Penobscot Valley Fishing Report: July 25, 2008

As the summer progresses we are getting more and more inquires from parents and grandparents looking for angling opportunities for young anglers. There are a number of obvious places throughout the region to go, including those waters open to “Special Opportunities for Kids” listed on page 6 in the Open Water Fishing Regulations Book.

Pickerel Pond, in T32, has as recently as last week given up brook trout from 10 to 18 inches in length. Other regional hot spots for kids include Rock Crusher Pond in Island Falls, Cold Stream between the hatchery and the lake in Enfield, Jerry Pond in Millinocket and Harris Pond in Milo. As always, the Penobscot River remains one of the premier locations to take kids for an enjoyable evening of bass fishing.

Regional staff will be heading to Baxter State Park this week to do some stream and pond surveys in the southern portion of the Park. Center Pond, Abol Pond, Lower Togue Pond and Draper Pond will al be checked for any changes in species composition and water quality. We will be conducting brook trout population assessments on all waters. Windy Pitch Pond will be surveyed for the first time, collecting physical, chemical and biological information. Based upon what we find, we will be exploring additional management opportunities at Windy Pitch.

We will also be performing a stream habitat survey and an electrofishing survey on Sourdnahunk Stream from the outlet of Sourdnahunk Lake to Sourdnahunk Field Campground. Surveyors will be measuring stream widths, depths, substrate composition, cover, etc. to evaluate brook trout habitat in the project area.