Maine Outdoor Journal

The dog days of summer usually mean slow fishing – but not this year, not even in southern Maine's warmer inland waters.

In this week's report, western Maine's fisheries biologist is begging fishermen to catch the wild brook trout there, while Aroostook County's guardian of trout and salmon waters suggests an easy-access point for a wild trout river in Houlton.

REGION A: SOUTHERN MAINE

In southern Maine, there have been reports of lake trout in the 2- to 3-pound range caught in Middle Pond in Poland, as well as rainbow trout as big as 18 inches, according to biologist Francis Brautigam.

The recent rain has meant the brook trout stocked in the Presumpscot River below Sebago Lake have been moved downriver. Look for brookies south of the Route 35 bridge at the Standish line. Try Dundee Pond around Gambo Dam.

REGION B: CENTRAL MAINE

The fishing news in central Maine is all about the proposal to increase fishing opportunity.

Regional biologist Robert Van-Riper wants to increase the bag limit on the St. George River from one fish (salmon, trout or togue) at 12 inches to two over 6 inches. This proposal is part of a larger effort to increase fishing opportunities. The thinking here is the stocked fish are in a warm-water fishery that heats up in the summer, causing most to die. Why not fish them out?

"If you release a fish and 85 percent are not making it, what are you doing in the name of conservation?" Van-Riper asked.

A public meeting on regulations will be at 6:30 p.m. on Aug. 11 at the Mount Vernon Community Center on Old Belgrade Road in Mount Vernon.

REGION C: DOWN EAST

In August the days are longer, the bugs light and perch and pickerel fishing fast. Biologist Joe Overlock suggests adults take advantage and take kids fishing for these fish.

"You can target pickerel by casting a topwater/floating lure at the edges of weed beds and retrieving it with irregular jerking motions to produce a splash on the water. Pickerel are very aggressive and will hit the lure with a large splash," said Overlock.

Try Rocky Lake in Township 18 Eastern Division Bingham's Penobscot Purchase, Seal Cove Pond in Tremont, Third and Fourth Machias lakes in Township 42, Eastern Division Bingham's Penobscot Purchase and Osborn's Spectacle Pond.

REGION D: WESTERN MAINE

Anyone who hasn't fished the Rangeley Lakes region – now is the time.

Biologist Forrest Bonney is stunned at the fat brook trout, a result of all the above-average rainfall. Rain brings bugs and bugs breed big brookies – apparently like never before here.

"I'm getting phone call after phone call from people who mention how many brook trout there are, and how much bigger they are. Really, it's a boon for the aquatic world," Bonney said.

REGION E: MOOSEHEAD LAKE REGION

The 1 to 2 inches of rain that fell on the Moosehead region two weeks ago brought rivers up to spring-high levels yet again.

Regional biologist Tim Obrey said it is difficult to fish at these levels and the fishing is usually slow as flows increase.

The good news: "High flows bring fresh fish into the rivers and streams, even in the summer months... As the flows recede, the fishing should be very good," Obrey says.

On the big lake, temperatures are still remarkably cool – in the mid to upper 60s, making it ideal for coldwater game fishing.

REGION F: EASTERN MAINE

Biologists in this region have been at work on the shallow pond surveys Nels Kramer mentioned last week.

These ponds are last on the list to survey. We're talking 10-acre ponds that are 3 to 4 feet deep, with waters that warm to 70 degrees. Turns out these ponds hold wild brook trout populations that are doing well.

"I don't mean they're big fish, but in spite of environmental concerns, the brook trout have maintained populations. That in and of itself is pretty impressive," Kramer said.

REGION G: NORTHERN MAINE

Anyone heading to Houlton or the St. John Valley, take note of the city park along the Meduxnekeag River.

Biologist David Basley said the Houlton town park is a great place for targeting brown trout, wild brookies and bass. A walking trail allows for several access points along the park. A bridge over the river into Houlton offers another option.

Staff Writer Deirdre Fleming can be contacted at 791-6452 or at:

dfleming@pressherald.com