Posts Tagged ‘Aroostook County Fishing Report’
Posted on Thursday, August 23rd, 2007 by Maine Sportsman
The most common fisheries question we receive this time of year in northern Maine is one that involves the restrictions on rivers, brooks and streams. Without a doubt many anglers fishing in northern and western Maine are convinced that these “flowing waters” are closed after mid-August.
In reality, rivers, brooks, and streams are open to fishing until September 30 but under more restrictions because of the onset of spawning behavior in brook trout and landlocked salmon. Restrictions involve the use of artificial lures only (ALO) and a daily bag limit of 1 for salmon, trout, and togue. The regulations are intended to still allow for fishing opportunity but with added protection to the resource by limiting harvest of fish (daily bag limit) and minimizing hooking mortality (ALO).
This time of year we notice that brook trout in streams begin to leave their summer-time habitat as water temperatures cool. These fish become more aggressive as they approach spawning time and some great fishing can be found on many of our regional streams and rivers. Currently, stream temperatures are dropping to normal levels with cooler weather; to date, Monday, August 20th, fall rains have not occurred so water levels remain low from summer.
Tags: Aroostook County Fishing Report • Categories: General
Posted on Wednesday, August 8th, 2007 by Maine Sportsman
Fishery Division staff from the Ashland and Enfield office will be holding a public meeting on Monday, August 20 at the Meduxnekeag Ramblers snowmobile clubhouse on Carry Lake off the Wiley Road in Littleton. The meeting will start at 6:30 pm. Fishery management issues in the greater southern Aroostook area will be discussed as well as entertaining questions from the audience.
All roads lead to Fort Kent this weekend as the community hosts the annual fishing derby targeting muskellunge. Muskellunge have become established in the St. John River drainage as the result of the stocking of this species by Quebec biologists in Lac Frontier, a headwater of the Northwest Branch of the St. John River. In addition to the St. John River, the species provides a sport fishery in Baker Lake in Somerset County and Glazier Lake in Aroostook County. The state record muskellunge was caught in Glazier Lake by Jeff Albert at a length of 46 inches and 31.02 pounds.
In addition to participating in the derby, anglers can visit the Maine Winter Sports Center that has hosted world class biathlon championships. Numerous other activities and events, as well as more detailed information on the derby can be found at www.fortkent-muskie.com. The people of the St. John Valley are well known for their hospitality and I’m sure this weekend will be a great time for all visitors.
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Tags: Aroostook County Fishing Report • Categories: General
Posted on Tuesday, July 24th, 2007 by Maine Sportsman
As we enter the dog days of August and, hopefully, some drier and warmer weather, we might suggest giving the coldwater fish a break and consider spending a few days fishing for pickerel at Drew’s Lake in the southern Aroostook town of Linneus. A public boat launch at the outlet allows easy access for boats of all sizes.
The best pickerel fishing would probably be found at the very west end of the lake and in some of the shallow coves on the north shore. We would recommend casting around the emergent vegetation and pond lilies that give these fish cover as they sit and wait for unsuspecting prey. Red and white spoons with large treble hooks are very successful at attracting pickerel to strike. It might be advisable to keep checking the line ahead of the lure after catching several pickerel to check for worn line. A short steel leader attached between the lure and monofilament line would eliminate this problem and not infringe tremendously on the action of the lure. Because these fish have numerous sharp teeth anglers should be very careful in removing the hooks from the mouth. That is the reason for suggesting using large treble hooks on whatever lure is used. A pair of needle-nose pliers would also be a welcomed addition to the tackle box when fishing for pickerel. Should several larger fish be kept in the creel, they make an excellent fish chowder, however, removing the numerous bones is the test of patience required to prepare this table fare.
Tags: Aroostook County Fishing Report • Categories: General
Posted on Wednesday, July 11th, 2007 by Maine Sportsman
The restoration of Nadeau Lake, Fort Fairfield, took a step forward this week as Davis and Northrup Contracting broke ground near the outlet of what was formerly a Great Pond. In 1971 this Aroostook County lake was drained so that a mining company could extract marl, a natural substance that would later be used as a liming agent for the region’s agriculture industry. During the next 30 years severe environmental disturbance occurred at the former lake and its outlet to Limestone Stream. A small lake that had a large wetland complex surrounding it, reportedly had large brook trout and no other species of fish. As the outlet was deepened by as much as 12 feet, brown bullhead, white sucker and several minnow species gained access to the few, small remnant ponds. Later, smallmouth bass invaded the Limestone Stream drainage after being illegally stocked at Durepo Lake in Limestone.
The work currently in progress involves a water control structure that will restore the historic water level of the lake and block upstream movement of all fishes. This management step will allow a reclamation of the pools that currently exist at the site that will remove all fish species. The final step in the restoration process will involve the reestablishment of brook trout using fish from a nearby wild source.
During the past seven years several State agencies, conservation groups, and private corporations have participated in the restoration of Nadeau Lake. Significant habitat improvements for brook trout have been accomplished during this time. Maine Council of Trout Unlimited, The Trout and Salmon Foundation (Chicago, IL), and McGillan Inc. of Fort Fairfield are a few who have provided volunteer and monetary support to achieve these improvements. In the end, the angling public will have permanent, guaranteed access to a good sport fishery for wild brook trout.
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Tags: Aroostook County Fishing Report • Categories: General
Posted on Tuesday, June 19th, 2007 by Maine Sportsman
Low flows in area rivers and streams got a needed boost of water from Sunday’s thundershowers. This increase in flow should get the trout to move a little. These showers were much needed relief from the continued warm temperatures of last week.
All of the stocking has now been completed in regional waters. Legal size trout have been stocked in East Branch Mattawamkeag River, North Branch Meduxnekeag River, Arnold Brook Lake, Logan Lake, Upper McNally Pond, Conroy Lake, Spaulding Lake, Mud Pond (Linneus), Nickerson Lake, Rockabema Lake,Durepo Lake, Monson Pond, Island Pond (T10R10), Round Mountain Pond, Upper Elbow Pond, Beavertail Pond, Ben Lake and Moccasin Pond. Reports on fishing in these ponds has ranged from excellent to “are you sure the water was stocked”?
Fall fingerling brook trout ponds that have been producing this year include: Echo Lake (Presque Isle), Hanson Brook Lake, Trafton Lake, Hale Pond, Perch Pond, and Silver Lake.
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Tags: Aroostook County Fishing Report • Categories: General
