| 2/5/2007 Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
Contact: Mark Latti
February 5, 2007 Ice Fishing ReportRegion A- Southwestern Maine Although the season got off to a late start, most waters now have enough ice on them to get out there and do a little fishing. Regional fisheries staff visited over 15 waters over the weekend, but few anglers were observed. Where did all the anglers go? Some may blame the loss of the first few weeks; the cold, windy weekend weather; or even super bowl festivities. Whatever the reason, the fact that angler use has been so light means there are still some great fishing opportunities out there for those willing to work the ice. Last fall 353 brood brook trout (2-4 pounds), 410 brood landlocked salmon (2-4 pounds), and 460 brood brown trout (2-4 pounds) were stocked in Region A alone. In addition, approximately 9,000 12 to 14-inch brookies were stocked, which marks a significant expansion in this stocking program (up from just 2,000 fish in 2001). Based on our observations, most of these fall stocked fish are still swimming around out there...so check out our stocking report at www.mefishwildlife.com and then get out and enjoy a little winter fishing. Even though use has been relatively low, we continue to see and hear of some good catches or some decent fish being caught. Last weekend, I observed a party of three or four guys on Rock Haven Pond in York County that were having some fun with bass and perch. By the time I checked them (before noon), they had already iced about three dozen fish and were actually having a hard time keeping all there traps set up. Wilson Lake in Acton has been a little on the slower side, but it has been yielding some decent fish including a few 16-18 inch brown trout, as well as a couple of 17-19" rainbows. In addition, a few anglers have managed to pick up some brood and larger sized fall yearling brookies on Wilson. Don' t forget to check over the stocking report for new waters being stocked and/or additions to traditional stocking programs. On some of our waters were we haven't traditionally stocked with brook trout, but are now doing so I have noticed many anglers aren't really targeting the brookies. Your best bet for the brookies is to fish shallower water (0-10) and those really close to shore sets in 1-2 feet can be very effective. The brook trout also seem to favor sandy/gravelly substrates, as well as currents created from inlets, outlets, and thoroughfares. Oh yeah, and don't forget to downsize your bait, particularly on waters were we also stock advanced fingerling brook trout in the 8-12 inch range. Although ice conditions have improved, I would still urge all of the anglers to use extreme caution whenever on the ice! The ice is still thinner than most years, and as always it can be unpredictable. Speaking of ice conditions, the southern end of Sebago Lake has finally setup and a few brave and/or crazy souls were starting to poke around at the Station over the past week. Despite the cold temperatures, the main lake refuses to freeze up due to the windy conditions. Good luck out there and be safe! -Jim Pellerin, Assistant Regional Fisheries Biologist
Region B - Central MaineDue in part to a reduction in landlocked salmon stocking in Swan Lake over the past two years, salmon growth seems to have dramatically improved since the fall of 2005. This improved salmon growth may also be attributed in part to the smelt population growth. The smelts appear to be rebounding from egg transfers planted in the spring of 2004 and 2005. Spring smelt runs had been very discouraging in the early part of the decade, with very few smelts or eggs observed in any of the tributaries. A portion of the success in recent smelt recruitment could well be attributed to efforts by the Department to augment the number of eggs by introducing them from another water that produces high numbers of smelt. The procedure for placing smelt eggs entails placing one foot squares of burlap material into the producing water. Once the eggs are deposited on the cloth, the burlaps are treated to prevent disease transfer, and then placed in coolers and transported to the receiving water. The usual placement procedure is to place the egg-laden burlaps in a suitable inlet tributary where they can hatch and disperse naturally. In Swan Lake we have tried a different approach. The burlaps with eggs are suspended in the lake near the mouths of the tributaries. This method is utilized instead of the normal procedure since it has the benefits of reducing predation on larval smelt and that it removes the chance of the eggs being left high and dry by receding water in the tributary. The local rumor mill being what it is, there was talk that the Department was taking smelt out of the lake when in truth the reverse was true. Acting upon that rumor, some enterprising but misguided individual made the unilateral decision to remove the egg-filled burlaps on his or her own, thus depriving the lake of a valuable added resource. To avoid any future confusion (and rumors for that matter!), if anyone sees or hears something that just doesn’t sound right, call us and we’ll be happy to tell you what we’re up to. Lake trout in Swan Lake maintain themselves by natural reproduction and management of that species has been founded on that fact since 1981. In an effort to maintain a quality fishery, a minimum length limit of 23 inches was established back in 1992. Results from the 23-inch regulation evaluation indicate that Swan Lake does have a growing population of lake trout. While our salmon in the lake appear to be improving, trap net data from the fall of 2004-2006 indicate the size quality for togue has declined substantially from previous years. The declining smelt population combined with good survival of younger age classes of togue have reduced the average overall size of the fish. To improve both the condition of the togue and reduce pressure on the smelt population, the region is considering reducing the minimum length limit on togue to 18”. On another note, anglers have raised concern regarding their brook trout catch. It seems that many anglers are finding rubber worms or discarded pieces of rubber in the stomachs of their catch. Although this not limited to just brook trout stomachs, many species have been observed to have ingested rubber baits. Brook trout and lake trout seem to be the most susceptible to this artificial diet. During the summer months, anglers are targeting bass in the same region of water and discarding rubber within these shallows where these trout will cruise in the fall and winter months, looking for that easy meal. This concept confirms that brook trout will cruise these shallows during the colder months. This isn’t lost on many anglers who use it to their advantage during the ice-fishing season. Another concept to think about is that we are now stocking fall yearling brook trout in many waters. These larger trout are stocked in the early fall when the water fall turnover and is cooling. Given the cooler water temperatures, the newly stocked fish will not need to seek deeper, colder water for refuge. Therefore they spend more time in the shallows, giving them first dibs to last summer’s discarded rubber. Just imagine what these fish could look like if they were able to eat some of the golf balls that seem to litter many of our waters. Although this rubber is displeasing to see in the stomachs, the fish are still fine to eat. However, anglers need to be aware that tossing rubber baits is a problem now and is increasing in frequency. Also, the bait or baits consumed ‘take up space’ in the fish’s stomach, reducing that amount of food that it can take in. Longer- term effects can show up as slower growth rates, shortened survival, and increased susceptibility to disease. -Scott Davis, Fisheries Biologist Specialist
Region C – DowneastOld man winter has dug in his heels and with only extended cold temperatures in sight, area lakes and ponds are making ice constantly. Biologists report ice thicknesses from all over the region range from 12 to 17 inches. With the continued safe ice conditions, over weekend biologists reported seeing many anglers out and about with their families having a great time. Parents were introducing their children to many wonderful Maine winter traditions such as snowmobiling, sliding, skiing, fishing and cooking favorite foods over a lakeside campfire. These wholesome families activities will be passed down from generation to generation and help make our society the best it can be. Region wide, Downeast anglers report enjoying the new and increased stocking schemes for brook trout, splake and salmon. Waters such as Indian Lake in Whiting, Keenes Lake in Calais, Keely Lake in Marshfield, Lower Hadlock Pond in Northeast Harbor, Jacob-Buck Pond in Bucksport and Craig Pond in Orland are still attracting increased numbers of fishermen from the large stockings of brook trout. Other popular and successful waters for landlocked salmon have been Long Pond in Mount Desert, Green Lake in Ellsworth, Big Lake in T 27 ED, Gardner Lake in East Machias and West Grand Lake in Grand Lake Stream. Those looking for good splake fishing should be tolled in by good reports from Fitts Pond in Clifton, Hearts Pond in Orland, Second Old Stream Lake in T 37 MD, Lower Springy Pond in Otis, Jacob-Buck Pond in Bucksport and Keely Lake in Marshfield. Anglers looking for good action for lake trout should look no further than Beech Hill Pond in Otis, West Grand Lake in Grand Lake Stream, West Musquash Lake in Talmadge, and Tunk Lake in T 10 SD. If you’re looking for big lakers in the region than we suggest Green Lake in Ellsworth, West Musquash in Talmadge and West Grand Lake in Grand Lake Stream. A special note of caution if you’re planning on traveling on West Grand Lake, the combination of fast ice making conditions and large water withdrawals; lowering lake levels, are producing many large ice ridges that are snow covered and are sometimes hard to see, especially at night and very bright light conditions. These ridges because they are snow covered blend in with the surrounding snow-scape that takes away their three dimensional look, making them almost invisible to unsuspecting travelers that are fighting the glare of the bright sun off the snow. If you are unfamiliar with these ridges, please travel slow and stop frequently to identify the terrain ahead. As we approach the middle of the ice fishing season there are a number of fishing derbies anglers should be aware of that they may want to participate in with their children. On Saturday February 10th, the Ellsworth YMCA is holding a Hancock County wide derby that includes prizes for salmon, togue, brook trout, brown trout and bass. The weigh-in will be held at the YMCA between 3 and 5 PM. Also, the Knights of Pythias will hold their annual fishing derby on Saturday February 10th that will include all open fishing waters in Washington and Hancock counties. The weigh-in will be held at the Schoodic Lodge #129 in Gouldsboro between 3 and 5 PM. There will be cash prizes for the biggest bass, salmon and pickerel. On Sunday February 18th the Bucks Mills Rod & Gun Club will hold their annual fishing derby on Silver Lake in Bucksport. This is a fun community event for the whole family with the club having their famous cooks on hand to dish-out delectable lakeshore meals that won’t disappoint. First and Second place cash prizes will be awarded for the biggest bass, perch and pickerel. We hope you enjoy our state’s winter outdoor pleasures. Have fun and be safe! -Greg Burr, Assistant Regional Fishery Biologist Region D - Western MountainsCold, cold, and more cold, that’s what the conditions on the lakes and ponds in western Maine are like for anyone who hasn’t stepped out the door within the last week. Ice thickness is becoming safe in most areas with well over a foot of good clear, blue ice. Caution should still be observed around inlets and outlets as slush and thinner ice are possible. On many waters, the wind has blown the snow into hard packed drifts ranging from six to twenty inches in height, so ice travel is slow and bumpy. Despite the cold, windy weather anglers are getting out. Wyman Lake in Bingham has been good fishing lately with anglers regularly catching brook trout, salmon, and splake. One brook trout caught was 18 inches long. Last Saturday fishing conditions were poor at Chain of Ponds in northern Franklin County, with a cold wind blowing enough snow to at times to create “white-outs”. Fishing was slow there over last weekend with only a few brook trout being caught. Embden Pond in Embden is known for it’s slow fishing, and that held true last Sunday, when creel clerk Ethan Tracy check a dozen fishing parties and saw only three brook trout, three togue, and a cusk. Anglers might try fishing late in the afternoon for some action. With the days getting longer there is more opportunity to fish in the afternoon and angler reports of fish becoming active just before sunset are common. This seems to be the case with most fish species, but especially true with white perch. This is also an excellent time of year to target cusks after the sun has set. -Dave Howatt, Fisheries Biologist Specialist
Region E - Moosehead RegionThe early season concerns over warm temperatures and thin ice conditions are now in the past in the Moosehead Lake Region. Ice conditions are now more typical of mid-winter on most lakes and ponds. Fishermen on Moosehead Lake are reporting 14-18 inches of ice in most areas. Anglers still need to be cautious of pressure ridges and thin spots in the usual places. There may be a little slush here and there as well. This winter fisheries staff from the Greenville Office will be checking anglers during the weekends and holidays on Moosehead Lake, Lobster Lake, Chamberlain Lake (including Round Pond and Telos Lake), and Allagash Lake. We did hear of some good catches of fish on Allagash opening week. Last year we had reports of many short salmon on Lobster Lake, which prompted us to include it on this year’s schedule for a winter survey. Small fish are not typical for Lobster Lake, which has a 20-inch minimum length limit on salmon. The lake is known for slow fishing but with trophy-sized fish. We made our first trip to the trophy lake on Saturday and will continue to check the lake throughout the month of February. When we are not on the ice talking to anglers, we are busy working up data collected during the past year. Sitting in front of the computer crunching numbers may not sound very exciting, but this is how we evaluate the success and/or failure of the various fisheries management plans on our waters. We also rely on comments from the hundreds of anglers we have contact with each year. Local anglers are our eyes and ears on many of the 1200+ lakes and ponds and over 4,000 miles of flowing water in the Moosehead Lake Region, which is managed by just 3 full time fisheries biologists. We really appreciate the productive and practical comments we get from these folks. During the late winter as we analyze all of this information, we develop any changes in fisheries programs, such as altering stocking programs or regulation changes. We have already identified several changes that will hopefully increase fishing opportunities (both summer and winter) in this region. There will be changes to create more trophy trout fishing opportunities and a few changes will liberalize length and/or bag limits in an effort to reduce over-abundant fish populations and we will propose regulations to protect a few native trout ponds that were first surveyed in 2006. It has always been our philosophy to incorporate as much public input as possible whenever we consider significant changes in fisheries management for a water. This can take several forms. We frequently include information in press releases and attempt to contact campowners, if possible. We also schedule informal meetings in nearby towns to get the thoughts of local anglers. It is important that anglers have the opportunity to voice their support or opposition to changes in the fisheries management on waters they fish. The resource belongs to everyone and we encourage you to be involved in a positive and constructive manner. In a related issue, we want to make everyone aware of a bill that has been recently submitted to the Legislature. Rep. Theodore Koffman of Bar Harbor on behalf of SAM has introduced LD 285, An Act To Designate Additional Wild Trout Waters for Recognition and Protection. In summary this proposed bill states: The use and possession of live fish as bait will be prohibited on waters containing brook trout that have not been stocked in the last 20 years and these waters may not be stocked with any fish. While most of the good wild and native trout ponds in this region already have restrictive regulations to protect the fisheries, there are some waters in the Moosehead Lake Region that would be affected by this bill. Most notably, anglers at Chamberlain Lake, Telos Lake, and Round Pond in the Allagash Wilderness Waterway and Seboomook Lake would no longer be able to use live bait. Also, Brassua Lake in Rockwood would no longer be stocked with salmon and fishing with live bait would be banned. -Tim Obrey, Regional Fisheries Biologist Region F, Penobscot Region -Mike Smith, Regional Fisheries Biologist
Region G – Aroostook CountyCold temperatures have produced ice thickness that has made access around the lakes in this region less troublesome. Anglers taking advantage of the winter fishing had to brave cold temperatures and howling winds this weekend. Fishing activity to date on back country waters seems to be down from what we had seen five years ago. Poor ice conditions and travel costs may have the greatest influence. Regulations have remained unchanged for brook trout and lake trout on most of these waters. Because of low numbers, lake whitefish must be released on Big Eagle, Churchill, Spider and the Musquacook Lakes. Clear Lake and Ross Lake have a bag limit of 3 fish and a length limit of 16 inches on lake whitefish. Although fishing conditions were difficult, brook trout, togue and whitefish were observed in angler creels A light snowfall made travel conditions on local snowmobile trails much more enjoyable. The International Snowmobile Festival in Madawaska allowed enthusiasts of this sport to buy a 3-day passport to enjoy trails on both sides of the border. The new snow that fell on Friday night was greatly appreciated by those sponsoring the event. Winter marks the tourist season for many businesses in the County as old and new visitors alike take advantage of the excellent trails maintained by volunteers from area snowmobile clubs. Should you be looking for something new to get you through the winter, we would suggest taking a trip to the Crown of Maine. There is a lot of the state above Bangor-experience it.
-Dave Basley, Regional Fisheries Biologist
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