Anglers from Team Patagonia/Wild River Angler Take Top Spots In Upper Andro 2-Fly Contest

Bethel, Me…..Tyler Cote of Monmouth was the first place winner in the Third Annual Upper Andro Two Fly Contest held Saturday, September 19th on the Upper Androscoggin River between New Hampshire and Rumford, Maine. Tyler tied for first place in the biggest fish category with Brad Jerome of Newry. Both anglers caught a 14” rainbow trout. There was a tie for second place between Kevin McKay of Brewer, Maine and Charlie Lowe of Twin Mountain, NH, with 13 ½” rainbows. Chad Hughes of Camden, Scott Overbey of Brunswick and Mitch Cummings of Bethel each caught a 13” rainbow for third place honors.

The largest catch was also won by Cote with 12 fish, ten rainbows, a brown and brook trout. Second place went to Overbey with a catch of 9 rainbows and third place to Lowe with 4 rainbows, a brook and brown trout.

The Rocky Freda Turtle Water Team Trophy was presented to the Patagonia/Wild River Angler team who caught 21 fish.

Thirteen teams entered the competition. Each team made up of two anglers and a drift boat oarsman, fished with the use of only two flies from 6 am to 2 pm. All fish were caught, recorded and released. Along with the trophies, merchandise prizes from Orvis, L.L. Bean, Kittery Trading Post and Patagonia were presented to the winners. Three anglers who were unable to catch any fish received a new set of flies from Selene Dumaine of Merrymeeting Fly Shop in Brunswick.

The annual event is a fundraiser for the Upper Andro Anglers Alliance. The non-profit group, based in Bethel, Maine, is dedicated to conserving, protecting, restoring and promoting the natural resources relating to the Upper Androscoggin River, its tributaries, watershed and environs.

In today’s report, Fish and Game hatcheries supervisor Robert Fawcett presents the annual plan for growing and stocking trout throughout the state. Also, anadromous fisheries guy Matt Carpenter offers a brood stock Atlantic salmon update with locations, fishing tips and more.

STOCKING TRUCKS ARE ROLLING! We don’t have a list of waterbodies for you just yet — but check the website and we’ll get it updated as soon as we can. http://www.fishnh.com/Fishing/fish_stock_current.htm.

Are you a Let’s Go Fishing Instructor? No? Well, here’s your big chance! Sign up for LGF training by April 20 and you could be teaching this spring and summer. Info: http://www.fishnh.com/Newsroom/News_2009/News_2009_Q2/LGF_Instructor_Training_040309.html.

Final Fish Talk! Our spring series of Fish Talks wraps up next Weds., April 15, with a repeat of the popular “Downriggers and Trolling” presentation at Fish and Game in Concord. Visit http://www.fishnh.com/Newsroom/News_2009/News_2009_Q1/fish_talk_5_6_Electronics.html.

Purchase your fishing license online at http://www.FishNH.com, or from any Fish and Game license agent. Don’t forget — kids under 16 fish free in N.H.!

All NH fishing page: 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…

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WE HAVE WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR: Quality hatchery-raised trout and landlocked salmon
By Robert Fawcett, Supervisor of Hatcheries

This year’s trout yearlings are more than ready to go. The fingerlings are outgrowing their raceways and need space in the larger pools, currently occupied by the ones normally distributed by this time. There will be the usual nice big rainbow trout surprises in the southern part of the state. Milford Hatchery stocked fifteen thousand pounds last week.

Fish Culturists and Conservation Officers will be distributing over 200 tons of hatchery-raised trout and landlocked salmon this season. Whether you fish for trout in waters open to fishing year-round or trout ponds that open the traditional fourth Saturday in April (April 25 this year), excellent quality trout and salmon will be there for your angling pleasure — or just for the satisfaction of knowing there are beautiful fish out there in selected cold waters of New Hampshire.

The landlocked salmon to be stocked in 2009 had their left ventral fin clipped off on April 1 and 2, to mark them for future identification. If you see missing fins on fish you catch, those markings have meaning for the Inland Fisheries Division biologists who evaluate the fish populations.

THE PLAN FOR 2009 STOCKING CALLS FOR:
438,470 Eastern brook trout yearlings: 58.1% to streams, 41.9% to lakes and ponds; 14,515 two-year-olds: 39.4% to streams, 60.6% to lakes and ponds; and 1,685 “three-year-pluses” (surplus brood fish): 37.4% to streams, 62.6% to lakes and ponds.

Also:
* 277,925 rainbow trout (RT) yearlings: about 26.5% to streams, 73.5% to lakes and ponds.
* 132,120 brown trout (BT) yearlings: 58.3% to streams, 41.7% to lakes and ponds.
* 5,000 tiger trout (TT). Tigers are a cross between a brook trout male and a brown trout female, and have the potential to keep growing to a trophy size if not hooked and cooked at a younger age. They are up to size and being stocked in the spring this year.

For a chart of species and ages of fish to be stocked, check out the online version of this report at http://www.wildnh.com/Fishing/Fishing_Reports/Fishing_Reports_2009/fishing_report_040209.html.

HATCHERY CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT CONTINUES TO BE DRIVEN LARGELY BY WATER QUALITY LIMITS TO HATCHERY DISCHARGE
A timber sale was contracted to remove trees from Twin Mountain Hatchery where the space was needed for excavation to install pre-cast concrete water treatment and monitoring units, in addition to pipe consolidation. We’ll let you know how this project progresses.

FISH CULTURE 101
The Fish Culturist’s mission is “to produce fish of the right species, size, and timing to fill the gaps in the natural eco-cycle, to contribute to management goals for a wide variety of users, and restoration of self-sustaining native fish populations.”

If a waterbody has plenty of natural habitat capacity to meet all phases of a fish species’ life cycle, then fish populations are self-sustaining and don’t need to be supplemented with hatchery-reared fish. But where there are gaps in that natural habitat capacity, hatchery resources are used to provide a fishery that would otherwise not occur for some reason — for example, lack of adequate habitat for spawning or juvenile rearing, but plenty of habitat for grow out. “Room and board” provided by a hatchery stand in for natural habitat and food organisms. Fish culturists nurture fish eggs through the fry and fingerling stages, until they’re large enough to be released and survive in lakes, ponds and rivers. This helps the cycle complete itself, and allows New Hampshire’s trout and salmon fisheries to remain productive.

We work all year long to make sure you have stocked fish to catch. When you see our trusty Fish Culturists and Conservation Officers out there stocking, be sure to thank them! Have a great season.

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MELTING SNOWS MEAN LEAPING SALMON
By Matt Carpenter, anadromous fisheries biologist

The stage is set for a good start to the Atlantic salmon broodstock season. Unusually low snowfall in late March has led to a gradual snowmelt this spring. Without the high flows associated with a lingering snowpack, the only obstacle to stocking this year’s brood stock is the potential for flooding rains. Barring any major storms, we intend to begin stocking as early as the week of April 20th.

Spring can offer the best opportunity to catch a trophy sized Atlantic salmon. Be sure to bring a camera. The Atlantic salmon broodstock available in the spring tend to be larger and older than those stocked in the fall. These are the adult salmon that have returned after spending 1 to 3 winters at sea in the North Atlantic. They are captured at the Lawrence Dam and trucked to the Nashua National Fish Hatchery, where their offspring provide the salmon fry and smolts used in the restoration effort. This year we have a total of about 760 fish to be stocked out of the Warren State Fish Hatchery. Just over 20% of these salmon are four year olds with an average weight of 10 pounds. The three year olds are not far behind, with an average weight of about 8 pounds. Dave Riel, the Warren Hatchery manager, commented that this year’s broodstock are “looking great . . . very healthy and active.”

Atlantic salmon brood stock are typically stocked in small batches, starting in the Pemigewasset River, below the Ayers Island Dam, and working downstream to Franklin Falls Dam on the Merrimack River, Sewalls Falls in Concord, and occasionally below the Hooksett dam depending on the number of fish available. Atlantic salmon will migrate downstream as water temperatures warm, so the best strategy may be to follow the fish south as spring turns into summer.

A new development in the Merrimack River Anadromous Fish Restoration Program may present some additional late season fishing opportunities for broodstock anglers. The Merrimack Village Dam at the mouth of the Souhegan River was removed last summer. In the past, people have reported broodstock below the dam in early summer. These fish may have been seeking refuge from the warmer Merrimack River water. With the dam no longer blocking movement, there are now over 12 miles of river for broodstock salmon to explore. There are many access points for fishing along the lower Souhegan River, but below the McLane Dam in Milford might be a good place to start.

Season and Permits: The special broodstock Atlantic salmon season runs year-round, but all salmon taken from October 1 through March 31 must be immediately released. Adult anglers need an $11 Atlantic salmon permit and a regular New Hampshire fishing license. Children under 16 are not required to hold a permit or a fishing license. Each angler can keep one tagged salmon per day and five for the season. The minimum length limit is 15 inches. Note that area 1a (below Eastman Falls Dam in Franklin) is catch-and-release only. Stamp and possession tags are no longer required for salmon anglers. The salmon permit is a simple check box on the regular license application. Don’t forget — anglers now can purchase their salmon permit online — go to http://www.greatlodge.com/nh.

When to go: The best time to fish for broodstock is in April and May and again in the fall during October and November, when water temperatures are between 45 and 65 degrees F. Salmon are migratory, and they head back to the ocean once water temperatures rise in late June. An additional stocking takes place in the fall.

Best Fly-Fishing Areas: The most successful fly fishing is found in the fast, free-flowing sections below the dams along the Merrimack and Pemigewasset rivers and its tributaries. For fly anglers some of the best spots include the area below the Ayers Island Dam in Bristol. There are two sections that offer excellent wade fishing opportunities: the first area is along Coolidge Woods Road on the east side of the river, the other is Profile Falls Recreation Area. This is a new site located near the Smith River confluence on the east side of the river.

Other recommended areas include the catch-and-release section just below the Eastman Falls Dam in Frankin, the river below this section in the vicinity of the Winnipesaukee River confluence, the section near the Stirrup Iron Brook in Boscawen, the Contoocook River below the first dam in Penacook, and the Sewalls Falls Recreational Park area in Concord.

Tackle tips: Gear recommendations for fly anglers include 7- to 9-wt. rods with either floating or sink-tip lines, depending on the height and speed of the river flow. While most fly anglers prefer heavyweight rods with 10-pound test line, nymph fishing with lighter gear has proven successful in catching big salmon. Recommended flies include traditional hair wing flies and streamers. Some patterns to try are green highlander, black bear green butt, cosseboom, soft hackle marabou and muddler minnow.

Spin-fishing areas: The area below the Garvin’s Falls Dam in Bow to the MA/NH border is open to both fly and spin fishing. The best areas include in this section of the river just below the Garvin’s Falls and Hooksett dams where the river is fast flowing. Fishing success in these two areas is best angling from a boat; however, these two areas offer some limited but good shoreline angling as well. Excellent boat access is provided at Public Service of New Hampshire’s ramp on the west side of the river in Bow and at the state-owned ramp on the east side of the river below the Hooksett Dam.

Gear tips: Spin casting anglers would do best to use medium to heavy 6 1/2 to 7 foot rods with a minimum of 10-pound test mono line. Some of the lures recommended are Little Cleo (chrome, chartreuse colors), Blue Fox Pixie, Trixie (silver, chartreuse), Rapala’s CD model, and large in-line spinners such as Mepps Aglia (nickel, green, yellow) and Rooster tails. Be reminded that the use of lures for the taking salmon is by the use of an artificial lure having no more than ONE hook point! A solution for lures sold with treble hooks is to either cut off two of the hook points or replace the treble hook with a #6 bait holder hook.

For more broodstock salmon fishing info: http://www.wildnh.com/Fishing/atlantic_salmon.htm

Spectacular! That is the best adjective I can come up with to describe East by North East, produced by Matt Stanton and Carter Davidson for Gray Ghost Productions.

I’ve seen my share of outdoor films, from hunting, fishing, kayaking and an myriad of good movies aimed at teasing the senses, creating fidgety in your pants and to get you off the couch. East by North East is really in a league of its own. It’s hot!

Let me first be a bit forthcoming in that some may think my review of this movie would be influenced by the fact that I know many of the players. In another life, I coached a little soccer, baseball and skiing. Carter Davidson, Luke Gray, Nathan Harvey, Jen and Stephanie Percival and Mitch Cummings all at one time or other were a part of my life and I coached them in various sports. At times some of them might have wished I wasn’t part of their life (as coaches sometimes can be) but I have to admit, I stand in awe of their accomplishments and the lives they lead.

Little did I know at the time, some 15 or so years ago, that Carter Davidson would find his passion behind the lens of a camera, that Nate Harvey would be navigating some of the most exciting white water in his kayak, or that the Percival girls loved fly fishing and Mitch Cummings would be the master of landing the big one.

What sets East by North East apart from other fishing movies is simple really. ExNE is original, creative and complete. ExNE isn’t like “all the others” but you need to get a copy to view for yourself.

Creativity begins with the title itself and never quits through 70 minutes of fun and adventure. Davidson and crew have captured the thrill that drives all avid fishermen, through unique shots, camera angles and the presentation of one-of-a-kind characters, all in some of the finest fishing waters in North America.

East by North East is a movie that isn’t afraid to expand the limits of fly fishing. The DVD begins with a trip to the British Virgin Islands, fly fishing for bonefish. Through the journey on film, the cast wets lines on the Upper Magalloway River with Rick Estes, hits some isolated back country native brook trout ponds with Erik Lippman and dazzles us with bass fishing with Mike Jones.

But it doesn’t end there. I laughed so hard I nearly spit on my computer screen watching Bill Pierce and Mike Jones trying to net a huge pike caught in downtown Lewiston, Maine on the Androscoggin River, a place that once was famous for toxic fumes peeling paint off houses.

Jump from there to Winterport, Maine and you’ll find the McKay brothers, Tait and Jax, all of perhaps 8 and 10 years of age, wielding their fly rods like pros and hauling in fish seemingly with little effort. Davidson says the two boys were born with fishing rods in their hands. I believe it.

The show isn’t all about success with every cast or fishing only. As Luke Gray physically headlocks and drags “Stoo” Mason from his distillery at the Sunday River Brewing Company, they head for Canada to do some Atlantic salmon fishing. They soon find out why the Atlantic salmon is called the fish of 1,000 casts as Luke exclaims, “It should be called the fish of 5,000 casts!” as he and the others got skunked.

Adding even more variety for your viewing pleasure, Davidson explains that Nate Harvey, an accomplished whitewater kayaker and instructor, finds fish for him while spending time upside down in some pretty wild and deep pools.

Of interest to me personally was a segment of the movie that touched on the history of the Androscoggin River. The Andy begins in the Rangeley Lakes area, meanders into New Hampshire for a spell, returning to Maine and eventually merging with the Kennebec River at Merrymeeting Bay on the coast.

I grew up on that river many years ago. At one point of the film, Rocky Freda, a Maine guide and outfitter who utilizes the resources of the river in his business, tells viewers that few houses can be found built directly on the river because it once was so polluted, nobody wanted to live next to it. I did. I played on the banks of that river as a kid. I watched as the river went from one of the 10 filthiest to what it is today. It’s an incredible success story achieved mostly because the people wanted it to happen.

East by North East gives all a chance to witness the bounty this spectacularly scenic river now brings.

Still not complete, you’ll be entertained with legends and characters like Charlie Lowe, Will Gilson, Lefty Kreh and Rik Dow. There is nothing more entertaining than listening to Dow’s unique and often bizarre perspective on life in general, say nothing about fishing. Combine the two and you’ll walk away either scratching your head or laughing it off.

If all of this isn’t enough to capture your attention and hold it for 70 minutes, no other fly fishing film breaks between scenes with fishing tales as told by noted Maine humorist Joe Perham. I have to admit that the stories told in this movie are more on the line of “Tall Tales and Damned Lies” than the more believable fishing yarns often spun by some of Maine’s more colorful characters.

And to polish things off on a very complete and expansive movie, the camera zooms in on Charlie Lowe, to a face that has seen many years on the water, slipped on more rocks than most people see in their lifetime and caught more fish than………well, let’s just say he’s caught a lot of fish. His parting words to the camera, “Fish more and you’ll live longer.”

Now that’s complete!

If you would like to purchase a copy of East by North East you can find it at the following locations:

Online:
(soon) at the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Store and,
Maine Guide Fly Shop

In Maine:
Aardvark Outfitters, Farmington
Eldredge Brothers Fly Shop, Cape Neddick
Fly Fishing Only, Fairfield
Maine Guide Fly Shop, Greenville (online available)
Sun Valley Sports, Bethel
Bear River Trading Post, Newry
Bethel Historic Society, Bethel
Tackle Shop, Portland
Van Raymonds, Brewer

In New Hampshire:
North Country Angler, Conway
WS Hunter, Concord
Fox Ridge Outfitters, Rochester

East by North East will be available at other fine tackle shops and outfitters, so check with your favorite store and see if they have a copy.

Tom Remington

We’ve all been waiting anxiously for the brand new production of the fly fishing movie, “East by Northeast”, created by Carter Davidson and his able staff at Grayghost Productions, LLC.

Due to be released this month, the following movie trailer has been made available to wet our appetites.

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

A very troubling article appeared Saturday in the Lewiston Sun Journal announcing this Tuesday’s annual meeting of the Androscoggin River Watershed Council to be held at Sunday River Ski Resort. The keynote address is to be delivered by David Vail, a professor of economics at Bowdoin College. He will speak on “Tourism Strategy for Maine’s North Woods: Getting to World Class.” Mr. Vail is also a member of Gov. Baldacci’s steering committee on natural resource-based industries.

His talk will focus on efforts over the past four years to turn Maine’s Northern Forest region into a world class tourist destination. He hopes that will happen in three steps.

Part one involves shaping the 2 million acres of existing protected lands into a Great Maine Woods Recreation Area. The second and third parts involve securing federal designation of a Maine Woods National Heritage Area and helping hundreds of tourism businesses – from outfitters to restaurants – deliver world-class product quality and livable-wage jobs

More on this in a moment but the conference being held at the resort will have a focus on outdoor recreation and the economy surrounding the Androscoggin River from Lake Umbagog to Merrymeeting Bay. There will be various speakers on the subject.

The article does not make it clear as to what 2 million acres of existing “protected” lands is being referred to. With the talk of designating some or all of these areas as a National Heritage Area is something that I question whether most people are aware of. And those promoting National Heritage Areas will never tell the local businesses and in particular any of the landowners just what might be involved in such a designation.

While Maine struggles to find ways to prop up an economy that is nearly non existent is some regions, Maine people cannot give away the farm, so to speak, in order to pull off some miracle cure for economic woes. Before I look more closely at the impacts of National Heritage Areas, Mainers need to ask themselves how much money is there really to be realized by setting aside millions of acres of lands, which as National Heritage Areas would remove them from the tax rolls, in hopes of drawing tourists. What kind of tourists will this draw? And of those, how many of them are willing to spend money?

Many have talked about turning much of northern Maine into a wilderness National Park or forest, essentially closed to anything except some foot traffic in designated areas. What kind of a tourist draw is that? I never met a wilderness seeker eager to drop a few hundred dollars on a vacation retreat. Those attending the conference I’m sure will hear how National Heritage Areas are extremely profitable. Are they and at what cost?

If we examine the watershed area that will discussed at this conference, it includes the Embagog Lake area and follows the Androscoggin River, the valley and watershed all the way to Merrymeeting Bay where it joins with the Kennebec River before finally emptying into the Atlantic Ocean. This entail massive amounts of land and my guess is just about all of it is privately owned.

Efforts have been ongoing for years to clean up the Andy and much has been done. With the clean up of the river and work by some local businesses, it is being discovered as a draw to boaters and fishermen. Efforts have secured water access points, once again achieved through local effort, small business and free enterprise.

Now Mainer’s are going to have a juicy carrot dangled in front of their faces in an effort to convince them that bigger is better. Let big government take over those efforts and then see what happens.

Land is a valuable commodity, once thought of as the ultimate dream, the pinnacle of success to own such. It was a mark of prosperity. As big government gets bigger, each year demanding more of our tax dollars, combined with stricter and stricter restrictions put on what we can do with our land, the incentives to own property are diminishing.

One third of all the land in the United States in owned by the federal government. How much more do we need or want to add to that? And at what expense?

In National Heritage Areas, land is determined to be in the best interest of those given the authority to oversee the use of such lands. They are called Management Entities. What if your land becomes a parcel that the “Management Entity” deem as essential to the formation and implementation of a National Heritage Area? Are you aware that your land could be taken from you via eminent domain? Are you aware that severe restrictions could be put on you and how you can use your land that you pay taxes on?

If the water and the land that make up the Androscoggin River watershed is such a valuable commodity, then why do we think that government oversight will keep it that way? What will become of the many farm lands that make up a great deal of the watershed area? Will some entity whose special interests and personal agendas begin a systematic closing of farm lands that interfere with the “World Class Tourist Destination”? What if your land would make a great spot for a boat launch, a park or a picnic area? What are your rights? Will you have any? Is this how Americans should create “World Class Tourist Destinations”?

Free enterprise can do a pretty good job of promoting money making commodities without stealing people’s lands and telling them what they can and can’t do with it. More and more people everyday are selling their land and properties and moving into rents. Why? They can’t afford the taxes, the insurance and they are sick and tired of having land and property only for the privilege of paying more and more taxes.

Designating a few million acres of land in Maine and removing it from the tax rolls is something Maine doesn’t need. It means the few people scattered through many of these tiny communities will need to dig even deeper into their pocket books in order to pay the tax from which the base has been reduced. Designating these lands as National Heritage Areas will also strip many Mainers of their right to utilize their land as they see fit. Instead they will be forced through the land designation to use that land only in a way that is conducive to providing tourists with a National Heritage Area. Whatever happened to working with the landowners, citizens and businesses instead of strong arming them into submission?

But there is far more to these National Heritage Areas than most Americans know about. I challenge you to visit the National Center for Public Policy Research website and get more information about what’s behind this seemingly innocent effort. Follow this link to an article written by Peyton Knight of NCPPR that gives a clear example of what can happen.

There is pending legislation that would create a management entity to oversee your land. Here’s an example of one such effort being discussed as I write.

This consortium of preservation elitists and federal bureaucrats would form a “management entity,” and be given a federal mandate to create an “inventory” of all property in the area that it wants “preserved,” “managed” or “acquired” because of its “national historic significance.”

Doesn’t this already sound quite familiar? Baldacci has already ordered another one of his steering committees to inventory all the public lands and recreational easements the state has and prioritize them. And for what purpose is he doing this? Is he already making plans to dump Maine’s public lands into the hands of the federal government to be taken care of by a federally designated “management entity”? And who would become that entity?

Once groups such as the Androscoggin River Watershed Council are able to be recognized by the federal government as a “management entity”, it means access to huge earmarks and pork-barrel spending. Whether people are aware of this or not, they need to know. Perhaps some or all of the members of these groups, even those who sit on the ARWC steering committee, aren’t aware of this. Then again, maybe they are. Maybe this is what’s really behind this. Do you know? Will you ask or just take the attractive bait hook, line and sinker and then wait to see what happens. Who do you think will really reap the benefits of a National Heritage Area?

A recent report done by the Brooking’s Institute said that Maine’s biggest asset was it’s natural resources and beauty. Does that mean we should take this asset and turn it over to government? Think about it. Free enterprise has always been the best method to spur on a sluggish economy. The last thing it needs is more government, which is part of the problem facing Maine taxpayers now.

While the state looks to climb out of a deep recession hole, it can’t bury itself deeper by giving away the means to fill in the hole. Those attending this conference need to keep their focus on free enterprise and their rights as property owners before they become committed to turning Maine into a preservationists National Heritage Area.

Tom Remington

Largemouth Bass Virus (LMBV) has been found being carried is smallmouth bass in Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire. Through ongoing bass testing being conducted by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, officials have found the virus in smallmouth bass and say that it is not surprising. They say other fish can carry the virus and they expect that testing will eventually find the disease in largemouth bass.

“Finding largemouth bass virus in smallmouth bass is not surprising, as this virus is known to be carried by other fish such as smallmouth bass, pickerel and some sunfish species,” said Dr. Joel Bader, N.H. Fish and Game Fish Pathologist. “As we continue to test more bass from Lake Winnipesaukee, it is likely that we will find largemouth bass virus in largemouth bass, as well.”

In a press release by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department Largemouth bass virus is one of more than 100 naturally occurring viruses in fish.Fish with largemouth bass virus are safe to handle and eat, as the virus does not infect warm-blooded animals, including humans.

Presence of the virus in a fish population does not necessarily mean fish will develop LMBV disease, which can cause them to die or show signs of being in poor health.Most fish carrying largemouth bass virus appear completely normal, but largemouth bass kills sometimes result in waters that test positive for LMBV.These fish kills generally occur during the summer months, indicating that warmer water temperatures may be a factor.In cases where the virus has triggered disease, dying bass may be near the water surface and have difficultly swimming and remaining upright.The virus attacks the swim bladder, sometimes causing bass to lose their equilibrium and appear bloated.Largemouth bass between 12 and 15 inches appear to be most susceptible to the disease.The occurrence of lesions or black spots is not a sign that a fish has LMBV.

The virus appears to result in disease when largemouth bass are stressed — warm water temperatures, low oxygen, poor water quality, and frequent handling can increase the chance that fish may get the disease.

Scientists are unsure as to how the virus is transmitted or how it develops into a disease.There is currently no cure or preventative for LMBV, and it can live in water for up to seven days.It is known that the virus may be transmitted through water, by fish consuming infected prey, or through direct and indirect contact in boat live wells.

Officials don’t believe this discovery will lead to any long-term effects of the bass fishery.

“Based on the information we have about the virus, it is unlikely that largemouth bass virus poses a serious threat to the long-term health of New Hampshire’s bass resources,” said Gabe Gries, N.H. Fish and Game fisheries biologist and Warmwater Project Leader.”However, because the virus can sometimes kill or negatively impact largemouth bass and can be spread or influenced by anglers, it is important to test fish to learn where the virus is present in New Hampshire, inform anglers about the virus and try to minimize its spread.

As an angler and boater, there are certain things that you can do to help minimize the spread of LMBV.

* Drain water from bilge and live wells and clean boats, trailer and other equipment between fishing trips with a solution of bleach to water (1:100 ratio) and let air-dry.

* Use a solution of bleach to water (1:100 ratio) to clean live wells and let air-dry.

* Never transfer fish or fish parts from one body of water to another.In fact, New Hampshire law prohibits transfer of live fish from one waterbody to another.

* Do not release live bait into waterbodies.

* Handle bass as gently as possible.

* During times of high water temperatures, minimize stress to fish as much as possible.

* Conduct fishing tournaments during cooler weather, so fish caught will not be as stressed.

* Reduce daily bass tournament bag limits or use a “paper format” during times of high water temperatures.

* Report dead or dying fish to the N.H. Fish and Game Department.

* Educate other anglers about LMBV.

Tom Remington

I probably shouldn’t even be giving this any ink but it has stirred at my inner being for most of the night and morning today, so I figure I better get it off my chest so I can move on.

Didymo, didymosphenia geminata or rock snot, is a nasty invasive algae that can cripple a trout stream. As it grows it is often described as looking like toilet paper stuck to the bottom of crystal clear and fast moving waters – ideal for trout. As the “snot” grows, it can destroy the aquatic life that trout feed on and just as importantly is sends the aquatic ecosystem into disarray.

Recently, didymo was confirmed as being in existence in the Upper Connecticut River, some prime trout habitat and a popular fishery as well as being frequented by canoers and kayakers. Shortly after this discovery, didymo was again found on the White River in Vermont and the most recent discovery occurring on the Batten Kill River in Vermont and at the border of New York State.

Not to sound like an alarmist or a defeatist but it may be safe to say the the waters of New England are beginning to take a hit from this invasive species. What overall impact this will have on our trout waters and economies remains to be seen.

When the first announcement came about the discovery of didymo in the Connecticut River, what I saw in my movement around the Internet were fishermen clamoring to get the word out. As a matter of fact some groups and individuals hustled around to get up signs in an effort to alert the people and hand out fliers with instructions on how to help stop the spread of this algae. This effort all done ahead of the efforts by state officials.

What I didn’t see or hear was bickering among sportsmen about whose fault it was, or who was going to be the ones to take credit for getting the word out. It was more of a unified effort. Any discussions about how didymo got to the waters of northern New England and how it is spreading were done with the attitude of education and enlightenment. I for one knew very little about didymo prior to this.

Yesterday, I was alerted to a thread that was posted at the forums of Fly Fishing in Maine. Although I have been a member of the Fly Fishing in Maine forums for quite some time, I almost never post there but like many places I frequent, I do so to read and find out what sportsmen are talking about. I have no ill feelings toward the website, its owners, administrators or members. Had a post like this shown up on my own website, I would have reacted in the same manner.

As I said at the beginning of this article, I shouldn’t be giving this my time but I feel it needs to be pointed out that in my opinion, the vast majority of fishermen, no matter what kind of rod they use or bait they cast, don’t feel as this person does. Here’s the post.

It is often said that fly fishing is the most noble form of our sport. Not only do we take fishing to an art form, but the majority of us show our target species and their ecosystems the utmost respect. Enter Didymo – our community takes up arms to defend against this paralyzing threat.
But what about the average joe tossing his worm on a hook? Is he aware and does he care?
Fishing is a leisure activity and its finest appeal is the relaxation it affords our tired bodies and souls. We work and toil our lives away and fishing gives us a moment of respite from the turmoil of life.
Who wants to interrupt this relaxation with hours of cleaning equipment, exchanging felt soles for rubber, navigating waterways to eliminate fishing infected areas, etc. The fly-fisherman will do this happily, because we know what’s at stake.
What about the rest?

It is troubling that there are actually individuals alive on this planet that believe that because they cast a fly onto the water, they are somehow more “noble” than let’s say someone opting to drown a worm. American Heritage Dictionary defines noble as 1. Of, in, or belonging to the nobility. 2. Having or showing qualities of high moral character…. 3. Superior in nature or character; exalted: a noble ideal.

When a person chooses to take up fly fishing, I would like to think they do it because of the challenges and enjoyment they get from all aspects of the sport not because they are looking to become an elite member of the fly fishing fraternity that thinks others don’t care. There is nothing wrong with wanting to fly fish. There is nothing wrong with spending gobs of money to enjoy the sport. There is nothing wrong with buying a Zebco rod and reel at Wal-Mart of $9.95, digging some worms out back and heading down to the local brook and catching the night’s supper. In my opinion both disciplines are “noble” when compared to many other things our society indulges in.

When we begin assuming attitudes of superiority, nobility and grandeur all because we think we are better than another because of how we choose to fish, it is a sad day for all outdoor sportsmen. We see all too often these days such attitudes more geared for the promotion of our own special interests than for what’s good for all, including the fisheries we all strive to protect.

For this person to suggest that because he is a member of an elite group of “noble” fishermen, he and his fellow anglers are the only ones who care enough to want to do anything about didymo, is absolutely absurd. It makes you wonder what other thoughts this person has toward his fellow man.

The most encouraging part of this post comes from the responses that follow. As of this writing there were 11 responses and not one of them agreed. I don’t for one minute believe that the majority or even a small minority of fishermen at Fly Fishing in Maine honestly feel that spinning rod fishermen don’t care whether didymo grows and spreads in New England waters. We all have differing ideas on how best to manage our fisheries and often times, as has been displayed during the latest legislative session, ideas clash and emotions run high. This debate is far better than sportsmen sitting at home not getting involved at all. It shows more and more of us care and are willing to step up to the microphone and be heard. Let the debating continue but posts like this one do absolutely nothing to further the cause of understanding and preventing the spread of this and other invasive species.

Tom Remington

When I reported here of the confirmed outbreak of didymo on the Upper Connecticut River and the White Rivers in Vermont, I was a few days late in doing so. Now it is nearly two weeks since then and Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife are just starting to get the word out to its fishermen.

This from Mark Latti of MDIFW.

First Northeast Infestation of “Didymo” Discovered In Vermont

Invasive could threaten Maine’s Pristine Rivers and Streams. Maine to combat potential infestation with strategy of Check, Clean and Dry.

AUGUSTA, Maine – With the discovery of the aquatic nuisance algae known commonly as “didymo” or “rock snot” on the Vermont/New Hampshire Border in the Connecticut River, the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and the Maine Department of Environmental Protection are alerting boaters, anglers, kayakers, canoeists and others to take action to prevent this new invasive threat to Maine’s waters.

The confirmed discovery in Bloomfield, Vermont is the first official report of Didymosphenia geminata in the Northeastern United States.

Didymo can form extensive ‘blooms’ on the bottoms of rocky river beds, essentially smothering aquatic life forms such as macroinvertebrates (aquatic insects), native algae, and other organisms. Additionally, the physical appearance of the bloom is aesthetically unpleasing, and can reduce the recreational values of a waterbody. Didymo uses stalks to attach to rocks and plants in a river system. The diatom creates these stalks, which can form masses 10-12 inches thick on the river bottom, and trail for lengths of 2-3 feet in the current.

“Didymo can be spread by transporting a single cell, it forms dense mats, which can kill aquatic insect life, essentially starving out fish populations in the area,” said John Boland, Director of Fisheries for IFW. “The ease with which it can be spread is a real concern for anyone who enjoys Maine’s waters. All of Maine’s rivers and streams are at risk.”

Both IFW and DEP are urging anglers and other water recreationists to use these procedures for preventing the introduction and spread of didymo: Check, Clean and Dry.

o Check: Before leaving a river or stream, remove all obvious clumps of algae and look for hidden clumps. Leave them at the affected site. If you find any later, do not wash them down drains; dispose all material in the trash.
o Clean: Soak and scrub all items for at least one minute in hot (140 degrees F) water, a two percent solution of household bleach or a five percent solution of salt, antiseptic hand cleaner or dishwashing detergent.
o Dry: If cleaning is not practical, after the item is completely dry to touch, wait an additional 48 hours before contact or use in any other waterway.

“These steps are more than suggestions,” said IFW’s John Boland. “They’re absolutely essential for preserving the quality of Maine rivers and streams.”

There are currently no known methods for controlling or eradicating didymo once it infests a water body. “Preventing the spread of Didymo is our best defense,” said Tom Danielson, a biologist with the Maine Department of Environmental Protection. “We have tested algae at over two hundred locations on Maine rivers and streams, and it has not yet been detected in Maine’s waters.”

Didymo is generally found in colder, low nutrient, high clarity streams. However, recently there have been discoveries of Didymo in rivers and streams in warmer climates, as well as streams with more nutrients, streams with moderate clarities and even some tannic (tea colored) waters. Didymo is currently found in Europe (Scotland, Poland) and it is spreading throughout the northwestern region of the US. It is also in Quebec, British Columbia and New Zealand.

In the past several years, didymo has expanded its range in the Western United States and has infested rivers and streams in several southeastern states, including Virginia, West Virginia, Tennessee and North Carolina.

In 2004, didymo was discovered in New Zealand. Within 18 months it had spread to 12 rivers on the South Island, forming nuisance blooms at several locations. New Zealand officials have instituted severe penalties for intentional spread of the algae, and are intensively researching control and prevention methods.

If you feel that you have discovered didymo, please contact the Maine Department of Environmental Protection at 1-800-452-1942 or email milfoil@maine.gov.

# # #

For more information, please visit the following resources on the Web:

EPA http://www.epa.gov/region8/water/didymosphenia/

Biosecurity New Zealand http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/didymo

New Hampshire Didymo Identification and FAQ
http://www.des.state.nh.us/wmb/exoticspecies/didymo/identify_didymo.htm

Tom Remington

The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services has posted a page at their website with contact information as to who to notify should you find outbreaks of the invasive algae, Didymo.

Sightings in New Hampshire
NH DES Limnology Center
29 Hazen Drive
Concord, NH 03301
603-271-2248 or 603-271-3414
asmagula@des.state.nh.us
or
jconnor@des.state.nh.us

Sightings in Vermont
Didymo identification, Water Quality Division
103 S. Main St., Bldg 10N, First Floor
Waterbury VT 05671-0408
(802) 241 – 3770 or 241 – 3777
Angela.Shambaugh@state.vt.us
or
Leslie.Matthews@state.vt.us

The site also contains information about the species and what can be done to stop the spread of the deadly algae.

Tom Remington

With the confirmation of the presence of didymo, a deadly algae, in the Upper Connecticut River and portions of the White River near Bethel, Vermont, officials will begin a sign campaign. Signs will be placed at boat launch sites, etc. to educate the public on how to avoid spreading this algae.

When officials get there with their signs, they may find some already put up by concerned fisherman who didn’t want to wait.

The Boston Globe has more on this.

Tom Remington

With permission from Down East Magazine, the Upper Andro Anglers Alliance’s website has republished an article written by Roberta Scruggs for Down East about how the Upper Androscoggin River has evolved from one the top most dirty rivers in our nation to one that now claims to be a fishing destination.

You can read her article by following this link.

Tom Remington