Penobscot Valley Fishing Report: February 21, 2007

The results are in from the 45th annual Schoodic Lake Fishing Derby, and they are impressive. Anglers could fish Schoodic Lake, Seboeis Lake and Ebeemee Lake on both Saturday and Sunday. Estimates from Schoodic Lake on Saturday indicate that around 1200 to 1500 anglers were on the ice enjoying a great day. Although no monsters were entered, some handsome fish took the prizes. All the top slots for togue were between 6 and 7 pounds, with a 6.98 pounder placing 1st. A 6 pound salmon was entered for 1st place, with 4.9 pound and 4.4 pound in 2nd and 3rd. First place trout was a 5.5 pound splake from Seboeis, with a 2.75 pound splake also from Seboeis taking the 2nd place prize. A 2.25 pound brook trout was entered from Schoodic for 3rd. All in all a great weekend for all participants.

A Family Fishing Day was also held at Jerry Pond in Millinocket on Saturday. A total of 20 brook trout from 12 to 19 inches were caught , with the largest weighing in at almost 4 pounds! Over 300 hotdogs and gallons of hot chocolate were served up to a great bunch of kids. Kudos go to The Millinocket Fin and Feather Club for sponsoring this ever popular event. For some excellent pictures from the Jerry Pond Family Fishing Day, go to http://ffc.50webs.org/fin.html

This next weekend (February 24th and 25th) is the date of the 9th Annual East Grand Fishing Derby. The derby was postponed from January 27 – 28 because of poor ice conditions. This derby includes East Grand Lake, Brackett Lake, Deering Lake and North Lake. Grand prize is $1000 cash, and the “Special Youth Grand Prize” this year is a Lifetime Fishing License for Maine Residents under age 16. Ice conditions are good on all lakes involved in the derby, with ice thickness from 18″ to 24″ most everywhere. We have been conducting a winter creel survey on East Grand this winter, and clerks have measured many salmon and a few nice brook trout and togue. Should be a good time this weekend up there! For more information, please call Buck Plummer at 448-7018.