Southwestern Maine Fishing Report: March 17, 2009

Ice conditions in southern Maine have continued to improve since Jan. 1st. Some of the smaller to medium sized ponds are covered in a blanket of ice 8 or more inches thick. Cold temperatures have thickened the ice on lakes that “buttoned up” early, but persistent winds have delayed ice formation on the region’s largest lakes, including Sebago.

Cold weather and windy conditions appears to account for the overall lighter than anticipated early season angler turn out observed and reported on many area lakes and ponds. Although, that said, some bait retailers have reported brisk bait sales.

I recently spoke with one angler who fished for bass with his son opening weekend. The wind was so strong that one of his ice fishing traps was propelled at such a high speed it traveled clear to the other side of the lake and could not be recovered.

A few of our project waters surveyed this winter have produced slower fishing so far this season, including Crystal Lake (Gray) and Sabbathday Lake (New Gloucester). Ironically these two lakes produced outstanding early season action last winter under the same stocking programs. Most of the 2009 angler reports from other waters have been very favorable, especially those targeting brook trout. Waters including Keoka Lake, Bear Pond, Otter Ponds, Center Pond, and Thomas Pond have produced very good early season action for 12- to 14-inch brook trout, including some double digit catches.