Aroostook County Fishing Report: February 21, 2007

The snowstorm last week may have added snow to the trails allowing groomers to get out and smooth them up, but on the lakes it made for slow travel. The wind following the storm created “whitecaps” on lakes that caused sea sickness among some snowmobilers. The drifts caused gear being hauled behind snowsleds to get pounded and, on some lakes, slush is becoming a factor with all of the snow. It would be great to get a little snow without a following wind to smooth up the lakes.

The free fishing weekend added increased use to some lakes while others saw very little use. Square Lake was on of the “hot spots” in the region this weekend. Salmon and trout were coming good with most parties catching fish. Long Lake has entered its winter doldrums with most anglers having long waits in the chance of catching a big salmon. Madawaska Lake opened on February 15 and the fishery for the FY brook trout this weekend was pretty decent. Sledders should use caution when traveling around the lake where there has been fishing activity as slush has been observed in these areas.

With milder days this week being forecast and the high school basketball tourney in full swing, we have officially reached the mid-point of the ice fishng season. Hopefully, with longer and warmer days ahead of us, the best fishing is yet to come.