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Fishing Reports for Local Area - Location |
    
Kellie Dury (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
Rating: 
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, June 12, 2005 - 11:38 am: | |
Hi, my parents live on upper range pond, and while boating yesterday, we saw people canoeing and fishing through the staked-off and warning-sign-posted Milfoil area.
I think that just having signs that say "Warning Milfoil Area, Keep Out" isn't enough! Maybe a skull and crossbones, since it's slowly killing the fish and wildlife in the pond, and signs that state a fine and seizure of the boat if caught by ANYONE.
Have locals and non-locals take down the boat numbers and have an 800 number to call and report them. People can't just turn away and hope that people will stop boating through that area if it isn't enforced.
I want my great grand kids to be able to swim here some day too.
But hey, maybe thats just me. |
Maine Fish and Wildlife
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, September 19, 2001 - 10:24 am: | |
Subject: Weekly Freshwater Fishing Report
Region A- Southwestern Maine
The topic of illegal fish introductions has been discussed periodically in our weekly fishing updates and past Sebago Region Fisheries Newsletters. We continue to bring this issue to the attention of anglers because of the significant and often irreversible adverse impacts these introductions have on our traditional fisheries management programs, and our ability to effectively provide quality coldwater fisheries.
The problem lies not just with "exotic" species (largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, blue gills, northern pike, white catfish, etc.), but also unauthorized introductions of "native" species (cusk, golden shiner, smelt, white perch, etc.). The rate of new illegal introductions is astonishing. Every summer while conducting routine fisheries assessments we accidentally encounter new illegal introductions, and we're only sampling a small number of waters each year.
The species being spread at the greatest rate in Region A are largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, white perch, golden shiners, and cusk. These species are serious competitors with our indigenous trout and salmon and have diminished our ability to maintain healthy populations of desirable forage, like smelt. In response to increasing fish diversity in Region A waters our management programs have changed and have become more costly. The following are some examples of our efforts to deal with illegal introductions.
We recently restored brook trout fisheries in three small ponds (Overset, Broken Bridge, and Crocker Ponds) where management was adversely impacted by introduced species. Although I don't have the cost information on hand, these reclamation efforts are prohibitively expensive and could not be undertaken if not for the limited availability of special federal funds. Observant anglers will have also noticed a trend of larger fish being stocked in Region A waters. Larger fish are much more expensive to raise, but are better able to compete and survive in the presence of other species. Larger fish are also less vulnerable to predation and provide a legal fishery that doesn't depend on a healthy smelt forage population for growth.
Where healthy smelt populations have been difficult to maintain management focus has sometimes changed from landlocked salmon to brown trout, which are more opportunistic foragers and better able to withstand competition. Observant Region A anglers have probably noticed a trend of increasing brown trout management, due in part to increased competition resulting from illegal introductions.
A number of years ago we also implemented no size or bag limits on bass on waters where brook trout were the focus of management. These regulations appear to have had little effect on controlling bass populations. Below are a few area examples where native trout and salmon fisheries have been adversely impacted by illegal introductions (illegal introduction in parentheses): Halls Pond in Hebron (white perch), Little Ossipee Lake in Waterboro (largemouth bass, white perch, cusk), Long Pond in Denmark (smelt, golden shiners), Lily Pond in New Gloucester (largemouth bass, black crappie), Peabody Pond in Sebago (cusk), Cold Water Pond in Kennebunk (golden shiners). While illegal introductions have created new angling opportunities for a greater variety of fish, it has become increasingly difficult and more expensive for resource managers to provide quality fisheries for native trout and salmon.
On a more pleasant note, we were recently pleased to learn that some of the information we've been provided in past weekly fishing updates has helped area anglers catch more fish. We spoke with an enthusiastic angler last week who reported landing 20 legal brown trout from Highland Lake in Bridgton. This angler was very pleased with the 13 to 21 inch browns he had caught and thanked us for information we had provided in an earlier weekly fishing update on how to fish for late summer brown trout.
There is still time for anglers to take advantage of some good brown trout fishing in the region. The trick to catching browns in late summer is to fish the thermocline, that area of the water column where the water temperature changes from warm to cold. The thermocline in most area lakes is about 20 to 25 feet down, which can usually be reached with three to four colors of lead core line. Streamers (single hooked black ghost and gray ghosts are good choices) or small rapalas are popular and effective terminal tackle. Brown trout will be found in shallower water near the shoreline as surface water temperatures cool down in October. The best times to fish for browns are early morning/late afternoon, and on cloudy days.
-Francis Brautigam, Assistant Regional Fisheries Biologist
Region B - Central Maine
Illegal introductions of fish species into regional waters continue to be a serious problem. Years ago, Egypt Pond in Chesterville and Vienna was chemically reclaimed by IF&W, which means that a chemical was applied to the pond to remove all the fish in the pond. Subsequent to this treatment, IF&W stocked brook trout fall fingerlings to provide a brook trout fishery in the pond. Brook trout thrive with little to no competition from other fish species, and stocking of the fall fingerling brookies in the absence of competitors allowed the trout to grow to catchable size in the pond. Stocking fall fingerlings and allowing them to "grow out" in the wild is a cost effective means of providing brook trout, a favorite of Maine anglers, since the smaller, fall fingerlings are less costly to raise than larger, older fish.
Unfortunately, Egypt Pond is now known to contain golden shiners, bullheads (hornpout), pumpkinseed sunfish, white suckers, and smelt. With all these competitors, brook trout face a much tougher challenge in their time in the pond. IF&W was forced to switch to stocking spring yearling brook trout to continue to provide a trout fishery at Egypt. These spring yearling trout are released at a catchable size, thus reducing the impact of all the competitors on their size. They are more costly to raise, take up more space in the hatchery system, and essentially reduce the number of fish that could have been stocked somewhere else. All this stems from the illegal, uninformed, and misguided attempt to "add" to the fishing in Egypt Pond through stocking of other fish species. While another reclamation at Egypt is an option, the question must be asked: How long will it last before someone negates the work and expense through another illegal introduction?
-Jim Stahlnecker, Regional Fisheries Biologist
Region C - Downeast
Fall! - the season many Mainers live for, with its cool nights, bright sunny days, and colorful foliage. September weather produces a change from warmwater summer fishing to renewed surface fishing opportunities for landlocked salmon, brook trout, and brown trout as crisp autumn nights cool the surface waters. As coldwater sport fish approach the fall spawning season, they return to the shoreline in search of spawning habitat. Knowledgeable lake and pond anglers will experience success near tributaries and outlets. Grand Lake Stream, West Grand Lake, Cathance Lake, and Long Pond (Mt. Desert Island) are good chances for fall salmon fishing.
Fall is also a prime time for white perch fishing. Anglers who locate schools of this delicious sport fish have fast fishing and ensure many meals of fried perch fillets or fish chowder. If you’re looking for perch, try Grand Falls Flowage, Big Lake, Pocomoonshine Lake, Third Machias Lake, Chain Lakes, Georges Pond, Abrams Pond, Lower Patten Pond, or Green Lake.
During the next 2 weeks, eastern Maine biologists will be conducting hydroacoustic surveys of smelt populations at night and electrofishing during the day to obtain samples of young-of-the-year bass. Trapnetting for salmon and trout will start in early October.
Finally, as in many past weeks, we have a new unauthorized fish introduction to report. Largemouth bass have now been caught in Love Lake, as well as in its outlet, Northern Stream - an important stream for brook trout and Atlantic salmon. Love Lake supports fisheries for smallmouth bass and stocked landlocked salmon.
Any anglers knowing details of illegal fish introductions are urged to call Maine’s Operation Game Thief at 1-800-ALERTUS.
-Rick Jordan, Assistant Regional Fisheries Biologist
Region D - Western Mountains
At a recent public hearing in Bingham, we proposed regulations that would liberalize the harvest of smallmouth bass in the upper Kennebec and Dead Rivers. This species was illegally introduced into Moosehead Lake, from which it has migrated downstream into the Kennebec and subsequently into the Dead River as far as Grand Falls as well into many of the tributaries. Smallmouths are strong swimmers. They travel downstream at will, and nothing short of a waterfall will prevent their upstream migration. Bass are also strong competitors with salmon and trout, and - unfortunately - we expect the abundance of these native species to decline over time as bass become established.
Anglers who fish these waters for trout and salmon report catching more and more smallmouth bass with each passing year. The new regulations, if approved by the Commissioner's Advisory Council, will specify no size or bag limits on bass. The intent of the proposed regulation is to slow their increase in abundance, as we recognize that once they gain access to a body of water, they are there to stay. We recently imposed similar regulations on the Rapid River, for the same reason. In recent years, we have made great strides in increasing the quality of trout fisheries through the imposition of more restrictive regulations. For those of us in the Fisheries Division who have worked for years to produce a quality trout fishery - not to mention the anglers who cherish fishing for salmon and trout - it is discouraging to witness the demise of these native fisheries as the result of illegal fish introductions by irresponsible individuals.
-Forrest Bonney, Regional Fisheries Biologist
Region E - Moosehead Region
Our wild brook trout study at Chamberlain Lake, funded by the Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund, got under way on Monday, September 10th. The purpose of this study is to determine both the abundance and the population characteristics of brook trout in a large, deep lake, and compare this information with that from the small trout ponds we have been studying for the past several years.
For the next 6 weeks, brook trout will be trapped at Chamberlain, weighed and measured, then released alive with a fin clip. Chamberlain will then be surveyed during the coming winter to look for returns of the trout that are handled this fall. University of Maine graduate Stephen Seeback is the field crew leader for the study. He is assisted by Jason Seyfried, a senior at Unity College majoring in fisheries. Both men will spend the coming weeks living and working on the largest body of water in the Allagash Wilderness Waterway. No complaints from either of them yet, but they haven't had to deal with a cold rain, and one is certainly needed to get the trout moving.
As we prepare for our fall trout population assessments in the region, we have heard very little about fishing success in our waters. We can only assume that no news means good news. Water levels remain lower than normal throughout most of the region. At Moosehead's East Outlet, due to the annual drawdown of Moosehead Lake, a high flow of 2,900 cfs should move fish around a bit. Some small salmon are being reported on the cards in our box survey there. We expect that the flow in the East Outlet will decrease as the month of September progresses, and the level in Moosehead approaches the fall objective of about 3.5 feet below full pond.
The flow in the Roach River remains around 160 cfs, and the card survey there indicates some success for both salmon and trout. Cooler weather over the past weekend should improve prospects there. I just returned from the Moose River below Brassua Dam, where the flow was increased to 800 cfs on September 15. No one who fished there during the past week had completed a survey card. That is a very big disappointment. We are often asked what individuals can do to help fisheries biologists. Anglers who provide information on the results of their fishing each day, either in box surveys on specific waters, or in booklets for all waters where they fish, make the greatest contribution to the Fishery Division's efforts to maintain or improve fishing and fishing opportunities in the State of Maine. It's that simple. And we provide the cards and fishing record books!
***For river flows each day in the Kennebec River drainage call FPL's river flow "hotline" @ 1-800-577-3569***
***For river flows each day in the West Branch, Penobscot River drainage call GNP's river flow hotline @ 723-2328***
-Paul Johnson, Regional Fishery Biologist
Region F, Penobscot Region
Fall coldwater fishing is well underway with many good catches of salmon and lake trout reported on regional lakes, and brook trout in many ponds and especially those in Baxter State Park. Rivers and streams, however, remain very low and opportunity is limited. Water flow on the West Branch has dropped below 800 cfs for the first time in many years and although water flow on the main stem of the Penobscot is being kept above 3,000 cfs, it is being done so at the expense of water levels in storage reservoirs. As of this date rainfall is 11.13 inches below normal in the Bangor area for this year.
Fall trapnetting to evaluate the condition of the salmon populations in Scraggly Lake, T7 R8 WELS, and Pleasant Pond in Island Falls will commence this week. Trapnetting for sampling coldwater fish populations is more successful in the fall when the water begins to cool down and these fish begin to move in shallower near the shoreline. Other lakes that will be sampled in the region are West Lake, Duck Lake, and East Grand Lake for salmon; Schoodic Lake for lake trout and Nicatous Lake for brown trout.
-Mike Smith, Regional Fisheries Biologist
Region G - Aroostook County
For the past month, fisheries staff in Ashland have been dealing with an illegal introduction of largemouth bass into Durepo Lake, an artificial impoundment in Limestone. This lake and its tributaries and outlet, Limestone Stream, support a popular wild brook trout fisheries. The lake is in the Aroostook River drainage but, fortunately, Limestone Stream enters the Aroostook River below Tinker Dam and Falls in New Brunswick, an upstream barrier to natural fish passage. There are no other bass populations in the upper Aroostook River drainage. In this area of the state, brook trout still reign supreme in the absence of warmwater competitiors such as bass. Now someone has seen fit to give them a foothold.
Considerable time has been spent by fisheries staff on this situation. Initially contact was made after hours with the subject finding the bass in the lake and identifying the fish as largemouth bass. Four man-days were spent sampling these fish in Durepo Lake, its tributaries and outlet trying to ascertain the size and abundance of bass in Durepo and how far they spread from the lake. The Maine Warden Service has committed at least one man-day on an investigation of the situation. Time has been taken away from other work to prepare a report and recommendations on the situation for the Director of Fisheries.
Sampling and surveying of anglers who have traditionally fished Durepo Lake strongly indicates that bass were initially stocked this spring. Our only fish caught have been determined to be young of the year at a size of 4-6 inches. There have been no confirmed catches of older, larger bass. Having this information, Fisheries Director Peter Bourque, with the support of the Commissioner Lee Perry, has made the decision to try to eradicate these largemouth bass with a chemical reclamation of Durepo Lake before they become established in the Limestone Stream drainage and, perhaps even more importantly, provide a source of bass for other drainages in northern Maine. The chemical to be used is rotenone which is an organic compound derived from to tropical/subtropical plants, Derris and Cube.
Two man-days have been spent contacting landowners around the lake, tributaries and outlet seeking their support for this reclamation and access across their land to complete this project. We have walked the tributaries and outlet to identify barriers to upstream migration and ponds or guzzles that may harbor fish and that need to be directly treated with the chemical by using portable pump tanks. We have met with the Limestone Water and Sewer District to identify their concerns and seek support. Fortunately, the town of Limestone has gone to a well system and no longer utilizes Limestone Stream as a primary water source thereby eliminating a major concern. We have met with the Town Manager of Limestone to apprise him and his town council of the situation and our plans. We cooperatively arranged for a public meeting to be held on September 26 to explain the need for this action, to answer questions and to seek public support.
Rotenone has been ordered at a cost of $5,000. The actual application will require the travel of a biologist from another management region to oversee the reclamation. A minimum of four man-days of fisheries staff will be necessary on the day the chemical is applied with follow-up investigations needed the next day. This will be done in October and will detract from time that could have spent on other fieldwork in this and another management region.
This application of rotenone will kill all the fish in the lake and tribs that are treated as well as downstream in Limestone Stream. The biggest losers will be the anglers that have enjoyed fishing these waters for brook trout. To replenish this fishery, it will require the Department to stock expensive yearling brook trout next spring in Durepo Lake and Limestone Stream. Trout fry will also be stocked into Limestone Stream to more rapidly bring back the stream population. A wild strain of brook trout now being used in the state hatchery system will be stocked. Stocking will continue in Durepo Lake until evidence is obtained that the natural reproduction is sufficient to provide a sport fishery. This will require all hatchery trout to be fin clipped for immediate identification in future fieldwork to evaluate the stocking and the success of this reclamation in eradicating the largemouth bass.
Durepo Lake has two major tributaries entering the lake, one of which had a barrier to upstream fish passage. The other is a cold trout stream that is extensive prior to entering Durepo Lake. No barrier was observed in the extensive survey of this stream and we will depend on its physical features to be a deterrant to significant upstream migration of bass. Seines will be stretched across the brook downstream of the treated section to see if any bass have been killed in likely upstream areas. This is our most practical approach to this situation and, hopefully, it will be effective. This is one of the drawbacks that must be factored into a decision to try to eradicate fish species from waters that are not at the start of a drainage. In most cases it is impractical. The situation at Durepo Lake lends itself to an attempt. I can assure you that every effort will be made by fisheries personnel to attain a successful eradication of largemouth bass from this drainage - too much has been invested to date to accept anything less. The consequences of an incomplete kill or a repeat illegal introduction, after having expended this effort, is very discouraging to regional fisheries staff and should be extremely upsetting to the Maine sportsman.
-David J. Basley, Regional Fishery Biologist |
Maine Fish & Wildlife
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, September 12, 2001 - 3:00 pm: | |
Subject: Weekly Freshwater Fishing Report
September 5 Freshwater Fishing Report
Region A - Southwestern Maine
More photos from the field!
Last week's field work focused on sampling two small brook trout streams, Branch Brook (Sanford) and the Shepards River (Brownfield). Back-pack style electrofishing equipment was used to undertake the collection. Collected information will be used to estimate population size and total biomass for all fish species occurring in each water. The same type of information is also being gathered from each fishery Region throughout the state in an ongoing effort to monitor long term changes in stream dwelling wild brook trout populations.
The attached picture shows three different age classes of trout collected in Branch Brook. Over 300 wild brook trout were collected in a reach about 600 feet long. 13 fat legal trout (>6 ") were collected, up to 8 inches long. Young brookies hatched this spring were found to be 2 - 3 inches long. Trout production in this groundwater-fed stream did not appear to be adversely impacted by the drought conditions we've been experiencing.
Also, as observed in past years, the brook trout in Branch Brook were infested with an external parasite, commonly referred to as "gill lice". These light colored copepods typically attached to the gills and fins of brook trout (see photo at left). Flows on the Shepard's River appeared to be less than in past years and although the numbers have not been tallied for comparison, the production of brook trout and sea-run Atlantic salmon appears to be lighter than that observed in past years.
The Northwest River, which is a landlocked salmon spawning tributary to Sebago Lake was also sampled last week. The Northwest River is the last of several Sebago Lake tributaries to be sampled this year, as part of an annual monitoring program to assess juvenile salmon production. John reported on this work in last week’s write-up. What is worthy of mention is the unusual dark blue crayfish that was found while sampling the Northwest River (see photo at right). No one that we contacted seems to know what causes this very rare color form, but it is believed to be of genetic origin.
Even though area schools have just opened for business and the nights have only recently taken on an uncomfortable chill, the salmon in Sebago Lake appear to be getting restless with the approach of another spawning migration season. One avid Sebago angler recently reported catching 12 salmon, as well as several lake trout, one morning while fishing the mouth of the Songo River. While not all the salmon were legal, some up to 18 inches were taken. Another angler reported landing a 3 1/2 pounder.
-Francis Brautigam, Assistant Regional Fisheries Biologist
Region B - Central Maine
This is a good time during the fishing year to keep an eye or an ear toward those sites where dams are being opened up to release water in preparation for the fall rains and subsequent winter snows. Dam operators have in the past started releasing water in September, and when that happens, get your equipment and head to the place where the flowing water attracts a variety of fish species.
In this region going west to east the first place to check out would be the main stem of the Androscoggin in Livermore Falls. Try Cobbossee Stream in Manchester, Wings Mills, and the village dam in the Belgrades. Messalonskee stream in Waterville, and the main stem of the Kennebec River at several sites from Skowhegan to Waterville all have dams that will attract fish. The Sebasticook River has several dams that will be releasing water giving the angler plenty of opportunity to pursue the many fish species that reside there.
I may have left out some other hot spots, but if you are familiar with the area and know the rivers and streams that transect the region, then take a ride and explore the watersheds and you may be surprised at the water flow that is coursing down some of those waters. Fish behavior at this time of the year changes to where they are foraging or possibly seeking out the best place to go through the motions for natural reproduction. If you read last week’s column, I said in this region we just do not have much habitat that is necessary for the successful reproduction of coldwater fish. However, the fish don't know that and they migrate to attractive water and that's also the spots where smart anglers are heading to take advantage of this migration to have a fun day of fishing.
-Bill Woodward, Assistant Regional Fisheries Biologist
Region C - Downeast
Biologists electrofished the outlet of West Musquash Lake last week to sample wild salmon. This lake is one of only two in the region which support fisheries for wild salmon. Spawning occurs in the outlet, and most of the juvenile fish which are produced there move up into the lake at lengths of 5 ½” - 6 ½” when they are 2 years old. They then grow fairly rapidly for the next several years, providing a fishery for 16-18” fish. We captured pretty good numbers of both young of the year and parr, but it was readily apparent that the drought had taken its inevitable toll on these young fish. Rather than the typical 2 ½” - 3” lengths for young of the year sampled at this time, most of our fish were only 2” long, and were noticeably thin. Instead of 4 ½” - 5” parr, most of ours were only 3 ¾” - 4 ¼”, and were thin. The extremely low summer flows have produced fish that are smaller and thinner than usual. Drought conditions adversely impact relative abundance of aquatic insects that are so important in the diet of these young salmon.
Good reports continue to come in from Monroe Lake where anglers are catching healthy 11-13” brook trout. Most fish are still in deep water, although they will move into the shallows during the last 2 weeks of the month with the onset of cooler weather. Late afternoon through dark is a preferred time to try your luck. West Monroe Pond, the small pond down the road and on the other side from Monroe Lake, also holds some 11-13” brookies and is well worth a try later in September.
My son and I went to Second Gardner Lake on Sunday in quest of white perch. This water always produces some excellent perch fishing from mid-August through mid-September. This time, though, the perch fishing was poor as we brought home only 3 keepers. However, much to our surprise, the smallmouth bass fishing was fantastic!! It was one of the very best trips I've ever enjoyed during my 25+ years of fishing smallmouths Downeast.
Fishing live bait near bottom in perhaps 17-20 feet of water, we landed 11 bass from 14-19”. Only one was 14”...the majority were 16-17 ½”. I kept a 19” beauty which weighed 3 lb, 10 oz; my son kept a 15 incher which weighed 1 lb, 13 oz. These large bass were strong and full of fight, frequently submerging the last foot or so of our spinning rods during their protracted tussles. Even though the bass had to be keying in on the smaller white perch, they would readily take our 3-5” chubs and suckers. It was great sport, a memorable trip, indeed, and we had the spot all to ourselves. So a very disappointing trip for our target species, white perch, turned out to be a most rewarding outing for smallmouths. This experience confirms the wisdom of that oft-repeated expression of anglers...."you never know"...it's all part of the great appeal of fishing.
-Ron Brokaw, Regional Fisheries Biologist
Region D - Western Mountains
Still no prolonged rains in western Maine, though we did have some nice showers overnight last week. We were working on a stream in the mountains near Parmachenee Lake last week and I was pleased to find a nice flow in the stream. Still, there hasn't been enough rain to prompt migration of salmon and trout from the lakes into the rivers, and most of our streams are quite low.
Dave Boucher and Dave Howatt worked with members of the Department's Engineering Division to rebuild a barrier dam on the outlet of B Pond in Upton. B Pond has a history of quality fishing for salmon and brook trout, and a barrier dam was built on the outlet many years ago to prevent the upstream migration of illegally-introduced yellow perch from Umbagog Lake. A more recent threat is from smallmouth bass and northern pike, also illegally introduced into Umbagog Lake. The dam was rebuilt to keep these species from migrating into B Pond. Smallmouth bass are especially agressive upstream swimmers, and have already colonized the lower Magalloway River and the Rapid River. In the eastern part of our Region, they have moved up the Kennebec and Dead Rivers. Many of our brook trout initiatives, which have resulted in quality fishing for this species, may be jeopardized by the irresponsible introductions of smallmouth bass and other warmwater species.
-Forrest Bonney, Regional Fisheries Biologist
Region E - Moosehead Lake Region
Showers and cooler temperatures ushered in the Labor Day Weekend in the Moosehead Region. Although it will take some really soaking rains to get stream flows back to normal, right now any precipitation will be welcome. As temperatures decrease, we expect to see more trout and salmon become active near the surface of our lakes and ponds, and mature adults will gather near the mouths of tributaries where they will wait for the first good flows to lure them to their traditional spawning areas. However, in the Moosehead Region, lake and pond fishing has not been really popular in the fall - it is our rivers and streams that attract anglers' attention!
Until we do get more rain, rivers such as the Piscataquis, the Pleasant, and the upper reaches of the Moose and Penobscot won't offer much opportunity. But rivers with upstream storage that is available for discharge can be expected to provide what is often some of the best fishing of the season. As of Tuesday, September 4, here are the flows that can be expected in our popular river fisheries where the water is managed through dams:
Roach River - at 11:30 a.m. on 9/4 the flow was increased from 58 cfs to 175 cfs. Barring any further significant rainfall, there is enough storage left in First Roach Pond to maintain a flow above 125 cfs for 28 days. (We're cutting it close this year!)
West Branch Penobscot below Ripogenus - expect a base flow of about 1,500 cfs to begin the month.
West Branch Penobscot below Seboomook - the flow will increase to 600 cfs on September 10, but barring significant rainfall, it could be back down to around 350 cfs by the end of the month (Bring extra shear pins!!).
East Outlet, Kennebec River - expect a base flow of about 2,500 cfs after labor Day.
Moose River below Brassua Dam - expect around 380 cfs until September 15, then an increase to around 800 cfs for the rest of September.
And for all serious September river anglers in this region, here's hoping that Mother Nature will open her flood gates and make a liar out of me!!!
-Paul Johnson, Regional Fishery Biologist
Region F - Penobscot Valley Region
Late season salmonid fishing is starting to return. Cool nights and some rainfall have combined to begin lowering surface water temperatures on lakes, ponds, rivers and streams. The general law on rivers and streams ended on August 15 and these waters are now under the late season regulation of artificial lures only and a total bag limit of one fish. Some waters may be different so be sure to check the fishing law book.
There are reports that brook trout have become active at or near the surface of many of the higher elevation trout ponds in the Baxter Park, Jo-Mary and Katahdin Iron Works areas. It will not be long before larger lakes and ponds have cooled down enough to allow salmon and trout to come to the surface and provide some very good late season top water fishing. Some anglers have reported that this was the best bass fishing season ever on the Penobscot River. It appears that low water forced the bass to concentrate in areas of deeper water (mainly impoundments) and resulted in fast bass angling in those areas. White perch fishing remained active throughout the summer season and continues to be good and will improve into the fall. Many waters will be open longer this year for the first time. A list of these waters is available in the fisheries section of the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife website at http://www.mefishwildlife.com
-Mike Smith, Regional Fisheries Biologist
Region G - Aroostook County
As the calendar sheds another August page, September has once again brought cooler, wetter weather to the County promising better angling conditions for those still interested. As bear, Canada goose, and other hunting seasons gear up, fishing becomes a lower priority for many outdoor enthusiasts. Too bad! The month of September can, in many ways, be the best time of year to fish in Northern Maine. Cooler days are a relief from the hot, humid days of July and August; and salmonid fish, such as landlocked salmon and brook trout, become more aggressive with dropping water temperatures and rising water levels. Fish caught at this time of year are likely to be mature-preparing to spawn later in the fall-and offer a view like at no other time of the year: good size/condition and bright, striking coloration.
Waters to fish need not change from those fished earlier in the year, but be prepared to modify techniques, time of day, and locations within any specific water. Mature trout and salmon sometime enter flowing water at this time of year or concentrate near historic spawning areas (sometimes associated with spring upwelling areas) within lakes and ponds. Wild trout and salmon imprint on their birth areas and use precise homing to return to specific areas to reproduce. Often, mature fish will enter very shallow water as water temperatures drop and spawning time approaches.
On the holiday this week, I took a friend, John Gunn, originally of St. Paul, Minnesota, fishing for a couple of hours at a local river where the water temperature had dropped to 63 degrees F at 6 AM. The "spring-holes" that are normally a sure-thing to catch wild brook trout were empty, where only days prior would have held literally hundreds of trout during hotter weather. These fish left their summer refugia very recently and dispersed within the river, presenting a challenge to anglers to find them. We never did. Good luck!
-Frank Frost, Assistant Regional Fisheries Biologist
|
Maine Fish and Wildlife
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, August 15, 2001 - 3:57 pm: | |
Subject: Weekly Freshwater Fishing Report
August 14 Freshwater Fishing Report
Region A- Southwestern Maine
Parts of Cumberland and York Counties received some much needed rain this weekend, though I'm not confident that it was enough to alleviate the conditions in many of the trout streams in the area. July and August are usually tough months for trout in southern Maine, but much of this area has not seen any appreciable rain in nearly a month. Many of the streams are exceptionally low, and although no reports of fish kills have been received yet, trout populations are expected be impacted. Anyone interested in fish for trout in brooks streams or rivers should be aware that fishing is restricted to artificial lures only and a one fish limit beginning August 16.
Last week we surveyed Kezar Lake in Lovell and found the lake trout population to be very high. Large numbers of good sized lakers were caught. Most fish were in the 16-20 inch range, but a few larger individuals were captured. Anglers interested in fishing Kezar need to have the fishing tackle necessary to fish at depths of 40-70 feet. Trolling live bait or lures is very effective. Incidentally, Kezar is noted for an exceptional smallmouth bass fishery. Many smaller fish were observed along the shoreline, but anglers should fish at depths of 15-25 feet in order to catch some of the larger smallies.
A few good reports were received from Sebago Lake this week. One angler reported several salmon in the 16-20 inch range, while a couple other anglers reported excellent fishing for lake trout. Most of the lakers are running about 3-5 pounds, but experienced anglers can expect fast fishing on good days. It's not unusual to hear of anglers catching 10-20 lake trout in a day.
-John Boland, Regional Fisheries Biologist
Region B - Central Maine
Fishery biologists are rewarded many times over when a management program provides a successful fishery for the anglers who fish those stocked waters. Brook trout, brown trout, lake trout, splake and landlocked salmon are all stocked in many waters of our beautiful state, and provide a rewarding experience for many anglers. We transfer bass to some waters that blossom into a spectacular fishery. All these stocking programs require a stringent peer review by this Department when a new program is proposed.
It is of very grave concern by fisheries managers, and should be of all anglers, if a water body is illegally stocked with a fish species not native to the state of Maine. It has happened many times and has led to the demise of some of our most cherished fisheries. A permit is required to stock a fish species in any surface water (public or private) of this state. This act is carried out unknowingly by many who just do not realize the damage the may do to our fisheries.
Last week I reclaimed a private water in Coopers Mills that contained four species that should not have been there. European carp, goldfish, channel catfish, and bluegill sunfish were stocked several years ago illegally by a non angler who had no clue as to the danger he posed to the Sheepscot River drainage. We may have been lucky in this instance, but we may not next time. Everyone needs to be alert as to moving fish around illegally, as the water that may be changed for ever may be yours.
Bill Woodward, Assistant Regional Fisheries Biologist
Region C - Downeast
The Downeast area remains extremely dry after yet another week without any rainfall. Flows in rivers, brooks, and streams are at critically low levels. A recent reading of 20 cfs(cubic feet per second) for the Pleasant River in Columbia tells the sad story. The low flows tend to concentrate brook trout in a few pools in many streams, thereby increasing their vulnerability to predators such as otter and mink.
Scattered (such is the norm for the dog days of August) fishing reports received in the last week or so indicate some good fishing for landlocked salmon at Alligator Lake, togue at Jordan Pond, splake at Peaked Mountain Pond, and white perch at various locales. Once the perch school up in the next week or so, the action will only improve. Mid-August through mid-September is one of the best times to pursue these tasty sportfish. Try either worms or live bait...on certain waters, live bait seems to work better than garden hackle. If your perch lake also contains smallmouths, don't be surprised if one of your hook-ups feels a lot stronger than a perch. Smallmouths will sometimes follow a school of perch, either lurking just beneath them or on the fringes, feeding on the smaller, unwary ones. Even though they are primarily focused on the perch, they will grab your minnow or shiner if they see it. When this happens, the bass oftentimes rockets to the surface in short order, jumping out of the water. Then you know for sure that rather than the usual 10-11 inch perch, you've hooked a 14-17 inch smallmouth, instead!
Staff have been conducting some check netting for splake at several waters. Last week, we obtained 3 from Pleasant River Lake, but all were young fish. We'll try again later this week in an effort to collect information from some older-aged fish. Nets were set today at Long Lake in Marion where splake were introduced 3 years ago. A few decent fish were caught this past winter, and we are hopeful this salmonid will do reasonably well in this water. Favorable factors include: low pressure during both the ice fishing and open water seasons, good water quality, and suitable forage including smelts and yellow perch. A negative is a recent illegal introduction of smallmouth bass which will compete strongly with the stocked splake.
-Ron Brokaw, Regional Fisheries Biologist
Region D - Western Mountains
The effect of the extended period of hot weather is starting to show up in our fisheries in Western Maine. Streams are generally low and warm, and we've had reports of fish mortality on at least one of our shallower trout ponds. Brook trout are truly a coldwater fish, preferring water temperatures of 68°F or less, though they can survive temperatures as high as 75° for short periods. Salmon and most other trout species are a bit more tolerant of warm water temperatures. At this time of year, it's important that fish have cold water springs to migrate to so that they can wait out the heat. These areas, called thermal refugia, can make the difference in survival during these warm weather periods.
Despite the heat, trout and salmon can be caught in streams. The secret is in knowing which ones to fish. Some of our higher-altitude streams, like the Cupsuptic River, stay cool all through the summer and are good bets for hot-weather fishing. Another promising place to go stream fishing in August is the tail-races of dams with cold water releases. For example, I've heard of trout and salmon being caught recently on the Magalloway River below Aziscohos Dam. Typically, however, the middle of August marks the end of extended periods of hot weather in Maine; cooler days (and nights) are on the way.
-Forrest Bonney, Regional Fisheries Biologist
Region E - Moosehead Region
Well I have returned from assignment. As Paul reported in last weeks fishing report I have finally tied the knot. I landed myself a 110 pound dark haired beauty and thank God it was not in a catch-and release water.
Anglers in the Moosehead Lake region are not reporting much of anything. Yes, we are occasionally getting some reports of a few anglers running into some fast fishing in some of our warm water lakes and ponds, but the heat has put a damper on our region's coldwater fisheries. The thing to do for the rest of the summer is to enjoy the last few weeks of warm weather before the kids go back to school and the leaves begin to fall. The best fishing of the year is still come. For those of you that tie your own flies and did not have time this past winter to tie enough for the entire year it's time to get cracking. When the August heat subsides the rivers, lakes and ponds begin to cool the fishing will be at its best for the year, so don't get caught on the river this fall without your favorite fly.
-Stephen Seeback, Regional Fishery Summer Assistant
Region F, Penobscot Region
Summer fishing activity is probably at its lowest point for the season. High temperatures and low water conditions have combined to reduce or eliminate fishing in many areas. The Penobscot River in West Enfield has just set a record for the lowest flow ever recorded on the river in 98 years of record keeping. On August 13 the flow dropped to 2740 cubic feet per second (cfs)which is 400 cfs lower than the previous low flow record of 3140 cfs. The normal flow for this time of year is around 7000 cfs. The Piscataquis River is also at a record low flow. The current flow is 148 cfs, 1 cfs below the record of 149 cfs. The normal flow in this river is 875 cfs.
Although bass continue to be active in the summer months, the lack of water reduces the fishing opportunity for this species. White perch fishing in lakes and ponds continues to be popular and anglers are doing well on regional lakes.
Pickerel fishing can be very active this time of year and a very exciting fishing method is to use a fly rod to cast poppers into shallow weedy waters where the pickerel hang out. Hooking and playing a pickerel can provide a lot of action.
Salmon, trout, and togue are still being caught down deep in the larger lakes but small bodies of water are very quiet. Even in Baxter State Park, the rangers report that the trout are staying down and what few fish that are caught are being taken on nymph type flies on sinking lines.
It will not be long, however, before the weather and the water start to cool and late season fishing starts to pick up again.
-Mike Smith, Regional Fisheries Biologist
Region G - Aroostook County
Heat, humidity and lack of rain continued in northern Maine this past week. Ponds that have good fishing with artificial lures might be a good bet under such conditions. There are several ponds in the region where lures such as the Als's goldfish, weeping willow ( I prefer flourescent orange), and super duper are effective. Fish the lures deep (15-20 ft.) and vary the retrieval rate for best results. Ponds to visit might include Echo Lake, T9R11, Matthew's Pond, Upper Elbow or Island Pond, T10R10 - all in Piscataquis County. As always, check the lawbook for special regulations on these waters.
-Dave Basley, Regional Fisheries Biologist
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Maine Fish & Wildlife
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, August 08, 2001 - 1:22 pm: | |
Subject: Weekly Freshwater Fishing Report
August 8 Freshwater Fishing Report
Region A - Southwestern Maine
This can be a great time of year to fish for brown trout in southern Maine's lakes and ponds. Brown trout are usually stocked in waters where the dissolved oxygen disappears in the deeper parts of the lake, and in August the surface temperatures are too warm for trout. The browns tend to suspend in these ponds at depths where there is a band of cool well-oxygenated water. This band of water varies from lake to lake, but on average is at about 15-20 feet deep. Some good prospects for brown trout fishing at this time of year are Little Sebago Lake in Windham, The Range Ponds in Poland, Highland Lake in Bridgton, and Square Pond in Acton. Artificials such as streamer flies or rapalas, or live bait is most effective. Anglers should troll these baits with 2-3 colors of lead line or a downrigger.
The lake trout and salmon fishing has slowed somewhat at Sebago, but anglers can still expect pretty good fishing. A few anglers are still reporting catching 8-10 lakers each day, averaging 3-5 pounds. Most of the fish are caught at 80 -100 feet. Salmon anglers continue to produce a few salmon in the 15-18 inch range. Salmon can be taken on the surface at dawn, but anglers should fish 30-50 feet deep during the day.
The Fishery Division staff has worked very closely with the Maine Turnpike Authority and Maine Department of Environmental Protection to insure that impacts to brooks and streams associated with the turnpike widening project were minimized. In fact, fish passage and trout habitat will be improved at many of these waters. Last week we inspected Crediford Brook in Wells, a nice trout stream which was severely impacted when the turnpike was originally built. Last fall approximately 400 feet of the stream was relocated and improved with man-made habitat structures. Last week we sampled this new section and captured 129 trout. We'll make recommendations for a few minor improvements and this brook will once again be a great trout producer.
On one of our routine pond inspections in southern Maine last week we found two "new" species of fish. Black crappies and bluegills had been illegally stocked into the pond. These illegal introductions have been occurring at an alarming rate in southern Maine, and can have very serious consequences on native fish populations.
-John Boland, Regional Fisheries Biologist
Region B - Central Maine
We have a perpetual calendar in our office Titled " Wit and Wisdom of Fishing" and a good many are appropriate for angling lore. Like:
"When the wind is in the east,
Then the fishes bite the least;
When the wind is in the west,
Then the fishes bite the best;
When the wind is in the north,
Then the fishes do come forth;
When the wind is in the south,
It blows the bait in the fish's mouth." -- Anonymous
As you can see one is looking hard for good things to say about the fishing, but it can be summed up for this time of year as being slow. Bass tourneys are experiencing slow results, but the participants are having a good time.
We worked on some cold water fish ponds last week and found salmonids all in excess of 30 feet. Anglers with persistence and patience will be rewarded. Rivers and streams are very warm and anglers need to seek out the hidey holes that hold fish and they will be rewarded.
So to finish up with another wit, this by Paul Quinnett, “Of all the hardware a fisherman carries with him to the stream, his timepiece is the least important.”
-Bill Woodward, Assistant Regional Fisheries Biologist
Region C - Downeast
The terribly dry weather continues unabated Downeast with no appreciable rainfall for over a month. The brooks and streams are at extremely low levels which places enormous stress on our wild brook trout populations. This summer is about the fifth of the last 9-10 years which has featured hot, exceedingly dry conditions. There is little doubt that there has been some impact on the production of brook trout; this important resource has suffered and continues to suffer yet again.
Unfortunately, the damage is not limited to brooks and streams, but is also affecting certain kettlehole ponds out in the barrens. One such water is Peep Lake, which as recently as the mid-1980's was producing a good brook trout fishery with satisfactory holdover to two years with fish measuring between 13-16”. Last week, an overnight gill net set failed to capture a single trout. The fish were there back in June as several anglers told me they saw lots of fish rising at dusk on several calm nights. Our water quality check indicated an absence of the cool water on bottom required by trout. We assume the trout population has suffered complete or nearly complete mortality due to the excessively warm temperatures. Greg Burr, a department fishery specialist, reported he has never seen the lake so low...others claim the lake is down 4-5 feet from typical summer levels noted 15-20 years ago. This is a prime example of how we are losing some brook trout habitat due to the ravages of the summer weather patterns over the past 15 years plus other factors. Another factor could be the increase over the past 5 years in the volume of water pumped from various water bodies and wells for agricultural irrigation operations.
A check netting at Lower Lead Mountain Pond north of the Airline in Hancock County yielded positive results. Even though water quality is marginal, the department decided to try several stockings of brown trout on an experimental basis to determine if this species would provide a salmonid fishery. We captured 6 trout from 15.9 to 19.0” in our sample and the fish were in good condition. Preliminary indications are that brown trout can grow sufficiently well and live long enough to provide a salmonid fishery where previously, only fisheries for pickerel and white perch existed.
-Ron Brokaw, Regional Fisheries Biologist
Region D - Western Mountains
The water quality profile tells the story. In the summer, we sample water quality in lakes and ponds, typically in conjunction with nettings to sample fish populations. In warmwater ponds, water temperatures may be warm from top to bottom. In coldwater ponds, however, the top layer of water may reach 80° but the deeper water stays cool; it may even be in the low 40's in larger lakes. We also measure oxygen levels, for coldwater fish need a minimum of 5 parts per million of oxygen in the water to thrive. So, where we have suitable temperatures and oxygen levels, we usually find fish. Cold water - capable of supporting trout, for example - may occur as little as 10 feet below the surface, or it may be about 30 feet down in large lakes.
If you know this information, you have a much better chance of catching coldwater fish during summer months. Fish will, of course, venture into warm surface waters if there's a hatch coming off, but they soon return to the cooler water. Likewise, we've noted trout making brief feeding forays into water with low oxygen levels. If the fish aren't rising, trying going deep; you may have luck even in the middle of a hot summer day.
-Forrest Bonney, Regional Fisheries Biologist
Region E - Moosehead Lake Region
The hot and dry summer saga continues, with more of the same predicted for the coming week. During the past three weeks we have had no significant rainfall in the Moosehead Region, and our streams are showing it. A couple of inches of soaking rain, along with some cooler temperatures, would be a welcome relief for our coldwater fish populations, and for those who seek them.
Only two reports of fishing were received during the past week. Moosehead continues to produce, at least for anglers willing and able to fish deep. Steve Lemieux sent us a beautiful picture of a happy angler with his 27-inch, 7 pound lake trout caught in Moosehead. Steve reported a slow day on the big lake (only 7 lake trout and one salmon), but the big one made the day!
Another angler, who requested anonymity, inquired if the Moosehead Lake Fallfish Festival was still receiving entries. Last June he boated a 16.5-inch, 1 pound-15 ounce fallfish from Spencer Bay, and though that might be good enough for at least an honorable mention. Nice try, but you are too late, Ken.
Our faithful assistant Steve Seeback, who has prepared these reports for the past few weeks, is off today. Steve got married on Saturday, August 4th, and today is still away "on assignment". He will be back with next week's report - Congratulations Steve and Amy!
-Paul Johnson, Regional Fisheries Biologist
Region F - Penobscot Valley Region
This past week, we were up on East Grand Lake with the Hydro-Acoustic boat, gathering more information concerning the smelt population there. We did get a chance to talk to some guides while there, and they said that although the season started out well, it has definitely slowed with this dreadfully hot weather.
Even though it is hot, anglers are still catching bass on the Penobscot, but one wonders how long the good fishing will last if it stays this warm. In some lakes and ponds, it is so warm that even the white perch fishing has slowed.
Coldwater fish are seeking out the colder areas in their habitat and water levels in area brooks and streams are nearing a critical level. Evaporation is a major factor with this type of weather. The low flow and high temperatures are not helping coldwater fish populations. This area definitely needs a couple of inches of rain to bring stream and river levels up to more normal flows.
My tip for the week -- find a boat with bimini top, anchor, and go swimming.
-Nels Kramer, Assistant Regional Fisheries Biologist
Region G - Aroostook County
The heat wave continues in northern Maine. Fortunately, we have had more showers than Down East but the rivers and streams are now showing the effects of the lack of rain this past week. No substantial rainfall is being predicted. This is not a good time to plan a canoe trip on the free flowing rivers but the artificial flow in the Allagash River would make for a pleasant canoe trip (not fishing trip). When one gets too hot, just jump out of the canoe in the river - instant relief! Reports from Square Lake are that the salmon are heavier than they have been in recent years which is good news. A member of regional staff assisted with fieldwork in the Rangeley region last week surveying some ponds and doing some electrofishing. Working in other regions allows fisheries staff to gain perspective on the issues and resources in other parts of the state. To all of you complaining about the heat, this is what you waited all winter for so enjoy it. As for me, I'm looking forward to temperatures in the 20's and 30's.
-Dave Basley, Regional Fisheries Biologist
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Maine Fish & Wildlife
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Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, July 24, 2001 - 2:46 pm: | |
Subject: Weekly Freshwater Fishing Report
July 24 Freshwater Fishing Report
Region A- Southwestern Maine
One of the district wardens reported some good fishing for 6-10" native brook trout in the Oxford County area last week. Many of our small streams and beaver flowages maintain cooler temperatures and provide great action for trout all summer long. Catching these wild brookies is generally not very difficult, but one needs to be willing to beat the bushes and put up with biting insects.
Another opportunity for summer trout fishing includes brown trout, which are able to tolerate warmer temperatures than brook trout and generally provide better mid-summer action. Many of our brown trout ponds including Upper and Middle Range Ponds (Poland), Little Sebago Lake (Windham), Crystal Lake (Gray), and Mousam Lake (Acton) produce nice browns in the middle of summer. In fact, one angler reported catching several nice brown trout this past weekend at Little Sebago Lake trolling with lures. Trolling lures or live bait, and drift or still fishing with bait around the thermocline can be quite effective. Be patient! This type of brown trout fishing can be relatively slow, but the opportunity to catch a lunker in the 3 - 10 pond range is not uncommon.
Stream fishing for browns in the 8-12 inch range also holds up later in the season, but anglers should focus on early morning or late evening fishing and target areas with cool water influence (i.e. mouth of tributaries). Some good bets for region A include the Little Androscoggin River (W. Paris to Auburn), Pleasant River (Windham), Nezinscot River (Buckfield), Little River (Gorham/Berwick), Great Works River (Berwick), Nonesuch River (Scarborough), and the Cold River (Stowe).
Region A staff worked on a variety of field projects last week. We finished collecting our final year of fish data on several regional streams for purposes of evaluating brook and brown trout fry stocking. We also investigated the status of fish populations in No. 1 Pond in Sanford. This effort was the result of inquiries from the Town regarding ways to improve fishing opportunities and a potential dredging project. Our sampling indicated the pond supports good populations of yellow perch and pumpkinseed sunfish, which provide great action for kids fishing from shore. We also sampled several age classes of largemouth bass and although their numbers were relatively low; we caught one impressive bass that weighed in at 5 pounds. Other fish species observed included: chain pickerel, brown bullhead (hornpout), American eel, and golden shiners.
In addition, we also went down to Coldwater Brook Pond in Kennebunk to evaluate the feasibility of chemical reclamation. This pond produces some beautiful wild brook trout, but a recent illegal introduction of golden shiners has impacted the number and size quality of the brook trout by competing for the available resources. Reclamation may be possible, but an active beaver impoundment could limit our success in obtaining a complete kill of golden shiners. If we proceed with a reclamation, we would also like to work out a plan for maintaining the existing wild strain of brook trout to repopulate the pond after reclamation.
-Jim Pellerin, Assistant Regional Fisheries Biologist
Region B - Central Maine
Webster's defines dog days as…1: the period between early July and early September when hot sultry weather of summer usually occurs in the northern hemisphere. 2: a period of stagnation or inactivity. So the dog days are upon us, but anglers can raise fish if they know the haunts of what specie they are after.
Coldwater species are in the cooler depths of the lake or pond they inhabit. Last week that was in the vicinity of 25 feet, when we were doing temperature and oxygen profiles at several of the waters we visited. Lake trout would be even deeper then that, but landlocked salmon, brown, brook or rainbow trout would most likely be at that level if the conditions are ideal.
In stream habitats, salmonids are seeking out spring holes and ground water upwelling and I have observed that phenomenon at several of the rivers and streams in the central Maine area. Geology of the riparian zone, where eskers or horsebacks come close to the stream lend themselves to providing cold water to the warmer stream flow. In the Sebasticook River near the mouth of 15 Mile stream several brookies were observed some years ago, and when Edwards dam was removed I observed a boiling spring near Civies Steel in the Kennebec. Usually those spots do not change from year to year and are a good bet for those anglers who want some action.
I had action at my camp at Bear Pond in Turner for bass, pickerel, and white perch last week. The action at the crack of dawn was steady with typical fish landed and released. I was reprimanded by my mother-in-law for not bringing some of the perch back for a fish fry. Bear Pond always presents some neat natural sightings, and last Friday was no |
Maine Fish & Wildlife
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, July 24, 2001 - 2:41 pm: | |
Subject: Weekly Freshwater Fishing Report
July 24 Freshwater Fishing Report
Region A- Southwestern Maine
One of the district wardens reported some good fishing for 6-10" native brook trout in the Oxford County area last week. Many of our small streams and beaver flowages maintain cooler temperatures and provide great action for trout all summer long. Catching these wild brookies is generally not very difficult, but one needs to be willing to beat the bushes and put up with biting insects.
Another opportunity for summer trout fishing includes brown trout, which are able to tolerate warmer temperatures than brook trout and generally provide better mid-summer action. Many of our brown trout ponds including Upper and Middle Range Ponds (Poland), Little Sebago Lake (Windham), Crystal Lake (Gray), and Mousam Lake (Acton) produce nice browns in the middle of summer. In fact, one angler reported catching several nice brown trout this past weekend at Little Sebago Lake trolling with lures. Trolling lures or live bait, and drift or still fishing with bait around the thermocline can be quite effective. Be patient! This type of brown trout fishing can be relatively slow, but the opportunity to catch a lunker in the 3 - 10 pond range is not uncommon.
Stream fishing for browns in the 8-12 inch range also holds up later in the season, but anglers should focus on early morning or late evening fishing and target areas with cool water influence (i.e. mouth of tributaries). Some good bets for region A include the Little Androscoggin River (W. Paris to Auburn), Pleasant River (Windham), Nezinscot River (Buckfield), Little River (Gorham/Berwick), Great Works River (Berwick), Nonesuch River (Scarborough), and the Cold River (Stowe).
Region A staff worked on a variety of field projects last week. We finished collecting our final year of fish data on several regional streams for purposes of evaluating brook and brown trout fry stocking. We also investigated the status of fish populations in No. 1 Pond in Sanford. This effort was the result of inquiries from the Town regarding ways to improve fishing opportunities and a potential dredging project. Our sampling indicated the pond supports good populations of yellow perch and pumpkinseed sunfish, which provide great action for kids fishing from shore. We also sampled several age classes of largemouth bass and although their numbers were relatively low; we caught one impressive bass that weighed in at 5 pounds. Other fish species observed included: chain pickerel, brown bullhead (hornpout), American eel, and golden shiners.
In addition, we also went down to Coldwater Brook Pond in Kennebunk to evaluate the feasibility of chemical reclamation. This pond produces some beautiful wild brook trout, but a recent illegal introduction of golden shiners has impacted the number and size quality of the brook trout by competing for the available resources. Reclamation may be possible, but an active beaver impoundment could limit our success in obtaining a complete kill of golden shiners. If we proceed with a reclamation, we would also like to work out a plan for maintaining the existing wild strain of brook trout to repopulate the pond after reclamation.
-Jim Pellerin, Assistant Regional Fisheries Biologist
Region B - Central Maine
Webster's defines dog days as…1: the period between early July and early September when hot sultry weather of summer usually occurs in the northern hemisphere. 2: a period of stagnation or inactivity. So the dog days are upon us, but anglers can raise fish if they know the haunts of what specie they are after.
Coldwater species are in the cooler depths of the lake or pond they inhabit. Last week that was in the vicinity of 25 feet, when we were doing temperature and oxygen profiles at several of the waters we visited. Lake trout would be even deeper then that, but landlocked salmon, brown, brook or rainbow trout would most likely be at that level if the conditions are ideal.
In stream habitats, salmonids are seeking out spring holes and ground water upwelling and I have observed that phenomenon at several of the rivers and streams in the central Maine area. Geology of the riparian zone, where eskers or horsebacks come close to the stream lend themselves to providing cold water to the warmer stream flow. In the Sebasticook River near the mouth of 15 Mile stream several brookies were observed some years ago, and when Edwards dam was removed I observed a boiling spring near Civies Steel in the Kennebec. Usually those spots do not change from year to year and are a good bet for those anglers who want some action.
I had action at my camp at Bear Pond in Turner for bass, pickerel, and white perch last week. The action at the crack of dawn was steady with typical fish landed and released. I was reprimanded by my mother-in-law for not bringing some of the perch back for a fish fry. Bear Pond always presents some neat natural sightings, and last Friday was no exception. At 5:00 a.m. I observed five loons flying, what a sight! They were calling each other in flight and eventually landed. Then I was presented with a loon family with two chicks with the adult plying the crawfish to the youngsters. A few years ago I observed a great blue heron land in the middle of the pond, gulp down a white perch and then take off, as though it was its normal behavior. Keep your eyes on what our maker has provided and you will be given a show many times!
-Bill Woodward, Assistant Regional Fisheries Biologist
Region C - Downeast
While other areas of the state received frequent showers last week, Downeast remained unusually dry. Typical flows in numerous streams reached August median levels in early July. Such protracted periods of low flows often have adverse impacts on brook trout growth and survival. An indication of this was observed last week during our electrofishing sampling on a 500 foot reach of Pork Brook in T22MD. A blueberry company has a permit to withdraw water from this brook for irrigation purposes. They can utilize the brook until the flow declines to 0.40 cfs (cubic feet per second) at which time irrigation withdrawals must cease. This flow was reached in late June, after one irrigation event.
We collected only 51 trout on July 20 compared to 81 last year on July 13. Last year, we sampled 55 young of the year, compared to 40 this year, a decline of about 27%. Last year, we sampled 12 fish from 3-4 in, compared to only one this year, a decline of 92%. Last year, we sampled 14 fish > 4 in, compared to 10 this year, a decline of 29%. I believe this year's flow rate of about 0.15-0.22 cfs was about 1/2 of last year's. While there are certainly other variables which influence relative abundance of juvenile brook trout in a section of a small stream, I feel the lack of flow this year is probably the main factor behind the reduced numbers of trout collected. We need some significant rain showers soon to relieve the considerable stress on our populations of stream trout.
Staff will be collecting hydroacoustic data this week from West Grand Lake and Big Lake. The boat has recently been equipped with a mid-water trawl, enabling us to associate the different strength echoes/fish targets with a specific species, such as smelt, juvenile white perch, landlocked alewives, etc. For example, knowing that smelt comprised 88% of our trawl catch, white perch accounted for 7%, and sticklebacks 5%, will allow us to calculate some indices of relative abundance.
If all goes well on this week's "trial run", we hope to get some idea of the relative abundance of landlocked alewives in Big Lake. These fish have moved down the drainage from East Grand Lake, and are now likely present in 4-5 regional waters in the St. Croix drainage. We are particularly concerned about the potential for negative interactions with the smelts in Big Lake which have been sufficiently abundant in recent years to promote very good growth of both stocked and wild landlocked salmon. This initial monitoring work at Big Lake is made possible in part through a funding grant obtained by Ms. Lee Sochasky of the St. Croix International Waterway Commission, based in St. Stephen, New Brunswick. We certainly appreciate her efforts in this matter.
-Ron Brokaw, Regional Fisheries Biologist
Region D - Western Mountains
With another sharp turn in weather trends, water temperatures are rising and water levels are dropping. As coldwater fish seek springs and deeper water, it's a good time to think about warmwater fishing opportunities in Western Maine. Smallmouth bass is the warmwater fish species most sought after, and there are good-size fish in both the Androscoggin and Kennebec river systems. New access sites on the Androscoggin River make it easier to go after bass from Jay to Gilead. The bass fishing is especially good from Rumford to Jay, with lots of fish in the 3 to 4 pound class. There aren't so many big bass in the Kennebec or its tributary, the Sandy River, but there's still good fishing. On hot, muggy days the prospect of lazily floating a river and casting for bass doesn't seem like a bad idea. Of course there are plenty of lakes and ponds in the Region that also have bass; Crowell Pond, North Pond, Locke Pond, Horseshoe Pond, and Sand Pond, all in Chesterville; Webb Lake in Weld; Lufkin Pond in Phillips; Barker Pond in Cornville; Fahi Pond in Embden; Wesserunsett Lake in Madison; and Wyman Lake in Moscow are some that come to mind. The Department publishes a list of such waters, entitled "Maine Bass Waters" that you may be interested in. It is available from our Augusta Office and at Regional Offices.
-Forrest Bonney, Regional Fisheries Biologist
Region E - Moosehead Region
The cold wet rainy weather left the Moosehead lake region by mid-week to set us up for one of the best weekends of the summer, so far. While the weather is beginning to show signs that the summer is back, so is the fishing. The warm weather is once again making dropping fishing success of the anglers in the region. Anglers that are equipped to fish deep are still having pretty good luck on the region lakes, particularly fishing down at depths of 40-50 feet.
One key thing to remember is not all fish will show up on electronic fish finder. Jack Neu said, "Electronics can provide an edge, not a guarantee. What matters is knowing what to do, then doing it." So this is not the time of the year to believe that the fishing is going to be fast paced, but that if youfish at the right time and place and display some patience, you may be able to bring up a trophy of your own from the depths of Moosehead Lake or any of the other lakes and ponds in the region.
Some other outdoor activities that individuals in the region enjoy during the heat of the day are the use of the lakes and the ponds as a place of recreational seclusions. Many individuals enjoy boat rides on the lakes and ponds, while others are enjoy rivers trips in the region. Also, the berry picking season in the region is in full bloom. Ripe berries can be found almost anywhere in the northern woods. They also provide a good snack when hiking, fishing or enjoying the out doors.
So pick them if you got them, and remember that some patience can make the difference in the enjoyable sport we all call fishing. 'Til next week
-Stephen Seeback, Regional Fishery Summer Assistant
Region F, Penobscot Region
The salmon and togue are still biting on East Grand Lake. Anglers are finding that trolling deep and patience is what pays off. This past week we spent time at East Grand Lake wile working on Spednic Lake. Angler reports from East Grand are showing the fish down in the deep holes. Anglers on Spednic are catching a few bass.
Even with the warming temperatures we continue to get reports of good brook trout fishing from some of our trout ponds. If you are able to find the spring holes, you have a good chance of getting some trout.
Even though the splake continue to bite on Seboeis Lake, the white perch and smallmouth bass are producing some very good catches. Schoodic lake continues to produce the 3 to 5 pound lake trout.
If your looking for a enjoyable canoe trip and some good bass fishing, the Penobscot River from the Chester bridge to Lincoln is a great day trip. It is also a great way to observe the wildlife along the rivers edge.
Enjoy the fishing and the outdoors.
-Brian Campbell, Fishery Biology Specialist
Region G - Aroostook County
Regional staff spent several days during the week inspecting fishways in dams for owner compliance to see that they are in good repair and functional. The region has nine fishways and all nine have been visited this summer. All but one was in good condition. This dam owner has been notified of the disrepair of this fishway in 1997 and 2000 but to date has failed to do the necessary repairs. The dam is is on a tributary to the Aroostook River where an active Atlantic salmon restoration program is on-going. Upon notice from fishery staff, owners of another fishway voluntarily had the exit opening cleaned of debris such that fish can move into the lake unimpeded. A fishway/spillway built into the cement dam at the outlet of another lake is now functioning much better as the result of repairs made to the dam last summer to prevent water from washing around the wingwalls. A nice job was done plugging these washouts with rock riprap that withstood the highwater of this spring. Fishway inspections are a part of the annual work plan for this region.
-Dave Basley, Regional Fisheries Biologist |
Maine Fish & Wildlife
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, July 24, 2001 - 2:39 pm: | |
Subject: Weekly Freshwater Fishing Report
July 24 Freshwater Fishing Report
Region A- Southwestern Maine
One of the district wardens reported some good fishing for 6-10" native brook trout in the Oxford County area last week. Many of our small streams and beaver flowages maintain cooler temperatures and provide great action for trout all summer long. Catching these wild brookies is generally not very difficult, but one needs to be willing to beat the bushes and put up with biting insects.
Another opportunity for summer trout fishing includes brown trout, which are able to tolerate warmer temperatures than brook trout and generally provide better mid-summer action. Many of our brown trout ponds including Upper and Middle Range Ponds (Poland), Little Sebago Lake (Windham), Crystal Lake (Gray), and Mousam Lake (Acton) produce nice browns in the middle of summer. In fact, one angler reported catching several nice brown trout this past weekend at Little Sebago Lake trolling with lures. Trolling lures or live bait, and drift or still fishing with bait around the thermocline can be quite effective. Be patient! This type of brown trout fishing can be relatively slow, but the opportunity to catch a lunker in the 3 - 10 pond range is not uncommon.
Stream fishing for browns in the 8-12 inch range also holds up later in the season, but anglers should focus on early morning or late evening fishing and target areas with cool water influence (i.e. mouth of tributaries). Some good bets for region A include the Little Androscoggin River (W. Paris to Auburn), Pleasant River (Windham), Nezinscot River (Buckfield), Little River (Gorham/Berwick), Great Works River (Berwick), Nonesuch River (Scarborough), and the Cold River (Stowe).
Region A staff worked on a variety of field projects last week. We finished collecting our final year of fish data on several regional streams for purposes of evaluating brook and brown trout fry stocking. We also investigated the status of fish populations in No. 1 Pond in Sanford. This effort was the result of inquiries from the Town regarding ways to improve fishing opportunities and a potential dredging project. Our sampling indicated the pond supports good populations of yellow perch and pumpkinseed sunfish, which provide great action for kids fishing from shore. We also sampled several age classes of largemouth bass and although their numbers were relatively low; we caught one impressive bass that weighed in at 5 pounds. Other fish species observed included: chain pickerel, brown bullhead (hornpout), American eel, and golden shiners.
In addition, we also went down to Coldwater Brook Pond in Kennebunk to evaluate the feasibility of chemical reclamation. This pond produces some beautiful wild brook trout, but a recent illegal introduction of golden shiners has impacted the number and size quality of the brook trout by competing for the available resources. Reclamation may be possible, but an active beaver impoundment could limit our success in obtaining a complete kill of golden shiners. If we proceed with a reclamation, we would also like to work out a plan for maintaining the existing wild strain of brook trout to repopulate the pond after reclamation.
-Jim Pellerin, Assistant Regional Fisheries Biologist
Region B - Central Maine
Webster's defines dog days as…1: the period between early July and early September when hot sultry weather of summer usually occurs in the northern hemisphere. 2: a period of stagnation or inactivity. So the dog days are upon us, but anglers can raise fish if they know the haunts of what specie they are after.
Coldwater species are in the cooler depths of the lake or pond they inhabit. Last week that was in the vicinity of 25 feet, when we were doing temperature and oxygen profiles at several of the waters we visited. Lake trout would be even deeper then that, but landlocked salmon, brown, brook or rainbow trout would most likely be at that level if the conditions are ideal.
In stream habitats, salmonids are seeking out spring holes and ground water upwelling and I have observed that phenomenon at several of the rivers and streams in the central Maine area. Geology of the riparian zone, where eskers or horsebacks come close to the stream lend themselves to providing cold water to the warmer stream flow. In the Sebasticook River near the mouth of 15 Mile stream several brookies were observed some years ago, and when Edwards dam was removed I observed a boiling spring near Civies Steel in the Kennebec. Usually those spots do not change from year to year and are a good bet for those anglers who want some action.
I had action at my camp at Bear Pond in Turner for bass, pickerel, and white perch last week. The action at the crack of dawn was steady with typical fish landed and released. I was reprimanded by my mother-in-law for not bringing some of the perch back for a fish fry. Bear Pond always presents some neat natural sightings, and last Friday was no exception. At 5:00 a.m. I observed five loons flying, what a sight! They were calling each other in flight and eventually landed. Then I was presented with a loon family with two chicks with the adult plying the crawfish to the youngsters. A few years ago I observed a great blue heron land in the middle of the pond, gulp down a white perch and then take off, as though it was its normal behavior. Keep your eyes on what our maker has provided and you will be given a show many times!
-Bill Woodward, Assistant Regional Fisheries Biologist
Region C - Downeast
While other areas of the state received frequent showers last week, Downeast remained unusually dry. Typical flows in numerous streams reached August median levels in early July. Such protracted periods of low flows often have adverse impacts on brook trout growth and survival. An indication of this was observed last week during our electrofishing sampling on a 500 foot reach of Pork Brook in T22MD. A blueberry company has a permit to withdraw water from this brook for irrigation purposes. They can utilize the brook until the flow declines to 0.40 cfs (cubic feet per second) at which time irrigation withdrawals must cease. This flow was reached in late June, after one irrigation event.
We collected only 51 trout on July 20 compared to 81 last year on July 13. Last year, we sampled 55 young of the year, compared to 40 this year, a decline of about 27%. Last year, we sampled 12 fish from 3-4 in, compared to only one this year, a decline of 92%. Last year, we sampled 14 fish > 4 in, compared to 10 this year, a decline of 29%. I believe this year's flow rate of about 0.15-0.22 cfs was about 1/2 of last year's. While there are certainly other variables which influence relative abundance of juvenile brook trout in a section of a small stream, I feel the lack of flow this year is probably the main factor behind the reduced numbers of trout collected. We need some significant rain showers soon to relieve the considerable stress on our populations of stream trout.
Staff will be collecting hydroacoustic data this week from West Grand Lake and Big Lake. The boat has recently been equipped with a mid-water trawl, enabling us to associate the different strength echoes/fish targets with a specific species, such as smelt, juvenile white perch, landlocked alewives, etc. For example, knowing that smelt comprised 88% of our trawl catch, white perch accounted for 7%, and sticklebacks 5%, will allow us to calculate some indices of relative abundance.
If all goes well on this week's "trial run", we hope to get some idea of the relative abundance of landlocked alewives in Big Lake. These fish have moved down the drainage from East Grand Lake, and are now likely present in 4-5 regional waters in the St. Croix drainage. We are particularly concerned about the potential for negative interactions with the smelts in Big Lake which have been sufficiently abundant in recent years to promote very good growth of both stocked and wild landlocked salmon. This initial monitoring work at Big Lake is made possible in part through a funding grant obtained by Ms. Lee Sochasky of the St. Croix International Waterway Commission, based in St. Stephen, New Brunswick. We certainly appreciate her efforts in this matter.
-Ron Brokaw, Regional Fisheries Biologist
Region D - Western Mountains
With another sharp turn in weather trends, water temperatures are rising and water levels are dropping. As coldwater fish seek springs and deeper water, it's a good time to think about warmwater fishing opportunities in Western Maine. Smallmouth bass is the warmwater fish species most sought after, and there are good-size fish in both the Androscoggin and Kennebec river systems. New access sites on the Androscoggin River make it easier to go after bass from Jay to Gilead. The bass fishing is especially good from Rumford to Jay, with lots of fish in the 3 to 4 pound class. There aren't so many big bass in the Kennebec or its tributary, the Sandy River, but there's still good fishing. On hot, muggy days the prospect of lazily floating a river and casting for bass doesn't seem like a bad idea. Of course there are plenty of lakes and ponds in the Region that also have bass; Crowell Pond, North Pond, Locke Pond, Horseshoe Pond, and Sand Pond, all in Chesterville; Webb Lake in Weld; Lufkin Pond in Phillips; Barker Pond in Cornville; Fahi Pond in Embden; Wesserunsett Lake in Madison; and Wyman Lake in Moscow are some that come to mind. The Department publishes a list of such waters, entitled "Maine Bass Waters" that you may be interested in. It is available from our Augusta Office and at Regional Offices.
-Forrest Bonney, Regional Fisheries Biologist
Region E - Moosehead Region
The cold wet rainy weather left the Moosehead lake region by mid-week to set us up for one of the best weekends of the summer, so far. While the weather is beginning to show signs that the summer is back, so is the fishing. The warm weather is once again making dropping fishing success of the anglers in the region. Anglers that are equipped to fish deep are still having pretty good luck on the region lakes, particularly fishing down at depths of 40-50 feet.
One key thing to remember is not all fish will show up on electronic fish finder. Jack Neu said, "Electronics can provide an edge, not a guarantee. What matters is knowing what to do, then doing it." So this is not the time of the year to believe that the fishing is going to be fast paced, but that if youfish at the right time and place and display some patience, you may be able to bring up a trophy of your own from the depths of Moosehead Lake or any of the other lakes and ponds in the region.
Some other outdoor activities that individuals in the region enjoy during the heat of the day are the use of the lakes and the ponds as a place of recreational seclusions. Many individuals enjoy boat rides on the lakes and ponds, while others are enjoy rivers trips in the region. Also, the berry picking season in the region is in full bloom. Ripe berries can be found almost anywhere in the northern woods. They also provide a good snack when hiking, fishing or enjoying the out doors.
So pick them if you got them, and remember that some patience can make the difference in the enjoyable sport we all call fishing. 'Til next week
-Stephen Seeback, Regional Fishery Summer Assistant
Region F, Penobscot Region
The salmon and togue are still biting on East Grand Lake. Anglers are finding that trolling deep and patience is what pays off. This past week we spent time at East Grand Lake wile working on Spednic Lake. Angler reports from East Grand are showing the fish down in the deep holes. Anglers on Spednic are catching a few bass.
Even with the warming temperatures we continue to get reports of good brook trout fishing from some of our trout ponds. If you are able to find the spring holes, you have a good chance of getting some trout.
Even though the splake continue to bite on Seboeis Lake, the white perch and smallmouth bass are producing some very good catches. Schoodic lake continues to produce the 3 to 5 pound lake trout.
If your looking for a enjoyable canoe trip and some good bass fishing, the Penobscot River from the Chester bridge to Lincoln is a great day trip. It is also a great way to observe the wildlife along the rivers edge.
Enjoy the fishing and the outdoors.
-Brian Campbell, Fishery Biology Specialist
Region G - Aroostook County
Regional staff spent several days during the week inspecting fishways in dams for owner compliance to see that they are in good repair and functional. The region has nine fishways and all nine have been visited this summer. All but one was in good condition. This dam owner has been notified of the disrepair of this fishway in 1997 and 2000 but to date has failed to do the necessary repairs. The dam is is on a tributary to the Aroostook River where an active Atlantic salmon restoration program is on-going. Upon notice from fishery staff, owners of another fishway voluntarily had the exit opening cleaned of debris such that fish can move into the lake unimpeded. A fishway/spillway built into the cement dam at the outlet of another lake is now functioning much better as the result of repairs made to the dam last summer to prevent water from washing around the wingwalls. A nice job was done plugging these washouts with rock riprap that withstood the highwater of this spring. Fishway inspections are a part of the annual work plan for this region.
-Dave Basley, Regional Fisheries Biologist |
Maine Fish & Wildlife
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, July 18, 2001 - 10:09 am: | |
Subject: Weekly Freshwater Fishing Report
July 17 Freshwater Fishing Report
Region A- Southwestern Maine
As expected, trout and salmon fishing is quite a bit slower in the region during mid-late summer. On the other hand, many of our lake trout waters, particularly Sebago Lake and Auburn Lake, continue to provide great action for those willing to troll deeper water areas. Speaking of lakers, a 39 ½ inch fish weighing only 12 pounds was found dead on Kezar Lake this past week. Fin clips indicate this particular togue was relatively old (31 years) and was stocked in 1971. Warmwater fishing opportunities are plentiful throughout the region and the various species available can provide fast action all summer long. Keep in mind that angling for warmwater species is a great way to introduce children to the world of fishing.
Anglers, canoeist, and boaters may soon see improved access to water resources throughout the State. A few years ago the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW) and the Maine Department of Transportation (MDOT) joined forces to improve public access. MDOT sent a statewide list of future bridge projects to MDIFW staff for evaluation and comments regarding access issues. MDIFW biologists provided information on existing/anticipated access needs, available fishery resources, and assigned an access priority rating for each particular site. MDOT has secured partial funding for the access work, and most of the high priority sites are expected to receive new or improved access. Region A anticipates quite a few access improvements in our area, because a relatively large percentage of the bridge projects are being conducted within the region. In addition, higher population levels and heavy development in region A has created public access conflicts, a loss of existing access sites, and a dwindling availability of land for new access sites. As a result, a large number of the projects in region A were rated as high priority.
-Jim Pellerin, Assistant Regional Fisheries Biologist
Region B - Central Maine
Regional fisheries biologists have been busy obtaining samples of central Maine's brown trout populations through netting over the past few weeks. Sampling for browns has been conducted in lakes and ponds including: Salmon Lake, McGrath Pond, Megunticook Lake, Sand Pond, East Pond, and Lake George. Captured brown trout are weighed and their length is measured, any fin clips are noted, and scale samples from unmarked (unclipped) browns are taken. In addition, gender and sexual maturity are noted, and stomach contents are examined to determine food habits.
Brown trout feed on a variety of prey and recent catches have included browns with stomach contents containing: fish (including smelt, white perch, and other species), aquatic insect larvae, and snails. One particular brown's stomach was filled exclusively with adult Junebugs, and this trout must have had a busy night feeding on the surface prior to entering our net. Fin clips or scale samples yield the age of the trout, which, when combined with the size information also collected, in turn provides us with a measurement of the trout's growth in length and weight over that period of time. This type of information is useful in determining if the browns can survive to older ages and larger sizes (one of our goals). In addition, stocking rates and regulations can be adjusted in an effort to improve growth, catch rates, or provide additional opportunity.
Summer fishing continues to be good for bass and perch in regional waters. Why not plan to attend the weigh in at one of our region's many bass derbies? The size and number of bass observed at one of these weigh ins have often evoked responses of surprise from members of the public in attendance. Seeing what is out there for bass in many of our waters can give a new level of appreciation and kindle the fishing fire in the observer.
-Jim Stahlnecker, Regional Fisheries Biologist
Region C - Downeast
If you have the right gear, either lead line or a downrigger, this is a good time to fish for landlocked salmon. These fish have moved down in the water column, seeking the cooler, well-oxygenated water they prefer. On many Downeast lakes, targeting depths ranging from 25-35 feet will put you in the right zone. Back in the spring, the following waters all produced some fish in the 2 1/2- 3 1/2 pound class: Echo Lake on MDI, Long Pond on MDI, Phillips Lake in Dedham, Tunk Lake in T10SD, Alligator Lake in T34MD, Schoodic Lake in Cherryfield, and West Grand Lake in Grand Lake Stream. In addition to healthy salmon, most of these waters support another "bonus" salmonid which makes them even more enticing: Echo and Alligator contain brook trout, while Phillips, Tunk, and West Grand support wild togue. Give one or more of them a try prior to the onset of the "dog days of August" when fishing success usually declines.
Yesterday, the Machias Valley Bassers held a bass tournament at Big Lake. Even though I have written about this terrific smallmouth water on several prior occasions, I'm going to do it again. Club members did very well, with the top four 5-fish limits weighing in as follows: 13 lb, 9 lb, 7 lb, and 7 lb. John Francis took first place, and his impressive total weight of 13 pounds was bolstered by a 4 lb., 14 oz beauty. John reported that in the morning, most fish were caught at depths of 7-10 feet, while in the afternoon, fishing from 10-16 feet down was rewarding.
At this time of year, fishing with live bait is a good technique to catch good-size smallmouths. Try a free-swimming, large, 4-5 inch golden shiner around a submerged boulder/large rock shoal. Or try some smaller bait on a snelled leader affixed to a keel sinker, fished down from 15-25 feet. The following waters all hold some hefty smallmouths weighing 3 lb or more: Phillips Lake, Webb Pond, Georges Pond, Great Pond, Graham Lake Grand Falls Flowage, Boyden Lake, Bearce Pond, Round Lake, and Gardner Lake.
-Ron Brokaw, Regional Fisheries Biologist
Region D - Western Mountains
The streams of Western Maine are still trying to rid themselves of the water that has fallen in endless showers for the last week or so. Although variable flows make for spotty fishing, the rain was good news for coldwater fisheries. The showers also cooled the water temperatures in lakes and ponds, giving fish a reprieve from the heat and sparking some evening fishing activity.
We are in the midst of our summer sampling season. We have sampled brown trout and bass populations on several waters with the Fishery Division's electrofishing boat. Also, samples from the Sandy River Ponds indicated that stocked brook trout are growing well and are living to older ages: biologists Dave Boucher, Dave Howatt, and intern Hannah Whitney sampled 26 trout up to 15.2 inches in length. At Tufts Pond in Kingfield, they sampled brook trout up to 15.7 inches and splake up to 16.6 inches in length. An evaluation of splake stocking in Austin Pond yielded poorer results, however, and splake stocking will be terminated. Austin Pond is quite shallow and provides only marginal habitat for coldwater game fish.
We continue to document the spread of fish species into waters where they were previously absent; minnows and smallmouth bass are the species that show up most frequently. Bass in particular are serious competitors with coldwater fish, and we can expect trout and salmon fisheries to decline where they have been illegally introduced.
-Forrest Bonney, Regional Fisheries Biologist
Region E - Moosehead Region
During the past week the weather has been bizarre in the Moosehead Lake region. Occasional rain and hailstorms that moved through the region have decreased the surface water temperature on the lakes, ponds, and rivers. This decrease in surface temperature has temporarily improved anglers' success in catching fish near the surface on Moosehead Lake and other waters in the region. Togue, salmon and brook trout make up the majority of the fish being reported by anglers.
The decreasing water temperatures also had a positive effect on insect activity in the region. Since water temperatures have once again returned to the 60-degree range, insects seem to be more active. Although the green drake hatches on the ponds in the region have pretty much come and gone, trout are still providing good surface action during early morning and late evening hatches. The early morning and late evening hatches are consisting of mostly mayflies and caddis flies, but periodically I have observed stoneflies hatching on rivers in the region. It is only a matter time before we will begin to see heavy hatches of stoneflies that will allow for some good river fishing opportunity in the region for the next few weeks.
Warm water fisheries, such as smallmouth bass, pickerel and/or any other of the warm water species that might tickle your fancy, are still providing good fishing opportunity where they occur throughout the region.
Remember, when you are out on the region's waters keep a watchful eye to the sky, and always be careful. 'Til next week...
-Stephen Seeback, Regional Fishery Summer Assistant
Region F, Penobscot Region
Although summer season fishing has been quite slow recently, the fish are there and can be caught using the right method at the right time.
Bass in general are the easiest game fish to catch because of their nest guarding behavior in the spring spawning season. However, even though they move out of the shallow water after spawning, they remain active and do not go into very deep water in most lakes.
It is for these reasons that bass were introduced into Maine waters by anglers who wanted a game fish that was easier to catch during the open water season. Bass have become one of the most important fish in Maine both in terms of the amount of time spent fishing for the species and its effect on the economy of the fishing industry.
These benefits, however, do not come without a down side. By their aggressive behavior and ability to adapt to almost any water environment, bass can and do reduce or eliminate cold water fisheries, especially brook trout. Many smaller trout waters may not have the best water quality but in the absence of competing species, such as the bass, trout do very well. If bass are introduced into waters like this, they can eliminate the trout population. It is also difficult to stock waters that contain bass because bass are extremely efficient predators on newly stocked salmon and trout.
Maine is well known for its coldwater fishery but this fishery is in jeopardy from the continuing expansion of bass into northern Maine waters through illegal introductions. In Region F, bass have been moved up the East Branch of the Penobscot River above Grand Pitch and now jeopardize the brook trout fishery below Matagamon Lake. They can also affect the lake if they get above Matagamon Dam. Bass have been introduced into the Shin Ponds and have affected both native populations of trout as well as stocked trout. Bass have been recently discovered in the Cold Stream chain of lakes in Lincoln and Enfield. These lakes have very good coldwater fisheries that should continue, but already, a certain amount of trout habitat has been lost to bass, and stocking has become more difficult due to predation. Management of the fishery certainly is now more complicated with the presence of bass. This past weekend, a game warden observed a bass being caught on the West Branch of the Penobscot River below the Telos Bridge.
The other northern regions have other similar disappointing examples of the spread of bass into waters containing important coldwater fisheries. Coldwater fisheries in Maine are being lost or reduced every year due to the illegal introductions of bass.
-Mike Smith, Regional Fisheries Biologist
Region G - Aroostook County
Ten days of overcast, wet weather has reduced surface water temperatures substantially on regional waters. Lakes of the Fish River Chain are still yielding trout and salmon to anglers trolling on the surface, but action is restricted to mornings and evenings. Anglers with deep-water rigs can find steady action throughout the day, however.
Trout fishing on the lower Aroostook River (below Caribou Dam) has been excellent as of late, and the Meduxnkeag River in Houlton also has provided some midseason trout action indicating water temperatures have been tempered by the weather. Long Lake, where public petition to allow smelt dipping is currently being considered by the Department, continues to provide angling for trophy salmon. One veteran Long Lake angler reported losing, at the boat, another 10 pound class salmon recently; what amazes many anglers fishing Long is how fast the fishing is for these large salmon - likely fish are feeding more often and for extended time periods with the abundant forage of smelt. We have noticed the contrary in fisheries with low smelt populations, dispelling the myth that salmon are harder to catch when there is an abundant supply of food.
During all of last week I had the opportunity to complete 16 miles of river habitat survey on the Meduxnekeag River in Houlton and Littleton in Southern Aroostook County. The survey, designed to inventory salmonid habitat, was a multi-agency effort that involved 19 people working in crews of 5 over 4 days. Personnel from the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians (7), IF&W (6), Atlantic Salmon Commission (2), the University of Maine (3), and one local volunteer participated in the survey. The Fisheries Division would like to thank these people for making the effort to help us improve fisheries management on this important waterway: Emily Gaenzle (UMaine), Tony Parizzi (UMaine), Sharon Fleming (UMaine), Scott Krzanick (Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians), Dave Joseph (HBMI), Dave Lombard (HBMI), Brittney London (HBMI), Danielle Fitzpatrick (HBMI), Christina Desiderio (HBMI), Ryan Greenlaw (HBMI), Ryan Smith (Volunteer), Randy Spencer (Atlantic Salmon Commission), Justin Stevens (Atlantic Salmon Commission), Forrest Bonney (IF&W), Jim Lucas (IF&W), Nels Kramer (IF&W), Ethan McConnel (IF&W), and Derrick Cote (IF&W).
-Frank Frost, Regional Fisheries Biologist
|
Maine Fish & Wildlife
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, July 12, 2001 - 3:02 pm: | |
Subject: Weekly Freshwater Fishing Report
Editor's Note: New reports will be posted to this site weekly until September 24. It is our hope that these reports will be both enjoyable and useful.
July 10 Freshwater Fishing Report
Region A - Southwestern Maine
As a result of newly enacted legislation, Maine Wardens in Region A have already stepped up efforts to help prevent the introduction of non-native aquatic plants into Maine waters. Last weekend, wardens began conducting boat inspections at some of southern Maine’s more popular boat ramps as well as heavily traveled highways. These inspections will continue throughout the summer, and are intended mostly to educate the public about the potential dangers that can result from the spread of these plants, as well as to inform them about the new legislation. Starting in 2002, Maine boaters will pay an additional $10.00 to register their boat and non-residents will pay $20.00. The Departement of Inland Fisheris and Wildlife will receive some of this money to offset costs for inspections, enforcement, licensing and education, while the majority of the money will go to the Department of Environmental Protection.
Today, a warden observed a boat en-route to Crystal Lake in Gray. Plant material was hanging from the boat trailer, and upon further inspection the plant was determined to be a variety of milfoil. The boat was last used at a lake in New York State, a state where several species of aggressive exotic plants are located.
One of the plant species identified in the legislation, variable milfoil, appears to be the only one established in Maine at this time. This specie of milfoil has been found in many waters throughout southern Maine, including Sebago Lake, Thompson Lake, Lake Arrowhead, Auburn Lake, Balch Pond and the Saco River. Anglers and boaters should be particularly attentive when trailering boats to and from these waters.
Lake trout fishing continues to dominate the scene at Sebago. Catches of 5-10 lakers per day are common, and catches up to 31 in a day have been reported. Most of these fish are in the 2-4 pound range. The salmon fishing has been slow, and most salmon are in the 15-18 inch range. Smallmouth bass fishing at Sebago will be very consistent for the next several weeks. Anglers should fish the drop-offs and submerged structure. Soft plastic baits and jigs fished 15-30 feet deep will produce good catches.
Despite the warm water temperatures, anglers are still reporting good catches of both brown trout and rainbow trout at the Little Androscoggin River between Poland and Auburn. Both species were stocked this spring to compare catch rates and survival and a this time both species are performing very well.
-John Boland, Regional Fisheries Biologist
Region B - Central Maine
Fishing in central Maine has followed the typical shift in pattern from spring to summer, with bass and white perch fishing at their peak in the warm, shallower portions of our lakes and ponds. Anglers targeting bass can expect success on our many regional bass waters. There is really no need to drive very far to find good bass fishing in Region B, with so many smallmouth and largemouth present in good numbers. Stop by one of our regional offices or our main office in Augusta to pick up a copy of "Maine Bass Waters," which contains a listing of bass lakes statewide. This informative booklet contains notes on whether a particular lake contains smallmouth, largemouth, or both species. It also contains information on boat launch locations to assist the angler in getting onto the water, and an article on bass management and tables of lengths and weights for both bass species are also included.
We continue to receive reports of good catches of brown trout from regional lakes and ponds. Anglers are having success down in the thermocline, the area of rapid change to cooler water found in the depths of our lakes in mid-summer. Fishing at the proper depth is very important, since fishing too shallow will keep the lure in warmer water that is not preferred by the fish being sought. If possible, a number of depths can be tested with several offerings at once, and once a strike is received the other lures can be moved closer to that depth. Brown trout can be caught on a variety of flies, lures, and baits, and the angler should consider the forage fish present in the lake when selecting a lure, since browns often feed on smaller fish like smelt, white perch, shiners, or landlocked alewives. Enjoy the summer while it lasts: You earned it last winter!
-Jim Stahlnecker, Regional Fisheries Biologist
Region C - Downeast
This is a good time of year for anglers to try their luck trolling for brown trout using either lead line or down-riggers. In many of our waters, temperatures from the surface down 15 feet or so have become too warm for browns. Although they survive and grow reasonably well in several of our shallower ponds with lots of 71-74 degree water, they do better in water temps ranging from 64-68 degrees. In the early summer, that means fishing at depths ranging from 18-28 feet on most of our waters. Trolling lures or sewed on bait is one productive method; another is to anchor and fish a live bait or nightcrawler near the bottom. Most of our stocked waters currently harbor some 3-4 pound browns, and several produce the occasional 5-6 pounder. In Hancock County, try Flanders Pond, Jones Pond, King Pond, Molasses Pond, Walker's Pond, or Spring River Lake. In Washington County, try Round Lake, Rocky Lake, Patrick lake, or Pennamaquan Lake.
It's been said of the pickerel, accurately enough, that any appropriately sized creature which swims past a hungry pickerel is "putting its life on the line". Well, an observation over the weekend confirmed that this description can also apply to largemouth bass. My son and I fished most of an afternoon at Seavey Lake in Wesley for largemouth bass, and had poor fishing. Perhaps a morning rain coupled with the relatively cool temperature combined to give the largemouths a case of lockjaw. My son, using a surface, popper-style lure, managed to catch one decent sized fish, a 14 incher, which we decided to keep for dinner. As I was filleting the fish, I noticed a conspicuous bulge in the stomach which prompted me to check it out. I was glad I did, because the contents turned out to be something I had never seen before despite checking stomachs of hundreds of bass over the years. Because the contents included a bunch of small, needle-style feathers, I decided to place the contents into a "baggie" and bring it into the office this morning so Regional Wildlife Biologist Tom Schaeffer could have a look-see. In addition to the tiny feathers on the shafts...developing wing feathers..., Tom was able to discern a foot with no webbing which ruled out a newly hatched duckling. Upon examining the contents, one of our summer students was able to definitively isolate the beak, head, and neck of a small bird. Tom believes the young nestling...perhaps a red-winged blackbird.... fell out of the nest and into the water. The largemouth was undoubtedly nearby, and that's all she wrote!
-Ron Brokaw, Regional Fisheries Biologist
Region D - Western Mountains
Fishing for salmon and trout in the Rangeley Chain has entered the summer doldrums, but good fish can still be had. At Mooselookmeguntic Lake on the July 4th holiday, biologist Dave Howatt and summer assistant Hannah Whitney checked a salmon that was 22.6 inches long and weighed 4 lbs, as well as a 20.3-inch brookie weighing in at 3.6 lbs.
This week our staff will be participating in the sixth annual Androscoggin River Source to the Sea Canoe Trek. This 170-mile trip begins on the Magalloway River just north of Umbagog Lake in New Hampshire and concludes in Brunswick 21 days later. The Trek is organized as a series of day trips that will feature special events and quest speakers each day. This project, which is organized and sponsored by the Androscoggin River Watershed Council, seeks to raise public awareness of the outstanding biological and recreational resource that the Androscoggin has become. Nothing more than an open sewer for many decades, water quality has improved dramatically since 1985. The river now supports a variety of very high quality sport fisheries that attract the attention of more anglers each year. Smallmouth bass, brown trout, and rainbow trout are the principal fisheries. Access to river, long considered unnecessary (if not undesirable!), has also improved. The newest launch facility in Hanover will be formally dedicated on Thursday
-Dave Boucher, Assistant Regional Fisheries Biologist
Region E - Moosehead Lake Region
Due to the cooler weather we have experienced for the past week surface water temperatures have dropped back into the sixties. However, our precipitation is still well on the shy side of average. Natural stream flows are already down to low levels not usually seen until later in the summer, and lake levels are dropping fast. It will take some heavy thunder showers or a day or two of serious rain to bring water levels back to where we would like to see them.
It is now the peak time for the annual Hex (known locally as green drake) hatches on the region's trout ponds. Few fishing experiences can beat watching trout rising and taking these mayflies as they emerge during the waning hours of the day. We have heard good reports about both the hatches and the response of the trout. These hatches will last for only another week or so, so now is the time to go before you have to wait for another year. Trout fishing on the small ponds usually slows considerably after the hex hatch, and fast fishing won't return until September brings cooling water temperatures.
On Moosehead fishing has been relatively slow for most anglers, though a few have reported good fishing. Some salmon are still being taken near the surface, and even a few trout are showing up. The togue have headed for deeper water, where trolling sewed bait below 30 feet has produced the best action. We have heard very little about other regional waters, and would love to hear from Moosehead Region anglers about their experiences. Telling us about the good, the bad, and yes, even the ugly may help us to maintain or improve fishing prospects in the region.
We are in the midst of monitoring the annual "run" of salmon up from the East Outlet into Moosehead Lake. Since June 15 we have passed 1,963 salmon upstream through the fishway in the East Outlet dam, the majority of which were wild fish. The information we collect at the fishway is used to determine the outlet's contribution of young wild salmon to Moosehead Lake, and helps us to justify our recommendations for appropriate river flows and their timing. Over the years the Kennebec Water Power Company has been very cooperative and helpful with our studies on the East Outlet. Mike Moon, who operates the East Outlet dam for KWP, has provided equipment and facilities that have greatly increased the efficiency of tending the fishway trap. A hearty thanks to Mike and KWP!!
Our tending the fishway is the social event of the day on the dam, where both anglers and visitors get an excellent look at lots of salmon up close. We will continue tending the fishway at least until July 20, usually on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. You will never have a better opportunity to see fish and have fishery biologists available as a captive audience to answer your questions!
-Paul Johnson, Regional Fishery Biologist
Region F - Penobscot Valley Region
The green drake hatch on some of the back country waters in and around Baxter Park started a bit early this year, with a veritable blizzard observed at Webster Lake the 3rd week in June. Some of the smaller, high elevation ponds should be producing some spectacular fishing about now.
The salmon fishing has been quite slow on most of the regional lakes lately, although reports of a few nice salmon have been reported from East Grand, Millinocket, and Seboeis. The togue angling has been a surprise at East Grand this summer, with high catch rates of some
impressive fish being reported. One angler I know boated 14 togue in 2 days of fishing, with an average weight of between 4 to 6 pounds, and the largest tipped the scales at 11 pounds. Lake trout are also showing up at Cold Stream Pond, Hurd Pond, and Grand Lake Matagamon.
Speaking of Matagamon, the East Branch Improvement Co. transferred ownership of the Matagamon Dam to the Matagamon Lake Association this past January. This non-profit group was formed out of necessity after Bangor Hydro-Electric Co., the majority owner of the East Branch Improvement Co., decided to sell some of its dams in the drainage. After the State and other quasi governmental and conservation organizations passed on ownership of the facility, interested local sportsmen and camp owners felt that to insure the continued operation of the dam, they had to take matters in to their own hands.
The primary purpose of the Association is to operate and maintain Matagamon Dam to provide a stable water levels in the lake, as well as maintain beneficial flows in the East Branch of the Penobscot River for fisheries, wildlife, and recreation. A technical advisory committee has
been formed with fisheries and wildlife biologists from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, the Maine Atlantic Salmon Commission, and the Penobscot Indian Nation. When the dam was operated as storage for downriver power generation, fish and wildlife values, although considered, were of secondary importance. The technical advisory committee will be developing a water management plan for both Grand Lake Matagamon and the East Branch of the Penobscot River, with fish and wildlife conservation and enhancement as the primary consideration. The first challenge for the Association is the repair of the fishway.
Although it is still functional and passing fish, repairs are necessary this summer for its continued operation. The Association is actively pursuing various sources of funding to aid in that effort. An application for assistance through the Coastal America Foundation has
been filed and hopes are that by next year some assistance will be forthcoming for some general repairs of the dam. Membership in the Matagamon Lake Association is open to anyone interested in the fish and wildlife resources of the area. The Matagamon Lake Association maintains a web site http://www.katahdinoutdoors.com/dam/index.htm, as well as phone numbers, 528-2448 and 947-7942, where additional information is available.
-Nels Kramer, Assistant Regional Fisheries Biologist
Region G - Aroostook County
Visitors to the Caribou area this summer should consider bringing their fishing poles as part of their personal gear. The Aroostook River flows through the downtown area and within a 5 minute drive of most motels anglers can be fishing off the mouth of several cool tributaries for Maine's renowned squaretails. Trout in the 10 - 14 inch size class can be particularly active in the early morning and late evening hours. Otter Brook, Amsden Brook and Gray Brook as well as the Little Madawaska River itself, all below the Caribou Dam, are good chances to get some action where they enter the Aroostook River. Upstream of the dam are Prestile Brook, Spring Brook and Hardwood Brook. Fishing upstream of Caribou Dam falls under general law regulation. Special regulations are in effect below Caribou Dam on the Aroostook River and tributaries upstream to the first road crossing. The Little Madawaska River also has a special regulation. Please consult the lawbook before fishing these waters.
-Dave Basley, Regional Fisheries Biologist
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