Southwestern Maine Fishing Report: February 26, 2007
It’s derby time! Mid to late February is a popular time for ice fishing derbies in southern Maine, and they seem to get more and more popular each year. Two sizable ice fishing derbies occurred over the past weekend, the Great East Lake Derby in Acton and the F.E.T. Derby on Little Ossipee Lake in Waterboro. We haven’t gotten any details on the Great East Derby at the time of this writing, but we have heard the lake trout from Great East Lake are looking much better. It appears the togue may be benefiting from recent smelt egg introductions conducted by the Maine and New Hampshire Fish and Wildlife Departments. F.E.T.’s 8th annual ice fishing derby was its largest turnout ever with 1,031 adult and 229 children entries. Ryan Whitmore took the $3,000 first place prize with a 5.28 pound largemouth bass, and a complete listing of winners and photos can be viewed at www.lakesidemarket.net and past/future derby information can be obtained at www.fetinc.net.
The last weekend in February marks the Windham Rotary Club’s Sebago Lake Togue Derby, which seemingly grows exponentially each year. Although the entire lake (Sebago) has yet to freeze, anglers have been fishing much of Lower and Jordan Bays for the last week or two. This year a Kid’s Derby was added to the “Derby Fest” events, which will be held on Thomas Pond in Casco/Raymond on Friday, February 23rd. In addition, a third statewide derby is included for the first weekend in March. The “Derby Fest” includes many nonangling events, and certainly offers something for everyone. Its a great time to get out and enjoy some Maine winter festivities, so be sure to check it out if you get the chance. Details on this year’s event and future events are available at www.icefishingderby.com.
Other than derby waters, the fishing pressure in southern Maine seemed a little lighter this past weekend. My impression was that many of the “regulars” were attracted to the local derbies, and the fishing pressure was less spread out than normal. My first highlight of the weekend was an angler check of 2 youth anglers on Round Pond in Lyman. I checked them at around 10 AM and they had already caught and released nine 9-11 inch brookies! Round Pond is a new kids only ice fishing pond (2 line limit) created in cooperation with the local fish and game club and MDIF&W. The small size of the pond and our relatively heavy stocking makes it a great place to introduce kids to ice fishing. My second memorable event of the weekend was helping a couple of novice anglers get their friend’s ATV unstuck from the deep snow and slush created from the prior week’s major snow event. It took some shoveling and towing with my sled, but we eventually got the ATV on some firm ground and I think they learned a valuable lesson. That’s all I’ve got for this week, stay safe and enjoy the winter!
