watched the river clear up, stop stinking and become a bit more user friendly, we also witnessed more and more fish, birds and other wildlife. According to an article yesterday in the Boston Globe, much of the return of the fish and wildlife is also due to the return of the black fly.

Unlike mosquitoes, which breed in stagnant pools, black flies like clear running water. The adult female typically mates with males in midair before seeking a blood meal to nourish eggs. The female then deposits the eggs in flowing water, where they hatch into larvae. But the running water must be nearly pristine: Black flies are incredibly sensitive to pollution.

This helps explain what happens when hardcore fishermen venture deep into prime wild brook trout territory only to emerge a quart or two low on blood and demand a very large and raw beef steak. Brook trout and black flies seem to make a good combination as far as survivability goes. Both like clear and cold water, so when you find prime trout fishing you also are apt to find prime blood sucking by black flies. This helps ensure the survivability of the brook trout as whimpy casters dare not venture into these areas.

According to the same article in the Globe, Maine has no intentions of doing anything to slow down or stop the growth of the black fly. They are still enjoying the successes of cleaning up their waters and aren’t much interested in dumping things back into them in order to kill black flies. Pennsylvania, it’s reported, spends $6 million annually to rid the state of the pesky suckers.

I guess then it would be prudent to inform readers that the next time you are swatting and batting at nasty biting black flies, itching and scratching until your skin falls off, think about how clean your water must be and the great job we have done getting to a point where we all must suffer from the results.

Yippee!

Tom Remington

This week, a report from the North Country, where Fish and Game biologists and partners are hard at work trying to learn more about the movements of brook trout and smallmouth bass…and dodging raindrops to get in some late-spring fishing, too.

Stocking report: http://wildlife.state.nh.us/Fishing/fish_stock_current.htm.

Purchase your fishing license online at http://www.FishNH.com, or from any Fish and Game license agent. Why not bring a new fishing buddy on your next trip! Don’t forget — kids under 16 fish free in N.H.

Kids Fishing Photo Contest: Here’s extra incentive to take your camera along when you fish with the youngsters this summer! Fish and Game is co-sponsoring a kids fishing photo contest with NH-based Kidz Rule USA magazine. A great snapshot of your under-age-13 child or grandchild with his or her catch could win the grand prize: a guided NH fishing trip, to be filmed for Fish and Game’s MyOutdoors on MyTV! To enter, follow the instructions at http://www.kidzruleusa.com.

For past fishing reports and all your NH fishing info, visit Fish and Game’s fishing page at http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Fishing/fishing.htm.

If you know someone who might like to sign up for the Fishing Report, send them to http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Inside_FandG/join_mail_list.htm.

Fish New Hampshire and relax… We have what you’re looking for.

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A Day with Dianne:
MONITORING THE MOVEMENTS OF EASTERN BROOK TROUT AND SMALLMOUTH BASS

By Shari Rosenberg, seasonal staff, Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge, and Dianne Timmins, coldwater project leader, Region 1/Lancaster

We’ve had nothing but rain in the North Country. Temperatures are increasing along with the rain and mugginess. Stocking is right on schedule, with remote ponds getting stocked this week. So break out your hiking gear and float tubes and hit the ponds. The hatches have been broken up slightly by the rain, but are squeezing in heavy when it stops. Also, there is nothing like fishing Cedar Pond in Milan and Martin Meadow after the rain. The surface is like glass and you can see the rises from across the pond.

Don’t neglect the rivers, either. (The water levels have been fluctuating, so be careful.) If you hit it right, the salmon, rainbows and browns have been hitting all up and down the Androscoggin. Try a flying ant pattern or a small midge. The black flies, mosquitoes, and deer flies have been the worst we’ve seen, but you never seem to notice when you have a 23″ brown or rainbow trout on!

Although most of our readers probably go fishing as a way to relax, Dianne Timmins, Region I Fisheries Biologist for New Hampshire Fish and Game, goes fishing for an entirely different reason. Dianne is in her fourth year of an ongoing study to learn about the migration patterns and habitat overlap of eastern brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis). Her latest addition to this study includes monitoring habitat overlap by smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) in the Magalloway and Diamond Rivers. To Dianne and her hard-working team of scientists, every trout or bass caught is a clue to how these fish behave and interact. After completing the study, they hope to understand brook trout behavior, habitat needs, and interspecies relationships in order to protect brook trout populations into the future.

According to Dianne, brook trout are in decline in their native range, which stretches from Maine to Georgia. The Diamond River is one of the few natural, large rivers that hosts wild brook trout. Unfortunately, smallmouth bass were illegally introduced into Lake Umbagog in the late 1980s, and have since spread throughout the region. The populations are monitored by placing radio transmitters in caught fish (”tagging” them) and then releasing them back into the river so they can be tracked over an extended period of time. By studying trout behavior in a natural river, she has learned how they behave without human interference (dams) in the waterway. This information can be used in designing better restoration projects within “closed systems” (where movement is restricted by structure, such as a dam) to create a better environment for fish to flourish.

So far, the study has made the surprising discovery that between breeding, feeding, and wintering, some of the brook trout migrated over fifty miles in this natural system! In 2005, the weather was hot and dry, and most of the tagged fish left the main rivers for cooler waters prior to spawning. The average distance traveled by the fish during this time was 3.98 miles. In 2006, the weather pattern was wet and cool with severe flooding. This group of tagged fish moved more in the summer (2.77 miles) than in autumn (0.99 miles). These same fish moved the most during the winter dispersal phase (3.33 miles). We used leftover tags in 2007 and were able to track the fish into October before the batteries in the tags died.

Unlike in 2005, the weather conditions for fish in 2007 were ideal: there was not a tremendous amount of rain, and air temperatures were relatively cool throughout the summer. The average seasonal migration distances calculated for the tagged fish in 2007 demonstrates this. The fish traveled much shorter distances than in previous years, and they stayed in the Diamond River system throughout spawning. The average distance in autumn was 0.44 miles, and we were able to observe and document spawning in the Diamond River system for the first time. The previous year’s data was inconclusive in that respect. Nonetheless, the study was able to determine that there is still a viable population of trout in the Dead Diamond River. These findings are currently being used to show the need for connectivity for migrating trout in dam-controlled waterways.

So, when you see one of those flyers encouraging anglers to return tagged fish to the river, you can understand why it’s so important that everyone helps out in the effort to better understand our natural environment. Although Dianne and her team are making tremendous progress in better understanding the fish populations in the area, ultimately, she relies on everyone who spends time on the water to help her make a difference. For more information, call Dianne Timmins at 603-788-3164.

Posted by Tom Remington

Region A – Southwestern Maine

Another reminder to the angling public: The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife’s Fisheries Division is planning two informational meetings on proposed regulation changes intended to consolidate the Ice Fishing and Open Water Fishing law books. The first meeting will be at 7 p.m. Monday, June 23 at the Gray Regional Office, 358 Shaker Road in Gray, and the second will be at 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 25 at the Sidney Regional Office, 270 Lyons Road, in Sidney. Additional information regarding the specific proposals is available on the Departments web site www.mefishwildlife.com under the “News and Events” link.

Fishing on the region’s largest lake – Sebago Lake — continues to be productive for both salmon and togue, and angler use remains fairly high. Adult salmon are making a strong showing in the catch, but a higher proportion of sublegal salmon are being caught. Some outstanding catches of lake trout also are being reported to our census clerk, Bill Yeo. One boat recently caught 20 togue, and boats with 10 togue or more are not uncommon.

Fishing for salmon on Sebago has been very good the last few years. Some experienced anglers report that the lake has recently produced some of the best salmon fishing, particularly in terms of overall size quality, in the last 40-60 years. In response to these significant improvements in the fishery, we have fielded some interesting theories about why the lake is now producing so many large salmon. In an effort to dispel these rumors I will briefly explain some of the management philosophy that has contributed to the development of this quality salmon fishery.

First and foremost, an abundance of smelt is critical to optimizing salmon growth and survival to large size. Only where salmon growth is optimized can salmon of large size quality be produced in any numbers. As a Classic Salmon water, the management focus on Sebago is on improving salmon size quality, sometimes at the expense of higher salmon catch rates associated with higher salmon densities.

In the past, the stocking of large numbers of hatchery salmon on top of existing wild production created competition between wild and stocked salmon for smelt and prevented optimal salmon growth. Additionally an abundance of wild lake trout heavily influences smelt abundance. Annually assessing wild salmon production in the Crooked River and significantly scaled back stocking of hatchery salmon has maintained lake salmon densities lower than in the past thus favoring salmon growth and survival as well as better fishing for larger salmon. We have also encouraged the harvest of lake trout through a variety of techniques, including liberalized regulations.

Anglers interested in a more through discussion of stocking rates and other issues related to the management of salmon in Sebago are encouraged to read the Sebago Lake Salmon Management Plan, which is available on the Department’s web site.

– Francis Brautigam, Regional Fishery Biologist, Gray

Region B – Central Maine

Bass clubs began their derby season June 1, but for the Region B fishery staff the season always begins with the annual Father’s Day derby held on Androscoggin Lake. We’ve been collecting bass data during these derbies for over 20 years. These derbies provide an excellent opportunity for us to collect both angler information and bass data in a very short period of time. We need only be present for a couple of hours at the weigh-in to gather data on upwards of 100 anglers and collect biological data on 100 bass. We first began attending these derbies because of our concerns, and public concerns, that these large derbies would adversely effect the bass population. Although there are annual fluctuations, the bass fisheries remain fairly stable in the five waters we’ve routinely studied over the years.

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all the bass clubs for their cooperation during our surveys.

An informational meeting regarding fishing regulation changes for 2010 will be held at the Sidney Regional Office on Wednesday June 25 at 7 p.m.. The office is located at 270 Lyons Road just west of the 120 exit of the interstate. Details of these changes were reported last week in this column and with other various press releases. The proposed changes are intended to provide anglers with increased fishing opportunities and to simplify the regulation booklet while protecting fisheries resources.

– James Lucas, Fisheries Biologist, Sidney

Region C – Downeast

For the second summer in a row, the fisheries staff in the Jonesboro office has been putting forth a massive effort to survey as many brooks and streams as possible in our region. With many of these streams, we have no documented information about habitat, fish species present, or if any barriers to fish passage exist (perched culverts, dams, etc.) We are also interested in documenting which streams have brook trout populations. Last year our regional staff and our Eastern Brook Trout Joint Venture crew surveyed over 215 streams in Washington and Hancock counties.

The most valuable tool utilized by fisheries biologists when conducting stream surveys is electrofishing. In simple terms the electrofishing unit sends direct current (DC) electricity through the water, momentarily stunning any fish within range (a few feet around the electrode). The pulse rate at which this current travels can be set, and this pulsing causes any fish to rapidly swim toward the unit where they can be netted. The fish recover quickly, and after all necessary biological information is collected, they are released alive back into the water.

For work in small streams the biologists employ a backpack unit electrofishing unit. The operator wears the unit on a pack frame on his/her back and is joined by a netter who is responsible for scooping up all of the fish that enter the electrical field. If we were to simply stand on the bank and look into the water, we would never see the majority of fish present. If we were to set nets or minnow traps it would take a number of days to obtain fish and we would miss many fish. Electrofishing provides a highly productive method to sample a section of a couple hundred feet, through various habitat types, in a short amount of time. We can generally sample each stream site in two hours, including collecting length and weight data from any fish we catch, performing culvert assessments, and conducting water quality analysis.

People may question why we need to invest time and energy into surveying small, overgrown, essentially “un-fishable” streams. Well, in most cases these streams are literally tiny natural brook trout hatcheries. They are important because they contain spawning habitat, riffle areas for juveniles, and cold-water refuge areas. Many of these streams are tributaries furnishing trout to larger rivers or streams, or even dump directly into the ocean and may be sites where sea-run brook trout contribute to the resident population in the stream.

Along with the regional staff, a two-person crew, consisting of Amy Preble and Josh Kuester, has been surveying multiple streams every day. Their number one priority is to survey and assess as many brooks and streams as possible. This work is made possible thanks to a large-scale effort, headed in Maine by Merry Gallagher of our Bangor office, to document the occurrence of brook trout known as the Eastern Brook Trout Joint Venture Project. By summer’s end we hope to have new survey information for at least 150 brooks, rivers, and streams in the region. Based on past sampling, we expect to see that wild brook trout occur in a very high percentage of these streams, verifying Maine as the last stronghold for brook trout on the east coast.

– Joe Overlock, Fisheries Biologist Specialist, Jonesboro

Region D – Western Mountains

The Androscoggin River was, until fairly recently, so polluted that it was a place to avoid, rather than a destination for recreation. With dramatic improvements in water quality and public access, the river has rapidly transformed into a major recreational attraction, and anglers, kayakers, canoers, duck and goose hunters, bird watchers, and fiddleheaders are utilizing the river more than ever before.

The Androscoggin from the New Hampshire border to Livermore Falls — the reach that we in Region D manage — offers a tremendous variety of high-quality fishing opportunities. The upper-most reaches are managed primarily for wild rainbow trout and stocked brown trout. We supplement the rainbow fishery with hatchery stocks, and hatchery brook trout are occasionally added for early-season anglers.

Late-season anglers can now take advantage of a new fall yearling stocking program. These browns, brookies, and salmon are in the 12- to 15-inch range when stocked in October, and we have evidence that some overwinter successfully and provide some great spring action. Smallmouth bass are also present in this part of the river, and their size quality is generally good.

Below Rumford, the primary fishery is for smallmouth bass. Bass in this river, which includes the impoundments formed by dams in Jay and Livermore Falls, are abundant and grow to trophy size. We also stock brown trout and rainbow trout below Rumford. As the summer progresses, seek these fish out near the mouths of tributaries (including the Swift River) and small spring seeps.

With the renewed public interest and use of the Androscoggin, we’ve developed a variety of new monitoring projects to help us manage these important new fisheries. Beginning in 1995, we’ve sampled smallmouth bass from all sections of the river above Jay; that work continues this spring in the river below Rumford. We’ve also worked to collect rainbows and browns above Bethel to determine growth rates and relative contributions of hatchery stocks, and we’ve successfully identified rainbow trout spawning and nursery habitats. Finally, we monitor the fishery annually through an extensive network of voluntary anglers and streamside card surveys.

We’ve recently increased the stocking rates of both rainbows and browns in the Gilead/Bethel area. Because our management objectives for the upper Androscoggin are focused on maintaining high size quality, we need to be assured that the increased stocking rates, combined with the highly restrictive regulations imposed in 2003, are not compromising fish quality. To that end, we’ll spend lots of effort this week updating our growth information by electrofishing the river from the New Hampshire to Rumford Point.

– David Boucher, Fisheries Biologist, Strong

Region E – Moosehead Lake

Each spring the Greenville staff tries to attend some of the local kids fishing events that are put on in the surrounding communities. For the second consecutive year, members of the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, the Dover-Foxcroft Kiwanis, and volunteers for the second year held a Youth Fishing Day on May 30 at Kiwanis Park Pond in Dover-Foxcroft.
Approximately 60 fourth grade students from the Morton Avenue Elementary School attended the one-day event. The class was broken into 4 groups of approximately 15 students. Wardens Dan Carroll and Jeremy Kemp provided a short demonstration on boating safety and the proper use of life jackets by getting several of the students involved. Students then had the opportunity to fish for about an hour.

The fish cooperated and most students were successful in catching a trout or two, and a few even practiced some catch and release. Before the fishing started, the kids were asked if there was anyone that had never fished before. There were a few students that had never fished before and this was their first time out. I’m happy to say that many of these kids caught their first fish. Several volunteers were on hand to assist in baiting hooks, untangling lines, cleaning fish, and provide valuable support to these young anglers. The weather was great, the kids went away with some valuable life jacket safety information, and they caught and handled some nice brook trout as well. All provided the makings for a successful event. A special thank-you goes out to Jim Ellis and his crew for once again providing a great outing for the kids in the Dover-Foxcroft area.

I also was involved in another kids’ event a day earlier. I have had the opportunity to be the Den Leader for my son’s Cub Scout Den for the past two years. Earlier this spring I contacted Gene Arsenault and Kevin Sousa at the Ela Fish Rearing Station in Embden and asked them if they would mind giving a tour of their facility to a group of young Scouts. As I expected, they were more than agreeable. On May 29, a caravan of four vehicles left Abbott at 9 a.m. and we made our way to Embden. Our group arrived at the facility around 10 a.m. and was welcomed by Kevin Sousa. Shortly thereafter our tour was underway. The scouts and parents alike were very interested in this facility. The boys were amazed at the numbers of fish that were in the tanks.

A couple of years ago many of the boys had the opportunity to assist us in stocking Drummond Pond in Abbott. This helped the Scouts understand where the fish come from and how they grow before being stocked into some of their favorite ponds and streams.

I would like to thank Gene and Kevin for allowing the Wolf Den of Pack 61 to come and tour the Embden facility. Kevin did a great job at answering questions posed by the scouts in a way that they were able to understand. This can often be a challenge. The scouts and their parents really enjoyed this experience.

– Jeff Bagley, Fisheries Biologist, Greenville

Region F – Penobscot Valley

The Penobscot River is starting to produce some bass fishing in spite of the up and down water levels. Anglers are reporting some decent fishing in all the usual places along the river from Old Town to Medway. Angling action on the river should pick up as the water levels continue to drop and temperatures start to climb. Smallmouth bass spawning activities have been interrupted more than once this year but should start to stabilize soon in the river.
Largemouth bass have been rumored to be in Mattanawcook Lake in Lincoln for a couple of years. On Friday we were able to document that fact. And so it goes — another illegal introduction in the Penobscot Drainage. Largemouth bass could not have come up from the river as there is no fishway on the outlet dam at Mattanawcook. Someone must have brought them purposely to the lake to stock. Not until anglers are willing to come forward to report these illegal stockings will this ever stop.

The illegal introduction of any fish into any Maine water is a Class E crime, punishable by fines up to $10,000. The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is offering a minimum reward of $2,000 for information leading to the apprehension of persons responsible for the illegal introduction of fish. Call Operation Game Thief at 1-800-253-7887.

I would like to make all anglers aware of a change in the general law bass regulations in effect for the first time this year. In the past anglers were required to use artificial lures only when fishing for bass until June 20, with a one bass bag limit and a 12-inch length limit. Now, anglers must use artificial lures until June 30 with a one bass bag and a 10-inch length limit. Specials still apply on certain waters as before. Please check your 2008 Open Water Fishing Regulations Booklet, or online at:
http://www.maine.gov/ifw/laws_rules/fishing/openwaterlaws.htm
Lakes and ponds in and around the Baxter State Park area are starting to produce some decent fishing for both brook trout and landlocked salmon. All of the usual spots in the park are seeing increased traffic as the trails dry out and washouts are repaired. Anglers are reporting good trout fishing at Celia Pond, Kidney Pond, Daicey Pond, Round Pond, Rocky Pond, Draper Pond, The Fowlers, Billfish Pond, Frost Pond, High Pond and Long Pond. Salmon anglers are hooking up at Matagamon Lake and Scraggly Lake to the north, while to the south Millinocket Lake and Pemadumcook Lake are producing some excellent catches of salmon and togue. Matagamon has also been providing some fast action for both brook trout and togue in addition to the fine salmon fishing.

– Nels Kramer, Fisheries Biologist, West Enfield

Region G – Aroostook County

IF&W’s Fisheries Division’s Lakes Research group that works out of our Bangor office recently brought its new electrofishing raft to Aroostook County to sample small ponds and rivers. This new tool worked very efficiently and will be a great tool for sampling fish populations in the future. Thanks to Joe Dembeck and Jason Seiders for building the new craft and coming north to train Region G staff on its use.

We focused our efforts on a few waters where smallmouth bass have been reported or where we suspect they have invaded new waters. Smallmouth bass are not native to waters in Aroostook County, but with a large population having been established in the St. John River, bass now have access to a few drainages where they did not historically exist. The Meduxnekeag River drainage is one watershed where we have documented the spread of bass in recent years and are concerned with the invasion of muskellunge as well. Bass were being reported from a stretch of river in the town of Littleton during the 1980s; these reports became more frequent in the late 1990s and Nickerson Lake, New Limerick and Linneus, was documented to have bass in 2002.

We were able to sample the River in Littleton last week and sampled several bass but no muskellunge. The river temperature had warmed to the point that trout are now seeking out cooler tributaries. We were able to sample a number of brook trout very quickly with the raft. The Meduxnekeag River supports a good fishery for wild brook and brown trout and we will continue to monitor this fishery and the impact of non-native sport fish that become established there.

– Frank Frost, Fisheries Biologist, Ashland

The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife’s Fisheries Division is planning two informational meetings on a set of proposed regulation changes that are the result of our efforts to consolidate the Ice Fishing and Open Water Fishing law books.

The first meeting will be at 7 p.m. Monday, June 23 at the Gray Regional Office, 358 Shaker Road in Gray, and the second will be on at 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 25 at the Sidney Regional Office, 270 Lyons Road, in Sidney.

If passed, the proposed regulation changes will take effect in April 2010 when the Department combines the two law books into a two-year booklet.

“These proposals will help east the process for a much broader rulemaking effort in 2009,” said John Boland, director of IF&W’s Fisheries Division.

The public is invited to provide comments either in writing or at one of the public informational meetings. Written comments may be sent to John.Boland@maine.gov or mailed to Mr. Boland’s attention at 284 State St., Station 41, Augusta, ME 04333.

Most of the proposed changes will affect southern and central Maine. The Department’s objective is to increase angling opportunities where possible, further simplify the law book, and save time and financial resources that instead can be used to continue protecting the inland fisheries resource, Boland said.

The following general fishing rules are being proposed for lakes and ponds in Cumberland, York, Androscoggin, Kennebec, Knox, Lincoln, Sagadahoc and Waldo counties, although special restrictions may apply for specific waters:

Proposal Number 1: Lakes and ponds will be open to open water fishing year round. (Note: Two lines per angler, general law.)

* Lakes and ponds will be open to ice fishing from Dec 1 through April 30. (Note: We provided this liberal time frame in order to account for years when ice forms early on waters and/or for years when ice remains later on waters. A time period was decided rather stating “presence of ice or safe ice” given the “fuzzy” nature of such terms.)

* Lakes and ponds will be Catch and Release for all salmonids from Oct. 1 thru Dec. 31. (Note: General law for all other species would apply during this time period. Special regulations, more liberal or conservative, can be provided on specific waters as appropriate.) The term salmonids includes the following Maine fish species — Arctic charr, brook trout, brown trout, landlocked salmon, rainbow trout, splake, and togue.

* For lakes and ponds, the general law bag and length limits for salmonids apply from January 1 thru September 30. (Note - Special regulations, more liberal or conservative, can be provided on specific waters as appropriate.)

Also, under the proposed general rule fishing regulations, both ice anglers and open water anglers could fish lakes and ponds in December, but could not harvest salmonids, unless provided by special regulation. From Jan. 1 thru April 30, both groups of anglers could fish lakes and ponds and harvest salmonids under respective bag and length limits.

Proposal Number 2: Unless otherwise provided by rule, the number of lines an angler may fish at any one time will be limited to two lines while open water fishing and five lines while ice fishing. At no time can an angler fish more than five lines. (Note: This modification in wording for the number of lines that can be fished by an angler at any one time is being made to address the potential for anglers to simultaneously ice fish and open water fish in lakes and ponds in the eight southern counties of Cumberland, York, Androscoggin, Kennebec, Knox, Lincoln, Sagadahoc and Waldo.)

Proposal Number 3: The current statewide aggregate bag limit for salmonids of five fish will be removed. (Note: IF&W management decisions regarding bag limits, length limits, open seasons, etc. for salmonids are already focused at the species level and the removal of this regulation would not impact current management strategies.) Again, the term salmonids includes the following Maine fish species – Arctic charr, brook trout, brown trout, landlocked salmon, rainbow trout, splake, and togue.

Posted by Tom Remington

Informational meetings on proposed regulation changes

The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife’s Fisheries Division is planning two informational meetings on a set of proposed regulation changes that are the result of our efforts to consolidate the Ice Fishing and Open Water Fishing law books.

The first meeting will be at 7 p.m. Monday, June 23 at the Gray Regional Office, 358 Shaker Road in Gray, and the second will be on at 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 25 at the Sidney Regional Office, 270 Lyons Road, in Sidney.

If passed, the proposed regulation changes will take effect in April 2010 when the Department combines the two law books into a two-year booklet.

“These proposals will help east the process for a much broader rulemaking effort in 2009,” said John Boland, director of IF&W’s Fisheries Division.

The public is invited to provide comments either in writing or at one of the public informational meetings. Written comments may be sent to John.Boland@maine.gov or mailed to Mr. Boland’s attention at 284 State St., Station 41, Augusta, ME 04333.

Most of the proposed changes will affect southern and central Maine. The Department’s objective is to increase angling opportunities where possible, further simplify the law book, and save time and financial resources that instead can be used to continue protecting the inland fisheries resource, Boland said.

The following general fishing rules are being proposed for lakes and ponds in Cumberland, York, Androscoggin, Kennebec, Knox, Lincoln, Sagadahoc and Waldo counties, although special restrictions may apply for specific waters:

Proposal Number 1: Lakes and ponds will be open to open water fishing year round. (Note: Two lines per angler, general law.)

· Lakes and ponds will be open to ice fishing from Dec 1 through April 30. (Note: We provided this liberal time frame in order to account for years when ice forms early on waters and/or for years when ice remains later on waters. A time period was decided rather stating “presence of ice or safe ice” given the “fuzzy” nature of such terms.)

· Lakes and ponds will be Catch and Release for all salmonids from Oct. 1 thru Dec. 31. (Note: General law for all other species would apply during this time period. Special regulations, more liberal or conservative, can be provided on specific waters as appropriate.) The term salmonids includes the following Maine fish species — Arctic charr, brook trout, brown trout, landlocked salmon, rainbow trout, splake, and togue.

· For lakes and ponds, the general law bag and length limits for salmonids apply from January 1 thru September 30. (Note - Special regulations, more liberal or conservative, can be provided on specific waters as appropriate.)

Also, under the proposed general rule fishing regulations, both ice anglers and open water anglers could fish lakes and ponds in December, but could not harvest salmonids, unless provided by special regulation. From Jan. 1 thru April 30, both groups of anglers could fish lakes and ponds and harvest salmonids under respective bag and length limits.

Proposal Number 2: Unless otherwise provided by rule, the number of lines an angler may fish at any one time will be limited to two lines while open water fishing and five lines while ice fishing. At no time can an angler fish more than five lines. (Note: This modification in wording for the number of lines that can be fished by an angler at any one time is being made to address the potential for anglers to simultaneously ice fish and open water fish in lakes and ponds in the eight southern counties of Cumberland, York, Androscoggin, Kennebec, Knox, Lincoln, Sagadahoc and Waldo.)

Proposal Number 3: The current statewide aggregate bag limit for salmonids of five fish will be removed. (Note: IF&W management decisions regarding bag limits, length limits, open seasons, etc. for salmonids are already focused at the species level and the removal of this regulation would not impact current management strategies.) Again, the term salmonids includes the following Maine fish species– Arctic charr, brook trout, brown trout, landlocked salmon, rainbow trout, splake, and togue.

Region A – Southwestern Maine

I came into the office Monday morning to an urgent phone message and a rather amusing e-mail from the same caller. Following is an excerpt from the e-mail:

“Well, if you don’t hear from me, I have been beamed up! Last night at 10 p.m., there was a mysterious boat on the water here. Seen from one end of the lake to the other. Description: Large, about 12 big headlights around the sides, large scoops on either side, water expelling from the rear. Another lake resident said it lit up the inside of her house (she’s right on the water) and she went out to see what it was and it was NOISELESS! I called Maine fisheries to see if they were stocking the lake last night. They do not stock at night. All the stocking is done already including Tripp.”

I spoke with the above person Monday morning, and fortunately she hadn’t been abducted by aliens over the weekend. She was very relieved to hear that the beings and foreign craft on Tripp Lake were simply the regional fisheries staff and their electrofishing boat.

We spent much of last week sampling bass populations into the wee hours of the morning on Pleasant Lake (Casco), Deer Pond (Hollis), and Tripp Lake (Poland). If all goes well, we hope to sample at least another three waters including Halls Pond (Paris), Barkers Pond (Lyman), and Chaffin Pond (Windham). Our bass assessments are always interesting, and we often leave with a new perspective on the fishery. For example, we expected relatively low numbers of bass on Pleasant Lake due to its predominantly sandy shoreline and lack of structure. However, it turned out the lake produced fairly good numbers of quality sized smallmouth and largemouth bass.

Based on our surveys conducted during the first week of June, it appeared that smallmouth bass were well into their spawning season on most regional lakes. As the spawning season for smallmouths begins to wind down, anglers can expect largies to begin their spawning season. In addition, anglers can often extend the opportunities for spawning bass by fishing larger waters, cool rivers, and/or by traveling northward. For example, I paddled around Sebago Lake with my son over the weekend, and I was unable to find a smallmouth nest on the portions of the main lake due to the cooler surface temperatures. On the other hand, smallmouths and largemouths were observed cruising in the shallows and hanging around docks suggesting it wouldn’t be long.

– James Pellerin, Assistant Regional Fisheries Biologist, Gray

Region B – Central Maine

Many lakes and ponds in the region are already at mid-summer water levels, as rainfall in the month of May was much below normal. Up until recently, the cool nights along with windy cool days made for unusual fishing conditions where anglers were enjoying an extension of springtime low water conditions as lake water temperatures were in the low 60s: prime temperatures for salmonids in this region. Bass spawning was delayed with smallmouth bass seen on their nests in early June. In Maine, though the locals tell us to wait a minute, as weather turned sultry over the weekend, fishing conditions turned about normal.

In the village of Belgrade Lakes, anglers attracted by the water flow at the dam are rewarded with white perch and the occasional brown trout and salmon. Other places that flowing water will attract both fish and fishermen are: Wings Mill Dam at the outlet of Long Pond; all the dams on Messalonskee Stream; the dams on the outlet of Cobbossee Lake; the dams on the Nezinscot; dams on the Sheepscot River; the dams or remnants on the St. George River; and dams on the Sebasticook River. If you cannot get to any of those, try looking even closer to home at an outlet of the lake or pond in your neighborhood that may have a dam or an outlet constriction. It may hold a temporary, yet rewarding, fishery.

There is no shortage of inquiries generated by information in recent fishing reports. Most want specific directions to hot spots in the central Maine area. As most well informed anglers know, biologists are able to do research that provides an “edge” for the professional fishery scientists. We also have the knowledge as to where the hatchery system should stock waters suitable for providing a fishery for our angling clientele. At this time of year there are many waters that will yield a decent catch of stocked salmonid species.

There also are many waters that still yield the native brook trout and the occasional native brownie, togue or salmon. Wild brookies, the most popular fish in Maine, have a limited distribution in Region B by the fact that there are few brooks and streams where cool water temperatures and decent flows are readily available in the months of June through September. Many lakes and ponds also have limited salmonid habitat due to the fact that as a lake stratifies, oxygen becomes depleted in the deeper water. Biologists have conducted experimental stocking programs in many waters in order to provide the species best suited for a particular body of water.

So if you are salmonid fishing or fishing for any of our warmwater fishes have fun and enjoy the fruits of many who manage and provide a true American pastime in the Vacationland of Maine. Give any of the regional fishery biologists a call at one of the seven offices around the state. You can find the telephone numbers at the State of Maine web site: www.maine.gov/ifw/fishing/index/htm. Call and get the “scoop”.

–William L. Woodward, Assistant Regional Fishery Biologist, Sidney

Region C – Downeast

Smallmouth bass and chain pickerel recently have moved into the shallows and are providing anglers with fast fishing. In-shore lake water temperatures have risen into the mid 60s, and bass and pickerel have followed. When the shallow shoreline temperatures increase, baitfish and small game-fish stay close to shore, darting in and out of newly emerging vegetation, rocks and logs, while feeding on an abundance of food.

Chain pickerel take great advantage of the abundant schools of juvenile fish and stalk and wait until unsuspecting prey meander by. The current water temperatures have produced near-optimum feeding conditions for both bass and pickerel, and they both will strike hard as they bolt from in-shore cover to grab their hapless victim. No longer are they lethargic fighters from being in the ice-cold winter and spring waters. They jump, dive and bull their way through the shallows and off drop-offs trying to get off your line. This is the best time of year to experience fast shallow water action.

Bass are spawning now and also take great advantage of a plethora of food, in the form of insects and baitfish, swimming by their nesting areas. Male bass commonly charge out and grab baitfish when they can, while still protecting their eggs and young in the vicinity of the nest.

Here are some of the best lakes and ponds to fish for chain pickerel and smallmouth bass:

Smallmouth bass – Hancock County waters: Long Pond, Mount Desert Island; Branch Lake, Ellsworth; Green Lake, Ellsworth; Graham Lake, Ellsworth; Beech Hill Pond, Otis; Georges Pond, Franklin; Long Pond, T 10 SD; Molasses Pond, Eastbrook; Toddy Pond, Orland; Alamoosook Lake, Orland; Holbrook Pond, Holden; Donnell Pond, Franklin.

Chain Pickerel – Hancock County waters: Scammon Pond, Eastbrook; Seal Cove Pond, Tremont; Alamoosook Lake, Dead River Section, Orland; Graham Lake, Ellsworth; Upper West Bay Pond, Gouldsboro; Upper Patten Pond, Surry; Davis Pond, Eddington; Rocky Pond, T 22 MD.

Smallmouth bass – Washington County waters: Wabassus Lake, T 6 ND; Big Lake, T 27 ED; West Grand Lake, Grand Lake Stream; Pocomoonshine Lake, Alexander; Crawford Lake, Crawford; Love Lake, Alexander; Pleasant Lake, Alexander; Bog Lake, Northfield; Meddybemps Lake, Meddybemps; Woodland Flowage, Woodland; Third Machias Lake, T 43 MD; Pocumcus Lake, T 6 ND; Cathance Lake, Cooper; Gardner Lake, East Machias; Rocky Lake, T 18 ED.

Chain pickerel – Washington County waters: Grand Falls Flowage, Princeton; Woodland Flowage, Woodland; Orange Lake, Whiting; Pocomoonshine Lake, Alexander; Crawford Lake, Crawford; Chain Lakes, T 26 ED; Fourth Machias Lake, T 5 ND; Hadley Lake, East Machias.

These are some of the very best Downeast bass and pickerel waters for you to experience this fantastic early season shallow water action. Both of these fish are easy to catch and are great fun for children.

– Greg Burr, Assistant Regional Fisheries Biologist, Jonesboro

Region D – Western Maine

We’ve had cool weather, we’ve had rain, and now we’ve had blistering heat, which sends salmon and trout scurrying into deeper water. Nonetheless, they’re still biting at our big lakes. At Aziscohos anglers have been catching a lot of salmon, up to 18 inches, and fewer trout.

We’ve been concerned about Rangeley Lake the last couple of years as we’ve watched salmon growth rates slide. As a result, we curtailed stocking the last two springs as numbers of wild salmon increased, and we’re encouraging anglers to keep a salmon to thin the number of predators on smelts. These efforts may be working as we’ve seen some fatter salmon this spring, and anglers are reporting clouds of smelts on their fish finders. Managing salmon waters can be a bit nerve wracking, as it’s always a struggle to balance their numbers against the forage fish they feed on. And landlocked salmon are notoriously finiky eaters — quite simply, if they don’t have smelt to feed on, they rarely do well.

The past few years we’ve been stocking a number of “marginal” waters with large brook trout to create additional spring fisheries. Some of these waters become too warm in the summer for brookies and some have quite a lot of interspecific competition from warm water fish species, but brookies will certainly thrive for a few months after ice out. One such water is Harvey Pond, beside Route 4 in Madrid, Franklin County. We frequently travel this road on our way to Rangeley, but haven’t seen much in the way of angling activity. And so it was that Dave Howatt and Liz Studdert checked for the presence of these brookies with a net last week. They immediately caught large numbers of them, confirming that they’re there, waiting for someone to throw a lure their way.

With our stockings now listed on our website, it’s easy to find waters that have trout and other species waiting for anglers to go after them.

– Forrest Bonney, Regional Fisheries Biologist, Strong

Region E – Moosehead Lake

The fisheries staff from the Moosehead Lake Regional Office of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife has teamed up with the Natural Resource Education Center in Greenville to create a new program that will provide a mechanism for students interested in the field of resource management to gain valuable hands-on field experience while making a positive contribution to the enhancement of fisheries management in the Moosehead Lake Region. This program also will allow biologists to conduct new, innovative fisheries research in the area. We have developed a list of potential projects to conduct in the next few years.

The new internship program will contribute to NREC’s goals of providing high-quality on and off-site learning experiences, to be a research center for the area, to have highly engaged partners, and to sponsor programs that honor the area. The program will also help the IFW meet its goal of effectively managing the fisheries resource. The Moosehead Lake Region includes more than 1,200 lakes and ponds, as well as more than 4,000 miles of flowing water. Currently, this massive region, which has more water than many states, is managed by just three permanent fisheries biologists.

This spring NREC hired two Unity College students to remove competing fish species from two trout ponds in the region. Work began in early May on Crocker Pond in Dennistown and Misery Pond in Misery Township. Misery Pond is a native brook trout water, while Crocker Pond is stocked annually by the IF&W. Based on previous sucker removal studies, brook trout growth and survival improves when large numbers of suckers are removed from small trout ponds.

The interns were more successful at Crocker Pond, where they removed just over 5,300 suckers weighing approximately 2,000 total pounds. We also were very impressed with the trout fishery at this pond, which is located just a few miles north of Jackman. Crocker Pond is generally managed as a “put and take” fishery for hatchery brook trout. It is stocked each spring and fall. There are no gear restrictions on this water and the only special regulation is a two fish limit to spread the catch between the many anglers that utilize this fishery. We delayed the stocking this spring until the project was completed. We documented that 20 percent of our catch of brook trout was over 12 inches, indicating that many fish were surviving and growing beyond the management goal.

We were able to talk to quite a few anglers that were fishing while we were conducting our work and one had landed a nice fish exceeding 3 pounds. Clearly, this stocked pond is heavily utilized by locals and visitors, yet it is still a very nice fishery. It is a great example of how hatchery fish can create fishing opportunities and actually take some fishing pressure off wild/native trout ponds in an area.

This cooperative project is supported by donations to NREC from groups and individuals interested in improving the fishing in the Region, as well as funds from this winter’s togue fishing derby on Moosehead Lake sponsored by the Moosehead Lake Region Chamber of Commerce. We plan to continue the competition removal project next spring and add new projects in the near future. Thanks to everyone for their support!

One last note: We want to remind everyone that the Moosehead Lake Fisheries Coalition and the Moosehead Lake Region Chamber of Commerce are planning a summer fishing derby on Moosehead Lake on June 21 and 22. There will be $1,200 in cash prizes and numerous door prizes including an Old Town Predator square stern canoe. You can get more info at www.mooseheadlake.org. It’s a great chance to enjoy the beautiful lake in the summer and have a chance at winning some terrific prizes.

– Tim Obrey, Regional Fisheries Biologist, Greenville

Region F – Penobscot Valley

Reports from around the region are that the trout ponds are getting hot, with good hatches of insects coming off in the evenings making for excellent dry fly or emerging fly fishing conditions. The salmon and togue are heading for deeper water in the Regions southern and central lakes, but that salmon can still be taken near the surface in lakes north of Millinocket, especially on overcast, rainy days. Togue at Cold Stream Pond are already down at 60 to 80 feet. Trout fishing in the East Branch Penobscot below Mattagamon Lake was especially good last week, and this should continue for at least another week. The recent cool damp days appear to have moved bass temporarily off the spawning beds, but the warm weather predicted for the upcoming week should help set the mood and make for prime bass fishing conditions. Remember, when fishing bass during the spawn get them back in the water ASAP while the boat is still near the nest. The longer a nest is left unguarded, the more susceptible it is to predation by other fishes.

It appears as though we can add at least three more lakes to the ever growing list of waters in Maine that have been illegally stocked with non-native fish species. Based on a report and pictures we received last week from a concerned angler, largemouth bass are now firmly established in Mattanawcook Lake, and Folsom and Crooked Ponds in the town of Lincoln. In fact, the angler reported that “largemouths are now captured as often if not more frequently than smallmouths in these ponds.”

While it is unfortunate that the smallmouth bass population appears to be in the process of being displaced by the largemouths, even more disconcerting is that Mattanawcook Lake, like several other illegally stocked largemouth waters in the drainage, flows directly into the Penobscot River. Largemouth bass are not known as a riverine fish, however access to the river means largemouth now have the ability to swim into countless other lakes and ponds in the Penobscot drainage putting at risk the native fish communities that inhabit them.

I have heard illegal stockings dubbed by some as the ecological crime of the century in Maine, and I would have to agree. The Department’s education and outreach programs informing citizens of the risk of illegal introductions is admirable and in my opinion has likely made a difference for those people accepting of such information. However, there are a number of individuals out there that have decided to knowingly and willingly take matters into their own hands, ignoring that they are forever changing the fish communities, and potentially entire lake ecosystems in the Maine waters that they choose to stock. Please help us in our efforts to prevent future illegal stockings by reporting suspected illegal stocking activities. The State of Maine offers a $2,000 reward for information leading to a conviction for illegal stocking. To report an illegal introduction call 1-800-ALERT-US (253-7887) or 287-6057. To report using US Cellular or Maine Wireless dial #GE and for Unicel dial *GW.

– Richard Dill, Regional Fisheries Biologist, Enfield

Region G – Aroostook County

Kayaking has fast overtaken canoeing as a preferred method of floating navigable rivers and streams for recreation purposes. There are some now who also use this watercraft for fishing. The Meduxnekeag River flowing through downtown Houlton should be on the list of destination for a day trip kayak adventure. From the public boat landing just downstream of Riverside Park to the public access on land owned by the Houlton Band of Maliseets at the iron bridge on the Lowrey Road or the Covered Bridge on the Carson Road, the river gradient is flat and the current gentle. The water level drops quickly in the summer but for this time of year there should be ample flow to float a kayak. Other times during the summer the trip could be made after a rainstorm or several days of steady rain.

The river corridor is little developed with homes or camps so one has the feeling of being in a remote setting while public roads parallel either side of the river. Sport fisheries that can be experienced include brook trout, brown trout and smallmouth bass that have moved into the drainage from the St. John River in New Brunswick. Either before or after the trip, visitors can experience the business/lunch attractions that are available in downtown Houlton within easy walking distance of the public boat launch.

– David J. Basley, Regional Fisheries Biologist, Ashland

Posted by Tom Remington

My day will be consumed with getting to Kittery and setting up to stream live audio and video of the Maine Moose Lottery drawing to be held at the Kittery Trading Post.

If you are interested in viewing the events, click this link to the Skinny Moose Media broadcasting site where you can view and/or listen to a live broadcast beginning around 3 p.m. today. You’ll also find instructions on how to view pictures as we take them around the venue. All pictures will be taken by our chief photographer, Milt Inman.

Just a quick reminder. Once you get to the video/audio viewing page, if you want to leave there to look at some photos, make sure to open another browser window or tab if you are using tabbed browsing. In the new window, go to the Black Bear Blog. You can then switch back and forth.

Activities get underway in full force by 4 p.m. but many people will be there by 3 p.m., myself included. I have some interviews planned with some interesting people. Once the drawing of names begins at 6 p.m., I will be streaming live video and audio of that only so you can listen for your name to be drawn.

I hope you’ll join us for the event. Comments will be available on this page, the page where we post pictures and the broadcasting page. Depending on how busy I am, I’ll try to answer any comments or questions.

Tom Remington

Weekly Open Water Fishing Report
For the Week beginning June 3, 2008

Region A – Southwestern Maine

Local anglers have reported some great trout and salmon fishing in southern Maine over Memorial Day week, and the cool nights should continue that trend for the foreseeable future.

An angler from Raymond reported a fantastic trip on Sebago Lake, where two fishermen each caught and harvested their limit of six lake trout. Although their primary target was togue, they also caught and released several salmon with a total of 19 salmonids boated!

My dad went out on Sebago on Memorial Day with my brother-in-law, nephew, and my niece’s boyfriend and they landed three salmon and a laker. My 11-year-old nephew, Casey Brown, caught a 16-inch landlocked salmon and a 24-inch lake trout. He released the salmon, but proudly harvested the trout. My sister stuffed the togue and baked it for dinner, and my nephew proclaimed, “I’m providing dinner for the family tonight!”

Stream fishing for trout also has been good. I ran into my neighbor’s son while shopping at Cabela’s and he reported catching some brookies and browns on the Little River in Gorham. He released the browns hoping they would grow up to the 24-incher he landed there a few years back, but decided to keep the “put-and-take” brookies that wouldn’t fair too well once the river warms up later in the summer.

I was planning to take my 4-year-old son, Hunter, bass fishing over the weekend, but our plans were foiled by the weather. Saturday rained and it was blowing a gale on Sunday afternoon. A four year old, high winds and a canoe are not a good combination. Hunter was disappointed, so I took him down to the Presumpscot River below the Mallison Dam. We saw several fly fishermen, and two of them landed trout during the short time we were there. Hunter managed to get in a half-dozen or more casts in with his Scooby-Doo fishing rod before deciding that throwing rocks into river was way more fun! He had a great time, and I realized that I was probably going to have to invest in a rod that casts more than 6-10 feet if I ever want him to catch a fish and stop throwing rocks!

Smallmouth bass are spawning and largemouths will soon follow. It’s a great time to get out there and bass fish. Male smallmouths are extremely aggressive when guarding their nest, and it is not uncommon to catch the same fish multiple times in a day. However, spawning can be a difficult time on these fish and I wouldn’t recommend over fishing a particular individual. Besides there may be a bigger bass behind the next boulder, although less aggressive, largemouths will also be easier to target during their spawning season. Not only is the action good, but you combine that with sight fishing and quality sized adults – it’s hard to beat! In my opinion it can be one of the best fishing times of the year, and I’m a trout fisherman at heart.

Late spring bass fishing is also a great way to introduce kids to fishing, since the action and catching can be almost nonstop. Get outdoors and enjoy. It’s one of the best seasons for both trout and bass!

— James Pellerin, Assistant Regional Fisheries Biologist, Gray

Region B – Central Maine

The spring stocking of scheduled fish is winding down in the throughout the mid-coast region. While there are some ponds that get multiple stockings each year, the majority of this year’s spring fish are in and acclimating to their new homes, or may have been hooked by an intrepid angler. More than 56,000 brook trout, 14,600 brown trout, 2,500 landlocked salmon, 1,000 rainbows and 4,000 splake have been planted in 86 waters throughout the region.

A representative list of just some of the waters in the region that recently were stocked by our hatchery staff include:

• Wassokeag Lake, Dexter, 1,000 brook trout;
• Cochnewagon Pond, Monmouth, 500 brook trout;
• China Lake, China, 1,500 brook trout;
• Ross Pond, Bristol, 750 brook trout;
• Maranacook Lake, Winthrop, 2,000 brook trout;
• St. George Lake, Liberty, 1,000 landlocked salmon;
• Nezinscot River, Turner, 1,900 brown trout;
• Alford Lake, Hope, 1,300 brook trout;
• Halfmoon Pond, Prospect, 1,000 brook trout;
• St. George River, Thomaston, etc., 3,000 brown trout;
• Unity Pond, Unity, 500 brook trout;
• Swan Lake, Swanville, 500 landlocked salmon;
• Flying Pond, Vienna, 1,000 brook trout;
• Kennebec River, Shawmut, 2,000 brown trout;
• Megunticook Lake, Lincolnville, 500 rainbow trout;
• Echo Lake, Mt. Vernon, 500 landlocked salmon;
• Brettun’s Pond, Livermore, 500 brook trout;
• West Garland Pond, Garland, 300 brook trout;
• Jamie’s Pond, Manchester, 750 brook trout.

The above list is only a sampling of what has been stocked around the Region, there are many more. For the complete list go to: www.maine.gov/ifw/fishing/reports/stocking/index.htm. Click on the 2008 stocking report. That link will have this year’s report, which has updated as the spring stocking has progressed. Good luck out there!

– Robert Van-Riper, Regional Fisheries Biologist, Sidney

Region C – Downeast

If you prefer fishing that is characterized by lots of “catching,” this is the time for you! Recent weather has warmed lake temperatures into the mid-60 degree range, resulting in peaks of activity for both smallmouth and largemouth bass. Mature bass are moving to the shores to spawn, producing some fast fishing. Remember that Maine’s general law on bass allows artificial lures only until July 1.

Because male bass remain on the nest to guard eggs and fry from being eaten by other fish, it is highly important that anglers land and release all bass quickly and as close to the nest as possible. Remember, male bass are excellent and protective parents whose role is vital in protecting each year’s next generation of bass.

Bass fishing is the way fishing should be! Once you learn their cover and habitat preferences along with locations of that habitat in the lake you are fishing, cooperative fish will be there.

What lures are best? Almost any fishing lure works – from Mepps-style spinners to topwater Jitterbugs or Tiny Torpedos, diving crankbaits, and soft plastics with jigs. You can hardly go wrong. Be ready to set the hook almost as soon as your lure hits the water because the action can be quick.

Maine bass begin to spawn at around 9 inches in length, at an age of about four years old. In eastern Maine, a 12-inch bass averages six years old – slow growth due to a relatively short growing season but lots of fish. And Maine biologists have found that trophy bass larger than 18 inches long are 15-20 years old, so for every one harvested, it will take that long to grow another to replace it. For this reason, many anglers release most of their bass. This strong catch and release ethic is a key reason why Maine has some of the most highly cherished bass fisheries in the United States. Many tournament anglers have told me that Maine’s bass fisheries are held in the highest regard by other tournament anglers.

Hancock and Washington Counties have about 80-plus lakes with bass populations. Good fisheries are found at: Toddy Pond in Orland, Branch and Green Lakes in Ellsworth, Beech Hill Pond in Otis, Pleasant River Lake in Beddington, Schoodic Lake in Cherryfield, Gardner Lake in East Machias, Cathance Lake in Cooper, Meddybemps Lake in Meddybemps, West Grand and Big Lake in Grand Lake Stream, Boyden Lake in Perry, Rocky Lake in T 18 ED, and Rocky Lake in Whiting.

Take some youngsters, pack a big picnic lunch, and head out soon! Don’t forget the swimming suits if it’s a hot day. The kids will never forget the excitement of hooking several bass in a day in a sport they will probably continue to pursue for a lifetime of enjoyment.

– Rick Jordan, Regional Fisheries Biologist, Jonesboro

Region D – Western Mountains

Anglers on Aziscohos Lake in Lincoln Plantation in Oxford County have had good action lately. Our creel clerk, Liz Studdert, has so far interviewed 73 anglers that have logged over 300 hours of fishing time. In that time they reported catching 17 legal brook trout and 45 legal salmon. Also reported were 102 sublegal salmon, so Aziscohos Lake should remain good fishing for at least a few years to come. The salmon kept are averaging 16¾ inches, with the largest being 19¾ inches long and weighing about 2½ pounds. The brook trout kept are running about 13 inches in length.

Fishing has generally been good lately, with hatches of insect life in the evening being triggered by the sunny days. Some very enjoyable, and perhaps overlooked, fishing opportunities occur in the many miles of small brooks and streams throughout the state. Small trout, most commonly brook trout, are often abundant in this type of habitat. They will aggressively bite a baited hook or a small wet fly at any time of day. There is no better place to introduce a young angler to trout fishing than a small mountain stream. Most all the brooks in northwestern Maine have at least a few trout present, but brooks around the towns of Andover, Weld, Madrid, Eustis, and Bingham all have thriving populations.

Anglers interested in warmwater fish are having good luck also. Bass are spawning and will instinctively defend their nesting area from everything, including fishing lures. White perch are another species of fish active this time of year. They gather in schools near the water’s surface and are usually easy to locate on a calm evening. A few places to look for them are Locke Pond in Chesterville, Lufkin Pond in Phillips, Wentworth Pond in Solon, and Moxie Lake in The Forks Plantation. Anglers that harvest white perch are rewarded with high quality fillets for a chowder or fish fry.

– Forrest Bonney, Regional Fisheries Biologist, Strong

Region E – Moosehead Lake

This past weekend marked the State of Maine’s Family Fishing Days. On May 31 and June 1 any person was allowed to fish without a license, except those whose license had been suspended or revoked. All other laws and regulations applied on these days. These family fishing days are designed to encourage people to get outdoors and enjoy a day of fishing with family and friends. These free fishing days may hook some individuals into obtaining a year round fishing license, so that they can further enjoy the plentiful fishing resources offered in the State of Maine.

Water temperatures still are fairly cool, with temperatures in the mid-to-high 50s in the smaller ponds across the region. As a result, mayfly and caddis hatches have been slow to start. Most of the insect activity has been spotty and will increase with warmer temperatures forecasted for the coming weeks. Brook trout stomachs have mostly contained dragon fly nymphs, midge larva, and leaches.

Reports from Moosehead Lake have been presented with a smile from anglers. Anglers are reporting good catches of lake trout, and a few nice landlocked salmon and brook trout are making there way into the creel. The Moosehead Lake Region Fisheries Staff is still encouraging anglers to take advantage of the no size or bag limit on lake trout less than 18 inches. Anglers took full advantage of this regulation this past winter and we are hopeful it will continue this spring. This liberal bag limit on these smaller lake trout in Moosehead Lake is designed to decrease the number of smaller individuals in this over abundant lake trout fishery.
Reports from the Moose River, West Branch of the Penobscot, and the East Outlet of the Kennebec are very encouraging. Anglers are reporting catching some nice salmon and brook trout. Fish are being taken on a variety of wet fly and nymph patterns. These dam controlled river systems provide cool water temperatures through out the summer months and can provide some good fishing during the warmer days of summer.

If you are planning to fish moving water in the Moosehead Lake Region it is a good idea to check the river flows before you head north. FPL Energy and Kennebec Water Power Co. have a flow hotline for flow levels on the Kennebec and Androscoggin rivers at 1-800-557-3569. If you are headed to the West Branch of the Penobscot River call the Brookfield Power river flow hotline at 1-888-323-4341.

– Stephen Seeback, Fisheries Biology Specialist, Greenville

Region F – Penobscot Valley

We continue to get reports of good catches of lake trout from East Grand Lake in Danforth and Weston, with many fish in the 5- to 10-pound range. Reports of respectable catches of lake trout also have come from Schoodic Lake in Brownville, Millinocket Lake in T1 R8 WELS, and Cold Stream Pond in Enfield. Pemadumcook in T1 R9 WELS and Matagamon at the northeast corner of Baxter State Park are two lakes that have the potential to produce some very nice lake trout as well (10 pounds-plus).

The salmon fishing in Region F continues to be good at Hay Lake, Shin Ponds, Pleasant Pond, Mattawamkeag Lake, Matagamon Lake and Scraggly Lake. Cold Stream, Schoodic, Pemadumcook, Upper Jo Mary and East Grand lakes also continue to give up some nice salmon, with a few fish reported in the 5 pound category.

With normal stream water levels the brook angler can expect to find some excellent brook trout fishing. It would be a pretty good bet that your favorite brook trout spot is now producing fish. If you’re looking for a new stretch of water to try might I suggest these waters spread around Region F; Trout Brook, Seboeis River, Mattawamkeag River, Fish Stream, Wassataquoik Stream and Little East Branch, Webster Stream and the outlet of Matagamon Lake (East Branch Penobscot).

Splake waters in Region F include West Seboeis Lake in T4 R9 NWP, Cedar Lake in T3 R9 NWP, Endless Lake in T3 R9 NWP and Lower Togue Pond in T2 R9 WELS.

As the water temperature beings to rise the warmwater game fish will become more active. Presently we have reports that smallmouth bass are becoming more active, however the catch rates are still slow a bit slow. A week of warm weather will surely turn the catch rates around and speed things up.

White perch fishing is still slow but again as the water temperatures rise and the fish begin to stage for spawning and catches will improve.

–Brian R Campbell, Fishery Biology Specialist, Enfield

Region G – Aroostook County

Regional fisheries personnel and district game wardens floated Beaver Brook last Friday from the bridge on the Beaver Brook Road downstream to its confluence with the Aroostook River. Beaver Brook is a major tributary to the Aroostook River and supports a wild brook trout sport fishery. Water had dropped during the week and although flow was satisfactory for canoeing, much less would have resulted in considerable dragging. In spite of low flow, water temperature was 50 degrees due to the cool spring that we have been experiencing.

We try to float one or two rivers or large streams in the spring to become familiar with the habitat and fishing quality that is offered in order to have a better understanding of conditions being experienced by anglers. I have found that there is nothing short of first-hand experience that connects with anglers when discussing a specific water. I have also found during my 29 years in this profession that any particular water in the state is someone’s favorite water and you had better be familiar with it to have any credibility!

While floating Beaver Brook the water was clear and pea- to walnut-size gravel was extremely abundant and clean in the riffles and pools. The channel was windy and on occasion beavers had attempted to dam the brook but high spring flow had reduced the head of most dams such that we could canoe over them. As we approached the lower reaches of the brook, deeper slow moving pools were more common and the bottom was covered with a light amount of silt. A stretch of quick water with rock and cobble substrate was encountered just prior to reaching the Aroostook River. Wood ducks, beaver and a wood turtle were observed along the way.

Exposed gravel banks afforded the opportunity to fish some of the deeper runs. It was evident from tracks observed in the gravel that the brook had been previously visited by anglers this spring. Three parties were observed fishing, all having caught some trout and camping at one of the campsites at the lower end of the brook. Trout observed in our trip ranged from 4-11 inches with most being 7-8 inches in length. By the end of the trip, the water temperature had risen to 56 degrees and a mayfly hatch was coming off the water. Numerous logs in the lower section were covered with large caddis fly cases. All trout appeared to be fat and healthy.

There is no public access where Beaver Brook meets the Aroostook River. Rather than motor upstream to Ashland, the decision had been made to motor downstream to the public landing in Washburn. It took 1.5 hours to cover this distance with canoe and motor. It was a great day to experience what the region has to offer our sportsmen while adding to our knowledge of what Beaver Brook has to offer for trout habitat and a sport fishery in the Aroostook River drainage.

– David J. Basley, Regional Fisheries Biologist, Ashland

Posted by Tom Remington

AUGUSTA, Maine – On Sunday, June 8, legislators from around the state won’t be casting votes, but casting fishing lines to raise money for charity.

The 12th Annual Governor’s Cup Charity Bass Tournament will take place at the Birches Family Campground on Cobbossee Lake in Litchfield. Senators, representatives, and the legislative staff have been invited to attend.

The catch, measure, and release charity tournament will pit members of the House against members of the Senate, and will raise funds for the March of Dimes.

“This annual Governor’s Cup Charity Bass Tournament is a fun-filled event that challenges House and Senate members to compete against each other, with the biggest winner of all being the March of Dimes,” said Commissioner Roland “Dan” Martin. “It is taking place in the height of spawning season and promises to provide plenty of action.”

The day will begin at 6 a.m. with breakfast, followed by a morning of fishing until 12:30 p.m., and an awards ceremony at 1 p.m. Commissioner Martin will present the Governor’s Cup trophy to the winners as soon as the scoring is completed.

The Maine Bass Federation will supply boats, boat captains, fishing tackle, and expert advice.

The Birches Family Campground is located in Litchfield. From Augusta, take Route 202 at Manchester through a series of lights to the last intersection, turn left onto Pond Road. Travel south along the lake for 10 miles to a stop sign. Turn right and immediately turn right again onto Cobbossee Road at the dam. Travel one mile to the campground entrance on your right. Follow the dirt road for one mile into the campground.

The tournament is open to all members of the Legislature.

Posted by Tom Remington

Family and friends, including all of us here at Skinny Moose Media, Maine Hunting Today, Maine Fishing Today and U.S. Hunting Today, are mourning the passing of a great husband, father and friend. Sayward passed away on Thursday, May 29, 2008.

An unbelievably talented man, Sayward accomplished many things in his life but none compare to the impact he left on anyone and everyone who met him. His addictive joy for life and everything around him was what made him the great man he was.

Born in Rangeley, Maine, Sayward moved to West Paris at a very young age and grew up in that community attending local schools. He hunted and fished for over sixty-five years and celebrated that occasion last year by compiling his many stories in a book called, “Deer Tails and Other Tales”.

After retirement, Sayward and his wife Cynthia of 60 years, spent their summers at their cottage on North Pond in Woodstock, Maine and wintering at their home in Plant City, Florida, where he and life-long friend, Milt Inman, would go chasing alligators and generally getting into mischief.

Some of his God-given talents included tying his own flies for fishing, constructing calls for his love of turkey hunting, woodworking, building furniture, crafting wooden boats, my favorite being his cedar strip canoes and paddles. Sayward took up the fine art of carving later in life, creating some finely detailed fish and birds. He won several awards both in Maine and Florida carving shows.

Aside from his genuine warmth and love, I will always miss Sayward’s stories. I have laughed so many times as I sat and listened to story after story and marveled how one man could experience so many things in the ways that he did.

Sayward loved his community and all the people who were part of it. He gave so much for others to enjoy.

You will be missed my dear friend!

Tom Remington and all the staff at Skinny Moose Media

The Upper Andro Anglers Alliance in co-operation with Trout Unlimited will host a free family fishing festival on Saturday, May 31. The festival will be held at the Grand Summit Hotel Pond at Sunday River Ski Resort in Newry, from 9 am to 2 pm, rain or shine. Free casting workshops and fly-tying instruction will be available throughout the day.

Members of the Mollyockett Chapter of Trout Unlimited will teach the workshops. Instruction will follow the curriculum developed by Trout Unlimited’s “First Cast” program for Kids. Instruction will include both spin casting and fly casting for older youth and parents. Maine’s Hooked on Fishing-Not on Drugs Program will supply complimentary rods and reels for use at the festival.

Families can practice newly learned casting skills in the Grand Summit Pond and are welcome to take home their catch. The pond will be stocked with trout courtesy of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. The Upper Andro Anglers Alliance will provide each young angler with a mini-tackle box complete with bobber, sinkers and hook.

Kids can learn how to tie flies with materials provided by TU and fibers from Sunday River Alpacas. Every child will be able to take home a hand-tied fly.

Exhibitors include the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife with a mobile unit information booth, the Hooked on Fishing-Not on Drugs Program; Mainefishingtoday.com; and The Maine Conservation School of Bryant Pond, a camp facility for juniors and adults offering programs in Maine’s traditional outdoor activities.

Families are welcome to bring a pack lunch. An outdoor barbecue and cold drinks will be available at the festival. All parents and kids registering for the event will be eligible for prizes including outdoor and fishing equipment from sponsors, local outfitters and businesses.

The weekend of May 31 and June 1 is a free fishing weekend in Maine. Resident and Non-resident freshwater fishing licenses are waived each day. June 1 is the first day of National Fishing & Boating Week, a program of the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation. RBFF is a non-profit organization whose mission is to increase participation in recreational angling and boating and thereby increase public awareness and appreciation of the need for protecting, conserving and restoring the nation’s aquatic and natural resources.

The Bethel Family Fishing Festival is one many nationwide events that provide families with an opportunity to have fun on the water. For those families wishing to stay overnight and fish or canoe the Androscoggin River on Sunday, special family packages are available for the weekend at local lodging establishments.

For information on the Family Fishing Festival, contact the Upper Andro Anglers Alliance at 1-877-275-3363 or on line at www.upperandro.com.

Oh, my! For as long as man has taken to the woods, he has searched and searched for that magic “formula” that will keep biting insects away. For as long as man has searched for the secret there have been too-numerous-to-count “wives tales” formulas that “really do work”.

Take for example the blog I posted back in March about the use of Listerine mouth wash as an insect repellent. There have been over 30 comments from people who swear by it and those who will laugh in your face should you mention it.

The things that man has tried to beat off the swarming mosquitoes, black flies, chiggers, etc. could leave the most knowledgeable research scientist scratching his head. Some of those concocted formulas could kill or repel bigger things than tiny insects I’m sure but our quest remains undaunted. The search must go on.

One of the best known killers of insects, DDT - Dichloro-Diphenyl-Trichloroethane - is banned from use here in the U.S. Growing up in rural Maine in the 50s and 60s, my small home town budgeted money each year in order to hire a spray plane to criss-cross the village air space spraying DDT to kill unwanted bugs. I can honestly say it worked. It was a rare occasion to be playing baseball on the town’s Little League field and find a biting insect. Of course there were no songbirds and the like either but we didn’t get bitten.

Some of my growing up buddies and I laugh even today as we relive the days when the spray plane arrived so we could run outside, look up toward the clouds and wait to feel the mist of DDT fall gently on our faces. All that and there’s nothing wrong with me….wrong with me……wrong with me……wrong with me……wrong with me……

Sorry, I don’t know what happened.

Later came the development of DEET - N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide. DEET has been used for several years now as a repellent, whereas DDT was a kill-em-dead-on-contact pesticide. DEET has been relatively effective but isn’t recommended to be used on your skin, especially on kids.

DEET seemed to work best on mosquitoes to repel them but scientists really didn’t know why until recently a study seemed to indicate that it makes human scent “invisible” to those biting, vicious and hungry insects. With that to work on, could it be that someday someone will discover a different “chemical” that will even be more effective than DEET with no residual side affects - unlike what has happened to me?

Black Bear Blog reader “jes” sent me an email yesterday with a link to a National Public Radio story about just such a thing. You can read or listen to it for yourself but here’s an interesting tidbit from the story.

“And we’re finding lots of interesting things that look nothing like DEET that are much more potent, at least in the lab,”

Is it really that simple? Could it be that once someone seemingly discovers how DEET works, researchers have been able to “model” other things that will work as good or better? If so, why has it taken so long?

Kelli Miller Staci for WebMD has a bit more information on the work done by researchers at the University of Florida on insect repellents. The article goes a bit further than that of NPR in actually telling us what these “magic” chemicals are that work better than DEET.

Alan Katritzky of the University of Florida and colleagues used artificial neural networking software to predict how certain compounds called N-acylpiperidines would keep mosquitoes from feeding on human flesh. N-acylpiperidines are related to the active ingredient in pepper. The researchers identified 23 strong candidates, which they expected to be as effective as DEET.

So, there you have it. The newest information on how to repel insects. Simply douse yourself in pepper and head outdoors. Maybe not so fast. I think there might be more to this.

What I do find interesting though is that “under laboratory conditions” DEET is said to be able to repel mosquitoes for an average of 17.5 days and these new pepper-based ingredients will last up to 73 days. I can tell you from experience that DEET products in the “deep woods” will not repel mosquitoes for 17.5 days. Perhaps 17.5 minutes before the next dose needs administering.

And do we really want to repel those dastardly bugs anyway? Don’t those biting, unrelenting insects work as a repellent of their own? I had a short exchange of emails with the same reader, “jes” and he brought up an interesting question or two.

But I wonder if “the bugs” (especially in FL) don’t determine two important aspects: one how long or if we spend any time at all in the woods, hunting, etc. and how comfortable we are there. And two, how many woods will be left for wildlife if the bugs are gone…(it seems to slow development), in FL, at least!

Never fear “jes”! There just might be protection for those biting insects and their natural human repellent might just be able to do the trick. Many of you might recall last October I told you about the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service issuing the “Draft Mosquito Management Plan“.

I didn’t read anything in that plan that would call for the control of insect repellents, only pesticides but you can be sure that in this day of animal rights extremists and their undaunting affection with the courts, they will find a way to stop us humans from repelling biting insects.

The good news in all this seems to be that there may be hope on the horizon that we can get relief from biting insects with something that may not be as harmful as DEET. I would suppose that for those with allergies to pepper, you’ll need to hope for something else.

AAHHH CHEEEEEEWWWW!

Tom Remington