Aroostook County Fishing Report: May 24, 2007

Smelt runs in northern Maine continue to wind down. Smelt populations in southern and central Aroostook as well as in the western “woods” area have completed their annual spring migrations. The only runs still ongoing are those in the Fish River Chain, particularly Long Lake. Smelt run timing was delayed 6-8 days in most locations this spring due to the cold spring with a couple of late snowstorms. Currently the weather is colder than normal which might delay these last few runs even later; we could possibly see some smelt still spawning on June 1st.

On Tuesday May 15th, the Department stocked 200 brook trout in Raymond Pond, a private water in Caribou. The stocking is the result of an agreement with the landowner to allow public access across their property in exchange for annual trout stocking. These types of partnerships have become more common throughout the State to provide more angling opportunities for youth, especially in urban areas. These waters are typically listed with a S-11 code in the Department’s regulation book: “fishing restricted to persons under 16 years of age; daily bag limit on trout: 2 fish.” Raymond Pond is adjacent to and lies directly south of Caribou High School; the area is managed as non-motorized use with many school activities taking place throughout the year. The designated access for fishing is at the High School ski shack; from this point a short walk down the hill toward the downhill ski area will lead to the pond. The Department wishes to thank Carl and Lisa Soderberg of Caribou for allowing public use of the Raymond Pond area.