Open fishing update

16 years ago
By Frank O. Frost
Assistant Regional Fisheries Biologist

    Pond and small-lake fishing for brook trout in northern Maine has been very good the past month and continues to be good as we approach September. Normally, trout are quite inactive this time of year when stressful conditions prevail. With the above normal rainfall, however, trout are actively feeding throughout the day and are growing well. In small, shallow ponds trout seek out spring holes, areas with groundwater influence, at this time of year. With the wet, cool conditions trout are leaving these areas more often to feed, resulting in much better angling.
     Rivers, brooks and stream regulations have changed as of Aug. 16: artificial lures only with a daily bag limit for landlocked salmon, trout and togue (lake trout) is one fish. During the recent increase in precipitation, flowing waters have been abnormally high and not easily fished. However, as water flows and temperatures drop, angling should be excellent during late summer/early fall. Northern Maine has thousands of miles of flowing water available for angling; some waters are close to population centers and many others are in remote areas.  No matter where one fishes in northern Maine there should be excellent opportunities in the next several weeks.