You can then move your sled back on to the packed snow and give it some gas to get out of the slush. Read more about Illegal Fish Introduction, Physical Address: March is a great time to get out on the ice because the weather can be much more enjoyable. The lake contains multiple fish species that winter anglers often pursue, such as landlocked salmon, white perch, chain pickerel, and on occasion a brook trout, but it’s the lake trout that seems to cause the biggest stir. From Fisheries Resource Biologist Kevin Gallant. On these days, any person (except those whose license has been suspended or revoked) may fish without a license. Maine Fishing Report From Maine IFW #3 FNE Admin June 19, 2015 Region A – Sebago Lakes Region There are some good reports coming out of Sebago, with anglers still landing salmon. We hope you have a great ice fishing season! I have certain areas that I frequent for panfish and if I fish them mid-day I struggle to get just a few fish. Sebec Lake (Bowerbank, Dover-Foxcroft, Sebec, Willimantic)  Fax: (207) 287-8094 or (207) 287-6395 If you are unsure where to find the fish, try placing traps in a variety of depths of water. As the days get longer and the sun gets higher the shorelines will be the first to break up. The condition of this salmon, which is typical at Eagle Lake, indicates there are too many predators for the available food. TTY: Maine Relay 711 This 550-acre stocked trout pond provides some good trout fishing as well as a great view of Big Moose Mountain. Contact Information. Anglers were permitted to fish in inland waters without the required recreational fishing license through April 30, 2020. Salmon Lake gets relatively light pressure during the winter months and it can be a very productive brown trout fishery. Smelt are beginning to stage in these areas for spawning in April and May. Click the links below for the most up-to-date fishing news and suggestions from Maine’s fisheries biologists. Maine Fishing Report Some anglers also target rainbow smelt here with great success. On Little Sebago, anglers are enjoying the rebuilt launching facility there and enjoying some fine fishing for rainbow and brown trout, as well as smallmouth and largemouth bass. Reminder: In March the ice can start to recede around the shore and rocks, and pressure ridges can start to open, so be aware of open-water areas that have just enlarged with the warmer weather. Typically, March can also be very productive for warmwater species such as bass and perch, as they tend to get more active as spring spawning approaches and they have a need to nourish egg production. Then pack down as much snow as you can and clean under the sled and around the skis to reduce drag. It is divided into regions and it looks like some good fishing in Maine right now. The second half of the extended 14th Annual Moosehead Lake Togue Derby put on by the Natural Resources Education Center at Moosehead was held this past weekend. Beginning May 1, 2020, all anglers are required to hold a valid Maine fishing license to recreational fish inland waters. A damp pair of socks and boots will likely result in cold feet before the end of the day. They are relatively cheap and work wonders when placed in the boots. Try some just under the ice and some on bottom, but you can also suspend them at different depths under the ice. Review the current fishing laws or purhcase your license online. Augusta, ME 04333-0041, Mailing Address: Traps set with small shiners can be a great “locator” device as brook trout and rainbows are notorious “hit and spit artists” (meaning they trip the flag, pull out some line, but somehow avoid being hooked). Ice fishing tip: Try to avoid slush if you are using a snowmobile. Although not many have been reported being caught through the ice, smallmouth bass are now present in Brassua. From Fisheries Resource Biologist Nick Kalejs. Ice fishing tip: As temperatures get warmer in the month of March it’s a great time of year to take kids ice fishing. Places to go: The Belgrade Lakes: This is a great time of year to catch large fish in the Belgrade Lakes. Physical Address: 284 State Street Augusta, ME 04333-0041. From Fisheries Resource Technician Brian Lewis. Anglers can have action for a long list of fish species here including brook trout, lake trout, splake, brown trout, rainbow smelt, as well as white perch, chain pickerel, and yellow perch. 284 State Street Smallmouths spend much of the winter near rocky habitat and usually prefer 20-30 feet of water. Please respect landowners when parking to go fishing. Then Mountain View Pond in Big Moose Township is a great place to start. This site is under development, but will include fishing reports and journals from across Maine. The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW) has spent a considerable amount of effort to evaluate Sebec Lake over the past 50 years because of its importance as a large, multi-species fishery in southern Piscataquis County. Angler use on Downeast waters was very high with many fine catches of brook trout, salmon, brown trout, lake trout, and splake. Introductions of invasive fish cause irreversible changes to entire aquatic ecosystems. Physical Address: 284 State Street Augusta, ME 04333-0041. You can purchase a fishing license online at mefishwildlife.com and children under 16 do not need a fishing license to ice fish. In the meantime, anglers should enjoy the opportunity to harvest two abundant species and help ensure some great fishing in the future. Dag’s Bait & Sportgoods in Auburn’s own Tracey told me of terrific togue action from Sebago Lake.She is itching to try it herself from Standish Point and Jordan’s Bay. From Fisheries Resource Supervisor Gregory Burr. Brassua Lake (Brassua Twp., Rockwood Strip, Sandwich Academy Grant, Taunton-Raynham Academy Grant, Tomhegan Twp.) There are hiking trails around the pond and a shooting range exists on this property managed by the Maine Youth Fish and Game Association. Pickerel Pond in T32 MD, a scenic, stocked brook trout pond is a good spot to try. These can be very productive early in the season. That same exact spot will light up with fish when the sun just starts to fall behind the treetops in the evening. Click the links below for the most up-to-date fishing news and suggestions from Maine’s fisheries biologists. Find great freshwater fishing spots recommended by regional fisheries biologists by Maine Region Map or download the Maine Fishing … Madawaska Lake (Stockholm):  Also featured in the February fishing report, this water is worth mentioning again. Review the current fishing laws or purhcase your license online Webb Lake is a local favorite offering a picturesque view of Tumbledown Mountain that will provide a great background to any photo. These small ponds on a warm March day provide kids an opportunity most adults wish for! Pond in T 28 MD is also a terrific place to catch white perch. Anglers visiting here will find excellent fishing for brookies whether they prefer small streams, small ponds, large lakes, or large rivers. Sebec is best known for its quality lake trout fishery. Eagle Lake (Eagle Lake): I am highlighting this water yet again because of our continued efforts to balance three wild fish species – brook trout, lake trout, and landlocked salmon – with the lake’s primary forage fish, rainbow smelt. Much of the summarized account of each lake will be of additional value in planning fishing and camping trips. Located approximately 5 miles west of Moosehead Lake, Brassua Lake is often over-shadowed by its nearby neighbor to the east. While not noted for producing huge trophies, Salmon Lake is worth a try if you are looking for numbers of trout, which is often hard to come by. Contact Information. Closed to ice fishing is that portion southwest of a line between two red markers set on opposite shores at the entrance to Misery Cove so-called. FNE Admin May 29, 2015 June 5, 2017. Places to go: As we enter the month of March springtime is within sight and minds are already turning to our favorite varieties of open water fishing. This water is regulated under General Law, with special regulations: S-11 (The use or possession of live baitfish/live smelts is permitted) and S-19 (Daily limit on brook trout (includes splake and Arctic charr): 2 fish) and is open to ice fishing from December 1 to April 30. Within a short drive from Caribou or Fort Kent, anglers can make a day trip with the family where they can have action for stocked brook trout, and wild salmon, as well as several non-sport fish species like yellow perch. Consider one of the kids only ice fishing waters mentioned above. This water is restricted to persons under 16 years of age or those with an eligible complimentary fishing license. While fishing for brown trout it’s worth a try for some of those big smallmouth bass that Cobbossee produces. Good luck! … Both species are in a pre-spawn feeding mode, meaning that they are quite willing to hit whatever you put in front of them. Likewise, rainbow trout can be had utilizing the same methodology. Places to go: If you’re looking for an opportunity to catch a variety of coldwater fish species such as brook trout, brown trout, and landlocked salmon, consider Webb Lake in Weld. Fishing early has provided some action for salmon, but those with the ability to troll deep with downriggers or lead line are getting some nice catches of lake trout throughout the day. Cold Stream Pond (Enfield) is producing for both salmon and lake trout. Also, don’t forget with spring encroaching parking areas and roadsides can become soft and easily rutted. Physical Address: 284 State Street Augusta, ME 04333-0041. We have current, up to date population estimates on lake trout from our SPIN (summer profundal index netting) sampling the last two summers and from that data we know there are too many lake trout for the available forage. Webb Pond in Eastbrook is an excellent water to catch big smallmouth and largemouth bass as well as white perch! Search by Habitat Type. Reminder: As always, feel free to contact your local biologist with any questions you might have. East Grand Lake (Danforth, Orient, Weston) is still producing lots of lake trout in the 5-10 pound range with a few larger fish. Snow sled trails are in great shape with some recent storms so there’s plenty of snow and ice in northern Maine. Fish Stocking Report Now Available With Daily Updates The fish stocking report now features daily updates from hatchery staff. Or, try fishing during Free Fishing License Week February 13-21, 2021. Tight Lines! Accessing lakes and ponds should be avoided unless you can be certain of ice conditions by checking ice thickness. It helps if you have a depth map, which you can find for most lakes/ponds in Maine here: https://www.maine.gov/ifw/fishing-boating/fishing/fishing-resources/lake-survey-maps/index.html. Here you can also help by removing invasive northern pike if you happen to catch one. Update on the ice fishing season: This winter certainly has been an odd one. All other laws and regulations apply on these days. Location is key to success so focus on areas where there are large inlets entering lakes and ponds. TTY: Maine Relay 711 We’ve been concerned about the Cobbossee brown trout fishery due to severe impacts from illegally introduced northern pike, but reports this winter sound very good. Bass Fishing Tournaments Aquatic Plant and Live-well Inspection Training for Bass Clubs. Anglers who are looking for a rewarding remote experience will enjoy Spencer Lake in Hobbstown Twp. Mailing Address: 41 State House Station Augusta, ME 04333-0041 Update on the ice fishing season: Although it started out slow, the ice fishing season is in full swing here in the Moosehead Region. Access to Brassua is at the boat launch, directly off Route 15 and is maintained by Brookfield Power throughout the winter, providing anglers a safe location to load and off-load their gear. Anglers can expect to catch a variety of species at Pleasant Lake, including lake trout, brook trout, salmon, lake whitefish, and white perch. Ice fishing tip: When taking someone (young or old) ice fishing for the first time, I’d recommend taking them to a water where they have a higher chance of being successful. With longer days and a warming sun, these last couple weeks on the ice can be the most pleasant and productive of the entire season. Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Freshwater Fishing Report for Aug. 22: IFW fisheries biologist Tim Obrey went bass fishing recently with a group of local kids from the Natural Resources Education Center in Greenville. Many anglers target pre-spawn pike that move into shallow water, but there are other species that should be considered. Crappie fishing has picked up a notch from Androscoggin Lake but for fast action the local pick is Sabbathday Lake. There are some outstanding bass waters in central Maine, and the bass fishing is starting to heat up. The season’s ice conditions delayed many anglers who prefer to target lake trout, but it hasn’t slowed down their success since safe ice formed. Take them to one of our “put and take” stocked brook trout waters. Looking to introduce a youngster to brook trout fishing? According to IFW Fisheries Resource Supervisor Gregory Burr: Places to go: In March anglers can encounter some of the warmest and most comfortable conditions to fish in. If folks can find them, white perch can make for a fun day on the ice as well. Whether it’s a question of fish identification or you’d like to know where to go for good salmon fishing – we’re here to help! Access to the pond is at the public boat launch off Route 15, approximately 7 miles northwest of Greenville. Anglers who bring a sonar or flasher are sure to have an action-packed trip. Landlocked salmon, lake trout, and smallmouth bass are all popular and plentiful fish species that are regularly caught by anglers, but brook trout are by far the most targeted.Many of the region's lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, and brooks provide excellent habitat for brook trout and offer a variety of fishing … Third Toddy Pond in Surry is a wonderful place to catch big smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and white perch. Two very recent photos from Eagle Lake show a salmon that is likely 5-7 years old and a lake trout that was 29 inches long and released by the angler. March is often the time where coldwater game fish become harder to catch and anglers turn towards white perch and other panfish. Update on the ice fishing season: Despite all the varying weather conditions anglers have been fishing frequently and successfully. Contact Information. Update on the ice fishing season: Ice fishing in the Penobscot Region has picked up quickly as safer ice is now easier to find. Fishing Licensing . From Fisheries Resource Supervisor Frank Frost. Pushaw Lake (Glenburn, Hudson, Old Town, Orono) is another place to fish and expect a variety of species (including all those at Chemo). Before stepping out, use a chisel or auger to test ice thickness in several places. There is an access point on the west end of the lake near Packard’s Landing as well. Sebago Lake Region. If you're looking for moving-water, there are numerous large rivers that provide great fishing for wild brook trout and landlocked … Ice fishing tip: Smelt angling can be very good in March and some anglers target these fish for both food and bait. Remember to always use extreme caution when venturing onto Maine's waterways. We continue to monitor these populations through fall trapnetting, summer and winter creel surveys, and in a few years,  we’ll duplicate the SPIN sampling to see if our current rule structure has reduced the lake trout population. We have heard reports of trout still being caught at Perch Pond in Old Town. It’s also good to keep a few packets of disposable toe warmers in the pack basket. Welcome to MainelyFishing.com! Physical Address: 284 State Street Augusta, ME 04333-0041. This 8,979-acre lake offers ice anglers the opportunity to fish for brook trout, landlocked salmon, and at times a decent hook and line smelt fishery. Physical Address: Ice fishing tip: If you truly want to maximize your catch, for virtually any fish, try fishing early morning or late afternoon/evening. From Fisheries Resource Supervisor Liz Thorndike. Find great freshwater fishing spots recommended by regional fisheries biologists by Maine Region Map or download the Maine Fishing Guide below. Reminder: Ice formation was late this year and the usual thickness did not develop in southern Maine. Beginning May 1, 2020, all anglers are required to hold a valid Maine fishing license to recreational fish inland waters. Ice conditions were much improved from three weeks earlier and anglers were able to safely travel the lake to reach their secret “togue hole.”. Anglers were permitted to fish in inland waters without the required recreational fishing license through April 30, 2020. Since 2020, all bass clubs have been required to participate in standardized training on aquatic plant and live-well inspection, and all tournament related inspections must be … Daily bag limit on bass: 2 fish only 1 may exceed 14 inches. In southern Maine, anglers are still having good fishing on Sebago. Some of the fish are pushing four pounds,” said IFW fisheries biologist Francis Brautigam. In the Sebago region, the rainbow trout fishing is heating up. Some of the worst sunburns I’ve ever experienced or seen have been caused by a full day of sun on the ice in March. I’ve seen some memorable catches on Salmon Lake, mostly because of the numbers of fish. Places to go: In March anglers can encounter some of the warmest and most comfortable conditions to fish in. Augusta, ME 04333-0041, Phone: (207) 287-8000 Mailing Address: 41 State House Station Augusta, ME 04333-0041 Largemouth bass will start moving into shallower water, typically preferring vegetation and softer substrate than smallmouth. Salmon Lake (Belgrade): I’ll mention one more of the Belgrade Lakes that doesn’t always get the notoriety that the larger lakes receive. From Fisheries Resource Biologist Jeff Bagley. Looking to introduce a youngster to brook trout fishing? If you happen to find yourself in slush, the best way to get out is to pick up the back of your sled and move it over to one side. This 6,803-acre lake is rich with history. The low-light periods are when predatory fish are more actively seeking prey and this holds true during the ice fishing and open water seasons. Maine Fishing Laws Online Angling Tool. 284 State Street Access during winter months is by snowmobile only. Jigging that hole with the Swedish pimple/worm combo after a “hit and spit” will greatly increase an angler’s catch rate and make those beautiful late winter days feel much more productive. So historic, that it’s one of the four original waters to contain native landlocked salmon resulting from when the glacier receded about 10,000 years ago. Mailing … Before we start with gear, the absolute first thing you need to do before heading ice fishing is to buy your Maine fishing license. Please be sure to respect landowners and carry out everything you bring in with you! Waters often fished early but still provide great opportunities through March are kids only (S-9) ice fishing waters, such as Tibbetts Pond in Concord Twp or Harvey Pond in Madrid. Located in northernmost Maine, the Fish River Lakes Region boasts some of the most robust populations of brook trout in the eastern United States. It’s not uncommon to catch 10-20 bass in a few hours, especially if you’re jigging. As spring nears, these fish will start moving up into rocky and gravel shoals with around 10-20 feet of water. Before heading onto the ice, change into a pair of dry wool socks (smart wool works great) and a warm pair of waterproof boots. I’ve even encountered brown trout on Salmon Lake while I was jigging for panfish. Fishing Report. “We’ve been hearing about some good rainbow fishing in the region, particularly in the western part of the state. Develop a policy where the Maine Forest Service or LURC would notify IFW of forest management plans where cutting was planned on high elevation sites (above 2,700 feet); Develop a technique to identify northern bog lemmings using e-DNA found in small water bodies associated with alpine sites Tip for bringing someone ice fishing for the first time: Introducing someone to the great sport of ice fishing? It seems that every year we hear about a big laker, in the 20 lb. Alert: Stay up to date on Maine's COVID-19 Response, Home → Fishing & Boating → Fishing → Fishing Resources → Fishing Report. Instead of hearing when and where the hatcheries have stocked well after the season has ended, anglers now will be able to easily locate waters freshly stocked with … Southern Maine Fishing Report. Cobbosseecontee Lake (Winthrop): Cobbossee is known for growing impressive bass; some of the largest bass I’ve ever seen in Maine. Free Fishing Days – Bring an aspiring angler. Unauthorized introductions of invasive, exotic fish species are particularly destructive to Maine's native fish species, especially brook trout populations. Ice that forms over flowing water and currents, especially near streams, bridges and culverts, can be particularly dangerous. Here are some tips on How to Bring Home a Quality Catch. Put them onto fish and they’ll be hooked! Don’t forget the sunscreen! This water is regulated under General Law, with special regulations: S-2 (S-2: Closed to the taking of smelts, except by hook and line, S-11 (The use or possession of live baitfish/live smelts is permitted), S-16 (Daily bag limit on brook trout (includes splake and Arctic charr): 2 fish; minimum length limit: 12 inches, only 1 may exceed 14 inches), and S-22 (Daily bag limit on landlocked salmon: 1 fish) and is open to ice fishing from January 1 to April 30. We hope… From Fisheries Resource Supervisor Jason Seiders. We created this map-based online tool to give you a quick and easy way to see which of Maine’s thousands of inland waters have special fishing laws. Sebec Lake is situated in the southeast portion of the Moosehead Lake Region. The cost for a day of fishing is less than a ticket to the movies and kids under 16 always fish for free. Update on the ice fishing season: This year’s ice fishing season has been a huge success with ice depth and ice travel conditions being optimal for both snowmobiles and ATVs. Region A – Sebago Lakes Region. Sebec Lake is open to ice fishing from January 15 to March 15. Kids are often more comfortable with these warmer temperatures and it can make a difference in extending an ice fishing trip. Fishing Opportunities. From our aircraft counts and surveys on the ice, there were lots of anglers out and about. This is a great time to catch large bass and lots of them. Ice fishing tip: My tip for the month of March is to jig often. category, being caught. Biologists have received several reports from happy anglers who have caught their personal best this winter, although success is not always measured by the size of the fish but the ability to get outside and enjoy fresh air with friends and family. One of our goals at Eagle Lake is for salmon of this length to be much heavier, and more attractive to anglers. This access is on private land, so please be courteous when using this facility. When you find something that works, you can set all your traps or jig in that depth. Anecdotally, catches appear to be down for most species, even for warmwater species. There is nothing better than using bait in the water where you caught it. Augusta, ME 04333-0041, Mailing Address: Research & Management Reports Our agency is widely diverse, composed of wildlife biologists, educators, and game wardens, and funded largely by Maine’s sportsman community. Ice fishing tips: Stocked brook trout are still present in many ponds and will respond to a small Swedish pimple tipped with a crawler at the end of a jig pole. If folks travel any distance by vehicle prior to reaching their fishing destination I recommend wearing a separate set of footwear, along with a light pair of socks.