Region A- Southwestern Maine
Brutally cold temperatures continue to limit angling pressure on many lakes and ponds. However, for those willing to brave the elements recent reports suggest the fishing has been very good, especially considering that it's late in the season and we just experienced a full moon. There's still a lot of excellent winter fishing remaining and anglers are encouraged to take advantage of the warming temperatures.
Two trophy togue were landed last week; Timothy Menard landed a 15-pounder on Mousam Lake (Shapleigh), and Rick Osmong caught a 16 -pounder on Sebago Lake (a photo of Rick's trophy catch is attached).
The FET ("Fish Extraction Team"), a not for profit charitable group hosted their second highly successful ice fishing derby on Little Ossipee Lake this past Sunday. About 900 anglers actually registered for the derby, but many more anglers and "want to be" anglers showed up for the popular event. Since this was a free fishing weekend, the nonfishing public was invited to experience the sport of ice fishing and derby organizers were only too accommodating, offering to drill holes and providing equipment to those wanting to learn how to ice fish. The event also included a "hooked on fishing not on drugs" program for kids, and over 300 kids participated! Separate prizes were awarded for adult and child divisions. A variety of fish were caught including togue, salmon, brook trout, chain pickerel, black crappie, and largemouth bass. The largest fish landed was a 5.5-pound togue, which took the grand prize of $2,500.
The second annual Sebago Lake fishing derby is planned for the 22nd and 23rd. In addition to the fishing many other activities associated with a winter festival are planned, including fire works, bands, and other fun events. Event information may be obtained by calling 1-888-423-3524 or accessing the following web site: www.icefishingderby.com <http://www.icefishingderby.com>
What is the role of fisheries biologists in the Department? Whenever I'm asked this question my response generally includes a laundry list of general duties including aquatic habitat and environmental protection, public access, enhanced fishing opportunities, development of fishing regulations, etc.. However, this brief description is often too general to provide a meaningful understanding of public's license dollars at work. For the benefit of those that wonder what specifically their fishing license fees are being used for I have assembled a partial list of recent accomplishments in southern Maine.
? Initiated an experimental rainbow trout stocking program, and search for a new brown trout strain. ? Expanded and enhanced the quality of the sea-run brown trout program. ? Created a popular and unique coldwater fishery on the Presumpscot River. ? Created numerous expanded fishing opportunities including fall fishing on most regional lakes and ponds, as well as, year round fishing on many rivers (e.g. Royal, Saco, Presumpscot Rivers). ? Created (16) new winter brook trout fisheries (e.g. Otter, Barker, Worthley Ponds). ? Created four new quality brook trout fisheries (reclamations) where few such opportunities previously occurred in the region. ? Initiated an evaluation of experimental splake introductions on 10 lakes and ponds. ? Inventoried and assessed fisheries in 90% of all mapped streams in the region. According to this work approximately 50% of the region's streams support wild brook trout populations. ? Expanded brook trout stocking and fishing opportunities in southern Maine streams including the creation of a highly successful program that relies on volunteers from local sportsmen's clubs to disperse stocked trout. ? Developed new public boat access on 6 lakes, improved access on 4 other waters, and have acquired but not yet developed access on two additional lakes. Worked with MDOT to improve stream access at bridges and culverts. ? Acquired a state of the art electrofishing boat to enhance monitoring and sampling capabilities ? Regularly monitor the health of our most significant landlocked salmon fisheries and routinely adjust management to enhance the quality of these fisheries. ? Developed many new regional databases, which improve regional efficiency and increase time for field studies. ? Developed statewide fisheries management plans for brown trout, rainbow smelt, rainbow trout, northern pike, and muskellunge. ? Are more accountable to the public for work completed in the region by preparing summary reports for all significant field sampling and monitoring efforts. ? Review DEP projects to ensure that regional fisheries, particularly stream fisheries, are not adversely impacted by the sprawling development that threatens our wild trout fisheries. Developed regional environmental review guidelines for the DEP to enhance habitat protection measures, speed up the review process, reduce the workload for regional biologists, and increase focus on fisheries management programs. ? Reviewed the relicensing of 7 hydropower projects to: (1) establish minimum flows to protect and enhance fisheries and fishing opportunities, (2) develop access provisions for anglers, (3) address fish passage, and (4) develop operational procedures to enhance fisheries habitats (e.g., stable water levels). Also, negotiated angler access issues at a number of other existing license hydropower projects. ? Public outreach and interaction with the public is a priority. Initiated the "Sebago Region Fisheries Newsletter" to inform the public about regional fisheries issues and projects of interest. Past and present editions of the newsletter may be found at www.mefishwildlife.com. Furthermore, we typically perform numerous speaking engagements with various angling groups to provide additional opportunities for public input.
Our ability to maintain existing fisheries programs and develop new initiatives and opportunities for anglers will certainly be diminished considerably by the proposed budget cuts that will eliminate 18% of the fisheries biologists, including one position in the Sebago Lake Region, which represent a 33% of our regional staff.
-Francis Brautigam, Assistant Regional Fisheries Biologist
Region B- Central Maine
Interesting fishing reports are making it back to this office and the investigation into their validity helps us to better understand our fisheries. The local taxidermist in Smithfield reported that an angler brought in a northern pike between 38 and 39 inches long to be mounted. The fish, which weighed about 22 pounds, was heavier than he expected. In preparation for mounting he dressed out the fish and the stomach contents revealed the reason for the unusual weight. A 26-inch brown trout, estimated to weigh about six pounds, was in the stomach of the pike. The pike was from Great Pond, a water that harbors many trophy brown trout, and after the revelation of the contents of the behemoth's stomach we can only wonder what the many other large pike have for dinner, and whether a fishery can be maintained for browns in a pike water. Similarly, just downstream in Long Pond we are using costly management techniques to revive a once-outstanding landlocked salmon fishery in the face of a large pike population. We are reminded again of the negative effects of illegal stocking in our cherished Maine waters. As managers we must adapt the best we can to changes in the biota of many waters, and each day seemingly brings new evidence that a managed fishery is in jeopardy. On a more positive note, a long-lived togue captured and tagged during a trap netting survey on October 28, 1994, was caught earlier this month at Swan Lake in Swanville. Although the fish did not gain much in length or weight, it attests to the knowledge we have on togue, that there are long-lived individuals in all populations and attentive management for the species is necessary for maintenance of the fishery. The cold weather of the last week put a damper on the enjoyment of ice fishing and even fishery biologists had difficulty in surveying anglers on the various waters. In spite of the brutal cold those who went out had some fish to show. Togue, browns and salmon are still showing at Damariscotta Lake. On this ten-mile-long water all three species are being angled with fish up to six pounds being iced. As an added bonus, smelts are in abundance on the northern end of the lake. Fishing on the bottom in fairly deep water with a small jig will produce a good catch. Catching fish at other waters has appeared to slow down because of the cold weather.
William L. Woodward, Fisheries Biologist
Region C - Downeast
Despite the recent frigid weather hardy Downeast anglers have been out braving the cold with good results. West Grand Lake continues to be hot spot with good size salmon, lake trout, whitefish, and cusk being caught on a regular basis. This past Saturday a lucky angler caught a handsome 12 pound laker off Kitchen Cove Point at West Grand and traveling conditions on the lake continue to be ideal for snowmobiling with a tough crust underneath 4 to 5 inches of snow.
Anglers fishing on Green Lake in Ellsworth have also caught some good size lakers in the past few weeks. Leading the way has been fishermen Harrison Pinkham from Lamoine who has captured the past two weekend derbies, first with a 27 ¼ inch 8 pound 6 ounce togue and then again with a 26 ½ inch 6 pound 13 ounce laker. Not to be out done. The Fennelly family also brought in three beauties from Green Lake. The largest caught by young Jake Fennelly who captured first in his age division with a 27-¾ inch 7 pound 8-ounce togue. Jake's father Dick then followed up with a 5 pound 12 ounce laker and uncle Mike Fennelly brought in another heavy weight of 7 pounds 4 ounces. Aside from Mr. Pinkham's hot spot on the lake I'd say Fennelly crew has found another exceptional spot on the lake.
Also in the past two weeks a regional record has emerged. Angler Danny Brooks of Deblois masterfully caught the largest splake ever landed from Downeast regional waters when he iced a brilliantly colored 5 pound 6 ouncer from Mopang Lake in T 29 MD. Congratulations Danny you dethroned Franklin's John Davis who had held the regional title with last year's catch of a 5 pound 4 ounce beauty from Second Lake Old Stream. Anglers in the past two years have caught a number of 3 to 4 pound splake from Mopang Lake since the initial stocking in 1995. See Danny's fish online at http://www.state.me.us/ifw/fishing/weeklyreports.htm <http://www.state.me.us/ifw/fishing/weeklyreports.htm> .
Don't forget this coming Sunday's February 23rd ice fishing derby being held at the Emerson Conner's Elementary School in Bar Harbor. The 8th grade class is putting on the event and proceeds will go towards funding their class trip. The derby includes all waters open to fishing in Hancock County. Prizes will be given for biggest fish in the following categories: landlocked salmon, lake trout, brook trout, brown trout, white perch, chain pickerel, and bass. The weigh-in starts at 3 PM and closes at 6 PM. A Department fisheries biologist will be on hand to weigh and measure fish and to answer questions any questions about area waters. Last years tournament was a big hit. Come on our and support the kids. For more information about the derby call Greg Veilleux at 288-9883.
Speaking of supporting the kids here are some waters for fast fishing to take the children to while they are out of school:
Somes Pond and Little Round Pond (chain pickerel) - Mount Desert Hamilton's Pond (chain pickerel & largemouth bass) - Bar Harbor Lake Wood Pond (brook trout) Bar Harbor Scammon Pond (chain pickerel) Eastbrook Great Pond (chain pickerel & largemouth bass) Franklin Big Webb and Little Webb Ponds (chain pickerel & white perch) Eastbrook Lily Pond (largemouth bass) Gouldsboro Forbes Pond (largemouth bass) Gouldsboro Upper Patten Pond (chain pickerel, white perch, and yellow perch) Surry Swetts Pond (chain pickerel) Orrington Field's Pond (chain pickerel, white perch, black crappie) Holden Rainbow Pond (brook trout) T10 SD Cedar Swamp Pond (chain pickerel) Clifton Chalk Pond (chain pickerel) Beddington Rocky Pond (chain pickerel & white perch) T22 MD James Pond (brook trout) Charlotte Meddybemps Lake (chain pickerel & white perch) Meddybemps & Alexander Conic Lake (chain pickerel) Baring Orange Lake (chain pickerel & yellow perch) Whiting First & Second Chain Lakes (chain pickerel & white perch) Wesley Seavey Lake (chain pickerel & largemouth bass) Wesley
Tip of the week. Remember the kids are off from school this week. Take time to take them fishing. They will always remember it. "A child's potential lies within their happiness." Malcolm Southwind
Biologists Ron Brokaw and Greg Burr will be out traveling on the lakes and ponds this coming weekend to check on harvest and use levels, age & growth, and condition of different games species. Hope to see you out there!
Greg Burr - Fisheries Biologist Specialist
Region E - Moosehead Region Over the past week another "snowstorm of the century" missed us to the south. Instead, we paid our winter dues by enduring another round of bitter cold with brutal winds. On Thursday, February 13, the thermometer dipped below zero. It did not rise back above zero until Monday the 17th. The west-northwesterly "flow" of air began to howl a gale on Thursday. It did not abate much, at least during the day, until Sunday. Needless to say, through this period most people hunkered down. This year's free fishing weekend proved to be no bargain due to the weather conditions!
On Sunday, Roger Currier counted 51 parties on Moosehead Lake, fewer than half of what we normally expect for Sunday of the mid season holiday weekend. People with camps on the lake came for the long weekend, and those with reservations at sporting camps also came. Most anglers were fishing near their camps where they could seek occasional shelter. Use was minimal in the more exposed areas commonly frequented by people who come up for the day.
To the north, conditions were no better. At Chamberlain, there was hardly a soul at the parking lot on both Saturday and Sunday. Use on Chamberlain was pretty much limited to parties staying at Nugent's Camps. Conditions at Lock Dam late Saturday afternoon rivaled those commonly found in the Antarctic, minus the penguins.
At Allagash Lake, no one fished on Friday the 14th, and only 3 parties fished on Saturday. Fishing conditions were reflected in the much lower-than expected catch. It was a challenge just to cut a hole and set a line. With more liberal regulations at Allagash this year we expected that the opportunity to keep more brook trout and lake trout would attract more anglers. So far this month, other than the opening day throng of 87 people, use there has been quite low.
In checking anglers we do not have the luxury of shelter. We must travel to interview parties wherever they are found throughout the lake. Although people commonly offer us shelter, warmth, and a hot drink in their shacks or in their camps, on the large lakes in the Moosehead Region it is often a long ride between parties. Checking fish becomes even more problematic under extremely cold conditions. This weekend, we did not risk frostbite to check the hardy few braving winter's worst in their quest for fish.
With moderating temperatures and better weather later this week anglers will be able to come out of hibernation and salvage the last half of winter vacation week. Next weekend we will again be out and about to check them. Until then, if you have information on your experiences on Moosehead Region waters, especially a good fishing story, we would like to hear from you. Anglers are our primary source of information - both on and off the ice!
Call Paul Johnson or Scott Roy at (207) 695-3756. Or e-mail us: paul.johnson@maine.gov <mailto:paul.johnson@maine.gov> or scott.roy@maine.gov <mailto:scott.roy@maine.gov>
-Paul Johnson, Regional Fishery Biologist
Region F, Penobscot Region
One of the coldest weekends of the winter did not deter around 50 kids from showing up at the Maine Youth Fish and Game Clubhouse at Pickerel Pond for the Hooked on Fishing Program on Saturday. There were approximately 25 adult volunteers from the Hooked on Fishing Program, The Maine Youth Fish & Game Club, and Inland Fisheries & Wildlife assisting young people with drilling holes, baiting hooks, and setting traps. As soon as the traps were set, warming fires were built and hot dogs and hot chocolate were put on. While the catching could have been better, the fishing was a lot of fun for all involved. We did have a bunch of 8 to 12 inch brook trout caught, as well as a couple of pickerel. One young fellow had a very large (around 4 pound) brook trout up to the hole when it broke the line on the way up! Although disappointed at not landing the large trout, the young angler was hopeful of its return! Some pictures of the activities can be viewed at http://www.state.me.us/ifw/fishing/weeklyreports.htm <http://www.state.me.us/ifw/fishing/weeklyreports.htm>
Last weekend was also the 41st Annual Schoodic Lake Fishing Derby sponsored by the Milo Fire Department. On both Saturday and Sunday hearty anglers were vying for a variety of prizes for the heaviest togue, trout, salmon etc. Fish from Schoodic Lake, as well as Ebeemee and Seboeis Lakes were included as eligible for prizes. Matt St. Pierre took home top honors with the 25"/6.8 pound togue from Schoodic Lake. Larry Pratt won the trout category with a 18"/2.6 pound splake from Seboeis Lake. David Sickles won first place in the salmon category with a 21"/2.7pound entry from Seboeis Lake, and the top bass was caught by Richard Hughes that measured and weighed 20" and 4 pounds, respectively. The most unusual fish prize went to Teddy Neuman with a 19" 3 pound white sucker! Five (5) year old Dakota Dyer won the prize for heaviest fish caught by a boy with a cusk that was 271/2" long and weighed in at 5.2 pounds. Erica Coburn at 14 years old took top honors in the girls category with a togue that was 25 1/4" and 5.25 pounds. You can visit the derby online at http://trcmaine.org/fishingderby/ <http://trcmaine.org/fishingderby/>
The crew at the Milo Fire Department has done a superb job over the years at running the best fishing derby in the state! Current Derby Chairman Murial Harris and company have always done their best to cooperate with the Fisheries Division to eliminate any negative impacts on the area lakes involved. They have collected valuable information on the size and condition of all fish entered in the derby, and have been very helpful whenever we have asked for assistance in collecting additional information at the derby weigh-in sites. The proceeds from the Annual Fishing Derby have gone to Milo area charities, including Project Graduation. A big thank you to the Milo Fire Department!
- Nels Kramer, Fisheries Biologist
Region G - Aroostook County
A special regulation on landlocked salmon has been in effect at Long Lake since 1996. It allows a daily bag limit of 2 salmon with a minimum length limit of 14 inches; only 1 may exceed 16 inches. The salmon fishing in Long Lake is primarily supported by hatchery fish (more than 90%) that exhibit excellent growth and size. The regulation was implemented to increase the number of larger and subsequently older salmon. A comparison of the fishery for the years 1990-1995, preceding the regulation change, and 1996-2002, since which time the regulation has been in effect, suggests that the regulation may be achieving some success.
The harvest of age IV and older hatchery salmon increased from 13% (84 of 628 fish) to 19% (165 of 845 fish) between the two time periods. The harvest of salmon between 14-16 inches and greater than 16 inches has remained relatively constant before and after the regulation change, 25% and 75%, respectively. However, salmon greater than 18 inches have increased from 39% (262 of 678 fish) to 43% (381 of 884 fish). This percentage increases to 54% (250 of 463 fish) when considering the most recent three years, 2000-2002. The number of salmon kept per angler has remained relatively constant during the period 1996-2002 whereas the number of legal salmon caught per angler has increased. Estimated winter use since 1995 for the 2-month season has been 4000-4500 angler-days except for 2001 when use climbed to 6300 angler-days.
Salmon harvested during the winter of 2002 averaged 18.8 inches and 2.5 pounds. Brook trout averaged 15.0 inches and 1.3 pounds.
We would note that the hook and line smelt fishery has been below average this past year and may be an indication that a shift in the size structure of the salmon is impacting the smelt population. In the spring we observed a low number of smelts in one of the brooks that has historically supported an abundant spawning run. However, other brooks that have had below average runs in recent years saw a tremendous increase in smelt numbers. The status of the smelt population will bear great scrutiny in upcoming years to ensure a healthy predator/prey relationship to maximize salmon production.
-Dave Basley, Regional Fisheries Biologist
