Aroostook County Fishing Report: August 23, 2007

The most common fisheries question we receive this time of year in northern Maine is one that involves the restrictions on rivers, brooks and streams. Without a doubt many anglers fishing in northern and western Maine are convinced that these “flowing waters” are closed after mid-August.

In reality, rivers, brooks, and streams are open to fishing until September 30 but under more restrictions because of the onset of spawning behavior in brook trout and landlocked salmon. Restrictions involve the use of artificial lures only (ALO) and a daily bag limit of 1 for salmon, trout, and togue. The regulations are intended to still allow for fishing opportunity but with added protection to the resource by limiting harvest of fish (daily bag limit) and minimizing hooking mortality (ALO).

This time of year we notice that brook trout in streams begin to leave their summer-time habitat as water temperatures cool. These fish become more aggressive as they approach spawning time and some great fishing can be found on many of our regional streams and rivers. Currently, stream temperatures are dropping to normal levels with cooler weather; to date, Monday, August 20th, fall rains have not occurred so water levels remain low from summer.