Maine Outdoor Journal

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Benjamin Kelsey of Litchfield caught his record 3.14-pound perch at Parker Pond in Jay.

Courtesy photo

Brook trout studies, derbies and fast fishing make up this week's fishing chatter. But fisherman Benjamin Kelsey of Litchfield and his state-record perch grab the headline.

Kelsey caught a 3.14-pound perch on Aug. 8 at Parker Pond in Jay. He used a green chartreuse sinko rubber worm.

The previous record was a 3.13-pound perch caught by Chris Bubier of Wilton in January. Bubier was 14 at the time.

REGION A: SOUTHERN MAINE

Last week, biologists in southern Maine surveyed their region's 13 wild brook trout waters.

Biologist Francis Brautigam said one that is now well worth fishing is Dock Brook in Sweden. The fishing is good for legal-size brookies.

REGION B: CENTRAL MAINE

Bass derbies are big business in central Maine, with about 100 a year. Biologist Robert Van-Riper said biologists are busy gathering data at these events. There are roughly 300 derbies held statewide, Van-Riper said.

The trophy bass waters in central Maine are Annabessacook Lake and Cobbosseecontee Stream.

REGION C: DOWN EAST

White perch fishing in Hancock and Washington counties is getting big. Biologist Gregory Burr said shiners or trolling with a sliding worm rig works well.

"If you see them dimpling on the top, what folks do is troll that area. If they have a worm with a spinner on it, that draws the white perch," Burr said. "In the evenings, they are moving in toward the shallows."

Fish for white perch in Washington County at Second Lake, Rocky Lake, Pocomoonshine Lake, Clifford Lake and Grand Falls Flowage.

In Hancock County, try Molasses Pond, Spectacle Pond, Flanders Pond, Jones Pond, Alamoosook Lake and Brewer Lake.

REGION D: WESTERN MAINE

Work on rivers in western Maine seems to be producing an even better brook trout habitat. Biologists have built deeper pools in rivers to give brookies places to hold over through the winter or seek cooler water on hot days. It appears to be working well.

On the Upper Sandy River and South Bog Stream in Rangeley, biologists have already worked on more than 1,000 feet of river on each stream.

Biologist Forrest Bonney said one positive sign that this is working is an increased number of stone fly hatches.

"There were not many deep pools, probably due to the long driving days," Bonney said.

REGION E: MOOSEHEAD LAKE REGION

Biologists in Greenville wrapped up work on the East Outlet and found fewer salmon in the trap at the dam than usual, but that means fast fishing at the outlet. And what a great time to fish a favorite spot.

Biologist Tim Obrey thinks the cold river water of the East Outlet is making it too comfortable for the wild young salmon, so the fish are not heading for the deeper waters of Moosehead Lake.

"I was talking to fishermen. There are still a lot small fish in the river," Obrey said.

The cold water is due to all the rain.

REGION F: EASTERN MAINE

Bass fishing has slowed on the Penobscot River, but there are reports of good togue being caught at Schoodic Lake, said biologist Richard Dill.

"Nothing huge, but 18- to 23-inch fish in the 2- to 5- pound range," Dill said. "This time of year in this area, the white perch are really starting to pick up as well."

Dill said perch are schooling up in the evening. Trolling with night crawlers will work well.

Dill recommends Boyd Lake in Orneville Township, the Mattawamkeag River and Seboeis River.

REGION G: NORTHERN MAINE

Exciting news is brewing in the County with future boat landings on the St. John River. The state is working on three public boat launches in Frenchville, Grand Isle and Madawaska, said fisheries biologist David Basley.

Currently, there are only two landings, which makes a day trip impossible. However, with new boat launches within 20 miles, day paddles on this wild river will be possible.

The boat launches should be completed next summer, Basley said.

"Hopefully, it would improve use of the river. I think kayakers would use it more, because of the low water flows," Basley said.

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

dfleming@pressherald.com