Downeast Fishing Report: January 24, 2008
It appears as though the January thaw may be over with meteorologists forecasting colder weather conditions for the remainder of the week. If you are an avid ice fisherman, the recent warm days have been a bit of a downer. Fisheries staff members were out over the weekend talking to ice fisherman and checking ice conditions. We observed that most small coastal waters had between 3-5 inches of ice. Some of the inland waters had between 4-8 inches of ice. Many locations had ice broken up around the shoreline. Anyplace where moving water is found (inlet, outlet, saddle area between islands or shore) be aware of potential thin ice. Also, around the shoreline, around rocks, and shoals be cautious of ice thickness. Pay close attention to old ice holes and cracks in the ice since many of these places have opened and swelled to a larger size as a result of so many warm days. Many of the larger coastal waters (Tunk Lake, T-10 SD, Jordan Pond, Mount Desert, Eagle Lake, Bar Harbor to name a few) have now opened up again or have just a thin layer of ice. Be sure to check ice conditions before venturing out onto any body of water and check it often as you move to different locations.
If weather predictions hold true for the upcoming week we should see great improvements in ice conditions all over the Downeast region. Snowfall early this week will act as an insulating blanket, partially hampering additional ice formation. But if overnight temperatures dip down into the single numbers for any length of time, we surely will be making some ice!
Area Game Wardens would like to remind all anglers to be certain of the fishing regulations that exist on the body of water they are fishing. Also, be sure that any fish you harvest does not fall under the minimum length limit. Even if a fish is a ¼-inch short at the time a warden measures it, you are in violation of the law. You can pick up your free copy of this year’s ice fishing law book at any location where fishing licenses are sold, from any regional IF&W office, your local town office, or online at www.maine.gov/ifw. Remember, it is your responsibility to know the regulations on the body of water that you are fishing.
Ice fishing is a great way to get kids dedicated to a lifetime of fishing. Here are some suggestions of places where you are sure to have some exciting fishing for perch, pickerel or largemouth bass: Chalk Pond in Beddington, Scammon Pond in Eastbrook, Georges Pond in Franklin, Somes Pond in Mount Desert, Seal Cove Pond in Tremont, Graham Lake in Mariaville, Webb Pond in Eastbrook, Rocky Pond in T-22 MD, Spectacle Pond in Osborn Plantation., Great Pond in Franklin, Lily Pond and Forbes Pond in Gouldsboro, Boyden Lake in Perry, Rocky Lake in T-18 ED, and Hadley Lake in East Machias.
Also, I suggest visiting Unnamed (Foxhole Pond) in Deblois for kids-only fishing waters for brook trout.
In general, ice fishing pressure has been light this year, so there still are plenty of opportunities awaiting hard water anglers. Be safe, check ice conditions often, and have fun!