Downeast Fishing Report: February 13, 2007
Old 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 might 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!