Weekly Fishing Report

Region A

Last week's warm weather, rain, and variable ice conditions kept ice anglers at bay for most of the week and use remained relatively light. However, we observed a slight increase in the number of anglers by the weekend along with a greater number of semi-permanent shacks out on the ice. If it lasts, the current cold weather pattern is expected to substantially improve ice conditions and angler use. Several of the larger lakes in the region still had openwater last week, but Jordan Bay on Sebago just skimmed over this weekend and anglers reported much better ice conditions over the weekend. The ice was creaking and groaning on several ponds, which is clear indication that ice was being made! Despite, the improving conditions anglers and others still need to be cautious whenever they venture out on the ice, conditions are highly variable from year to year, water to water, and even different areas on the same waterbody. Be safe!

The first two weeks of the ice fishing season are over, and although this is generally the most productive part of the season for coldwater fish like trout and salmon there are still plenty of fish left to be caught. Lots of fall stocking throughout the region, light use, and low harvests should still equate to some decent fishing. We are still seeing and hearing good reports of brook trout, rainbows, browns, salmon, splake and lakers being caught around the region. The trout fishing was a little slow this past week, but I observed some great catches of bass in the 3-4 pound class on Crystal Lake in Gray and the Range Ponds in Poland. I continue to see rainbows in the 16-21" range from Upper and Middle Range Ponds. The best report to date for the Ranges has been a 24-inch long rainbow that weighed 4 3/4 pound caught by Butch DeSanctis of Poland. I have also had a reports of 26-inch 8 pound brown from Upper Range and a 9 pounder from Stearns Pond in Sweden! We still receiving some good reports of splake in the 15-18 inch range from Bryant Pond in Greenwood and Trickey Pond in Naples. For those that haven't heard yet, Trickey also gave up one of its famous trophy salmon a week or two ago. The salmon was 30 inches long and weighed 9.5 pounds! It was caught by Greg LeDoux of Standish, but this big fish was almost nothing more than a a fish story. Apparently, the leader broke as the fish was being pulled up through the hole, but Greg managed to boot the fish away from the whole before it slid back down into its safe haven.

Our advanced fall finglering brook trout waters have been producing some excellent catches of brookies in the 9-12" range along with a few larger fall yearling trout in the 12-14 inch class. These waters are stocked with good numbers of brook trout each fall, specifically to create a winter fishery for ice anglers. They have been very popular and under the right conditions are very successful at producing some great trout fishing around the region. Some of the more popular waters are the Otter Ponds in Standish, Worthley Pond in Poland, and Barker Pond in Lyman. A lesser known water that we would like to get the word out on is Sprague Pond in Phippsburg. We started a similar advanced brook trout fingerling stocking program there a few years back, but have been concerned about the remote nature of the pond. The pond can be accessed via a short 15 minute walk from Route 209 where the Phippsburg land trust has a small parking area. Francis checked the pond this weekend, he observed 2 anglers that reported good fishing for brookies and was impressed by the remote character of this small, trout pond.

James Pellerin Assistant Regional Biologist

Region B Cold and slippery is the only way to describe this past weekends ice fishing efforts. Last week's rain made ice conditions very slick. If you were not wearing ice creepers, did not have studs on your snowmobile track or have chains on your ATV, odds were good for a slide. The slick ice conditions, followed by the light snow made things even more interesting. Snowmobiles attempting to move across the light snow dusting over the smooth ice got a few surprises. Those of us who were lugging dog sleds behind our snowmobiles know exactly what I mean. This weekend, I had the chance to take out some of my son's friends to introduce them to jigging. My son did his part on prepping his friends with all his fish stories from past trips. When we arrived at the pond, the boys where quite excited to start jigging. With five holes dug and a chair for comfort next to each hole the boys could barely hold back their excitement. The action started fast, but ended just as quickly. Within 20 minutes or so after we started, the wind and cold began taking its toll on the kids. I watched them squirm around in their chairs, as if it would warm them. But they could only stand so much. Eventually, they began dropping their jig sticks to the ice, watching the lines instead of moving them. By then, I new it was going to be a short fishing day if I didn't come up with some creative and warming entertainment. "Does any one want to play football?" I asked. After arguing who got to be the Patriots, we got a game going. In an instant the boys were warm again. The rest of the day was spent in a combination of playing football and jigging. This was followed by a deer steak lunch on an open fire. The end result was a pretty happy and tired bunch of boys. Scott Davies Fisheries Biologist Specialist

Region C As unseasonably mild weather has slowed the building of safe ice, caution is still the better part of valor, as it pertains to traveling on Downeast's ice fishing grounds. Many larger lakes situated close to the coast in Hancock and Washington Counties are still very unsafe or have open water. These waters are Tunk Lake, Jordan Pond, Eagle Lake, Long Pond (MDI), Donnell Pond, and Toddy Pond in Hancock County. In Washington County, Gardner Lake still bears watching closely as this lake can be very treacherous after extended periods of mild weather and in slow ice building years. Most smaller ponds along the coastal plain of Hancock and Washington Counties have 4 to 6 inches of ice and larger waters in the Route 9 area have 6 to 8. Still caution is advised on all waters. Because of the poor ice conditions, angler activity is low and reports of their catches have been slow to come in. Therefore, there are many waters and favorite fishing spots that have yet to be fished, so the best is yet to come! Here still are some early season recommendations that will have your flags flying high and your reels churning the water. Landlocked salmon and brook trout: (Hancock County) Echo Lake on Mount Desert Island is providing good early action for salmon between 16 and 22 inches. This water is currently also producing some fantastic brook trout fishing for fish between 8 and 16 inches. This water has a two line limit but is a must try. You will be glad you did. Eagle Lake in Bar Harbor is just starting to be fished. This water will give the early angler good action for landlocks, brook trout, and the occasional larger togue. This water is stocked heavy with brookies and is a great place to take the children once the ice thickens. Lower Hadlock Pond in Northeast Harbor is producing some fast action for brook trout. This water is stocked with high numbers of squaretails and frequently holds over fish to 16 inches. This is another terrific spot to take a child fishing. Remote brook trout waters: (Hancock County) Bubble Pond and Lake Wood Pond in Bar Harbor are both a must try. These waters are stocked with good numbers of brookies and are remote, making them harder to get to but that is all the more reason to fish them. Tilden Pond and Rainbow Pond in T 10 SD are both remote stocked brook trout waters that are favorites of the ardent angler. Both of these waters produce trout from 13 to 16 inches are well worth the hike through the beautiful rolling hills of Maine's Public Reserve Lands. Splake: (Hancock County) Splake is the relatively new kid on the block in Hancock County, but are fast becoming one of the most sought after species by ice fishermen. Here are a couple splake hot spots: Jacob-Buck Pond in Bucksport has been producing some fast fishing for splake between 12 and 16 inches. These fish commonly grow to over 20 inches and provide some terrific sport and table fair in the midst of heavy competition from white perch and pickerel. The water was also stocked this past fall with 35 brood stock brook trout, which along with splake, are quite a hit. Lower Springy Pond in Otis is a little known and lightly fished water than produces nice splake between 14 and 20 inches. Serious splake anglers should not overlook this water or its ability to produce large white perch between 11 and 13 inches. Fitts Pond in Clifton is located just outside the town of Dedham and accessed via a gravel road off route 46. The water has some of the fastest growing splake in the region and commonly produces fish over 3 pounds. This water is picturesque, nestled beside Black Cap Mountain and the Boy Scout retreat of Camp Roosevelt. It's a must fish for the ardent splake angler. Brown Trout: (Hancock County) Walker Pond in Brooksville has a terrific fishery for brownies. Here anglers commonly catch fish between 16 and 20 inches. These handsome browns are some of the fattest in the region and this water has produced more than a few wall hangers. Spring River Lake in T 10 SD produces some handsome brown trout. Biologists netted this water last summer and observed some gorgeous fish weighing over three pounds. Upper Lead Mountain Pond in T28 MD is another fine brownie water. This water is located just north of Route 9 and is a great place to fish in a remote setting. Browns here reach weights over 3 and 4 pounds. Lake Trout: (Hancock County) Anglers have started fishing Green Lake and are catching some of the biggest togue in the area. The lake's ice can be treacherous, but for those who know this water well, it is the best lake for a chance at 10 to 20 pound laker. Branch Lake in Ellsworth offers some of the best togue fishing Downeast. Anglers here will have good action for fish between 18 and 23 inches. Fishermen should mostly fish water between 20 and 60 feet. Fishing the shallow water is usually unproductive as there are few game fish in the shallows. The Department has not been able to stock this lake since 2000 because of poor public access. Anglers wanting to access the lake can park at the Department of Conservation property at the end of Branch View Drive and walk in from there. Tunk Lake in Sullivan still has wave action on the north end, but the southern end in the Mud Cove area will provide safe ice soon and is well worth the trip for some plentiful togue and the occasional nice salmon or brook trout. Brook Trout: (Washington County) There are brook trout to be caught at Vining Lake in Cooper, James Pond in Charlotte, Indian Lake in Whiting, and Keene's in Calais. Vining has started out strong with good catches of trout up to 17 inches. This is the same story at Keene's Lake and Indian Lake, where Department brood brook trout were stocked and are being caught as we speak. A number of these fish are upwards of 2 to 3 pounds and are making for some fast fishing. James Pond produces good numbers of smaller trout, but its great fun with some fast action. All of these waters are wonderful places to take children. Salmon: (Washington County) Cathance Lake is tops on the list. Biologists netted here last fall and found that salmon were in great condition and plentiful. Nashes Lake in Calais is another good bet for salmon as this water has been giving up some lunkers. Don't forget fishing Boyden Lake or Mopang Lake. Both of these waters should provide fast action for salmon. Splake: (Washington County) Again, Mopang Lake in T 29 MD is the best place for both salmon and splake. Recently introduced splake are commonly reaching weights of 4 pounds or better. Anglers should definitely put this water on their list. In addition to splake and salmon, fishermen catch brook trout and white perch. Brown Trout: (Washington County) Pennamaquan Lake in Charlotte is producing browns 3 to 6 pounds. This lake was first stocked a few years ago and this new fishery is taking off. Rocky Lake in Whiting can be fast fishing. The Department stocks browns here but it also holds an array of other species to catch. Once the ice sets up it's a great place to take the children as pickerel and browns readily bite. Lake Trout: (Washington County) West Musquash Lake in Talmadge in known for its toque. This water produces fish over 10 pounds and sometimes fish over 20. Along the way, the fishing is good for fish between 18 and 26 inches. Pocumcus Lake in T6 ND adjoins West Grand Lake, but opens on January lst. This water is fed by West Grand lake trout and produces trophy fish over 10 pounds. It also produces good salmon and whitefish fishing. Be cautious, be safe, and take a child fishing! Greg Burr Fisheries Biologist Specialist - Jonesboro

Region D

Ice thickness finally seems to be improving. After last week's rain and melting, a refreeze has resulted in smooth ice conditions. Ice creepers are very helpful in getting around. Anglers with ice skates might try them to get around to there flags. With the current very cold temperatures ice should continue to make all week.

Anglers fishing Wesserunsett Lake in Madison this winter are treated to good white perch fishing and bald eagle displays. Anglers are reporting as many as eight eagles that spend most of day on the lake or in the large white pines along it's shoreline. These birds occasionally swoop down to feed on discarded yellow perch and pickerel giving anglers quite a show. The white perch are plentiful in the deeper areas of the pond and are averaging almost 12 inches and one pound each. Brown trout fishing has been slow to start with only a few being reported.

Our winter creel clerks on Embden Pond in Embden report fairly good action with anglers catching salmon, brook trout, and lake trout. Some of the togue are quite large with one being almost 7 pounds. Anglers at Spencer Lake in Hobbstown Twp. are continuing to have good fishing. Salmon seem to bite best early in the day, while lake trout activity is more even throughout the day. Wyman Lake in Moscow is providing good action again this winter. Reports of anglers catching 14 inch splake are common. Brook trout, salmon, and togue are also being taken at Wyman Lake. Warden Pat Egan reported seeing some large brook trout caught at Spring Lake in T3 R4 BKP WKR last week during his rounds.

Forest Bonney Regional Fisheries Biologist

Region E This past weekend the Moosehead staff completed acclimating our new winter assistants to Moosehead Lake. Albert Hall and Steve Sutton, both Unity College students, will be collecting creel census data from the Rockwood and North Bay areas of the lake. The data they will be collecting will influence our management, including stocking and regulations, on Moosehead Lake. Traveling conditions on lakes and trails in the area this past week have been horrible. The rains during last week depleted most of the snow in the area. Glare ice conditions reeked havoc on snowsled sliders. Many anglers this past weekend walked or used ATV's to get to there favorite fishing holes. The fisheries staff stayed well lubed with the application of liquid dish detergent to the sliders, a helpful tip to avoid a melt down. Sebec Lake opened up this past weekend and will remain open until March 15. Sebec Lake anglers should take note that this year, if you are accessing the lake from the north, new parking arrangements have been made at Packard's. A new parking area is located across the road from the campground at Packard's, and there is a trail from the parking area to the lake. Anglers using this area to access the lake are urged to stay on the marked trail and comply with the landowner's wishes of having snowmobile and ATV traffic use this new access trail instead of the old route that has been used in the past. Reports from Chesuncook Lake are that the landlocked salmon fishing is quite good. One party of five anglers reported catching 55 salmon in 3 days. With this year's new regulation, anglers are able to harvest 3 landlocked salmon, with a minimum length of 14 inches, but only one exceeding 18 inches. So for anglers interested in filling their creels with salmon, Chesuncook Lake ( which includes Caribou and Ripogenus Lake) is the place to fish in the Moosehead Lake Region. Chesuncook Lake's salmon regulation have been liberalized to allow for an increased harvest of salmon 14 to 16 inches to help thin down the population and help improve the smelt population. Last week we received a message from an angler concerned over the lake trout brood stock we stocked in Fitzgerald Pond. We hope that stocked lake trout broodstock will provide an opportunity for a few anglers to catch a big fish this winter. Fitzgerald Pond is managed as one of the Moosehead Region's put and take waters, where legal-size fish are stocked to provide an "instant fishery" in a readily accessible location. It is managed to provide maximum returns of the fish we stock, not for their growth and long term survival. We expect (and see) very little carry over from year to year and it is very likely that many of the fish we stocked in October will be caught this winter. Local anglers are very pleased with this past fall stocking since many had no idea of the lunkers they are encountering. Stephen Seeback, Fishery Biology Specialist, Moosehead Lake Region Region F

The ice fishing season to date has been characterized by unusual weather and a slow freeze up. There has not been a lot of angler activity on regional lakes partly due to the reports of poor ice conditions especially in the southern part of the region. That has begun to change and by this weekend conditions should improve greatly. Cold weather moved in late last week and nightime temperatures are expected to be below zero all this week. Schoodic Lake finally iced in last week although not enough for anglers to venture very far from shore. The lower basin of Cold Stream Pond, Enfield froze enough for anglers to begin moving ice houses onto the ice but once again, not far from shore. Anglers that have found a place to fish have been doing quite well. A few anglers had caught several splake on Lower Togue Pond and there was a lot of activity for splake and salmon on Seboeis Lake. At a fishing derby on Cold Stream Pond anglers were doing well catching salmon, togue, and especially brook trout. East Grand Lake also iced in later than usual but anglers fishing near shore were able to catch some good salmon and a few brook trout. Pleasant Pond in Island Falls, which has had good ice since the beginning of the season, continues to produce good catches of salmon and brook trout. Togue fishing should improve on the larger lakes as ice conditions permit anglers to move over deeper water on these lakes. There have been few reports from more remote lakes such as Matagamon Lake, Scraggly Lake, and Duck Lake but those reports have indicated that there is some very good action for anglers willing to venture into the back country. As has been typical of this area, white perch fishermen are out in good numbers and having a lot of action on warmwater lakes such as South Branch Pond, Saponac and lakes in the Lincoln area.

Michael R. Smith Regional Fishery Biologist

Region G

Opening day of the Fish River Lakes in northern Maine, those with a January 15 opening (Long, Square, Cross, and Eagle Lakes), was greeted with great anticipation. With the 15th on a Saturday, the lakes with relatively easy access were busy with anglers. Long Lake had a typical turnout for opening day with anglers looking to land the landlocked salmon of a lifetime. Long has become a destination for anglers throughout the state, especially during the first month of the season, and anglers as far away as Florida and North Carolina were interviewed by biologists over the weekend. Fishing at Long is typically slower than most other salmon lakes and the catch rate on this opening weekend was no exception. However, some exceptional salmon were caught with the largest fish measuring 27.2 inches and 9 pounds. This salmon was a five-year-old fish stocked in 2001 at approximately 6-7 inches long. One other salmon measured 24.9 inches and 7.3 pounds. Numerous other salmon 2 - 5.5 pounds were also measured over the weekend. Anglers fishing Square Lake must snowmobile several miles; use at this largest lake of the Fish River Chain was relatively low over the weekend. Eagle Lake was heavily fished on Saturday; more than 60 gamefish were measured on this day with lake trout (togue) being the most commonly caught. Glare ice conditions prevailed on most lakes over the weekend but the region received 1-3 inches of snow on Monday making travel much easier.

Frank Frost Assistant Regional Biologist

Marc Michaud Director I&E

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