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Augusta, ME 04333


For Immediate Release
January 10, 2006
January 10, 2006 Ice Fishing Report

Region A- Southwestern Maine

      	 The 2006 Ice Fishing season is now well underway, but the 
number of
anglers out fishing appears to be lighter than normal for opening week.
Variable weather patterns and "iffy" ice conditions on some of our 
larger
regional lakes may be partially responsible, and of course the NFL 
playoffs
often causes many anglers to leave the ice earlier than usual to catch 
the
games.  If you haven't had a chance to wet a line yet, remember the 
crowds
may be bigger, but the first several weeks of the season are typically 
the
most productive for trout and salmon fishing.

Most of the smaller ponds in the region are buttoned up and have up to 
6-7
inches of ice on them, some of our medium sized lakes still have areas 
of
thin ice or openwater, and most of the larger lakes (i.e. Kezar Lake,
Thompson Lake) reportedly still have significant areas of open water.  
Of
course, Sebago is still wide open and typically sets-up around the 3rd 
week
of January.  I heard several reports of a 4-wheeler that broke through 
the
ice on Lake Arrowhead during the second week of the season, and anglers
still need to be exercise caution whenever they ice fish.

Although several anglers have reported slower than normal fishing for
opening week, we have observed several good fish and good catches.  On
opening day, I observed 1 party on Kennebunk Pond that had caught 3 
brook
trout weighing 3, 3.5, and 4 pounds.  The same party also had a 17 inch
brown, had released 4 12-14" brookies, and lost several others in the 
hole.
While this group was the exception, many had groups had managed to land
brookies and browns on the pond that day.  This past week, I was out on
Little Ossipee and spoke to several anglers that had fished most of the 
day
without a bite, suddenly I noticed another nearby angler (John Roberts 
of
Buxton) had pulled a nice fish out onto the ice.  I walked over and he
explained that he was disappointed his afternoon of fishing had ended 
so
quickly.  Apparently, he had only been fishing about 20 minutes and had
limited out with a nice 15 and 17-inch brookie!  Two days later a saw 
him
with another 3.5 half pound brook trout that he caught from the same 
area!
While I can't divulge his exact techniques, I will say this once again
proves how effective jigging can be if you have the patience to give it 
a
whirl.

The regional staff have been checking anglers on various waters 
throughout
southern Maine, and we intend to make the following waters part of our
regular sampling route for the 2006 season: Deer Pond - Hollis, Little
Ossipee Lake- Waterboro, Kennebunk Pond - Lyman, Big and Little Clemons
Ponds - Hiram, Sand Pond - Baldwin, Big and Little Pennesseewassee 
Lakes -
Norway, and Twitchell Pond in Greenwood.  The more intensive survey on 
these
waters are being conducted to evaluate current stocking programs, 
and/or to
explore future management changes (i.e. stocking/regulations).

For example, many of the waters being sampled this season are what we 
call
"advanced finglerling" waters, which was a "new" management idea the
regional staff began implementing in the mid-late 1990's.  Most fall
fingerling stocked brook trout are generally 6-8 inches long; however, 
the
fingerling trout used on these waters are fed extra amounts of feed to
accelerate their growth to produce legal-sized fish in the 8-12 inch 
range.
The idea being that these legal-sized fingerlings could be used to
essentially create winter "put-and-take" brook trout fisheries on 
waters
that may have poor to marginal summer water quality and/or heavy
competition/predation pressures from other fish species.  

Although these trout are smaller than spring stocked fish, the fall 
stocking
maximizes angler use of the fish from fall through to early summer, and
reduces bird/fish predation issues.  On these waters, we also typically
stock a smaller number of fall yearling brook trout in the 12-14 inch 
range
and a very small number of brood fish (3-4 pounds) to "lure" anglers to
these waters.  The bottom-line is that anglers generally experience
relatively fast action for the smaller 8-12" trout, but also have the
opportunity to be rewarded with a few quality trout and/or a trophy!   
This
management technique has been very effective on many waters in southern
Maine, although we are learning that it doesn't work on every pond.  
This
stocking program has not only allowed us to create "new" winter trout
fisheries, but has also been a great tool for spreading out angler 
pressure
in the region.  For example, before this program was initiated, 
Worthley
Pond in Poland experienced little to no winter angling activity, but 
use has
steadily increased each winter to the point where it is now a 
destination
water for many anglers (Table 1). 

Table 1. Winter Angler Trips by Year for Worthley Pond - Poland	
   Year	            Estimated Number of Angler Trips	
   1998	                                       397	
   1999	                                       354	
   2000	                                       492	
   2002	                                       606	
   2005	                                       993	


We have noticed some common angling errors and misconceptions on these
"advanced fingerling" waters.  The first is how people fish for the 
trout,
several anglers have reported watching several trout "pick" at their 
bait
until it dies or is stolen without ever tripping the flag!  Anglers 
need to
use smaller bait and hooks, while worms and jigging have also proven to 
be
very effective.  The release rate on these smaller fish is often quite 
high,
and anglers state we'll let that one go to grow bigger.  Remember these 
are
put-and-take fisheries, and only a small percentage of the fish would 
likely
survive through the following summer months.  The point being, if you 
like
to eat a few trout every now and then...you don't have to feel guilty 
about
taking a couple of these pan fryers home for a meal.


-Jim Pellerin, Assistant Regional Fisheries Biologist

Region B - Central Maine

  	The weather this winter has started out like many others, where cold
temperatures come in for a while followed by some rainy periods with 
milder
temperatures.  These seasonal variations create some reluctance by ice
anglers to wait and see what others are doing before they venture out. 
Those
that are familiar with what to look for, go out and with their 
accumulated
knowledge, visit lakes or ponds that in the past have had adequate ice 
to
fish, providing them with wonderful fishing opportunity. This 
experience
usually rewards them with a quiet and successful trip, because other 
active
and noisy winter pursuits have not started into full swing. 	

	On the last day of 2005 a couple of anglers who practice mostly
catch and release no matter what season, went to an unnamed small 
central
Maine water that provided some fast action for largemouth bass and 
yellow
perch. On the more popular waters, decent sized white perch are termed 
"hump
backs". But on this little remote water, the yellow perch are better
described by a western term that anglers there use - "jalopies". These 
are
yellow perch in excess of 15 inches. The anglers caught and released 34 
bass
and 20 yellow perch on a very busy day, including a lot of jalopies. 

	Angler use on opening day in Central Maine was variable, depending
on ice conditions. Coastal waters had tentative ice conditions, while 
far
inland anglers had plenty of ice. Many anglers used the usual 
precautions,
as inlets, outlets and shallow areas had questionable ice and were 
avoided.
Early January also brought another concern for many ice anglers as the
higher water level bought on by December rains was receding in many 
lakes
and ponds causing pressure ridges and leads (openings) with potentially
treacherous conditions.

	On Long Pond in the Belgrades, low angler activity was observed.
Caution was used by all as ice conditions were not uniformly safe. The 
catch
was reflective of the low number of anglers on the ice. No pike were 
seen,
and only a few perch and pickerel brought up through the holes. 
Activity on
Minnehonk and Parker was better as access and ice conditions were 
better.
Brook trout, splake, and salmon were reported and anglers were able to 
bring
some fish home to the family. St. George Lake in Liberty and the 
Narrows
Pond's in Winthrop had anglers catching some of the recently stocked 
retired
brood stock brook trout in excess of 16 inches. Many central waters 
were
reporting good catches of the fall yearling book trout, about 12 to 14
inches.  Many of the region's water are stocked with these fish and it 
is a
popular program for those waters. 

	The northern part of the region had anglers pursuing game fish as
well as smelts. Wassookeag Lake was a popular water, yielding salmon 
and
togue about to around 20 inches as well as smelts. Great Moose Pond and
other local area waters had anglers looking for the fall yearling brook
trout as well as brown trout. Great Moose is one of the most popular 
stocked
central Maine for ice angling. Ice fishing brings greater angling 
success
because the summer water temperatures are not conducive to the cold- 
water
demanding brook trout, togue and, salmon. 

	The 2006 season should become more active as ice conditions improve.
Anglers should use the old tried and true methods that have been 
successful
for them in the past. Continue to ply your most popular lake or pond 
that
has been a place for success in the past and rewards will come. 

	An Irish Proverb indicates that, "It is not a fish until it is on
the bank", or in the winter, on the bank would be on the ice! ---- 
Happy
Fishing!  


-Bill Woodward, Assistant Regional Fisheries Biologist


Region C - Downeast 

Five to six inches of ice represents the best ice conditions in eastern
Maine, according to local fisheries biologists and game wardens.  Ice
thickness at eastern Maine's larger and deeper lakes varies from none 
to
just a few inches of unsafe ice. As always, early season winter anglers 
are
advised to be cautious, stay close to shore, and cut numerous test 
holes
when venturing away from shore.

	Early reports indicate that where the ice was safe, anglers have
caught fish.

	Splake produced good action for fish from 12-20" at waters like
Second Old Stream Lake in T 37 MD, Pleasant River Lake in Beddington, 
Mopang
Lake in T 29 MD, Jacob Buck Pond in Bucksport, Heart Pond in Orland, 
and
Fitts Pond in Eddington. Splake, a hybrid between brook trout and lake 
trout
have been a highly successful fish that grows rapidly and bites well,
features that anglers desire and appreciate.

	Brook trout, a perennial favorite, excited anglers at Keene's Lake
in Calais, Indian Lake in Whiting, Lower Hadlock Pond in Mt. Desert, 
and
Montegail Pond in Columbia, where some retired broodstock larger than 
16"
had been stocked. There is no prettier sight than looking at the
multicolored speckles of brook trout against a background of ice and 
snow.
Other popular trout ponds are Vining Lake in Cooper, Keeley Lake in
Marshfield, Billings Pond in Blue Hill, Echo Lake in Mt. Desert Island, 
and
Craig Pond in Orland.

	Eastern Maine's landlocked salmon and brown trout waters generally
still need more cold days and nights to form safe ice before anglers 
can
fish them.

	Because many pickerel and perch ponds are shallow, they already have
safe ice. If you are looking for action and a fun trip with the kids 
that
the whole family will remember, these species provide the best action. 

-Rick Jordan, Assistant Regional Fishery Biologist

Region D - Western Mountains

The 2006 ice fishing season is in full swing here in western Maine. 
While
fishing pressure was unusually low during the holiday weekend, perhaps 
due
to concerns about safe ice conditions, anglers turned out in droves the
following week. We're seeing at least 12 inches of good ice on most 
lakes in
the greater Farmington area, and we're getting reports of thicker ice 
in
more northern areas. That said, we still urge caution on very deep 
lakes
(Embden Lake comes to mind), or near flowing inlets and outlets, 
shoals, and
springs. Snow depths are still low throughout most of the region and we
haven't observed much slush yet, so expect good traveling conditions to 
your
favorite fishing spots. 

Togue fishing in Clearwater, Porter, and Wilson Lakes was spotty during 
the
first week, but we did check several parties with bag limits. Most 
togue
were "slot size" fish (14 to 18 inches long), but a few lunkers were 
iced,
including a 6 1/2-pounder from Porter Lake. Bag limits on togue were
liberalized in these three lakes some time ago as a means of "culling"
abundant, immature fish, and easing predation pressure on forage 
species,
which are usually smelts. Keeping young, rapidly growing togue moving
quickly through the system increases the chance for providing good 
fisheries
for salmon in the same lake. Salmon, of course, are exceedingly reliant 
on
smelts for good growth. We stock salmon very conservatively in all 
three
waters, generally just a few hundred every-other-year, in order to 
maintain
the delicate balance of predators and prey. The timing of our most 
recent
salmon stockings were such that they should be nearly all legal-sized 
and
available for anglers this winter. Expect to see salmon from 14-18 
inches
from Clearwater and Wilson; those from Porter should be in the 
17-19-inch
class. 

Elsewhere, we're getting reports of fast fishing in Embden Lake for 
recently
stocked fall yearling brookies. Fall yearlings were also planted in 
Hancock
Pond in Embden and Haley Pond in Rangeley to enhance winter fishing
opportunities. Expect more of this type of management as our 
refurbished
hatchery in Embden comes fully on line.  

-Dave Boucher, Assistant Regional Fisheries Biologist


Region E - Moosehead Region

Well the question of the week here in Greenville has been, "how are the 
ice
conditions on the Lake?".  According to a few reliable sources, the ice
conditions vary greatly depending on where you may be planning to go.  
On
the southern portion of the Lake we've had reports of 4 inches of ice 
in
some places to a foot in others.   Game Warden Pilot Charlie Later, 
reported
that North Bay from Mt. Kineo, north of Farm Island to Northeast Carry 
and
Seboomook has not been frozen over for very long.  Our comment to the 
pubic
has been use caution and common sense when venturing out onto Moosehead 
Lake
or any other body of water.  

Due to the uncertainty of ice conditions the Moosehead Regions Staff 
have
not started our annual creel census work.  The fishing information 
coming in
this past week has been that the togue fishing has been pretty good on 
the
lower part of Moosehead Lake. We are planning on starting our work the
weekend of January 14th.   So stay tuned, as we will pass along first 
hand
fishing information as we see it on the ice.  This winter the 
Greenville
staff is fortunate enough to have 2 Unity College students assisting us 
in
collecting valuable creel census information.  Returning from last 
winter is
Albert Hall and joining him this winter is Eric Rudolph.  Both are 
seniors
at Unity and are hoping to gain experience as field biologists.  
Welcome
aboard guys!

This winter our creel census work will be concentrated on Moosehead 
Lake and
Chesuncook Lake.  As in the past we are encouraging anglers to harvest 
the
14 to 17 inch togue, as they are still very abundant in Moosehead.  At
Chesuncook Lake we are encouraging anglers to keep the smaller (14 to 
16
inch) salmon.  There is an abundance of these smaller salmon and by
harvesting some of these smaller fish, we expect to see improved growth 
and
condition in the salmon population at Chesuncook.   
 

-Jeff Bagley, Assistant Regional Fisheries Biologist   
	
Region F, Penobscot Region

The majority of the lakes in the region have unsafe ice conditions on 
all or
parts of the lakes, and some still even have areas of open water.  Most 
of
the smaller lakes and ponds have sufficient ice but even on these, 
anglers
must use caution.  Weather conditions are predicted to be mild over the 
next
several days and ice conditions are not likely to improve.  An aerial 
angler
survey found anglers on most of the lakes but they were mostly 
restricted to
shoreline areas.  The upper basin of Cold Stream Pond has sufficient 
ice for
fishing and has been producing some good brook trout although salmon 
and
lake trout angling has been slow.  Pleasant Pond in Island Falls is 
well
frozen and salmon fishing has been good.  

Angler success in most waters has been highly variable because anglers 
have
been restricted to areas of good ice and have not been able to travel 
to
traditional "hot spots" or to fish for lake trout over deep water 
because of
unsafe ice conditions.  Salmon and brook trout fishing have been good 
on
Upper Jo Mary Lake although travel conditions on the access road have 
been
very poor.  Several more Northern pike have been caught from the 
illegal
introduction in Pushaw Lake and Mud Pond in Old Town.  Anglers who 
catch
Northern pike are encouraged to keep the fish and report the catch to
Department personnel working on the lake or to the IFW offices in 
Bangor or
Enfield.  Kids only ice fishing ponds; Jerry Pond in Millinocket, 
Little
Round Pond in Lincoln and Pickerel Pond in T32MD (near Milford) have 
been
very popular with young anglers and have produced many fine brook 
trout.  

-Mike Smith, Regional Fisheries Biologist
 	
Region G - Aroostook County

Lake conditions have improved greatly for travel and ice fishing in 
Eastern
Aroostook County.  In the greater Houlton area, ice anglers were out in 
good
numbers during the second weekend of ice fishing with good success at 
area
lakes.  Numerous brown trout, lake trout, brook trout, chain pickerel, 
and
white perch were observed by biologists during surveys over the 
weekend.
Local snowmobile clubs have cleared many of the trails making travel 
between
lakes much easier than during opening weekend.  Local baitshops are
well-stocked with live baitfish that are ideal for these lakes in
Southeastern Aroostook:  Mac's Trading Post in Houlton; Rairdon's 
Baitshop
in New Limerick; Brown's Trading Post on Drews Lake; and Ben's Trading 
Post
in Presque Isle.  

Travel conditions to the west in the North Maine Woods is much 
different,
however.  Deep snow on lakes has created slushy conditions that really
hampers travel.  Anglers going to any lakes West of Ashland and Portage
should be aware of these conditions and plan accordingly by leaving
totesleds near shore to pack trails prior to venturing out.  The 
Musquacook
Lakes area was surveyed this past weekend with very light fishing 
activity.
The few parties checked had been stuck in slush at some point during 
the
weekend.  

The larger lakes of the Fish River Chain (Long, Cross, Square, and 
Eagle
Lakes) open on January 15th, the upcoming weekend.  Many anglers from
Southern Maine make an early trip to one of these lakes in search of a
trophy salmon, brook trout, or lake trout.  Last year conditions were 
near
glare ice on these lakes during opening weekend; anglers should expect 
the
opposite this year.  Deep snow has forced water onto the ice layer 
creating
slush.  Anglers should make trails onto lakes to check both ice and 
slush
conditions prior to venturing out with fishing gear.   


-Frank Frost, Assistant Regional Fishery Biologist