Moosehead Region Fishing Report: January 22, 2009
The ice fishing season is in full swing in the Moosehead Lake Region as the cold temperatures firm up the ice on the lakes and ponds in the area. While anglers must always take care while traveling on the ice, most areas up this way are safe with 12-16 inches of ice. The snowmobile trails in the Moosehead Lake — Jackman area are in great shape thanks to the cold temperatures and fresh snow.
Corey Hegarty of Sally Mountain Cabins in Jackman reports that the fishing on Big Wood Pond and Little Big Wood Pond has been terrific so far this winter. Anglers are catching nice colorful splake in the 16-17 inches range along with salmon mostly in the 14-16 inches range but with a few as big as 18 inches. It sounds like the smelts may be biting too for the anglers that know where to jig on Big Wood Pond. Corey reports that the cusk fishing on Little Big Wood Pond has been really good with one lucky angler getting a 9 ½ lb fish. That will make enough chowda’ for the rest of the winter!
We checked a number of anglers on Moosehead Lake this weekend. The anglers in the Rockwood area were picking up a number of the smaller togue that are available for harvest. We also saw a few brook trout on the ice this weekend. January is typically the best month of the ice fishing season for catching brook trout. Folks are still just getting their ice shacks out and we anticipate the fishing activity to pick up over the next few weeks. Don’t forget that the 2nd annual Moosehead Lake Togue Derby is scheduled for Jan 30-Feb 1. Be sure to pick up your tickets at Indian Hill Trading Post, Kineo Flies, Moosehead Bait and Tackle, Northwoods Outfitters, or the Chamber of Commerce’s Visitor Center. Derby ticket sales end at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 31. There will be lots of great prizes including $1,500 for the best togue.
Some young anglers were taking advantage of the good weather to fish Drummond Pond in Abbot. This pond is open to fishing for children under the age of 16 in the winter months and is right on Rte. 15, so access is easy. We stocked this little gravel pit pond with fall yearling brook trout and a few retired broodstock brook trout this fall. There are also a few pickerel and perch in the pond which helps to keep the flags flying. We want to thank the local folks that keep the parking lot plowed so the kids can have a nice place to get out of the wind and fish. Attached is a photo of some very successful Guilford/Parkman anglers with a nice pickerel and brookie from this past Saturday. Nice catch!