Penobscot Valley Fishing Report: July 11, 2007

It’s that time of the year, and anglers fishing the back-country ponds are reporting some dramatic green drake hatches. It is truly something to behold when at just about dark, the sky becomes filled with large, dancing mayflies, and although trout may go on a feeding frenzy, it doesn’t mean they are easy to catch. Sometimes there are so many targets on the water, a fly cast by an angler can be lost in the crowd! In and around the Baxter Park area, some impressive brook trout have been reported the last few weeks during “the hatch”, some up to 5 pounds!

One of the strongest advocates for wild brook trout resources in the Katahdin Region has passed away. Wilmont “Wiggie” Robinson died in his garden at his camp on the West Branch of the Penobscot River, in the presence of Katahdin. Over the years it was always a pleasure to be in his company, as the fellow new more about how to catch brook trout than anyone I know! Whenever we had work on one of the ponds in the Katahdin Region, we would always stop in on the way out and visit. Most always Wiggie would treat us to some of his delicious trout chowder, wild mushrooms and his famous stories from around Katahdin Country. Fond memories of a true gentleman. We will all miss him.

After nearly 35 years of dedicated service to the anglers of Maine, Mike Smith has hung up his waders. Mike retired on June 30, 2007 as the Regional Fisheries Manager for the Penobscot Region. In addition to directing day to day fisheries management activities in Region F, Mike initiated a number of fisheries projects over the years, including a 10 year study on landlocked salmon at West Lake in T3 ND, and 20 years of work on white perch populations in Maine. Mike’s most ambitious project was his leadership of the smallmouth bass recovery at Spednic Lake. Anglers throughout the Penobscot Region should give Mike a big thank you for his devoted service spanning three decades.