For Immediate Release
May 23, 2005

May 23, 2005 Fishing Report

Region A- Southwestern Maine

And the rain continues!  This wet, gloomy weather has sure put a damper 
on
the spring fishing for trout and salmon, although the fish really don't 
seem
to mind.  Anglers willing to fish in the rain are reporting good 
catches of
salmon and trout on ponds throughout the region.

One angler came in last week and reporting fantastic fishing for browns 
on
Little Sebago Lake in Windham.  In fact, it was reportedly the best 
fishing
he has had there in quite some time.  The action was relatively fast 
for
browns and most were in the 16-19 inch range.  Our seasonal clerk, Greg
Massey, claims the fishing has picked up in the last two weeks on the 
Range
Ponds in Poland with good catches of mostly rainbows in the 16-20 inch
range.   Water temperatures remain relatively cool, particularly this
spring, and anglers can still expect to pick up trout and salmon in
relatively shallow water close to shore.  Slow trolling with sewed on 
bait
smelt or shiners is very effective, but lures (mooselooks, stick baits) 
and
flies also work well and allow anglers to cover more ground.  Several
anglers have reported good fishing for brookies on our smaller trout 
ponds,
too.  This time of year, the brookies are often close to shore in 
shallow
water and the best approach is to cast a fly or lure towards shore and 
then
retrieve.  Small streamer flies, nymphs, spinners, and even worms can 
be
irresistible to an unsuspecting brookie.  Anglers are starting to 
report
more hatches and surface activity, which can mean some banner evenings 
of
dry fly fishing, and generally speaking the brook trout are not too
selective.

The stream fishing has been pretty tough this season with all the high
water, the rivers were finally starting to recede and people were 
beginning
to report decent some trout fishing.  However, today I noticed the 
streams
were back up again and likely won't go down for awhile with what 
appears to
be another washout week.  However, there is a silver lining to all this 
wet,
cold weather.  Its almost memorial day weekend and are lakes are still 
in
the 50 F degree range, stream flows are good, and the fishing 
opportunities
for trout and salmon are likely to extend much longer into the season 
than
normal.  Now all we need is some sunshine!

Region A staff has been gearing up to do more bass electrofishing 
studies
around the region again this year.  We were out several nights last 
week on
2-3 bass waters on a separate investigation and found fairly good 
numbers of
both largemouth and smallmouth in the shallower areas.  Based on our
surveys, it appears the smallmouths are just beginning to nest, but 
this
cold week may further postpone their spawning activities.  In any case, 
it
won't be too long now and bass fishing at this time of year can be a 
real
blast with their extremely aggressive behavior.  The region offers many
great opportunities for both largies and smallies.

Lastly, I wanted to inform MDIFW supporters and friends that Bob 
Williams,
MDIFW's Federal Aid Coordinator, passed away unexpectedly last week.  
Not
only was Bob responsible for coordinating Federal Aid dollars for the
Department, but he also headed up the Department's public access 
program.
Over the years he has helped this region and every other region around 
the
State to acquire and develop numerous public access sites to the ocean,
lakes, and rivers of our great State.  These sites will benefit Maine
anglers and outdoor enthusiasts forever and are tribute to his hard 
work and
dedication to the Department and to the people of Maine.

-Jim Pellerin, Assistant Regional Fisheries Biologist

Region B - Central Maine
Water levels are finally receding throughout the region.  My own first 
few
ventures on some of the smaller streams in the area didn't produce many
fish.  It seems that other anglers who were out met with the same sort 
of
luck.  Lately though, perseverance has paid off with some nice brook 
trout
taking the famous muddler.  One can only hope that this week's forecast 
of
rains doesn't make the streams rise too much. 

	Regional personnel are busy assisting the hatchery section with
annual spring stocking.  In recent years, we have taken to planting 
fish
using a boat fitted with an aerated tank and a chute located in the 
stern.
This effort has paid off well.  By boating the fish into deeper water, 
we
can avoid near-shore predators and get a better 'spread' of fish 
throughout
the lake or pond.  This week should wrap-up the early spring round of 
boat
stocking with the exception of our landlocked salmon waters.  The fish 
don't
seem to mind the ride either.  

The list of spring stocked waters is long, some of them are: Washington
Pond, Wassokeag Lake, Biscay Pond, Wilson Pond, Minnehonk Lake, Swan 
Lake,
Chickawaukie Lake, Quantabacook Lake, Messalonskee Lake, Egypt Pond, 
Sanborn
Pond, Dutton Pond, West Garland Pond, Berry Pond, Sheepscot Pond, Gould
Pond, Desert Pond, China Lake, Morrill Pond, Togus Pond and St. George 
Lake.




-Robert Van-Riper, Regional Fisheries Biologist

Region C - Downeast 

	 The good thing about our recent rainy weather is that the garden is
too muddy to till, the grass is too wet to mow, and the house is too 
wet to
paint, so you need no more excuses to drop everything and go fishing!

For salmon and trout enthusiasts, primetime is here for a while and 
will
only get better. Landlocked salmon fishing should peak in the next 
week,
with the silvery leapers cruising the surface and the shores as the 
water
warms in search of their favorite food - the smelt. Trolled streamer 
flies,
metal wobbler spoons shaped like fish, and lures like Rapalas will 
trigger
strikes followed by a few trademark salmon jumps before the fish is 
landed.
Eastern Maine lakes like West Grand, Big Lake, Green Lake, Cathance, 
and
Nash's Lake have all been good producers of salmon this spring, with 
some
quality-sized fish. Warden Brad Richard counted 23 boats on West Grand 
last
Friday morning while flying with the Warden pilot.

	Brook trout anglers will soon see the excitement-causing dimples and
swirls on lake and stream surfaces from surface feeding trout on their
spring feeding binges as they gorge on mayfly and caddis hatches. 
Matching
the hatch can be highly important at these times, as trout may feed
exclusively on the insect that is hatching to the total exclusion of 
any
interest in other baits and lures. Blackflies and mosquitoes have been
around for a few weeks but the cool weather has delayed most of their 
bad
habit of biting so far. As soon as a few warmer days arrive, there will 
be a
virtual explosion of insect hatches, bringing joy to the fish and a 
mixture
of both joy and misery to the angler. Remember you insect repellent and
headnet!

	Good brook trout producers this spring have been Long Pond in
Aurora, Simmons Pond in Hancock, Echo Lake and Witch-Hole Pond on Mt. 
Desert
Island, Pineo Pond (fly fishing only) in Deblois, West Pike Brook Pond 
in
Twp 18 MD, Salmon Pond in Twp 30 MD, Berrypatch Pond in Twp 31 MD, 
Monroe
Lake in Twp 43 MD, and 6-Mile Lake in Marshfield.

	If you want to try brown trout fishing, visit Walker Pond in
Brooksville, Rocky Lake in Whiting, Pennamaquan Lake in Charlotte, 
6-Mile
Lake in Marshfield, Simpson Pond in Roque Bluffs, or Flanders Pond in
Sullivan.
The following "Kid's Fishing Ponds" have recently been stocked with 
brook
trout, and they are restricted to fishing for those younger than age 
16: 
			*	the lower section of the Middle River below
the Marshfield Road bridge in Marshfield, 
			*	North and South Meyers Ponds in Columbia, 
			*	so-called "Foxhole Pond" in Deblois. 
All the above waters are restricted to a daily bag limit of 2 brook 
trout,
except for Middle River, which has 5 trout daily bag limit.

Enthusiastic early-season bass anglers have succeeded in landing some 
nice
bass, despite cold water temperatures. As soon as the water reaches the 
high
50-degree range and warmer, bass activity and spawning will show a
noticeable improvement. Shallower lakes and ponds and those with
reddish-brown water will warm earlier than the deep clear-water lakes. 
Bass
should begin to nest by late May and early June.

Remember to consult your lawbook for regulations pertaining to the body 
of
water you will fish. Wear that lifejacket, and take a youngster fishing 
this
Memorial Weekend!


-Rick Jordan, Assistant Regional Fisheries Biologist

Region D - Western Mountains

Cool, wet weather continues to prevail in the western Maine region, 
delaying
the start of spring stream fishing a bit, but prolonging ice out-like
fishing for salmon in lakes. Opportunities for salmon anglers abound in 
this
part of Maine. About 35 lakes comprising over 65,000 acres support 
salmon
populations, which vary considerably in size quality, catch rates, etc.
Stocking supports most of these populations (63%) because spawning and
nursery areas are lacking. Wild populations are present in 13 lakes 
where
stream habitat is available for rearing. These "natural" fisheries 
became
established many decades ago following the introduction of hatchery 
stocks. 

Our better known salmon waters, such as Rangeley Lake, 
Mooselookmeguntic
Lake, Richardson Lake, Aziscohos Lake, and Pierce Pond, receive most of 
the
attention, but several smaller lakes are worth a look. These include 
Chain
of Ponds near Coburn Gore, B Pond in Upton, Howard Pond in Hanvover, 
Little
Ellis Pond (Garland Pond) in Byron, Embden Lake in Embden, Dodge Pond 
in
Rangeley, and Beaver Mountain Lake in Sandy River PLT. Some of these 
are
completely wild fisheries, while others are supported by hatchery fish. 
Some
offer fast fishing for salmon in the 15 to 17 inch range, while others 
often
yield fish in the 2 to 4 pound range, though the fishing is slower. 
Your
choice. 

Aldro French, long-time Rapid River guide and owner of Forest Lodge, 
was
recently honored for his years of stewardship of this very special 
piece of
Maine. The Rangeley Region Guides' and Sportsman's Association hosted 
the
event, which also included an auction to raise funds for a variety of
fishery projects planned for the Rapid and other waters in the Rangeley
area. Aldro has provided lodging for our fishery staff on many 
occasions
during the last few years. His terrific hospitality and story-telling 
skills
have made our work on the Rapid one of the most enjoyable tasks of my
career. Our sincerest congratulations to Aldro. 

-Dave Boucher, Assistant Regional Fisheries Biologist

Region E - Moosehead Region

Last week the Greenville Fisheries staff teamed up with the Lakes 
Research
crew to evaluate an experimental splake stocking in northern Maine.  
Most
splake stocking programs are designed to provide additional fishing
opportunities to anglers. However, this water was stocked with splake 
for an
entirely different reason: to control or eliminate illegally introduced
smelts.  

This pond was chemically reclaimed in 1962. Domestic strain brook trout 
were
stocked annually until 1980 when it was determined there was sufficient
natural reproduction to sustain the fish population and the fishery. In 
the
early 1990's, campowners reported smelts were present in the pond.
Voluntary angler records indicated that catch rates for brook trout 
started
to decline soon after the smelts became established.  During the spring
smelt run, the smelts were observed congregating in the same spawning 
areas
that the brook trout used in the fall.  We believe these large adult 
smelts
were feeding on trout fry as the emerged from the spawning areas in the
spring.  Initially, the Fisheries staff tried to reduce the smelt 
population
by trapnetting and transferring the smelts to Moosehead Lake.  However,
after several years, we realized the futility of this effort.  We were 
able
to reduce the number of older smelts in the pond; however, overall the
population actually appeared to increase.

Splake were stocked in 1998 in an effort to control the smelt 
population and
hopefully restore the brook trout population.  We trapnetted the pond 
in
1999 and 2000 and found the stocked splake were feeding on the smelts 
and
growing well.  The brook trout catch was considered low.  We had not 
been
able to get back to the pond to evaluate the progress of the splake 
program
until this spring due to shortages in staff and a burgeoning fall 
workload.

Last week we set two trapnets for just three nights and caught 227 
splake
and 13 brook trout.  One net was set precisely in the area where smelts
spawned in the mid 1990's.  We did not catch any smelts.  We examined 
the
substrate in the area and did not find any smelt eggs. Even more 
telling was
the condition of the splake.  Most were very skinny, almost emaciated 
(see
photo).  In contrast, the adult brook trout captured during the spring
netting were in excellent condition.  We examined the stomach contents 
of 30
splake and found only insects, leeches, crayfish, and a salamander.  No
smelts or brook trout were found in the stomachs.  Clearly, the splake
stocking program has successfully reduced (or possibly eliminated) the 
smelt
population.  
  

Splake will no longer be stocked in this pond and they should slowly
disappear over the next several years.  It is unclear how long it will 
take
for the trout population to rebound. Stocking or transferring a wild 
strain
trout may be an option to supplement this population that originated 
from
many years of stocking domestic strain hatchery brook trout.  

It is well known that splake are a valuable tool in the fisheries 
managers'
toolbox. For years, splake have been used to provide additional fishing
opportunities in waters where brook trout cannot compete.  This study 
shows
how splake can be utilized, in the right situation, to assist in the
restoration of wild brook trout fisheries when undesirable species have 
been
introduced.

On another note, the Moosehead Region lost a real friend last week when 
Bob
Williams, IF&W's Federal Aid Coordinator, passed away unexpectedly on
Thursday morning.  Bob worked in the Augusta office, and among his many
responsibilities was administering the Department's public access 
program.
In that regard he was truly an unsung hero.  Regional personnel planted 
the
seeds for access priorities on waters around the State, but it was Bob 
who
nurtured those seeds to maturity.  From funding land acquisitions, to
preparing plans for site development, to the contacts that got each 
project
constructed, Bob faithfully guided each project through to completion.  
In
this area anglers putting in on First Roach, Prong, Sawyer, Lower 
Wilson,
Mountain View, Doe, Onawa, Branns Mill, and the Piscataquis River in 3
locations can thank Bob Williams!  The Moosehead Region and Maine will 
miss
him.  However, his dedication and commitment to assuring public access 
to
the State's waters in perpetuity will not be forgotten soon, and will 
serve
as an inspiration to IF&W's efforts to vigorously continue this 
endeavor in
the years to come.


-Tim Obrey, Research Biologist
 
Region F, Penobscot Region

The rain continues to fall. Water levels remain high. The cooler
temperatures are helping to maintain some very good brook trout 
fishing.
Several of our stocked trout ponds are producing some nice fish. Round 
Pond
in Lincoln is seeing a fair amount of anglers returning with some nice
catches.  We have reports of very good fishing in many of the Baxter 
Park
waters. Anglers may want to check out Abol, Round and Rocky Ponds in T3 
R9
WELS. Crystal, Loon, Trout and the Oxheads in T40 MD are starting to 
pick up
as well. Duck Lake in T4 ND is producing some nice 12 " to 14 " trout.  

East Grand Lake in Danforth, Pleasant Pond in Island Falls, Deering and
Upper Jo Mary Lake are providing lots of action for the salmon angler.  
We
have had reports of several nice salmon coming form Seboeis, 
Pemadumcook,
and Schoodic Lakes. Reports from Sysladdobsis and Duck Lakes (T4 ND) 
are
that fishing is slow.  

Lake Trout fishing has be picking up on Schoodic, Millinocket, Cold 
Stream
and East Grand Lakes.  Some nice catches of 5 to 7 lb fish have been 
taken
in Schoodic as well as East Grand. 

Seboeis, Endless and Cedar Lakes have produced some pretty good splake
fishing. Last week, we had reports of a 5 lb splake being caught in 
Seboeis.

No reports yet from our only brown trout water, Nicatous Lake. 
  
Our bass lakes have been slow to get started. The high water and cold, 
damp
temperatures have kept the water temperatures cold. A few warm, sunny 
days
will change that. Bass fishing on the Penobscot is also slow, but will 
pick
up as soon as the temperatures warm up. We have had a few anglers from
Pushaw and South Branch in Seboeis report some good fishing. 

For those interested in some good pickerel fishing, might we suggest
Passamagamet Lake or Saponac Pond in Grand Falls, Nicatous in T40 Md,
Madagascal in Burlington or South Branch Lake in Seboeis.

  
Lets hope for a dry week. I'm sure the black flies are just waiting for 
the
sun to shine.

-Brian Campbell, Fishery Biology Specialist

Region G - Aroostook County

Rainy, cool weather has predominated and, is predicted to stick around 
until
Wednesday, May 25. This will serve to extend the "hot" spring fishing.
Water temperatures on northern Maine lakes is holding around 50 degrees 
F
and trout, salmon, and lake trout can be found actively feeding 
throughout
the day.  This is a great time to take advantage of the conditions.
Numerous waters are being stocked in the region that anglers should be 
aware
of:  on May 19, Limestone Stream, East Branch Mattawamkeag River, North
Branch Meduxnekeag River, and Conroy Lake were stocked.  On Monday, May 
23:
Arnold Brook Lake will be stocked.  On Wednesday, May 25:  Nickerson 
Lake,
Mud Pond, Conroy Lake, and Logan Lake will be stocked with brook trout.  

For those looking for rivers that provide excellent wild brook trout
fishing, I highly reccomend the Meduxnekeag River in Houlton and 
Littleton
(that also has wild brown trout) and the Aroostook River, particularly 
the
Washburn to Fort Fairfield stretch.  Both of these rivers have 
excellent
facilities for parking and launching watercraft.  With that said, I 
would be
remiss not to mention at this time the passing of Robert "Bob" 
Williams, the
Department's federal aid coordinator, who was instrumental in securing 
these
access points and countless ones throughout the State.  Bob worked
tirelessly for years on behalf of boaters, anglers, and all who benefit 
from
the State's public access facilities.  His great work ethic and enery 
will
be sadly missed.    

-Frank Frost, Assistant Regional Fisheries Biologist


From the Maine Warden Service...The Colonel's Outdoor Tip

After a long winter, Maine's open water fishing season is well 
underway.
Many fishermen purchase worms and bait in the convenient containers 
sold at
many stores around the state. Anyone who has spent any time along 
Maine's
inland waters has seen litter and unsightly worm containers strewn 
about
along a stream or lakeshore. It is very important that everyone take 
steps
to stop this practice and clean up our streams. First of all, littering 
is
against the law. Second, it's unsightly and gives fishermen a bad name. 
I
encourage bringing your worms in small plastic bags, or in commercially
available worm containers that are reusable. If you did bring along a
plastic worm container, do not throw it out except in an acceptable 
garbage
container. Better yet, take the high road, and if you see that someone 
else
has left a worm container behind, pick it up and help make that stream, 
pond
or lake a more pleasant place to fish!

-Colonel Tom Santaguida, Chief of the Maine Warden Service