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Weekly Fishing Roundup 6/11/07 PENOBSCOT VALLEY REGION

June 11, 2007 - PENOBSCOT VALLEY REGION

Last week I had the opportunity to assist personnel from the Ashland Region with some work in one of the more remote parts of their region. The Big Black River, a tributary to the St. John River in the far northwest section of the State of Maine, was running 200+ cubic feet per second, a bit low for easy traveling. We put in from the Depot Road in T14 R16 WELS, and after two days of paddling, motoring, pushing and pulling downstream, we arrived at the confluence with the St. John River in T15 R13 WELS. Our charge was to evaluate both fish populations and habitat structure.

Unfortunately the fish populations have changed in the last twenty years, and not for the better. Brook trout are still present, but muskellunge are also now widespread throughout the drainage and are proving as destructive to the native brook trout populations as predicted 25 years ago when Maine biologist's discovered their presence in Maine. Some opportunities exist but need to be addressed quickly to limit the expansion of muskellunge in other adjacent drainages.

It was both a revealing and fascinating trip through a section of Maine that most people never get a chance to experience. For me, it was an opportunity to assess first hand some of the challenges we will be facing over the next few years as we try to limit the expansion of Northern pike in the Penobscot Drainage. My thanks to Ashland Fisheries Staff and Game Wardens Gary Sibley and Chad Abbott for all their assistance.

Reports continue to come in from throughout the Penobscot Region documenting some excellent fishing for brook trout and splake. Trout between 4 and 6 pounds are being boated in the back country as anglers follow up on some promising rumors. Sometimes it takes a couple of trips to hit it "just right", but nothing beats that sensation of bringing a large trout to the boat!

Next Sunday, June 17th, is Fathers Day, and I can think of nothing that would make Dad happier than a day fishing with the family. I would suggest a trip to the Penobscot River to fish for smallmouth bass. The river between Bangor and Medway is full of hungry smallies waiting to take a hook! When you go, please WEAR your PFD, bring plenty of sunscreen and take a camera!

-Nels Kramer, Assistant Regional Fisheries Biologist


Lakes:
Regions: Katahdin, Lincoln


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