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Fishing Expected to Heat Up as Warmer Weather Comes

May 30, 2011 - Augusta - The weather has put a damper on fishing, but based on statewide reports, that's about to change.

From the white perch runs around Sebago Lake to the trout being caught in Rangeley Lake and the mayfly hatches on Moosehead Lake, fishermen will be out in force this holiday weekend.

REGION A: SOUTHERN MAINE

White perch spawning runs have begun in the Songo River, at the locks, and over on Panther Run, said biologist Francis Brautigam with the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

There still is an abundance of smelts along the western shore of Sebago Lake, Brautigam said, and in relatively shallow water.

In those areas, the togue and salmon fishing is pretty good.

It's also worth noting the pond in Limington where ice fishing was opened this winter will likely be closed to it again, Brautigam reported.

Wild brook trout were found in Sand Pond, which is a great pond of more than 10 acres. It will be closed to ice fishing to protect the trout.

It's surrounded by developed properties, anyway, with limited access to the public.

REGION B: CENTRAL MAINE

IFW biologist Bobby Van Riper said a number of projects providing access in central Maine are in the works, and he is hopeful this summer he will announce three to four new access points.

He also reminds fishermen that under the Great Pond Law fishermen have a right to trespass on undeveloped land to access water bodies greater than 10 acres in size, but it's a good idea to ask permission just the same.

"There are hundreds of wonderful land owners, and all they want is respect," Van Riper said.

REGION C: DOWN EAST

The fishing is just getting good in Hancock and Washington counties.

IFW biologist Greg Bur said brook trout are biting fast and furious and stream fishing is just getting hot.

Unless it dumps rain, the river levels will be perfect this weekend, he said.

REGION D: WESTERN MAINE

Flows on western Maine rivers are just starting to come down, making for ideal fishing conditions this weekend, IFW biologist Dave Boucher said.

Nice trout in the 5-pound range have been caught in Rangeley Lake and hatches are just starting on the small ponds, Boucher reported.

REGION E: MOOSEHEAD LAKE REGION

Fishing has been great in the larger salmon and togue lakes around Moosehead, reported IFW biologist Tim Obrey.

Try Sebec Lake, First Roach Pond and Chesuncook Lake, and Moosehead.

Trout ponds are prime right now especially for sub-surface fishing, Obrey noted.

And a few early mayfly hatches have occurred, though the caddis hatches have been pushed off with the cold weather.

And then there are the black flies.

REGION F: EASTERN MAINE

Salmon and brook trout fishing has been excellent in East Grand Lake and Mattagamon Lake, said IFW biologist Nels Kramer.

Fishermen mostly are having success trolling at East Grand, he said.

REGION G: NORTHERN MAINE

River levels are dropping and fishing will be ideal in The County during the holiday weekend, IFW biologist David Basley said.

In Piscataquis County, Basley recommends trying Upper Elbow Pond in Township 10, Range 10, just northeast of Churchill Lake.

It's at a North Maine Woods camp site, easily accessible by vehicle, and is stocked with spring yearling brook trout.

"There are numerous trout there between 10 to 13 inches," Basley said.

Bag limit is two trout.

Deirdre Fleming, Maine Sunday Telegram, May 2011


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