Aroostook County Fishing Report: July 27, 2009
By all accounts the fishing in this area has been meeting all expectations this spring. From the first ice out at Long Lake, anglers have been successful catching 3-5 pound salmon with regularity. The smelt ran very well in the tributaries which should insure an adequate forage supply to maintain size quality. Togue fishing at Eagle Lake has picked up where the winter fishing left off. Anglers can continue to harvest a daily bag limit of 6 togue having a minimum length of 14 inches; only 1 may exceed 23 inches. Brook trout have been cooperative at Fish Lake, Square Lake and Cross Lake.
In the backcountry, Big Eagle has been exceptional for togue 3-5 pounds with 7-8 pound fish not uncommon. Please remember than the general law bag limit of 2 togue remains in effect in 2009. Twelve to 17 inch brookies have been the norm in Big Eagle and Churchill Lakes. Anglers continue to be encouraged to visit First, Second and Third Musquacook Lakes to harvest togue. Although indications are that smelt abundance has improved since implementing liberal bag and length limits in 2008, the 6 togue daily bag limit and 14 inch minimum length limit, only 1 may exceed 23 inches is slated to remain on the books for the foreseeable future. We continue to encourage anglers fishing these waters to please harvest the togue.
The flow in our rivers has been “bumped up” by the recent rains and the weather continues to be cool. Anglers were reporting excellent trout fishing in brooks and rivers over Memorial Day weekend. Water conditions remain similar to extend this fishing into the coming weekend. The Aroostook River, any spot from its headwaters to the New Brunswick border, should be on the list of waters to fish if visiting the area. Other notable tributaries to the Aroostook include the Big Machias and Little Madawaska River for trout fishing. The upper and lower reaches of the Aroostook are under special regulation while the middle section is under general law. Please check the lawbook to identify those sections under special regulation.
We would note that the Ashland headquarters (see photo) has been under new construction over the winter. Visitors to the office are advised that the public entrance is now on the west end of the building as depicted in the accompanying photo. The lowermost driveway will access vehicles to the public parking and entrance. All IF&W staff is now located in the new office building.
