For More Outdoor Information, and Sporting Licenses 24 Hours A Day, 7 
Days A
Week, Please Visit www.mefishwildlife.com 

For More Information, Please Contact:

Mark Latti
Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
mark.latti@maine.gov
207-287-6008
pager 818-9617
fax 207-287-6395
284 State Street
41 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333


For Immediate Release 
December 27, 2005
2006 Ice Fishing Preview

Region A- Southwestern Maine
At the time of this writing (21st of December) a week of cold 
temperatures
has placed a shell of ice over many of the smaller to medium size ponds 
in
the region. If the last week of December produces similar conditions 
the ice
is expected to be thicker than usual on January 1st, the traditional 
start
of the ice fishing season. Still, anglers should use caution, and check 
ice
thickness before venturing out on the ice.
The ice fishing forecast for southern Maine is excellent! Fall-stocked 
ponds
received little fall fishing pressure due to unusually rainy and windy
conditions. Similar conditions in the spring of the year also limited 
angler
participation during the early part of the season. Angler reports 
received
this past open water fishing season were very encouraging and the 
results of
our summer and fall field work indicate that many of the regions 
fisheries
offer excellent fishing opportunities. Smelt, an important forage for 
cold
water sportfish have also increased in abundance in our largest lakes,
including Sebago and Thompson lake, enhancing fisheries within those 
waters.
Furthermore, approximately 2,850 unscheduled, legal-size trout and 
salmon
were stocked this past fall around the region; approximately 600 brood 
brook
trout (3+ lbs), 300 brood brown trout (+/- 3 lbs), 250 brood salmon 
(+/- 3
lbs), and 1,700 rainbows (13-15 in). The heaviest stocking of brood 
fish
occurred in Mousam Lake (Acton), Little Ossipee Lake (Waterboro), 
Highland
Lake (Bridgton), Tripp Lake (Poland), Thomas Pond (Casco), Presumpscot 
River
(Windham), and Songo Pond (Albany). For a complete list of unscheduled
stockings check out the Department's web site (www.mefishwildlife.com). 
Opportunities in the region to catch brook trout during the winter 
season
have expanded considerably over the last 10 years. A number of these 
winter
fisheries occur where habitat is not suitable to sustain a year round 
trout
fishery. Examples of very successful winter fisheries include Worthley 
Pond
(Poland), Barker Pond (Lyman), Otter Pond #2 (Standish), Littlefield 
Pond
(Sanford), and Hobbs Pond (Norway), Knights Pond (S. Berwick), Cold 
Rain
(Naples), Halls Pond (Paris), and Silver Lake (Phippsburg), and Sprague 
Pond
(Phippsburg). These waters are fished hard the first few weeks of the
season, but often boast high catch rates. Some of these waters continue 
to
offer good fishing throughout the entire winter season. Expanded fall
stocking of legal size brook trout has helped spread out winter angling
pressure on some of the more popular regional waters. 
The top picks for great lake trout action stillinclude Great East Lake,
Sebago Lake, and Thompson Lake. All three waters will offer good 
catches of
16 to 22 inch togue, with Sebago being the most consistent producer of 
wall
hangers each year. The lake trout found in Sebago and Thompson lakes 
are
especially fat this year. The largest catches of lake trout are usually
taken by jigging, and this technique is particularly effective on 
Sebago and
Thompson lakes.
The best winter prospects for large salmon (over 4 pounds) are Trickey 
Pond
(Naples), Bryant Pond (Woodstock), South Pond (Greenwood), and Thompson 
Lake
(open to salmon fishing only in March under ALO), but the fishing for 
salmon
is generally very slow. Most other regional waters open to salmon 
fishing
offer good to excellent fishing, including some of the less fished 
waters
like Long Lake (Naples/Harrison), Panther Pond (Raymond), Crescent Lake
(Casco), and Kezar Lake (Lovell). 
Splake enthusiasts will find fast action, but heavy fishing pressure on
Bryant Pond (Woodstock) and Trickey Pond (Naples). On January 1st, it 
is
likely to be standing room only on both these popular and productive 
waters.

Brown trout anglers have no shortage of water to fish. With the 
exception of
the more popular fisheries, like Sabbathday Lake (New Gloucester),
Middle/Upper Range Ponds (Poland), Worthley Pond (Peru), and Hancock 
Pond
(Denmark), Square Pond (Shapleigh), many of the approximately 35 
regional
brown trout waters will receive very little fishing pressure, yet these
waters offer quality fish. Sampling undertaken this past summer 
indicated
that a high percentage of our brown trout waters support fish between 3 
and
6 pounds. So get away from the crowds and check out some of the those 
ponds
you don't hear about....you may find a favorite new fishing spot. 
For those that still like to open water fish throughout the winter, 
there
are several year round river fishing opportunities in the region, which 
have
been enhanced under beefed up fall stocking programs. These waters 
include
the entire Presumpscot River, The Saco River (particularly Skelton Dam,
Hiram Dam) and the lower Royal River (below Elm Street). Additional 
open
water trout fishing opportunities continue on some tidewater rivers,
including the Mousam and the Ogunquit, and more recently the Salmon 
Falls
River (S. Berwick). Many of these waters received very little fishing
pressure this fall due to heavy rains and high flows, so most of these
waters should offer good opportunities through the winter. That said, 
high
flows on the Presumpscot will likely continue well into the winter, 
limiting
wading opportunities. 
-Francis Brautigam, Regional Fisheries Biologist

Region B - Central Maine
Ah, winter. With the Holidays in full swing, all of us are running 
around
trying to get everything we need to get done. Now that Christmas is 
over and
the New Year is just around the corner, the cold has set in for the 
long
run.
I'm sure ice fishing equipment was on many wish lists. While it might 
have
looked a little out of place, the sight of a new ice auger or traps 
under
the tree must have warmed an angler's heart. Or, maybe it was you who 
bought
that first jigging rod for your child. In between the shopping and
celebrating, many ice anglers were getting the 'tried and true' gear 
ready
for January first. 
The truly 'hardcore' have already been out on waters where ice fishing 
is
allowed, waters regulated as 'A' season waters. In these lakes and 
ponds,
all fish except for salmon, trout, togue and bass can be angled for. 
This
part of the season has been open since the formation of ice earlier 
this
month. The 'B' season opens on the first of January, and includes 
fishing
for salmonids and bass on many waters. Be sure to check this year's ice
fishing regulations to see what fish species can be angled and size and 
bag
limits.
Many of Region B's lakes or ponds are suitable for angling any species 
of
fish, from landlocked salmon to warm water fisheries. There are large 
lakes
that often attract a lot of anglers and have their own 'ice shack 
cities' to
small ponds where you or your party might be the only ones present. 
Ponds
and lakes throughout the region have been stocked with fall yearling 
brook
and brown trout to enhance fishing opportunities. While brook trout 
fishing
through the ice tends to be fast and furious during the early part of 
the
season, serious anglers find that skill, patience and persistence can 
pay
off with a nice brown trout. 
Of course, there are other species worthy of your attention too. Last
winter, I was surprised to find out just how many anglers targeted 
white
perch on two of our local lakes. This gang was happy to spend a day 
jigging
up a pile of perch. By the looks of what I saw, they had a pretty good 
time
of it too. As the season progressed, there began a light-hearted 
competition
to see who had the biggest pile for a given amount of time. Their 
parking
lot meetings and brag sessions got to be a regular weekend occurrence
Although they are an invasive fish, northern pike have their proponents 
too.
This year, the department is in the final year of a 3-year effort of
evaluating winter regulations to see if angling can reduce the number 
of
this large predator in Long Pond. North Pond in the Belgrade's and 
Sabbatus
Pond also possess pike fisheries. Again, be sure to check the 
regulations on
these lakes.
Fishing during this time of year requires a good knowledge of ice
conditions. Ice formation varies every year. Some ponds may have 
sufficient
ice to support an angler, but others may not. The location of the water 
in
not always a good indicator. Some ponds up north might have less ice 
than
more southerly ones. I say that from personal experience. The other day 
I
was in the northern part of the region and attempted to walk on what 
looked
to be a thickly frozen pond. In only four shuffle steps from shore the
pressure cracking started. I had a chisel so I pecked away and found 
barely
2 inches of ice - and what looked like slowly flowing water. On my way 
into
work yesterday one day after visiting the pond up north, I couldn't 
resist
stopping at one of the ponds south of the Sidney Headquarters. It had 
over
three solid inches of ice. I could see that it was solid since it was
crystal clear. I could even see the movement of caddisflies under the 
ice. 
What all of the above is leading to is that rule number one is to use
caution and good judgment, both in the early season and once the 'B' 
season
opens January 1st. Judging thickness of clear ice is relatively easy, 
but
with snow either on or in the ice, use extra caution and chop or auger 
some
test holes in shallow areas near shore. I was taught to go no more than 
four
steps from shore before making darn sure that the ice was safe. Since 
I'm
still around, that rule has always worked for me. That isn't to say 
that one
day I might find water over my head four steps from shore, but you get 
the
idea, safety first. Let the fish do the swimming in the winter. 
It promises to be a season full of good times and good fishing. See you 
out
there. Best of luck and have a wonderful New Year!
-Robert Van-Riper, Regional Fisheries Biologist

Region C - Downeast 
Some of the small trout ponds should be fishable on opening day. 
Certain
coves of larger lakes should also afford anglers the chance to set 
tip-ups.
But, for the most part, ice conditions on Downeast waters are 
hazardous, and
anglers should use extreme caution when they venture out for the first 
time.
Be sure to continually check the ice thickness as you move out from 
shore.
Alligator Lake, Green Lake, Long Pond, West Grand Lake, Big Lake, 
Cathance
Lake, and Schoodic Lake should offer good salmon fishing this winter. 
At
Alligator, we sampled 32 salmon over 20 inches long during fall
trapnetting...the second highest number of the past 11 years. Salmon 
growth
rate has improved, and most fish were in very good shape. Because the 
lake
was not stocked in 2004, there are no age III salmon available, so 
anglers
will note a big decline in the catch and release fishery for 16-19 inch
fish. At Green, a mix of stocked and wild salmon should provide decent
action for 16-18 inchers. The outlook for Big Lake is exceptionally 
good in
that very high flows in Grand Lake Stream due to several late fall 
downpours
probably swept numerous salmon down into the lake. Big Lake has 
produced
steady action for the past two winters, and should be even better this 
year.
Although it doesn't open until Feb. 1st, anglers need to make plans now 
for
a trip or two to West Grand. This 14,000-acre Downeast stronghold is 
one of
the top 10 lakes in Maine for action featuring salmon, togue, and 
whitefish.
Average length (19.2 inches) of age III+ salmon sampled this fall tied 
a
34-year record high! Anglers should expect to catch well-shaped 17-19 
inch
salmon, 20-22 inch togue, and 16-18 inch whitefish.
For brook trout action, Lower Hadlock Pond, Hopkins Pond, Lake Wood (on 
Mt.
Desert Island), Echo Lake, Vining Lake, Indian Lake, and Montegail Pond
should be productive. In addition to their regular allotments of fall
fingerlings, Lower Hadlock, Hopkins, and Montegail received stockings 
of
larger (either fall yearlings or hatchery brood) brookies. 
Togue anglers should consider Green Lake, Branch Lake, Eagle Lake, 
Beech
Hill Pond, and West Musquash Lake. Action may be slower at Green 
compared to
the past several years, but patient anglers should be rewarded with 
some
nicely shaped 5-7 pounders. Condition of Branch Lake togue improved 
last
winter, and this favorable development should persist in 2006. At Tunk 
Lake,
Jordan Pond, and Toddy Pond, there are still too many wild togue. These
overly abundant fish compete strongly with stocked salmon for smelt, 
thereby
reducing growth rate and condition of salmon. Anglers are encouraged to 
take
advantage of the liberalized 14-inch minimum lengths by keeping their 
limit.
This will help restore the lake, sooner rather than later, to improved
health. For those who don't "think" you like to eat togue (and perhaps 
for
some of the more "open-minded" amongst those who cast a jaundiced eye 
at a
togue on the dinner table), I have three excellent recipes. To receive 
them,
e-mail me @ <ronald.brokaw@maine.gov>, or send a request to Ron Brokaw, 
P.O.
Box 220, Jonesboro, ME. 04648.
As always, we will be out on the ice conducting creel surveys on 
various
salmonid waters. You may see us at Long Pond on MDI, Walker Pond in
Brooksville, Jacob Buck Pond in Bucksport, Fitts Pond in Clifton, Heart 
Pond
in Orland, or Second Lake Old Stream in T37MD. The information you 
provide
during our brief interview is helpful in our continuing efforts to 
better
manage our fisheries. By weighing and measuring your fish, and checking 
for
a clipped fin or getting a scale sample, we collect valuable 
information on
growth rates and the general health of the fish. This information helps 
us
assess if stocking rates are about right or need to be adjusted. During 
our
interviews, we commonly glean additional tidbits of useful information.
Thanks to annual winter creel surveys and the generally excellent
cooperation/feedback from anglers, I have learned a heck of a lot about 
the
specific fisheries in numerous Downeast waters over my 34 1/2 year 
career.
This will be my last winter creel surveying as I'm retiring in April, 
and it
is one aspect of my job I will miss the most. I've enjoyed the 
conversations
I've had on the ice with thousands of anglers over the years, and 
realize
that some of the information you gave me led directly to better 
fishing. For
that, and much more, I'm grateful...in keeping with Bob Hope's old 
theme
song, Thanks For The Memories.
-Ron Brokaw, Regional Fishery Biologist

Region D - Western Mountains
There has been lots of good old fashioned cold weather to make ice 
during
the month of December, so we can say with some caution that ice 
conditions
should be good on opening day. Some caution because, as experienced 
anglers
know, ice conditions can vary from safe to dangerous under the best of
conditions, and especially with changing weather conditions. For our 
lakes
that are open to ice fishing, the middle is often the last to freeze 
over
(deep lakes like Embden and Clearwater come to mind), so think twice 
before
heading across the lake on your snowmobile. The thoroughfares between 
the
ponds that make up Chain of Ponds are also often unsafe.
Although many of western Maine's waters (including most of the 
Rangeleys)
are closed to ice fishing, there are still lots of opportunities for 
winter
fishing. For salmon, consider Spencer Lake, Chain of Ponds, Clearwater 
Lake,
Embden Lake, Porter Lake, Spring Lake, or Wilson Lake. Clearwater, 
Embden,
Porter, Spring Lake, and Wilson also have lake trout. Clearwater, 
Embden,
Wilson, Spring Lake, and Chain of Ponds are also stocked with brook 
trout. 
Lufkin Pond (Phillips), Oaks Pond (Skowhegan), Wentworth Pond (Solon), 
and
Wyman Lake are stocked with splake. Webb Lake (Weld) and Wesserunsett 
Lake
(Madison) are stocked with brown trout. Haley Pond (Rangeley) is 
stocked
with brook trout. Flagstaff Lake is primarily a warmwater fish lake, 
but
there are some wild brook trout and stocked salmon available. 
And, there are a large number of warmwater lakes throughout the area 
open to
ice fishing; check your law book.
In addition to our normal stocking, we were able to stock a total of 
300
very large brook trout in a number of our waters this fall. These are
"retired" brood fish that average 4 pounds each. We stocked 50 in 
Clearwater
Lake, 50 in Porter Lake, 50 in Wilson Lake, 50 in Webb Lake, and 100 in
Embden Lake. We will also be checking anglers at Clearwater, Porter, 
Wilson,
and Webb Lakes during the winter to evaluate the number of anglers, the
number of fish caught, and the size of those fish. 
So here's to the sound of ice booming as it "makes", of power augers 
and
snowsleds, and to the smell of deer meat frying on tiny stoves in ice
shacks. Oh yes, and to flags popping up.
-Forrest Bonney, Regional Fisheries Biologist

Region E - Moosehead Region
Important Regulation changes: There has been a change in the minimum 
length
limit on brook trout from 12 inches to 14 inches on the following 
waters:
Moosehead Lake, Chamberlain Lake, Round Pond, Telos Lake, and Big 
Benson
Pond. This resulted from the Fisheries Division's effort to consolidate
brook trout regulations statewide. We also eliminated the 2-fish 
aggregate
regulation on many waters including: Big Benson Pond, Brassua Lake, Big
Houston Pond, First Buttermilk Pond, Indian Pd (Sapling Twp), and Onawa
Lake. So please, consult your lawbook before venturing out this winter.
Moosehead Lake: The fishing on Moosehead Lake was very good in 2005 and 
we
hope that trend continues. Summer and fall fishermen raved about the 
nice
salmon in the lake and rivers. We validated those claims with our 
annual
fall trapnetting in Greenville Jct. We captured and released many very 
nice
salmon over 18 inches. We expect anglers to find the salmon in very 
good
shape this winter. Please remember that it is illegal to remove salmon 
from
the water until Feb 15. Togue are still very abundant in the big lake 
and we
encourage anglers to harvest their limit of togue in the 14 to 17 inch
range. Your cooperation is needed to help further improve the Moosehead 
Lake
fishery.
This fall, in cooperation with Florida Light and Power Energy (FPLE), 
we
implanted 30 fish with radio tags in Moosehead Lake. We are actively
tracking these fish to identify spawning areas and annual movements. 
The
information collected from these fish is very important to the future
management of Moosehead Lake. If you happen to catch one of these fish 
with
a small antenna protruding from the stomach area, please consider 
releasing
it, so it may continue to contribute to the study.
Chesuncook Lake: Chesuncook Lake is one of the "Classic Salmon Fishing"
waters in the Moosehead Lake Region. This is a cooperative initiative
between IF&W and the Sportsman's Alliance of Maine (SAM). Several years 
ago,
SAM received funding from the Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund to promote 
the
Classic Salmon Fishing Initiative which will focus management on larger 
than
average size salmon. Several waters statewide, including Chesuncook and
Lobster Lakes, were selected. That was the easy part, now we must
follow-through with implementation and monitoring of the new management
plans, otherwise the program will certainly fail. Simply labeling 
Chesuncook
Lake as a "Classic Salmon Water" and walking away will not create 
bigger
salmon. Information from the summer of 2005 on Chesuncook Lake and the 
fall
fishery in the West Branch (Foxhole area) clearly indicates there are 
still
too many smaller fish in the system. The overpopulation of wild salmon 
has
slowed growth. There are many salmon in the 14-16 inch range that need 
to be
removed to improve growth and increase the number of large salmon.
Therefore, we encourage anglers to take advantage of the liberal salmon
regulations at Chesuncook Lake.
We have a lot of work ahead of us to get back to the days of big salmon 
in
Chesuncook Lake. This will be costly and require a significant 
commitment of
time and the Fisheries staff in the Greenville Office will be making a 
major
effort beginning this winter. We will be conducting weekly angler 
checks on
Chesuncook Lake this winter. We had hoped to schedule flights to 
estimate
angler use on the lake this winter but IF&W did not have sufficient 
funds
and attempts to raise it from other sources failed. We are also 
studying
smelt drift in the West Branch of the Penobscot River below Ripogenus 
Dam.
We appreciate the assistance of Kevin Bernier of Brascan Power and Ed 
Spear,
their recently retired fisheries biologist. They supplied the nets and 
the
"know-how" from a similar study conducted during the relicensing of
Ripogenus Dam. 
Brood stock fish: This fall we were fortunate to have the opportunity 
to
stock retired brood stock brook trout from the hatchery system. These 
fish
averaged 5 ½ lbs ! We stocked them in several waters in the region
including: Big Wood Pond in Jackman, Brann's Mill Pond in 
Dover-Foxcroft,
Harlow Pond in Parkman, Prong Pond in Beaver Cove, and Mountain View 
Pond in
Big Moose Twp just north of Greenville. Try these ponds for a chance to
catch a whopper.
Ice conditions: As I write this report, many of the smaller waters are
completely covered with a thin layer of ice. There are still large 
areas of
Moosehead Lake with open water. Please check the ice carefully before 
ice
fishing this season. It is not worth risking a life for a fish. They 
will
still be there when the conditions improve.
Time to say thanks: We want to express our thanks to all the folks that 
take
the time to keep voluntary record books or use the TripTracks on-line
logbook. We have thousands of waters to manage in this great State and 
we
simply cannot get to all of them. The people that routinely fish these
waters are a terrific source of information. We also want to thank the 
staff
at FPLE, Brascan Power, and Kennebec Water Power. These private 
companies
have really "stepped to the plate" assisting the Department of Inland
Fisheries and Wildlife. They have provided significant funds and many
man-hours to help us address fisheries management needs in this region. 
-Tim Obrey, Regional Fisheries Biologist

 
Region F, Penobscot Region
Prospects for this upcoming ice fishing season have never been brighter 
in
the Penobscot Region! I will outline all of our more popular regional 
lakes,
and some of the sleepers as well.

At East Grand Lake, a 16,070 acre lake on our border with New Brunswick
Canada, salmon should be in fair to good condition based on our 
trapnetting
this past fall. The average III+ salmon handled were 18 inches and just 
shy
of 2 pounds, but the real attraction this winter at Grand will 
certainly be
the brook trout and lake trout fisheries. We are stocking 5000 spring
yearling brook trout that have been showing up the last few years 
anywhere
from 16 to 20 inches, and in very good condition. Many local guides and
anglers have been reporting some outstanding opportunities for brookies 
both
open water and ice fishing seasons. The wild togue fishery at Grand has
never been better! Each year we seem to hear of more 10 pound+ lakers 
taken
during the ice fishing season, especially late in February and March. 
You
will want to mark your calendar for the weekend of January 28 and 29 
for the
annual ice fishing derby sponsored by the East Grand Snowmobile Club. 
Each
year the event seem to get bigger and better with some huge fish 
brought in
for prizes.

Cold Stream Pond in Enfield and Lincoln was the area hot spot for brook
trout last year. On opening day most every party checked had some of 
the
beautiful fall yearling brook trout that were stocked the previous 
October.
Many fish in the 2 to 3 pound category were iced, proving what a 
valuable
tool those fall yearlings have turned out to be. We continued to hear 
about
those fish well in to the spring fishery this past May and June. The 
salmon
observed this past November on the spawning beds were the best I ever
observed from Cold Stream. Salmon were averaging 21 inches and 3 1/2 
pounds,
with some fish tipping the scales at 5 1/2 to 6 pounds! Even the lake 
trout
that have been in such poor shape over the last few years are starting 
to
turn the corner, with most fish being noticeably plumper than in past 
years.

Pleasant Lake in Island Falls is another one to watch for quality 
salmon
fishing. Always an excellent producer of larger than average salmon,
Pleasant has lately shown why it has such a good reputation with 
reports of
salmon 6 to 8 pounds. Pleasant also produces some fine angling for 
brook
trout and smelt. Also in the northern part of the region, Matagamon 
Lake
should prove very productive this winter, with a vibrant stocked lake 
trout
fishery and wild fisheries for both brook trout and landlocked salmon. 
Lower
Shin Pond is another lake in the area that should not be passed up. 
There
are cabins to rent at all the above lakes for those who have a long way 
to
travel.

Schoodic Lake in Brownville and Lakeview is one of our recent additions 
into
the Classic Salmon Program. Having been known in recent years for the
outstanding togue fishery that has developed, Schoodic has had a small
number of salmon stocked in the last few years with hopes of producing 
a
high quality fishery. Based upon the fish observed in last falls 
trapnets, I
predict that there should be some truly handsome salmon iced this 
winter. I
would remind anglers that Schoodic has a one (1) salmon bag limit, and
remember, every salmon released in Schoodic Lake has the opportunity to 
get
even bigger in a very short time. Schoodic Lake also has what many 
consider
one of the best and oldest fishing derbies in the state. Sponsored by 
the
Milo Fire Dept., the 44th Schoodic Lake Fishing Derby
<http://www.trcmaine.org/fishingderby/> will be held on February 18 and 
19,
2006. 

Other regional lakes that should prove productive this winter for 
salmon
include Duck Lake, West Lake, Pemadumcook Lake, Millinocket Lake, Upper
JoMary Lake, Pleasant Lake in Kossuth, Seboeis Lake, and Nicatous Lake. 
Lake
trout anglers should also consider Pemadumcook Lake, Millinocket Lake, 
and
East Musquash Lake. Those looking for splake should seek out Seboeis 
Lake,
Endless Lake, Cedar Lake and Lower Togue Pond. Big brookies should 
prevail
at Little Round Pond in Lincoln, Pickerel Pond in T32MD, Jerry Pond in
Millinocket, and Rock Crusher Pond in Island Falls. All the above 
mentioned
ponds are open to "Kids Fishing" only, meaning under the age of 16! 
Please
consult your law book for further details.
Finally, I would like to mention that we will be devoting a significant
amount of time at Pushaw Lake this winter attempting to verify the 
status of
the Northern Pike population in the Penobscot drainage. Through a
cooperative effort by IF&W and the Maine Atlantic Salmon Commission, a
comprehensive creel survey will be conducted at Pushaw Lake and Mud 
Pond.
This is another example of an illegal introduction that could produce
disastrous results for the fishery resources and ecology of an entire
drainage, FOREVER! Anybody with information as to the person or persons
responsible for this irresponsible and illegal act should call 
1-800-ALERT
US as soon as possible. There is a reward of up to $2000 for 
information
leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.
-Nels Kramer, Assistant Regional Fisheries Biologist

Region G - Aroostook County
For those who may be wondering, the snow totals from the Christmas snow
storm are not an exaggeration - they are very accurate. Fortunately, 
the
cold weather prior to the snow made good ice for fishing. Reports 
indicate a
thickness of 6-12 inches depending on the size of the water body. 
For those that are familiar with the area but live away, the ice road 
has
been plowed from Eagle Lake to the Sly Brook Road. The problem now with 
all
of the snow is slush. The weight of all of the snow has caused water to 
come
up through cracks, hole, inlets, etc. Eye witnesses at Squa Pan Lake 
report
seeing shades of gray in the snow off Walker Siding. Those that are
venturing out to fish on New Years Day should travel to their 
destination
prior to hooking on a tote sled loaded with fishing gear. The 
conditions are
prime for heart attacks with stuck sleds either on the ice or on an 
unbroken
trail to the lake. In spite of the stretch of cold weather prior to
Christmas, one should continue to use caution around lake inlets and
outlets. The heavy rain in late fall created high flows that continued 
into
freeze up and will make for dangerous ice conditions in these areas. 
Caution
should always be used this time of year - heroes often wind up dead.
As for fishing, we have several waters that have been stocked with fall
yearling brook trout in the Houlton and Presque Isle area that should 
make
for great fishing until their numbers are thinned out. These waters 
include:
Arnold Brook Lake, Drews Lake, Nickerson Lake, Spaulding Lake. For 
those
that may be wondering, the proposal to open Madawaska Lake to ice 
fishing
from February 15-March 31 was favorably received by the Advisory 
Council.
The lake has been stocked with 1500 fall yearling brook trout and will 
be
open under a 2 trout regulation. 
A second major regulation change has occurred at Eagle Lake in the Fish
River Chain. In response to an increase in the number of wild togue and
their impact on the smelt population, the bag limit on togue has been
increased to 5 fish and the length limit has been dropped to 14 inches. 
This
is not in addition to the bag limit for other species. In other words, 
if an
angler has in his possession 5 dead togue, he may not have in his 
possession
any dead salmon or brook trout. As always, we strongly suggest anglers 
take
the time to review the new law book for changes in waters they plan to 
fish.
We would point out that the S-19 special refers to a 2 trout limit this
year. The term trout is defined on page 8 in the law book and includes 
brook
trout, splake, brown trout, rainbow trout, blueback trout and sunapee 
trout.
For anglers fishing any water that has a combination of these species, 
the
daily bag limit is 2 in any combination. This will particularly impact 
Drews
and Nickerson Lakes in this region where brook trout and brown trout 
have
been stocked.
-Dave Basley, Regional Fishery Biologist

From the Maine Warden Service...The Colonel's Outdoor Tip
With Christmas having come and gone, many young outdoor enthusiasts 
will
want to use some of the new outdoor gear they received as gifts. Tree
stands, snowmobiles, ice augers, firearms, bows, and ATV's are just a 
few of
the many presents that will be given and received this year. Parents -
please ensure the highest degree of safety by taking some time to go 
over
safety rules and safe use of the outdoor equipment gifts you give your
children. The old saying, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of 
cure is
very applicable with outdoor gear. Take some time to teach safety and 
ensure
a fun outdoor experience for your kids. Merry Christmas and Happy 
Holidays!
-Colonel Tom Santaguida, Chief of the Maine Warden Service