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2 • April 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————

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Wilsons on Moosehead Lake The dam at the East Outlet on Moosehead Lake creates a river flowage leading to Indian Pond, the headwaters of the Kennebec River. Well-informed anglers know the East Outlet as one of the finest brook trout and landlocked salmon fisheries in New England. Wilsons on Moosehead is situated at this “salmonid epicenter”!

Scott and Alison Snell recall, “It started over 17 years ago with a dream and two young children (soon to be three). It turned into hard work, uncertainty, determination and incredible relationships with so many new and repeat guests we now consider family. In 2017, we were fortunate to be able to purchase Wilsons on Moosehead.”

Visitors to the Greenville/Moosehead region will continue to enjoy hunting,

fishing, family vacations and four-season recreation at Wilsons, and relish the idea that this unique set of camps may be around for another 150 years.

Wilsons cabins range from one to five bedrooms, all with full kitchens and bathrooms, and a screened-in porch (lakeside) to enjoy the views of beautiful Moosehead Lake and the surrounding mountains.

Wake up at one of your own personal cabins at Wilsons on Moosehead, grab your fly rod, and walk down to the East Outlet dam to fish the turbulent headwaters. Or experience the ultimate fly-fishing adventure and book a drift boat trip with Scott, a Master Maine Guide. He will show you the tactics and techniques to help you catch the fish of your dreams.

Adventures abound at Wilsons on Moosehead, every season – all year long.

Spring/summer at Wilsons includes some of the best drift boat fishing trips on the East Outlet, as well as world-class fishing for brook trout, landlocked salmon and huge smallmouth bass – the ultimate prize when fishing with Scott as your guide.

Fall offers hunting and fishing “cast ’n’ blast” at Wilsons on Moosehead. Flyfish the world famous East Outlet of the

Kennebec River, and end the day on a guided upland bird hunting adventure.

Winter at Wilsons on Moosehead offers ice fishing on over 1,000 feet of lake frontage. Snowmobile the hundreds of miles of beautifully groomed ITS trails – right from your cabin door. Wilsons on Moosehead also boasts private scenic trails to enjoy winter hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. You might even see some wildlife!

Their guests agree – vacationing at Wilsons on Moosehead is a spectacular adventure driven by the whole Snell family. Scott, his wife Alison and their children offer their guests the most spectacular experience possible.

For reservations or more info, go to www.wilsonsonmooseheadlake.com, or call the Snells at (207) 695-2549.

Libby Camps Libby Camps is located in the vast North Maine Woods region of the state.

They specialize in fly fishing for native brook trout and landlocked salmon in small ponds and rivers; wingshooting for ruffed grouse and woodcock; trophy biggame hunting for black bear, moose and whitetail deer; and catering to snowmobile riders in the winter months.

Libby Camps is an award-winning, Orvis-endorsed lodge in both fly fishing and wingshooting – the only lodge in the East that’s endorsed for both activities.

This endorsement is maintained by combining world-class fishing and hunting, together with exceptional service.

Libby Camps’ commitment to service and conservation has been recognized, with the camp receiving the 2006-2007 Orvis Endorsed Lodge of the Year award, and being a finalist for Orvis Endorsed Lodge of the Year in both hunting and fishing several times, including in 2012, 2013, 2018, and 2021. They also won the Maine Tourism Hall of Fame Award in 2010. In addition, Libby Camps has been referenced in numerous books and magazines as one of the greatest fishing and hunting lodges in North America.

Libby Camps is unique in the Eastern U.S. in that it has two Cessna seaplanes on site to access remote regions as well as their ten outpost cabins. This allows sportsmen to fish for trophy native brook trout anywhere in and around the 3.5 million acres of the North Maine Woods, or hunt a much broader region than at a typical lodge.

Ten guest cabins are spread out around the historic main lodge where everyone congregates for meals. Each cabin is rustic but offers all modern conveniences. Heat is provided by wood stoves; illumination is from propane lights; and each cabin has a full bathroom. Homemade quilts and Amish-made rocking

chairs and furniture put the finishing touches on these historic cabins.

Libby has been known for generations for providing their guests with food that is second to none. Dinners are served family style in the main lodge, and the homecooked breads, pies and treats have people coming back for more, year after year. The Libbys pride themselves on creating a family atmosphere, and guests will feel like part of the family as soon as they walk through the door.

For more information, visit www. libbycamps.com, or call Matt J. at (207) 435-8274.

www.MaineSportsman.com

4 • April 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————

Editorial

New England’s Largest Outdoor Publication

Sportsman The Maine

Two Short Takes

ISSN 0199-036 — Issue No. 605 • www.mainesportsman.com

I. The Problem with Cats

PUBLISHER: Jon Lund

Cats constitute the proverbial third rail of environmental politics. They eat lots of birds, which is a bad thing. They also eat lots of mice, rats and chipmunks, which may be a good thing. But when a lawmaker sponsors a bill to rein in outdoor cats and their owners, fur flies.

There are strong opinions on all sides. Wildlife advocates want to protect wildlife. Bird-watchers don’t want their private backyard bird-feeders to turn into a buffet for neighborhood cats. Cat owners and advocates don’t want to deny cats their freedoms. Everyone comes with their claws out, and legislative committees are the scratching posts.

Legislative committees are supposed to do more than just respond reactively (and often, defensively) to bills referred to them for hearings.

Rather, they are supposed to comIn seeking to hold owners of outdoor mission studies, analyze the results, cat legally liable for their pets’ and establish policy. “trespasses,” bird advocates may But by the time a committee have bitten off more than they could is done fending off bird-lovers and chew. cat-lovers (29 separate items of testimony on the recent “cat anti-trespassing” bill), there’s little time left for the larger issues – ensuring proper funding for the Land for Maine’s Future Board, for example; or mitigating the loss of open land to solar panels; or protecting our current hunting seasons from the efforts by some to chip away at them (e.g., LD 814, which would restrict dates and hours for coyote hunting).

In short, we all need to stay focused on what’s important.

MANAGING EDITOR: Will Lund will@mainesportsman.com

II. Banning Small Painted Lead Jigs Our friends at Maine Audubon are seeking to remove an exception to the current rule against selling or using small, unpainted lead sinkers and jigs; namely, the “unpainted” part. Turns out that a covering of paint does not last long in a loon’s gizzard, so a painted lead jig soon becomes an unpainted lead jig.

It’s taken us a while to fully recognize that bad results occur whenever animals ingest lead – whether it’s loons, eagles or otters, animals that eat fish with lead in them will not survive. Further, the restriction should extend to small painted lead jigs.

Certain private organizations are already taking action – voluntarily and proactively. Rideout’s of East Grand Lake, for example, issued this statement: “Although painted lead-headed jigs are exempt from [the law’s] requirement, Maine Audubon believes they are still a threat to our loons, as paint easily dissolves in a loon’s stomach acid. Therefore, Rideout’s will only sell sinkers and jigs made from metals considered to be non-toxic, such as tungsten, tin, steel, and bismuth.”

A tip of the Maine Sportsman’s cap to Rideout’s for leading the way on this issue, and to Maine Audubon for pressing forward in their legislative efforts.

¶

On the Cover: All over Maine, anglers prepare to head out onto ponds in canoes in pursuit of brook trout. This action occurred at the Orvis-endorsed Libby Camps, located in T8 R9. Pictured is Kyle Laird, an Orvis employee, who is being guided by Ben Rioux. Photo: Ben Rioux www.MaineSportsman.com

OFFICE MANAGER: Carol Lund carol@mainesportsman.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Kristina Roderick kristina@mainesportsman.com ADVERTISING DIRECTOR: Nancy Carpenter nancy@mainesportsman.com DISTRIBUTION DIRECTOR: Lorry Plante distribution@mainesportsman.com Second class postage paid at Scarborough, ME 04074 and additional entry offices.

All editorial inquiries should be emailed to will@mainesportsman.com Phone: 207-622-4242 Postmaster: Send address changes to: The Maine Sportsman, 183 State Street, Suite 101,­ Augusta, ME 04330 12-Month Subscription: $30 • 24-Month Subscription: $49

TABLE OF CONTENTS Almanac by Will Lund.................................................... 15 Aroostook - “The County” by Bill Graves..................... 11 Big Game Hunting by Joe Saltalamachia.................. 64 Big Woods World by Hal Blood..................................... 63 Cooking Wildly by Kate Krukowski Gooding............... 31 Downeast Region by Jim Lemieux............................... 69 Editorial.............................................................................. 4 Freshwater Fly Fishing by Lou Zambello....................... 33 Get Out There by Staci Warren.................................... 24 Jackman Region by William Sheldon.......................... 59 Jottings by Jon Lund........................................................ 9 Katahdin Country by William Sheldon......................... 57 Letters to the Editor.......................................................... 6 Maine Sportswoman by Christi Holmes....................... 49 Maine Wildlife by Tom Seymour................................... 20 Midcoast by Tom Seymour........................................... 68 Moosehead Region by Tom Seymour......................... 61 New Hampshire by Ethan Emerson.............................. 80 Nolan’s Outdoor World by Nolan Raymond............... 78 Off-Road Traveler by William Clunie............................ 52 Outdoors & Other Mistakes by Al Diamon.................. 84 Quotable Sportsman by Will Lund................................ 77 Rangeley Region by William Clunie............................. 74 Ranger on the Allagash by Tim Caverly...................... 56 Riding Shotgun by Robert Summers............................. 83 Sebago to Auburn Region by Tom Roth..................... 70 Self-Propelled Sportsman by Jim Andrews.................. 50 Shooter’s Bench by Col. J.C. Allard............................. 66 Smilin’ Sportsman by Will Lund...................................... 83 Snapshots in Time by Bill Pierce.................................... 14 Southern Maine by Val Marquez................................. 71 Sporting Environment by David Van Wie.................... 51 Tales from the Warden Service by Ret. Lt. Doug Tibbetts 73 Tidewater Tales by Randy Randall............................... 54 Trapping The Silent Places by David Miller.................. 55 Trading Post (Classifieds)............................................... 85 Trout Fishing by Tom Seymour....................................... 32 Vermont by Matt Breton............................................... 79 Western Maine Mountains by William Clunie.............. 76

GUEST COLUMNS & SPECIAL SECTIONS APRIL FOOLS SPECIAL FEATURE..................................... 82 ATVing in Maine by Steve Carpenteri......................... 21 Boating by Capt. Ron Dupuis....................................... 25 MAINE FISH STOCKING REPORT.....................................

REPORT 35 Saltwater Fishing by Bob Humphrey............................ 28

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6 • April 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————

Letters

To the Editor: I am writing in reference to Al Diamon’s fascinating article in the March edition of The Maine Sportsman magazine, entitled “Welcome to Boringville.”

I must remind him and your readers that there is nothing BORING about the town of Skowhegan, in Somerset County.

best guess of the meaning was “Watching place for fish.” However, the Abnaki language interpretation preferred “Falls by the Pine Plain Lands.”

Other translations that have evolved are “Spearing,” or “Place to Watch.”

At any rate, Skowhegan “stands alone in the world,” and plays a prominent part in Maine’s economy today, with huge employers like the SAPPI paper mill and the growing New Balance Athletic Shoe factory.

I look forward to future columns from Al Diamon!

Reid Appleby, East Greenwich, RI —

Having been brought up in Skowhegan, we were made aware from an early age that there are 36 Bostons and 29 Londons world-wide, but only one Skowhegan on the face of the earth!

I fully agree that the meaning of the name “Skowhegan” has been debated for centuries; but when the original spelling of the town was “SKWAHEGAN,” the

To the Editor: I am applying for a Biggest Bucks in Maine patch for my mother, Jeannette Beaudoin.

In November, 1951, she accompanied my father and my uncles to hunting camp in Caratunk. The men all went out hunting one morning, and my mother was alone at camp. My dad had left her a 30-30 in case she saw anything.

Well, a group of does came running up to the camp, followed by a massive buck. My mother, who had never hunted before, took a single shot and dropped the buck. She tagged the buck and then waited for the men to return to camp,

To The Editor

Skowhegan Not Boring

Never Too Late

Built to last Built to enjoy Built for you.

Jeannette Beaudoin and her 250-lb buck; November 1951.

since she had no idea how to field dress the big deer.

The buck was weighed and registered. It weighed 250 pounds, and its antlers had 10 points. Mom’s photo with the big buck was printed in the Kennebec Journal, over the caption “Diana the Huntress.” I have provided proof of her accomplishment with the application.

Mom is turning 89 this year, and she is experiencing many health challenges.

(Continued on next page)

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However, when she tells the story of her big buck, it still makes her smile, 72 years later.

Patrick Beaudoin, Harrison, ME Editor’s Note: The staff and management of The Maine Sportsman were proud to mail Jeannette’s patch to her this month.

—

Wants to Read About Real Maine Camps To the Editor: The Maine Sportsman covers many luxurious sporting camps.

How about stories or interviews about good old fishing and hunting camps? Not the million-dollar log homes with all the toys – I’m talking built by Uncle Ed and Great Grampa Leo, with an outhouse, no running water, illuminated by candles or lanterns, and with triple bunks with mice running over you while you sleep.

Remember when camps were just little rough structures, and they were good enough?

Randall Tolman, Appleton, ME —

Building a Better Mouse Trap To the Editor: I read Randy Randall’s and Jon Lund’s columns about mouse traps.

See the accompanying photos of the mouse trap I use at my place in Casco.

It differs from some because it has a hole in the side, and you can

put a cover on it and weigh it down so squirrels won’t knock it off.

In my experience, Snapple bottles or any other hard-sided bottles are preferable – they don’t collapse, and they spin easily. Use washers on each end so they don’t bind.

During winter, I put windshield washer anti-freeze in the base instead of water, so it won’t freeze.

As you can see in the photos, I insert short lengths of copper tubing into the ramp. When I fill the openings with peanut butter, it lasts a long time, because the mice can’t get the peanut butter out.

Using these traps, I have eradicated the mouse population at my property, once catching seven over a single weekend.

Rich Russo, Abington, MA and Casco, ME —

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Good Job on Solar Piece To the Editor: Just got my March issue. David Van Wie did a super job of explaining solar power generation in Part 1 of “Solar Energy in Maine” in his “Sporting Environment” column. I am looking forward to Part 2.

This is very informative and well-explained for the readership.

Most folks do not realize the economic and environmental issues related to solar or wind.

There is no free lunch.

Matthew Scott, Belgrade, ME —

Happy About “Hunt Quietly” To the Editor: Just read Ethan Emerson’s article in the March issue of the Maine Sportsman, and I couldn’t agree with him more about folks who post pictures of themselves on Facebook and all the other networks of social media.

My wife and I don’t have anything to do with any of the social media, but we hear about local hunters and fishermen in our area posting pictures of themselves.

However, we do use trail cameras, but not the ones that call you on your cell phone. Rather, we have to go and check them, which gets us out in the woods, plus we enjoy all the wildlife we capture on the chips along with the deer. We do get a lot of pictures of some nice bucks, but it doesn’t help us kill any more deer than if there wasn’t any camera there at all. Instead, it provides us (Continued on next page)

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Letters

(Continued from page 7)

with an inventory of what deer are in the area.

I’m 71 years old, and my legs don’t carry me the long distances that I used to travel when I could take a track and go all day.

So long as it is legal to use trail cameras, I guess we will use them.

We hunt VT, ME and NH, so our hunting time is limited. Our cameras sometimes let us know where we have a chance of seeing a deer to harvest.

We enjoy Ethan’s articles every month, so tell him to keep up the good work, whether people always agree with him or not.

Lee Piper, Wells River, VT —

Happy About “Hunt Quietly” II To the Editor: I just finished reading Ethan Emerson’s article, and although I am not much of a hunter, I am a bass fisherman, and in my opinion Ethan’s concerns about hunting apply equally to bass fishing.

Since fishing here in New Jersey is not a great outdoor experience, my wife and I drag our boat up to Maine three or four times a summer, where we enjoy the fishing tremendously.

One of my pet peeves is the commercialization of bass fishing. Now we do have an older (2008 Triton) bass boat. It gets us around and has a couple of fish locators on it. I don’t really use them for locating fish, but to keep an eye on the depth and not get into any trouble.

But these days, you can purchase a “live scope” for your boat. As the name suggests, you can watch the fish you are pursuing, well, live.

Where the hell is the challenge and mystery of fishing in that?

And the bass tournaments, with anglers using baitcasting gear with 30-pound braid – they hook a fish and tail-walk it over the water. It’s in the boat within like 15 seconds.

They can’t lose that fish, since it could be worth a ton of money!

I thought it was supposed to be a sport? My wife and I fish good rods and reels with 6-lb Trilene. We take our time playing the fish. And do you know what? We rarely lose one. My best one, an 8-pounder, was caught on Lake Damariscotta three years ago on that type of gear. Now, I couldn’t tail walk him across the top of the water – instead, I had to actually play the fish for a good 12 or 15 minutes.

I sure enjoy catching that way rather than what I see going on at those tournaments.

And regarding all the people who watch bass tournaments on TV? Man, just get out there and actually fish! For the pleasure of it!

The commercialism that has taken over bass fishing has, in my opinion, taken something out of it; namely, the fun.

Finally, I stay away from all the social media stuff relating to bass fishing. I don’t want to see other people’s fish – I want to catch my own.

George Tutek, Allentown, N.J. —

Not Completely Happy About “Hunt Quietly” To the Editor, I never respond to stories like Ethan Emerson’s “Hunt Quiet,” but felt a real need to comment here about the column.

Mr. Emerson begins his column by writing, “We used to live in a society that could criticize someone’s practice while thinking they are good people.” Then he says if you see people do this, then “un-follow them” and “don’t give them the audience.”

Doesn’t that constitute (Letters continued on page 10)

www.MaineSportsman.com

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Fishing the Wet Fly on Maine Trout Ponds There are probably as many different techniques as there are fishermen. I’ve set down what works for me.

Maine trout fly fishing ponds offer an opportunity for the person of modest fly casting skills to practice and learn fly-casting, and catch a few trout in the process.

Most of my experience on Maine trout ponds has been fishing out of a canoe. Being in a canoe has advantages over casting from shore or wading, because you can easily move toward a rising trout some distance away rather than trying a superhuman long cast.

Usually for me, an extra-long cast ends up being unproductive, because if the trout does take the fly, I may not be able to set the hook before the trout discovers that my fly is a fake and moves on. We use the term “setting the hook” when what we are really doing is straightening out the line and leader between the angler and the trout. A fly hook is quite small and sharp, and it doesn’t take a lot of force to penetrate the mouth of a trout.

So one of the first lessons I learned as a young fly fisher was that you do not have to be a long distance casting champ to catch trout when fly casting from a canoe or row-

In the author’s experience, extra-long casts are not only unnecessary, but are often counterproductive.

While fishing from a canoe on Tim Pond, the author rushes a trout in, before an aggressive trout grabs it. Photo by Jym St. Pierre

boat. Trout are generally not spooked by a canoe . You may often get a strike right close to the hull, or even under the bow.

Indeed, I have found an inverse relationship between the length of my cast and the likelihood that I’m going to hook a trout.

The longer the cast, the less likely it is to be successful.

Under the Surface I have read that the majority of the trout’s diet comes from food they catch underwater rather than things they find on the water’s surface. Examining the contents of a trout’s stomach tends to bear out this observation. Sometimes their diet includes food you would not expect a trout to feast on at all.

Once on an Allagash canoe trip, we stopped near an in-

teresting riffle and I broke out my pack rod to make a few casts. A brook trout in the 12inch range took my fly.

It fought hard. When it came to my net, I saw it had an unusual bulge on its stomach. .I cleaned the trout with some care and found the bulge was caused by a thumb-sized rodent in the trout’s stomach. I learned later that some species of voles spend time under water. So much for the delicate diet of the elegant brook trout.

We read a lot about “hatches.” However, hatches are rare on Maine ponds, and brook trout must be hungry ’round the clock. Why not fish for them under the surface, where they are most likely feeding?

That sounds like trolling, but trolling is not permitted on many trout ponds. Most of

my fly casting involves casting not to a rise or hatch, but where the trout ought to be – in other words, casting blind.

Present the wet fly like a real insect just moving along, and maximize the time the fly is in the water.

Choose Rig for Easy Casting Covering the water systematically requires a lot of casts, so those casts must be easy and effortless.

For that reason, I don’t do a lot of false casts, and I use a rod, line and leader that work well together and are not tiring for normal casts.

My favorite is a St. Croix 9-foot pack rod rated for a 5-weight line but rigged with a six-weight, weight forward line, and a sixor seven-foot tapered leader. The tapered (Continued on next page)

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10 • April 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————

Jottings (Continued from page 9)

end of the weight-forward line has been shortened a bit. The tapered leader is also shortened a bit and attached to the line with a nail -knot or a barbed ring.

Avoid lumpy knots.

Fly Selection If I’m not sure what fly will work, I’ll prospect with two flies – a terminal fly, and a different fly on a two-foot long six-pound test monofilament dropper.

If I get a rise, I’ll try to determine if it is on

Letters

(Continued from page 8)

“Cancel Culture”?

I agree wholeheartedly that hunting has turned into a business for far too many people, and killing animals should not be a job. But I disagree totally that we need to hide our hunting activities from the general public.

I am not ashamed to be a hunter, or to show animals that I have taken that will be enjoyed at my table, and admired and re-lived by mounts on my wall. For many, many years this was the normal method of gathering food, and should be shown as normal – not something to hide away because we are afraid of PETA, or because some young kid may see the picture and figure out where food really comes from.

Friday, March 31 1PM–8PM

the terminal fly or the dropper. If the rise is on the terminal fly, I’ll clip off the dropper . If the action is on the dropper, I will probably cut off the terminal fly and move the productive fly to the terminal slot. A percentage of the hits on a dropper will foul up with the leader, so the best spot for a pro-

ductive fly is where it will work best – on the terminal spot.

If you are not seeing any action, it may be time to try some different flies, or vary your retrieve. Trout can be picky. Sometimes they prefer to see the fly sink a bit before you start the retrieve. Also try moving to a different

part of the pond.

If other fly fishers are seeing more action, watch them and try to see what is paying off for them. If you can approach them without crowding them, most anglers do not mind sharing the reason for their success. Ask them.

¶

I just think this is an aspect of this topic that Mr. Emerson may not have considered.

Jeff Dimon, Ashaway, RI —

Loved His Model 24 20-ga., 24/7 To the Editor: I read with great interest Bill Sheldon’s excellent column on the Model 24 build.

I have an old Model 24 in 22lr/410 and figure it to be a very good allaround piece.

At one time I had a Model 24C in 22lr/20 gauge and had installed a Williams receiver peep sight and Marble folding middle sight on it. Also replaced the butt plate with a solid one, and installed a sling swivel set and butt stock

shell carrier.

But, stupid me – I let that one go.

Later, I realized that was the best bunny/squirrel gun going.

I will look forward to hearing how Bill does with that set-up.

Wayne Dengler, Danbury CT

¶

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���������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • April 2023 • 11

River Fishing, and Waiting for Turkey Season:

Aroostook’s April Options

Freshet Fishing Speaking of a misguided sense of humor, I’d like to meet the joker who decided that April Fools’ and the beginning of open water fishing should be the same day. Not a native of “The County,” I’m sure!

Lakes won’t be free of ice until near Moth-

the Prestile, Meduxnekeag, Fish and Aroostook Streams.

Wading through 25 yards of knee- to thighdeep snow may be required to fish the pools below the Mars Hill and Robinson dams, but there’s trout to be caught.

On the plus side, off-road parking is plentiful but seldom needed as it’s unusual to see more than one or two other anglers.

Both locations attract large numbers of brook trout that school below the man-made barriers, and water levels allow wading and casting flies. Hip waders will work, but chest waders assure total access to both wide runs. Use insulated boots or layered clothing, as the water is decidedly frigid.

Early season anglers

The author says he’d like to meet the joker who decided that April Fools’ Day and the beginning of open water fishing should be scheduled on the same date. He doubts it was a native of The County.

Pools on the Prestile Stream below Mars Hill Dam accommodate several casters as the water levels clear and drop after ice out. Large numbers of trout school up, as the dam prevents them from traveling upriver. All Photos by Bill Graves

er’s Day, and only a handful of small ponds will be fishable late this month – if, that is, the weather cooperates.

Opening week op-

tions have to be on rivers and brooks, and fishable, productive pools are few and far between. Under normal snow levels as well as muddy, slushy

back road conditions, easy to reach fishing holes are scarce as hen’s teeth!

Barring a miracle early-spring thaw, the best options are

(Continued on next page)

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12 • April 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————

Late in April, there will be a couple of river runs and a few small ponds open to trolling.

Here, the author prepares to release a nice salmon taken on an orange Rapala like the one that’s rigged on the rod.

Writer Bill Graves developed his own version of a dropper fly rig for spring trolling that allows him to fish an imitator and an attractor streamer at once. On rare occasions like this, they both hook a fish at once.

The County (Continued from page 11)

may choose to cast and retrieve lures or bait and spinner rigs from either shoreline, or toss bait and bobber rigs into calm eddies from the banks.

Browns and Salmon April Fools’ anglers

seeking a bit of variety in location and quarry need to visit Houlton or Soldier Pond. Cross the Route 1 bridge near Main Street in Houlton and bear right onto Route 2A to parallel the stream and Cary’s Mill. Brook

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trout, and the much rarer-to-Aroostook brown trout, are plentiful in this, and there are several fishable runs in this section.

Check out the pool near the old starch factory, and another near the river’s bend where it crosses under the road at Cary’s Mills.

Moving north on either Route 161 or 11 toward Fort Kent, the wide spot on the Fish River at Soldier Pond may just be the first productive trolling spot in the Crown of Maine. More open water becomes available daily as the melt and freshet continues, and

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Tom Tardiff of Robinson poses for a quick photo before releasing a feisty, earlyseason trout taken from a small pond on a streamer right after ice out.

while shoreline casters catch fish, more and larger salmon and trout are boated with trolled flies, lures and plugs.

Try size 44 Sutton spoons, Al’s Goldfish, pounded copper Mooselook Wobbler or size 7 floating Rapala perch or fluorescent orange. Proven patterns include a Magog smelt, blue devil, red and white special and a Colonel Bates, in a 3X or 4X size 2 or 4 single hook streamer, or a tandem. I use a triple eye swivel to deploy two streamers from my fly rod – usually one attractor pat-

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tern, and the other a bait fish imitation.

It’s difficult to predict which style will be more effective day to day, but I’ve found variety leads to more action.

Possible Ponds As April progresses, temperatures rise, snow levels decline, mud holes dry up and a handful of small ponds clear of ice around the last week. It’s the perfect time to launch a canoe and troll a small neighborhood waterway before the big name lakes open and the spring crowds descend in masses.

Monson Pond in Fort Fairfield, and Durepo and Trafton Lakes in Limestone opened to ice fishing for the first time this past winter, and were well stocked with brook trout in the late fall. It’s likely each will be productive as soon as the ice clears this spring.

Other likely options include Number 9 Lake in Bridgewater, Hanson in Mapleton, Echo and Arnold Brook in Presque Isle, Black and Blake Lakes near Fort Kent, and Carry and Conroy (Continued on next page)

���������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • April 2023 • 13

Jack Thibodeau displays one of several brook trout caught in early April, while Dr. Steve Saylor looks on. The pair drove to Presque Isle from Portland to spend a couple of days fishing with Bill Graves, and despite the cold weather, everyone caught fish.

Only a couple of runs on the Fish River are open enough to troll early in April, but the small pools and very chilly weather all take a backseat when a silver leaper grabs the fly.

flocks in Aroostook, it’s essential. Spring thaw conditions often limit access to many locations, so hunters need to get out and about to pinpoint options now. Youth Day is April 29th, and May 1st opens Zones 1 - 6 here in The County.

Since spring is mating season, it’s a bit easier to coax Toms to check out decoys than during fall hunts. It’s still necessary to know where the gobblers are roosting at night, and where they’re feeding

With spring turkey season mere weeks away, it’s time to scout. Field roads and many Aroostook back roads are mostly mud and slush, but there are still flocks to be located along secondary roads.

(Continued from page 12)

in Littleton. For outings on small ponds this month, my Maine Freighter canoe with my 55-pound thrust Minn Kota electric motor, make a peach of a combo for wet, muddy and often-confined launch sites.

Let’s Talk Turkey Experienced wild turkey hunters understand that pre-season scouting is crucial to success, and with so much land and the limited, localized

when they fly down for breakfast the next morning.

Drive-and-spot with binoculars, then pinpoint locations on your GPS, since you’re likely to be returning and setting up in the pre-dawn darkness.

Scope out at least two or three alternate spots, in case another hunter is in your spot when you arrive.

I’ll offer more info on regional locales in next month’s column.

¶

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14 • April 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————

“Snapshots in Time”

Historical Glimpses from Maine’s Sporting Past Compiled by Bill Pierce, Former Executive Director, Outdoor Heritage Museum

Two tales for the price of one!

The articles below appeared in the February 18, 1897 edition of the RANGELEY LAKES. Author’s note: I really enjoy a well-told whopper in fish camp. Below is a humdinger. I have heard tales of great success by those who enjoy ice fishing for pickerel, but really? The title is a bit of a beauty unto itself....

Fish Stories by “A. Corker” A local sportsman in the Dead River region was entertaining a crowd of willing listeners on a stormy evening.

Each member of the audience was taking in the various “true” stories with a grain of salt as an appetizer.

Over in one corner sat an old man.

His silence was the only thing that had made him conspicuous during the evening.

All at once there was a rustle and the old man straightened up, shook the last year’s crop of hayseed from his hair, and proceeded: “Gentlemen,” he said, “you’ve all told some very interesting yarns, but I have one that I wish to place before ye minds, the like of which I don’t think ever occurred before or since.

“I was over on Little Jim Pond one winter after pickerel. I had cut one hole, set my bob and threw in my line.

“It no sooner struck the water than I had a bite. I pulled up, and a very large pickerel was soon floundering on the ice. I went to throw in my line again and before it reached the water, a pickerel jumped up through the hole, but the hook was out of reach of his lordship, and he fell back.

“I went for my fish club that lay a little way off. When I returned, I took the hook, suspended it on a stick about two feet from the water, and I had all I could do for about an hour. The fish, one after another, would jump for the hook through the hole; sometimes two or three would come at a time, and all I had to do was to knock them in the www.MaineSportsman.com

head as fast as I could.

“When I was soon exhausted, I looked around and the ice was black with fish.”

There was a shout that went up from the crowd and the old man relaxed again into profound silence, his eyes twinkling, as if he had held the winning card for the capture of the jackpot. ***** Author’s note: One of my favorite monthly features in The Maine Sportsman is “Maine Wildlife,” which shares great information about our critters or fish. Here below is a sample of the same type of feature that appeared in the RANGELEY LAKES, but flavored with a dramatically different nonconservation-minded perspective, including information on how to illegally take them. Thankfully, times have changed, but with newspaper content like this, it’s easy to see how wolves have been extirpated from Maine well over a century ago.

The Great Gray Wolf

The great gray wolf of the north is a most powerful beast, and it pursues men with hungry eagerness when snow

prevents it from finding its usual food.

It is not a large creature, but it is all muscle. “The gray wolf,” says Forest and Stream, is not much taller than a setter dog. He is longer and heavier, a sort of combination of wire and rawhide, which never tires and can cover ground with great rapidity.”

A man not long ago started two wolfhounds after six hungry wolves of this type. The dogs overtook the wolves with unexpected ease, and then the wolves ate the dogs, evidently thankful that a supply train had followed them.

A year ago, a man who believes in poisoning wolves dragged a fresh beef hide 31 miles, throwing out bait of poisoned meat. Next day, on his return over the line, he found 28 wolves and coyotes dead, while others no doubt had wandered away sick to some hole or other and died.

A very effective trap is made of a gang of fish hooks baited with meat.

The hooks are hung on wires and fastened to branches. The animals come along, smell the bait and, getting on their hind legs, succeed in reaching it.

The bending of the branch prevents the hooks from being torn out. It makes it decidedly interesting when a panther gets hold of a hook instead of a wolf.

The gray wolf in a pack of its own kind seems to fear nothing but fire. It will attack a man who is shooting at it and its comrades. It will aid the pack in pulling down a wounded buffalo bull, and a buck deer at bay is attacked in spite of horns and hoofs.

But fire keeps it at a distance. A lone man may sleep if his fire burns brightly, even as the wolves sit about just outside the line of light, their eyes showing in a circle surrounding the man.

But as the fire dies down, the circle draws closer, and it behooves the sleepy man to stir it up again. ***** Winter camping, anyone? Sleep tight, and be sure to get outside and make some great outdoor history of your own!

Almanac

���������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • April 2023 • 15

If you serve your clients hot coffee and fresh doughnuts after two weeks of oatmeal breakfasts, you will become a winged goddess in their eyes.

Compiled and Edited by — Will Lund —

Baking Your Meals Along a River

by Lisa DeHart, Maine Canoe Guide One of the finest skills you can have is to be able to bake or fry meals in the middle of nowhere.

Say you’re on a 4-week canoe trip with four canoes and eight people. The common strategy is for each boat to carry a week’s food. Makes sense, but most don’t want to volunteer to be the boat with the final week’s worth of food.

However, if you can bake … then fear not! Pizza, French bread, pie crust, biscuits, corn bread, cinnamon rolls, doughnuts – well, you get the idea. All the ingredients by their very nature are “dehydrated,” stable for weeks, and take up very little room in the food box.

Flour, yeast, and for ANY recipe needing milk, I only use powdered milk.

At home before the trip, I would mix all the dry ingredients – flour, baking soda, yeast, salt, and any shortening I would have already cut in. That way, all I had to do was add the water or the milk to make magic.

The powdered milk I always kept separate, and mixed with water to make milk only as I needed it. These mixes I would carefully store in ziplock bags, labeled “pie crust,” “biscuits,” “corn bread” or “doughnuts.” I would write the rest of the recipe right on the bag.

“Give us this day, our daily bread” – that’s right: since Biblical times, hu-

— Maine Camping Guide —

Reflector ovens, Dutch ovens or cast aluminum bakers – each has a learning curve, but the good news is that your mistakes are still edible.

Start with biscuits – they are the simplest and the most versatile. In fact, the best recipe has been on the back of the Bakewell Cream can for the last 60 years.

—

Top 5 Tips for Productive Turkey Hunting Baking with a reflector oven. Photo: Chris Corey

mans have craved bread in their diet.

When you’re paddling a river burning 6,000 calories a day, it becomes something you dream about.

If canoeists have been eating oatmeal for two weeks straight, it becomes a joke to ask what’s for breakfast. When they ask you and you say “Doughnuts!” they think you are just kidding them.

by Blaine Cardilli

Turkey hunters want to get the most from their time afield. Here are five tips that’ll improve your odds of success in bagging that gobbler.

Tip #1: Scouting First, I make sure the area holds a turkey population. If it does, I get out and glass! If you’re new to a property, invest in maps and aerial photos of the area. There are plenty online that can provide what you’re looking for.

Making doughnuts in a skillet. Photo: Lisa DeHart

When they’re days away from a road eating doughnuts and drinking hot coffee, you become a winged goddess on a canoe trip … heck, on any trip.

Glassing is an important part of scouting.

Here, the author keeps an eye on a flock from a safe distance.

(Continued on next page)

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16 • April 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————

Almanac

(Continued from page 15)

Next thing is to put in the footwork, searching for active sign. I’ll hit the woods looking for food sources, scratchings in the leaves, and dust bowls along the edges of the fields.

Once I find where flocks are congregating, I’ll glass just after dawn and right before dusk to get a handle on the birds’ daily travel patterns. This will give me a good idea of the proximity of their roost sites.

Tip #2: Picking Your Spots When the opener is 2-3 weeks away, I like to sneak near my spots several times before dawn. Turkeys gobble before season, and it’s extremely import-

The author is seen rising from his position tucked into a downed pine tree in full camouflage.

ant to hear where the birds are before fly-down.

Early morning gobbling helps me pinpoint roosts more effectively, making my decisions easier concerning how close I want to get.

When choosing my spots, I consider several factors. First, I don’t want to be facing a rising or setting sun. Nothing ruins a hunt faster than being blinded when facing in the direction from which you anticipate birds to be coming.

If planning to ground-sit, I like my back against a tree surrounded by sticks and cover. I don’t want to become a target from behind by a predator or inexperienced hunter. I’ll also pre-cut some greenery to use as extra concealment once I’m in place.

Lastly, regardless of how good your camo pattern is, remember it will always work best when you’re sitting in shadows.

Tip #3: Decoy Placement Decoys are a great distractant when birds are coming – they take the focus away from you. A couple of things to remember, though: Never put them in a direct line of sight between you and incoming birds; otherwise, they can catch your movement.

Keep the decoys within 20 - 25 yards.

Gobblers are famous for “hanging up” just out of range, so if your decoys are close and partially concealed, turkeys will have to look for them, and by the time they see them, they’re already in killing range.

Though a bit harder to learn than the box call or slate call, the mouth call (or diaphragm) is a great “hands-free” call to use, especially when the birds are close.

tice with calls you’re comfortable with.

The key is understanding turkey vocalizations, replicating them as best you can, and knowing when (and when not) to use certain calls. Time and experimentation in the field will fine-tune your abilities.

This old gobbler succumbed to both the author’s calls and his set-up.

—

These decoys were placed within 20 yards of the author’s set up in the woods. They were partially hidden, so the turkeys had to search for them as the author called.

Tip #4: Weaponry No matter your weapon, practice a lot before the season’s start. Find your comfortable distances, and use different broadheads, loads, chokes and combinations. Find your prime killing range, don’t go beyond it, and never borrow a gun or bow unless you have sighted it in.

Tip #5: Calling You don’t have to be a competition caller. Simply pracwww.MaineSportsman.com

Maine Sportsman Responds to Trappers’ Request for New Patch Club

by John LaMarca

As a Registered Maine Guide, outfitter and diehard outdoorsman, I live and love hunting, fishing and trapping.

I noticed that although The Maine Sportsman magazine sponsored patch clubs for rifle hunters, bowhunters, freshwater anglers and saltwater anglers, no similar club was offered for trappers.

Since trapping is one of the three major pillars of conservation and recreation, I expressed my passion and idea to the editorial staff of the magazine, and then I set out to see what it would take to add a trapping category.

I am proud to announce The Sportsman, with the support of Maine Trap(Continued on next page)

���������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • April 2023 • 17 (Continued from page 16)

John LaMarca, guide, trapper and the driving force behind the new patch club.

pers Association (MTA) and the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, is launching a new patch club that will award a “Maine Trapping Patch” to anyone who traps a game animal in conformity with Maine’s trapping laws. Applications are available at www.MaineSportsman.com by clicking on the “Patch Clubs” tab.

“I am pleased to see that trappers will receive recognition through establishment of a patch club,” Judith Camuso, Commissioner of Maine’s Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife, told The Maine

This Maine Trappers Club patch will join other patches offered to hunters and anglers. John LaMarca photo

Sportsman. “Regulated trapping is an important wildlife management tool, and it’s scientifically managed by our state’s wildlife biologists. In addition, trapping is part of Maine’s rich wildlife heritage.”

Commissioner Camuso is absolutely right – trapping is part of Maine’s heritage, and it’s also part of the heritage of the United States of America For example, the island of Manhattan, now part of New York City, was founded as a prominent fur trading post. In fact, the official seal of New York City pays homage to this past by depicting an early settler trading with a Native

American. The seal also depicts beavers, as those animals constituted the primary fur trade.

Trapping was also a major reason the colonists decided to secede from British rule. The English began placing higher restrictions on the settlers when it came to fur prices and territories where they could trap. This, along with a myriad of other reasons, led to the signing of the Declaration of Independence. So as you can see, the trapping and fur trade is not just history; rather, it’s a major part of the nation’s identity.

While developing the proposal for this new patch club, I received the assistance and support of Reggie Reed and Nelson Frost of the MTA. I spoke recently with Nelson, president of the Central Coastal Chapter of the MTA. (He started out by telling me he had just finished boarding a coyote!)

I asked him why he felt it is important to continue to practice, tradition and pursuit of trapping. He replied “It’s our responsibility as outdoorsmen to do the conservation work necessary to keep our wildlife healthy. Trapping is one of the major tools we have to manage population levels, which also helps control disease in animals and reduce conflict with humans.”

“The trapping community wants to teach and pass on these traditions and skills, and we’re more than willing to show the tips and tricks of trapping and fur handling,” Frost added.

I thank the MTA for the support of this new patch and for their input in the process.

Commissioner Camuso took the opportunity to advocate for use of so-called BMP (best management

This is an example of a Best Management Practices trap. Photo: Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies

practices) traps, which incorporate features such as chain swivels, a shock spring, and jaws that are off(Continued on next page) www.MaineSportsman.com

18 • April 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————

April 2023 Sunrise/Sunset Bangor, ME DATE RISE SET 1 Sat 6:14 7:03 2 Sun 6:12 7:04 3 Mon 6:10 7:06 4 Tue 6:08 7:07 5 Wed 6:06 7:08 6 Thu 6:05 7:09 7 Fri 6:03 7:11 8 Sat 6:01 7:12 9 Sun 5:59 7:13 10 Mon 5:57 7:14 11 Tue 5:56 7:16 12 Wed 5:54 7:17 13 Thu 5:52 7:18 14 Fri 5:50 7:19 15 Sat 5:49 7:21

DATE RISE SET 16 Sun 5:47 7:22 17 Mon 5:45 7:23 18 Tue 5:43 7:24 19 Wed 5:42 7:26 20 Thu 5:40 7:27 21 Fri 5:38 7:28 22 Sat 5:37 7:29 23 Sun 5:35 7:31 24 Mon 5:33 7:32 25 Tue 5:32 7:33 26 Wed 5:30 7:34 27 Thu 5:29 7:36 28 Fri 5:27 7:37 29 Sat 5:26 7:38 30 Sun 5:24 7:39

April 2023 Tides Portland, ME DATE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun

HIGH AM PM 8:46 9:25 9:36 10:08 10:19 10:45 10:59 11:20 11:37 11:53 — 12:14 12:25 12:50 12:58 1:28 1:33 2:08 2:13 2:53 2:59 3:45 3:53 4:45 4:56 5:51 6:04 7:01 7:16 8:08 8:26 9:08 9:28 10:01 10:24 10:49 11:16 11:35 — 12:06 12:19 12:53 1:02 1:39 1:44 2:25 2:27 3:13 3:14 4:04 4:05 4:59 5:02 5:55 6:01 6:52 7:01 7:48 7:59 8:37

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LOW AM PM 2:33 3:14 3:25 3:57 4:09 4:34 4:48 5:08 5:25 5:40 6:01 6:13 6:37 6:47 7:14 7:24 7:55 8:04 8:39 8:49 9:30 9:41 10:27 10:40 11:30 11:45 — 12:37 12:56 1:46 2:08 2:49 3:13 3:44 4:10 4:34 5:02 5:21 5:51 6:06 6:38 6:49 7:24 7:32 8:09 8:16 8:55 9:02 9:45 9:52 10:38 10:47 11:34 11:45 — 12:31 12:46 1:28 1:47 2:20

Almanac

(Continued from page 17)

set and further modified to increase their surface area using lamination or padding.

—

Correction: That’s Long-tail, not Pintail

Thank you to the knowledgeable waterfowl experts who contacted The Sportsman this month to remind us that the duck shown on page 17 of the March “Almanac” is a Long-tail duck, not a Pintail duck.

It was an editor’s error.

—

Drilling Down

New Lightweight Batteries Change Ice Fishing While ice fishing on Otter Pond in Standish last month, we were impressed to see an angler quickly drilling holes with a modified DeWalt impact drill, equipped with a lightweight auger.

Photo: Will Lund

The auger featured razor-sharp blades at the end, while the rest of the spiral sections were constructed of strong, flexible carbon fiber, which could be replaced individually if necessary.

A side-handle had been bolted onto the power tool, to allow leverage by the user to prevent the rig from spinning.

The ice-auger industry has seen incredible change in just a few short years, from gas-powered drills, to rigs powered by propane, and now – with the dramatic improvement in lithium batteries – a move to lightweight electric augers.

—

Maine’s Ruffed Grouse: Listen For The Drums

by Michael Browning

Last spring, I wrote an article for the Sportsman titled “Return of the Woodcock.” The sound of the woodcock returning is a sure sign of spring. But don’t forget about the other spring sound – the Ruffed Grouse.

Ruffed Grouse drumming. Illustration

by Michael Browning

The fast, rhythmic thumping noises you hear in the spring months of April and May are the Ruffed Grouse’s wings making a “drumming” sound.

I always thought it sounded like a small engine that couldn’t stay running. It starts off slow and speeds up, then slows down and stalls.

The male grouse is the one that generates the hypnotic drumming sound. When the drumming starts, it lasts about 10 seconds, during which the wings may beat 50 times!

He’ll find a dead log to stand on and call females as part of his mating ritual, perhaps also establishing his territory to discourage other males.

You can spot these drumming sites by the scat left behind. Most of the time it’s on a log, rock or other elevated spot. Most of the sites I find are on logs. A grouse’s scat consists of fibrous, cylindrical pellets with a whitewash at one end. To me, they look like a butted-out cigarette (I used to be a smoker).

The male grouse drums early in the morning and in the evening. The male establishes his territory consisting of an area ranging between six and 10 acres.

If another male shows up, the two males have a face-off. This consists of the two birds puffing up their feathers and dragging their wings on the ground, with no actual violence. Whichever bird does not back down, wins the female. The losing grouse moves on to another site.

When a female is attracted to the male’s call, the two birds mate.

Soon, the male moves on, leaving the female to build a nest and raise the chicks on her own.

The female grouse builds a nest against a stump or rock on the ground, and lays her eggs. Every 1-½ days, the female grouse lays another egg, until between 9 and 14 buff-colored eggs have been produced.

(Continued on next page)

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Once the “clutch” of eggs has been laid, she incubates them for just over three weeks. Only 60% of the eggs will hatch, because of predators such as skunks, foxes, weasels, racoons and their biggest foes, red-tail hawks and goshawks.

When the chicks are born they’re the size of an adult’s thumb. Grouse chicks are “precocial” (able to walk around and feed themselves).

When chicks hatch, they’re covered in light brown down with a triangular patch of black feathers around the ears. The chicks can move up to ¼ mile by the time they’re 3 or 4 days old, and in 5 days they can fly.

The chicks need to consume a lot of protein for the first couple of weeks, so they eat insects. They then shift to green plant material and fruits.

When chicks are born, they weigh only one-half ounce. However, they grow fast, and at 17 weeks, they are fully grown – 17 - 20 ounces.

By the time fall arrives, you can’t tell spring birds from older birds without close inspection.

—

Bobcats 1; Squirrels 0 On March 18, 2023, 14-year old Landon Bryce discovered a very interesting photo on his game camera, which was set up in Standish.

The photo showed a bobcat with a squirrel in its mouth.

a cold beer with your buddies after a great day in the Maine outdoors, there are several safety and awareness tips that can make the difference between a celebratory drink and an emergency room visit.

In cold weather, alcohol makes you feel warm but in turn, lowers your core temperature. This puts you at greater risk for hypothermia and dehydration.

In warmer weather, alcohol lowers your threshold for sunburn, and dehydrates the body.

In all types of weather, alcohol impairs a person’s ability to think clearly, making risky behavior more prevalent, and increasing the chances of falls and injuries. Alcohol also increases fatigue, suppresses appetite, and impairs balance, vision and reaction time.

Five million people visited the nation’s Emergency Room due to alcohol-related injuries last year.

These numbers increase each year.

Lowering your risk of alcohol related injuries can be simple: 1. Avoid drinking when operating any motorized vehicle or watercraft 2. Avoid alcohol during outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, or hunting 3. Wear appropriate clothing and sunscreen 4. Drink in moderation, alternating alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic drinks 5. Do not drink on an empty stomach; eat foods rich in carbohydrates 6. Don’t drink alone; instead, have a sober friend with you

Photo credit: Landon Bryce, Standish

“We thought it was really cool and we wanted to share it with your readers,” said his Mom, Lindsy Bryce.

With the large number of gray squirrels in Southern Maine, we believe this big cat and its family won’t go hungry for a long time.

—

Wilderness First Aid: Limiting Alcohol Use in the Outdoors

by Stacey Wheeler, RN

April is National Alcohol Awareness Month. While it’s great to share

A social drink with friends or family can make for a relaxing end after a full day outside. Here, the author has set up her tent along the shores of Lake Ontario. Photo: Stacey Wheeler

Enjoying a beverage with friends can be safe and pleasurable around the campfire after a long day on the trail. Know your limits, follow safety tips, and drink only if you can do so in a responsible manner.

¶

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20 • April 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————

Maine Wildlife:

Landlocked Salmon

by Tom Seymour

The secret to the everlasting charm of salmon, says the author, is simple – they are magnificent.

Salmon stand as the bread-and-butter fish of many Maine lodges and lakeside cabins. People from far and wide visit our state to catch our renowned landlocked salmon, Salmo salar, “The Leaper.”

All of our coldwater game fish have their own mystique, salmon even more so. Is it their silvery sheen? Or the long, sizzling runs they make when hooked?

Or is it their spectacular acrobatics, when they jump one, two and three times in rapid succession?

I think it’s all of that, plus something else, and if I had to define it, it would be their unpredictability. Salmon can show up anywhere. Conventional wisdom says that salmon hold close to shore during the time of the smelt run in lakes and large ponds, but even then, you might just as easily catch a salmon in 60 feet of water in the middle of the lake.

Also, while many anglers target salmon in spring, using live smelt and smelt imitations, salmon remain active even during summer’s heat. Fish may hang near bottom in deep water this afternoon and then visit the shallows early the next morning, prowling around for forage fish.

Add to that the amazing variety of contraptions that salmon will bite on.

After years of tying and fishing classic streamer patterns, I met someone in a little red kayak who had just caught and released a “long, silvery fish with black dots.” The guy obviously didn’t know one fish from another, but he was most certainly describing a salmon.

This was only 100 yards from the boat landing, in midsummer, and the fellow www.MaineSportsman.com

Source: Maine DIF&W, “Fishes of Maine”

was using a plastic bass lure.

It gave me a funny feeling in the gut to think that my revered landlocked salmon would ever bite on such a bizarre offering, and at that time and in that place.

Persnickety Residents Salmon require cold, well-oxygenated water and ample forage, preferably smelts, or at least a body of water with a few places that meet that description.

So why is it that sometimes salmon don’t do well in certain waters, despite their having the requisite particulars?

I grew up near a small lake in Midcoast Maine that at one time held only white perch and chain pickerel. Largemouth bass were introduced in the 1960s, and in the 1990s the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (DIF&W) introduced brown trout.

The stocking program was later discontinued because of poor angler return. It was a shame, because browns did well there. It wasn’t the fish’s fault.

Brown trout weren’t the only species that are no longer stocked in that lake.

In the early decades of the 20th century, DIF&W released salmon there. The program lasted quite a while, but in the end, fisheries biologists determined that the place wasn’t really suited for salmon, so they discontinued stocking.

Too bad, again, because salmon grew large there. I once saw the last salmon caught from the lake, a mounted specimen, that was said to have weighed 5 pounds.

The same thing happened in another Midcoast lake, one that currently hosts a thriving (through stocking) brown and rainbow trout population.

Salmon stocking was discontinued in the 1970s. I managed to take salmon there during the lake’s heyday, but never a very big one. This lake has plenty

of cold, deep, well-oxygenated water. So why did salmon not thrive there? That’s the mystery.

Cause & Effect Fish size and general condition are dependent upon their food base. The same holds true for all fish. Too little forage (smelt, for instance), and fish must compete heavily, whereupon they become thin and undernourished. It’s a case of too many fish vying for a limited resource. Restore the fish/forage balance, and fish bounce back to their old, healthy selves.

For salmon, this balancing act seems never-ending. The obvious causeand-effect of adequate, more-than-adequate, or too-little forage species becomes evident almost immediately.

This explains why some waters rise and fall in angler use, as if going with flowing and ebbing tides. Sometimes, fisheries managers try to correct a forage/salmon imbalance by reducing length limits and raising bag limits.

Such places make for fun, fast fishing, for mostly smaller salmon. Other lakes, where the balance seems about perfect, become instant hotspots, legends in their own time. But nothing lasts forever, and sooner or later the imbalance once again raises its ugly head.

The balance can remain healthy for quite a few years, however. And during those times, salmon can grow to huge proportions. Normally, a 4-pound salmon rates as a good fish, and a 5-pounder stands out as a trophy. Anything over 5 pounds will usually go on an angler’s wall. Places that regularly turn out salmon in these ranges attract anglers from far and wide.

Everlasting Charm These things, then, are what account for salmon’s everlasting charm.

They truly are magnificent.

���������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • April 2023 • 21

ATV Dream Trips & Nightmares

by Steve Carpenteri Back in the 1960s and early ’70s, the majority of off-road vehicles were known collectively as “three-wheelers.” These early models were the Devil’s own design: They were high, wide, poorly balanced and too powerful for their triangle-wheeled configuration. Hit the gas, and

operators were likely to flip the thing in an ungainly, inglorious manner. Add a trailer or sled, and it was almost guaranteed that the unit would end up on top of the driver. A lot of folks got hurt in those days.

Fortunately, the original three-wheeler was supplanted

by the more popular (and much safer) fourwheeled ATV, which opened up a whole new world of back-woods travel that remains extremely popular to this day. In fact, there are more than 70,000 registered ATVs in the state, and this does not count increasing numbers of ATVs brought

in for recreational riding by non-resident enthusiasts.

Maine’s ATV Trail System Most of the hundreds of miles of ATV trails located throughout Maine are on private land and are maintained by local ATV clubs. Because

HighREGION Peaks ATVing, Fishing, Hunting, Hiking & Wildlife Viewing!

Check ATV club listings for ATV trail opening dates at www.atvmaine.com

of the collaboration among private landowners, ATV clubs and the state’s official ATV association (A.T.V. Maine, an acronym for “Alliance of Trail Vehicles”), Maine offers a wide variety of trail riding experiences.

Large timber and paper companies own (Continued on next page)

The White Wolf Inn & Restaurant

Home of the Wolf Burger!

Thousands of Miles of Spectacular Mountain Riding Await You Just Outside Your Door!

— Stratton, ME • (207) 246-2922

www.thewhitewolfinn.com

What’s Your Sign?

THIS IS OURS!

The Largest, Most Varied Terrain in the East Over 2 Million Acres of Spectacular Mountain & Lake Riding FRANKLIN COUNTY • MAINE

www.Snowmobile-Maine.com www.MaineSportsman.com

22 • April 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————

ATVing in Maine (Continued from page 21)

Let Yamaha Get You to Your Favorite Remote Fishing Spots!

Yamaha is the leader in providing you an inspirational experience to explore new terrain, new vehicles, and exciting destinations.

Yamaha designs, engineers, manufactures and tests its ATVs and Side-by-Side vehicles in the Real World, fueling your off-road passion with superior Capability, Comfort, and Confidence!

Visit Your Local Yamaha ATV Dealer for Current Offers Today!

JACKMAN Jackman Power Sports 549 Main Street 207-668-4442 www.jackmanpowersports.com

SKOWHEGAN Whittemore & Sons 257 Waterville Road 207-474-2591 www.whittemoreandsons.com

Side-by-Side (SxS) models are recommended for use only by operators 16 years and older with a valid driver’s license. Always wear your seat belt, helmet, eye protection and protective clothing. Yamaha recommends that all Side-by-Side riders take an approved training course. For Side-by-Side safety and training information, see your dealer or call the ROHVA at 1-866-267-2751. Read the Owner’s Manual and the product warning labels before operation. Avoid excessive speeds and never engage in stunt riding. Always avoid paved surfaces and never ride on public roads.

And be particularly careful on difficult terrain. Never ride under the influence of alcohol or other drugs; it is illegal and dangerous.

Models shown with optional accessories. ©2022 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved • YamahaMotorsports.com

2023 MAVERICK SPORT The sharpest way to get from A to B, on any terrain, in any weather, fully-loaded or not.

A Can-Am vehicle that has everything you need to rule your next adventures.

Contact Your Local Can-Am Dealer Today for the Latest Offers!

AUBURN Wallingford Equipment 2527 Turner Road 207-782-4886 www.wallingfordequipment.com AUGUSTA North Country Can-Am 3099 N. Belfast Avenue 207-622-7994 www.northcountryh-d.com

DETROIT Huff Powersports 284 North Road 207-487-3338 www.huffpowersports.com

LINCOLN Lincoln Powersports 265 W. Broadway 207-794-8100 www.lincolnpowersportsme.net

GREENVILLE JUNCTION JACKMAN Moosehead Motorsports Jackman Power Sports 13 Moosehead Industrial Park 549 Main Street 207-695-2020 207-668-4442 www.jackmanpowersports.com www.mooseheadmotorsports.com LEEDS Reggie’s Kawasaki Ski-Doo 255 US HWY 202 207-933-4976 www.doitatreggies.com

©2023 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP). All rights reserved. ®, ™ and the BRP logo are trademarks of BRP or its affiliates. In the U.S.A., products are distributed by BRP US Inc. Some vehicles depicted may include optional equipment. BRP highly recommends that all ATV drivers take a training course. For safety and training information, see your dealer or, in USA, call the ATV Safety Institute at 1-800-887-2887. In Canada, call the Canadian Safety Council at (6131 739-1535 ext 227. Read the Operators Guide and watch the Safety DVD before riding. Wear appropriate protective clothing and helmet. For side-by-side vehicles, fasten lateral net and seat belt at all times. Never engage in stunt driving and avoid excessive speed. Always observe applicable local laws and regulations. Side-by-side vehicles and ATVs are recommended for drivers aged 16 and older, and passengers aged 12 and older only. For off-road use only. Never ride on paved surfaces or public roads. Always ride responsibly and remember that riding and alcohol/drugs don’t mix.

www.MaineSportsman.com

most of Maine’s vast wilderness. As a general matter, these companies allow individuals to access the property for recreational purposes. Within this huge area (990,000 acres in Western Maine alone) is a network of interconnected forest access trails.

Many state-owned or leased abandoned rail beds are also ideal for three-season ATV riding. These rail beds include The Aroostook Valley Trail, the Bangor and Aroostook Trail, and the Jay to Farmington Trail, which are all owned

by Maine’s Bureau of Parks and Lands.

Three additional ATV trail systems maintained by ATV Maine are Mt. Blue, Turner and Summerhaven.

Log onto the VisitMe.net website for additional information and trip-planning ideas.

Adventures in Off-Roading One of my own memorable ATV rides took place back in the early 1970s, when I had the bright idea of using a 3-wheeler and a small trailer to haul my winter’s firewood.

Great plan, of course, but logistically impossible, as I quickly discovered.

My wood, cut and split, was staged about a half-mile from my house, on the back side of the property. I normally dragged two or three small sticks up to the house to cut and split, but this time decided to go with the trailer gambit.

Great idea, except I did not know the realities of combining a

3-wheeled vehicle and a fully-loaded trailer.

When I hooked up and started out, the trailer immediately jack-knifed, leaving the back end of the trailer on the ground and the 3-wheeler up-ended on its fat front tire. Due to the high degree of torque that resulted, I was unable to free the rig from the trailer. I had to unload the trailer and haul it back to the house, empty.

I discovered that the hitch on the 3-wheeler had bent so badly that the trailer didn’t tow – it simply dragged, sideways, all the way home.

I had to use a wheelbarrow to get my wood out that season!

Happens with Four Wheels As Well More recently, a friend dropped by with his brand-new 4-wheeled side-byside – a tricked-out, plush rig that cost him nearly $15,000. He was anxious to try it out on the trails that crisscrossed 250 acres of his newly-purchased property.

A few days of rain preceded our joyride.

The wet holes and puddles we encountered were no match for the powerful machine, so on we rode into the heart of his estate. This rig was certainly a huge improvement over my early-70s 3-wheeler, which would never have made it as far as we did.

The farther we went into the woods, the steeper the hills – and the deeper the mud holes – became.

(Continued on next page)

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Several times, the water nearly reached the running boards, but my neighbor assured me that his machine could handle it.

How Deep?

About a mile back in, we came to the highest point of land on his property. The scenery was great, but the trail was rough and rocky at that point, and it was very steep. I was holding on for dear life as he maneuvered his brand-new machine down the slope.

At the bottom was a wet spot about 50 yards wide where a spring creek crossed

the trail. We entered the puddle with a splash, and soon the muddy water was coming into the cab. Down and down we went, until we realized that this was no “puddle.”

We had driven into a pond!

When the water reached our waists, we bailed out. We swam to shore, as the 4-wheeler continued gurgling along till it was out of sight, nothing showing but the top of the cab.

Recovery and repairs cost my friend several thousand dollars – an expensive lesson learned!

¶

Checklist: Getting Your ATV Ready for the Season

by Blaine Cardilli 1) Locate your owner’s manual and read through it. An ATV is a complex piece of machinery, and a review of the manual will remind you where each hose, filter, gauge and switch is located.

2) Look at tires, filters, wire and hose connections, brake lines, operating lights and wipers (if so equipped), and determine which of these need to be serviced or replaced.

SPRING is Your GO TIME.

GET OUT THERE. See Your Local Polaris Dealer for Current Offers!

JACKMAN Jackman Power Sports 549 Main Street 207-668-4442 www.jackmanpowersports.com

GORHAM, NH MOMS Jericho 461 Main St. 603-466-5454 www.momsjericho.com

LEWISTON Central Maine Powersports 845 Main Street 207-689-2345 www.centralmainepowersports.com WARNING: Polaris® off-road vehicles can be hazardous to operate and are not intended for on-road use. Driver must be at least 16 years old with a valid driver’s license to operate. Passengers, if permitted, must be at least 12 years old. All riders should always wear helmets, eye protection, and protective clothing. Always use seat belts and cab nets or doors (as equipped). Never engage in stunt driving, and avoid excessive speeds and sharp turns. Riding and alcohol/drugs don’t mix. All riders should take a safety training course. Call 800-342-3764 for additional information. Check local laws before riding on trails. ©2023 Polaris Industries Inc.

3) Check air pressure in all tires (including the spare, if you have one). Check the lug nuts to be sure they are on and correctly torqued.

WORK HARD, PLAY HARDER

4) Clean debris from – or replace – all air filters.

2023 PROWLER PRO XT

5) Test the battery to be sure it will start your engine, not only when you leave home, but when you are miles away and darkness (or inclement weather) is coming on.

6) Check both the front-end and rear-end fluids on your ATV. You’ll need an Allen wrench and the aforementioned owner’s manual to complete this step.

7) If you feel comfortable inspecting the machine’s CV belt transmission, use the owner’s manual to find, adjust, service or replace the belts.

8) If your machine sat idle all winter, consider changing or treating the gas left in the tank.

Gas breaks down over time, clogging fuel lines, fittings, pumps and vents.

9) Check to make sure your state registration is current.

Let’s Ride!

Keeping all of the features you love from the Prowler Pro EPS, the Prowler Pro XT also offers standard color matched springs, a 4500-lb WARN winch and roof. 3-passenger bench seating with behind seat storage ensures that you have room for all the necessary gear and passengers for a day on the trails.

See Your Local Arctic Cat® ATV Dealer For Current Promotions!

GORHAM White Rock Outboard 351 Sebago Lake Road 207-892-9606 www.whiterockoutboard.com

SIDNEY Kramer’s Inc. 2400 West River Road 207-547-3345 www.kramersinc.com

LEBANON Northeast Motorsports 451 Carl Broggi Hwy. 207-457-2225 www.nemotorsportsofmaine.com WARNING: Arctic Cat® vehicles can be hazardous to operate. For your safety, all riders should always wear a seat belt (Side-by-Sides), helmet, eye protection, and protective clothing. Riding and alcohol/drugs don’t mix. Arctic Cat recommends that all operators take a safety training course. For safety and training information, please see your dealer or call 1-800-887-2887 (ATVs) or visit www.ROHVA.org (Side-by-Sides). Arctic Cat vehicles are for operators age 16 years and older with a valid driver’s license, except the Alterra 90, which is intended for operators 10 years of age and older. ©2023 Textron Specialized Vehicles Inc. All rights reserved.

www.MaineSportsman.com

24 • April 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————

Fly Fishing Tips for Beginners I really enjoy fly fishing for brook trout and salmon. When our favorite spot became artificial lures only, I decided to try fly fishing, despite not knowing anything about it. The rods we used were long, heavy, and super-flexed, making casting an all-out effort. We spent more time changing out flies than actually catching fish, so we got a lot of practice tying knots. In short, it was all trial and lots of errors.

Once we became successful fly anglers, that rough start made the accomplishment all the sweeter.

Being a novice can be challenging, so I’ve shared some tips to help you get started.

Rod If you buy nothing else, buy a better beginner fly rod – a quality combo, to take the guesswork out of buying. A good rod will help prevent formation of bad casting habits.

My first “better” rod was an 8ft, 5-6 wt., 2-piece combo that now costs around $149; however, I recently found one major outdoor retailer has a similar one for $59. Ten years later, I still use my combo along with my 9ft, 6 wt., 4-piece ($169) combo.

Major outdoor retailers have similar options within the same price range, so it’s not that hard to find a quality beginner outfit. I recommend buying an extra spool or matching reel for a sinking line if you plan to fish a river or do some trolling; most combos come with floating line.

Vest; Waders I first used a traditional cloth vest, but now I use a small harness-style chest pack that can be bought for almost same amount as a cloth vest, and it positions everything at my fingertips. These types of packs give you more freedom to move than the full-size vest packs, and are cooler to wear in the summer. Mine has a rod holder, and all the tools are on zips. I am still guilty of cramming too much in it, but it makes it easier to change a fly or tippet on the river.

If you plan to fish a river, or wade a shallow pond, buy a pair of waders that fit. Good waders are not cheap, but I quickly learned that sweating in a pair of www.MaineSportsman.com

My fly boxes. I separate them by type, and as you can see, I have caved to the temptation of buying flies I end up having no luck using. Photos by Staci Warren

men’s rubber waders with size 11 boots for my size 8 feet is no fun, and fishing in freezing spring water with my sneakers doesn’t cut it either. If you can’t buy your “dream pair,” at least make sure they fit properly and that you can wear fleece pants and wool socks under them for the early-season freezing waters. My preference is a good breathable pair of stocking foot waders with separate pair of boots.

Net The net may seem insignificant, but it’s hard to land a fish without a

Dressed for early April river fishing – cold waters, with snow banks to climb.

net. For years, I netted my catch with a $14 wooden net. The net was barely big enough for a decent salmon, and the fly hooks got tangled in the black netting.

Thinking I finally found a better net, last year I doled out a whopping $34 for an aluminum one with a rubber net. It hung low on my back, but was bigger than the wooden one. I think I used it twice before it disappeared, presumably down the river last fall. I’m back to using one of the wooden nets I kept as backup. For my birthday, I’ve asked for an upgrade.

All About Flies Understanding the hatch cycle will help you determine what flies to use and when to use them. While everyone has an opinion, here’s what I have had the most success using.

Early spring on the river, tie on streamers or a nymph setup, using sinking line. Woolly Buggers (size 8 olive or black) with a tan, beadhead Hare’s Ear Flashback nymph (size 10 or 12) tied 18 inches down, or using a Black Ghost, will yield ice-out salmon.

Early season, we troll for native brook trout on the pond using sinking line and one of the following: Black Ghost, Gray Ghost, Mickey Finn, or Maple Syrup (red or white).

Save the floating line and dry flies for May trout fishing. My favorites are a size 10 or 12 Mosquito, Black Gnat, Blue Wing Olive, Elk Hair Caddis and Adams.

I recommend buying a dozen nymphs and six each of the others to start the season off. It’ll be hard, but try to avoid the temptation to fill your box with flies you won’t need.

Don’t forget extra tippet and leader, and practice, practice, practice: “Hello, It’s for You” casting (some instructors have students imagine picking up a telephone receiver, and then handing the receiver to someone in front of then, to mimic the casting motion).

Remember, any fly fisherman at some point was a beginner. Wherever you fish, be safe; know the laws; and have a great season!

¶

���������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • April 2023 • 25

Before Fishing Maine’s Lakes and Ponds, Know What’s Under the Surface

by Capt. Ron Dupuis, Yarmouth, ME Maine has over 6,000 lakes and ponds within its boundaries.

So if you want to fish a new water body, how should you prepare?

Bottom line? You’ll have a better and safer time – and, you’ll catch more fish – if you un-

derstand what’s under the water. Where are the deep holes? Where are the inlet streams?

And where are the rocks that provide structure for fishing, and which could pose danger when boating?

If I’m planning to

spend time on a pond or lake that’s new to me, I use a variety of resources that highlight depths and structure. Some resources provide general information, while others are very detailed, but they all offer import-

ant insight.

First, the State The first place I visit is the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife website, www. maine.gov/ifw.

The State has developed a location on their page

that lists the species of fish in the body of water researched, and past stocking activities. In addition, they offer maps that provide depth data from surveys. Some of the information is dated, (Continued on next page)

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26 • April 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————

The author starts his search by reviewing lake charts from DIF&W’s website. In this case, he’s chosen Celia Pond, in Piscataquis County. All photos by the author

The author next reviews DeLorme lake depth maps.

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It’s important to compare results from a number of resources. This DeLorme map, for example, appears to reflect a much deeper hole in Celia Pond than is listed on the state’s chart.

Boating (Continued from page 26)

but the maps provide a general overview of water depths in feet.

DeLorme Many years back, I purchased a threering notebook from Delorme Map Company that included sleeves of maps for lakes and ponds in Maine. These maps have been very helpful when I’m planning my fishing trips and where to fish when I go to a new lake or pond.

I cross-reference these maps with a larger Maine Gazetteer map showing lake or pond locations, to pinpoint boat launches and areas of interest. The depth maps are compact and helpful, but they are only high-level maps showing depth. They do not show channels or buoys, which are important for navigation.

These maps can still be purchased through Amazon.

On the ’Net A very good internet source and app that I have used is www.

GPSNauticalCharts. com. They have an extensive list of freshwater lakes and ponds in Maine, and associated nautical charts for those bodies of water

in specific counties.

However, the list is not all-inclusive, and some bodies of water are not listed. One big miss, Sebago Lake, is not included on their list of lakes on the app.

You can use this site for a trial period, then need to pay a fee if you use these resources often. The cost per year is inexpensive, considering the information provided.

Tools On Board Your Boat When you’re on the lake or pond, it’s helpful to have a GPS unit on your boat that has data cards showing maps of the bodies of water you plan to fish.

Depth finders are also a necessity, to ensure you are aligned with the map depths highlighted.

One type of GPS and depth finder device is the Raymarine LightHouse Chart plotter, which provides coastline coverage for the contiguous U.S. as well as thousands of freshwater bodies of water. These charts are created from official hydrographic charts, and provide a sense of security when on the water. I currently have one on my (Continued on next page)

���������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • April 2023 • 27

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GPSNauticalCharts.com provides the author with extremely detailed charts of many Maine lakes and ponds, including tiny Celia Pond.

(Continued from page 26)

248 Express Albemarle for coastline depths, but this unit can easily be used on lakes and ponds in Maine.

Let’s Talk About It Lastly, blogs and chat sites regarding the bodies of water you would like to fish or cruise in Maine can provide a great deal of information. It’s also sobering and instructional to hear unfortunate stories from other boaters about hitting

rocks or ledges.

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28 • April 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————

Spring Groundfish

by Bob Humphrey

Here’s everything you need to know about pursuing haddock, cusk and pollock off the Maine coast – where to fish, at what depth and with what gear

Big pollock are a common and welcome bonus when targeting haddock. Bob Humphrey photos

Times are tough offshore. Cod stocks – the foundation of New England’s commercial and recreational ground fisheries – are at historical lows.

Fisheries management councils have called for substantial reductions in mackerel harvest, and while they’re seemingly abundant, striped bass populations are still in the early stages of rebuilding. However, the news isn’t all bad on the briny.

Less than 20 years ago, fisheries managers were claiming that haddock stocks were depleted to the point where they would never recover. However, thanks to conservative management,

they have rebounded, and they’ve done so in less than a generation.

They’ve come back so strong that the current fishing mortality estimate is around 1/3 of the total allowable catch, and recreational anglers are allowed to keep 15 fish per day over the 17-inch minimum. If you’re not taking advantage of this bounty you should be, and there are a few other species out there that might help fill your cooler.

While seasons for many groundfish are open year round, the haddock season starts April 1. This is in part to protect them during the March spawning season when they congregate atop offshore

structure.

However, the haddock don’t disperse en masse on April 1. With a chart and a fishfinder, You can locate and target big schools throughout April and May. I wouldn’t be spot-burning if I suggested Jefferys Ledge as a good starting point. This sinuous structure runs over 60 miles from southern Maine to Cape Ann, and groundfish can be found along its entire length. Moving farther north in the Gulf of Maine, one need only seek submarine structure between 12 and 20 miles from shore. Look for depths around 200 feet, preferably with soft bottom.

For terminal tackle, a standard hi-lo haddock rig with 5/0 flies will work fine.

Adding bait in the form of clam or squid strips will increase your bites. Sinker size – usually between 8 and 16 ounces – will (Continued on next page)

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���������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • April 2023 • 29

Saltwater Fishing (Continued from page 28)

depend on current and tide, so adjust accordingly, and substituting a jig for a standard lead weight adds another hook to your rig. I prefer a single hook to a treble, as it’s easier to unhook fish, and you may even want to go with just the jig if the fish are thick.

Most anglers use conventional reels and stiffer boat rods, but you can use a medium to heavy spin-casting outfit. Braided line in the 40-80 pound range is recommended. While not necessary, you might add a 6-10 foot mono or flouro leader as well.

The basic fishing technique involves “tending the bottom.”

Drop your rig to the bottom, then take a couple cranks on the reel. You should feel your sinker or jig bounce the bottom every so often but try not to let it sit on the bottom where it can snag in structure or ghost gear. If the current is strong or your drift fast, you may need to let out more line periodically to stay near the bottom.

A couple other species you’re likely to encounter while fishing for haddock are cusk and pollock. There’s no size or bag limit on cusk. While they’re not the most attractive fish in the sea, they make a great chowder, and specimens in the 5 - 10 pound range are not uncommon. While you might catch pollock near the bottom, they tend to be higher in the water column, and

it’s more common to hit them on the drop or the retrieve. With a good fish finder you can also target them. Minimum size is 19 inches, but much larger specimens are often caught, and they put up a good fight.

The Gulf of Maine in April is no place to fool around. You’ll need a boat capable of handling rough seas and making a round trip of 30 or 40 miles. If you don’t have access to one, you can always book a charter or jump on a head boat. There are plenty all along the coast of Maine.

Availability and rates are often better early in the season, and head boats (the name derives from the fact that they charge anglers “by the head”; i.e., per person) are less crowded. Forhire vessels typically supply bait and tackle.

Make sure you bring a big cooler and plenty of ice, as limits on haddock are common.

Anglers are required to register with the state of Maine annually in order to engage in recreational saltwater fishing, unless they meet one of several exemptions, including holding a valid Maine freshwater fishing license or as a passenger on a for-hire vessel. For more information on regulations and a list of for-hire vessels, visit the Maine Department of Marine Fisheries website at maine.gov/dmr/fisheries/recreational.

¶

Liberal limits make it easy to fill a cooler with haddock, but don’t get carried away. Take only what you can use, and leave the rest for others.

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“Safe Catch” Wild Alaskan Salmon Review Safe Catch is a source of wild and sustainably seafood caught in Alaska.

Presently, they are the only brand that tests mercury levels in every single fish they catch. These fish are only caught in the wild, and are guaranteed the lowest mercury limit for each fish.

The company is socially responsible; they monitor marine ecosystems; and they are transparent with their product from catch to pouch.

These distinctions are why they are considered a super-premium seafood provider, catching fish in a conscientious and sustainable manner, and then delivering the fish to consumers who need portability and high quality.

Most of the year, local seafood is available to those of us living in Maine. However, with distribution channels challenged, lives disrupted by schedules, and because we’re engaged in many outdoor activities, we cannot always eat fresh on the run. Now with Safe Catch, you can always eat premium seafood anytime, and anywhere – including outdoors.

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Our wild game cook reviews Safe Catch’s Wild Alaskan Salmon, packed in a pouch for transportability. She field-tested the product with hikers, campers and canoeists -- target audiences for quality, convenient and portable food that does not require refrigeration until after it’s opened. So how did they like it?

Safe Catch’s salmon-in-a-pouch served as the basis for tasty appetizers and meals during an Allagash canoe trip.

dient brings to my dishes. I don’t typically reach for a box, pouch or can of food. But I was very pleasantly surprised with the freshness, the texture, the flavor, and overall superb premium quality of Safe Catch’s Wild Alaskan Salmon, found in a pouch.

Hikers, Campers After tasting and

thoroughly enjoying the salmon, reviewing Safe Catch’s website, products, and others’ reviews, I reached out to hikers and camping friends to try the products, as they would benefit most. Convenience, quality, portability, freshness and flavor were key things they highlighted.

One person I asked

to try Safe Catch is Raymond Levesque, an Appalachian Trail thru-hiker (trail name Papa Smurf) and friend from Jackman, Maine. Ray said, “I was so happy it wasn’t tuna! I was very sick of tuna on the trail – the thought made me sick.

But this salmon was very tasty!”

Ray used his

grandmother’s salmon patty recipe to test out Safe Catch’s Rosemary Dijon Wild Pacific Pink Salmon in a pouch. His recipe included instant potatoes, salmon from a pouch, and cheese for added calories.

Canoeists Also, a group canoeing the Allagash took Safe Catch’s Wild Pacific Pink Salmon pouches. They were able to create many combinations of salmon with cheese and with veggies, right out of the pouch!

“We were unexpectedly surprised by such freshness with delicious salmon taste,” reported one canoeist. “The taste was quite a reward after a long day of canoeing and fighting off the no-see-ums. Where can we buy more?”

We have been spoiled as Mainers, and understand what real quality seafood is.

We know how to judge nutritional value, flavor and texture.

If you are looking for freshness with portability, I recommend you try Safe Catch Wild Alaskan Salmon. They gained my support, and after I tasted their product, I became a customer.

Taste it for yourself – the proof is in the product.

Bon Appetit!

¶

www.MaineSportsman.com

32 • April 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————

April Brings Tom Back to His First Love The author recommends lures over streamer flies in April, because flies need faster speed to flatten out and imitate a fleeing smelt, while spoons will still wobble and flash, even at the slowest speeds.

April – every April – brings me back to my first love, that being little, alder-lined brooks and the dark-colored trout that live in them.

These where I cut my fishing teeth, many years ago. They are what I return to every April to renew myself.

There’s plenty of time yet to gear up for trout fishing on a larger scale, to get out in the boat and drag a brightly colored wobbling spoon or smelt-imitation streamer fly over fish measured in pounds rather than inches.

But for now, April holds me in its thrall.

With the mystique of taking the first sparkling trout of the year, comes an awareness of the awakening spring. Newly arrived woodcock flush from spring seeps on the banks of tiny streams.

False hellebore, which some erroneously call “skunk cabbage,” pokes its head out of the freshly thawed ground, and although snow still lines the sides of brooks as they drop through ravines, it is apparent that spring has arrived, if only in dribs and drabs.

Recent years have seen warmer-than-normal Aprils.

A few times, the Maine www.MaineSportsman.com

Department of Inland Fisheries And Wildlife (DIF&W) has actually opened the season well before April, to give anglers the opportunity to take advantage of prime conditions. As always, I continue to urge DIF&W to open the season on rivers, brooks and streams at least by March 1, or even earlier. There is no biological reason behind the April season opener. It is all based upon tradition – a tradition that has run its course and seen its day. It’s time for a new day and, as with moving the clock forward and back each year, the time has come for change.

Early Ponds Many small ponds become ice-free sometime in April, and while ice-cold water means slow fishing, it is possible to take trout now. Just remember that fish have not yet moved up from the bottom and – their metabolisms being slowed by the cold – they won’t chase a lure very far.

Such conditions dictate that we troll ever-so-slowly, keeping our offerings near bottom, where the fish are. These two considerations can mean the difference between

success and failure.

Well, no April day spent on the water is ever a complete failure, but with the main goal being to catch trout, it helps if a few fish cooperate.

Here’s another tip.

Don’t set your rod in a rodholder, but rather, keep it in your hand.

Why? Because trout will not bite with vigor right now, meaning that a fish will not bite hard enough to hook itself if the rod sits in a holder. A hand-held rod allows you to set the hook the moment a fish takes the lure.

Notice that I keep mentioning lures, not streamer flies. That’s because streamer flies require a faster speed in order for the water to compress the wings or to flatten the hair, to complete the illusion of a fleeting smelt.

Wobbling spoons, on the other hand, will wobble and flash at the slowest speeds, making them the ideal choice for trolling in April.

Different Species Different kinds of trout act differently in April, especially in ponds and lakes.

Brown trout tend to hang along bottom for the longest time.

Probably the best way to take browns now

All winter, Tom dreams about springtime trout streams such as this one. Photo by the author

is with two garden worms, hooked once on a fine-wire hook, and left to crawl on the bottom. I took a large brown this way one April, and it was very light colored from lack of sunlight under the ice during the long winter. This condition dissipates quickly after ice-out.

Brown trout can and do become more active in April, but that’s mostly during warmer-than-usual times. I have taken them by trolling while little, long roller-bearings of ice still tinkled in the gentle breeze in coves.

Rainbow trout come alive sooner than brown trout, and they usually frequent fairly shallow water in April. If you can find a sandy bottom, begin trolling there. Basically, rainbows will likely inhabit the same areas where you found them the previous fall.

Also, where escapee rainbows have made it into streams and small rivers, they are active now. The trick to taking them in April is simply to locate them.

Brook trout in brooks and streams stay near bottom, and slowly fishing a worm or small lure such as a Trout Magnet will take brookies now.

Brook trout in lakes and ponds stay near shore, so look for them on south-facing sides of ponds, where the sun warms the water the earliest. For stocked ponds, try fishing near boat ramps or other sites of introduction, because at least some of the fish will remain near the point of introduction until well after ice-out.

Get Out Don’t allow naysayers to tell you that April is too early to catch trout. Get out and prove them wrong.

¶

���������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • April 2023 • 33

How to Fish Lakes and Ponds Part 4: Midges

I tied on a size-16 black Puterbaugh Caddis, and hooked three fat 10-inch brook trout in the shallow water in half-a-dozen casts. In contrast, my friends, who were trolling in deeper water, did not do well.

I dug my kayak paddle into the water and pushed off from shore. It had been six long months since I had last fly-fished from my boat. In mid-April, the water temperature of this small pond wasn’t much above 40 degrees, but I couldn’t wait any longer to wet a line. The afternoon was windless and warming nicely into the low 60s.

A few other small boats were trolling or casting at some distance from the shoreline. I had intended to explore a little, but I thought I heard a splash near shore just to my right. It was too cold for it to have been a turtle or a frog. The water was three feet deep (at best), with a mucky bottom and a few sunken logs.

I turned my head towards the sound of another splash, and spotted what sure looked like a brookie rise. Paddling closer, I spotted a few midges flitting along the surface.

Over the next ten minutes, the rises and emerging midges increased in tandem.

I knotted on a size16 black Puterbaugh Caddis, and hooked three fat 10-inch brook trout in half a dozen

casts, being careful not to lose them to the nearby underwater snags. A few more trout came to hand in the next couple of hours, until the setting sun and cooler temperatures put an end to it.

Chironomids In Part 3 of this “Lake and Ponds” series, titled “Hatches,” I promised to write about the smallest and most numerous stillwater insect – the midge. And so, here goes.

“Midge” is fly-fishing terminology for thousands of species of tiny aquatic bugs, many belonging to the family Chironomidae (informally known as chironomids, nonbiting midges, or lake flies). Chironomids emerge all year, beginning in the early spring.

My success in finding rising fish that day was due to an early-season midge emergence, and I would like

to share a few related insights.

First, shallow dark-bottomed water in direct sun and out of the wind will warm up first and be several degrees higher than surrounding water.

Midges will emerge here first, trout will follow, and so should you.

My fellow anglers, who were trolling in deeper water, did not do well. The pond I was fishing did not contain smelt – another favorite early-spring food source for salmonids.

My second point is that you do not need to fish midge imitations in early spring.

The trout haven’t been fished to in months, and even when actively feeding on midges, they will not turn down a small black or gray pattern. I often strip a wet fly.

My last point is that stillwater brook trout prefer the shallows most of the year.

Ice fishers catch most

Chironomid patterns can be tied in a variety of colors. Maine Fly Guys photo

brook trout in water less than six feet deep. In the autumn, brook trout school over shallow shoals. Only when water temperatures rise outside of their comfort zone will they descend into the depths.

When the larg-

er caddis and mayflies appear, I don’t fish midge imitations, even though the miniscule bugs continue to emerge. Bigger fly patterns are easier for me to see, and salmonids will opt for higher-calorie meals.

(Continued on next page)

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Pre-70s Rods, Reels & Tackle Wildlife Carvings & Decoys Large Selection of Bamboo Rods — 1965 Sennebec Road, Appleton, ME

(207) 785-4795

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34 • April 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————

This early-spring brookie’s coloring was dark – to match the dark bottom? Lou Zambello photo

Freshwater Fly Fishing (Continued from page 33)

Autumn Tactics Once colder fall weather arrives and insect hatches subside, chironomid patterns become the choice once more. Before waters freeze (up through November, and even December if the weather

stays warm), you’ll take some nice fish using chironomid nymphs.

The tactic is simple – use a 9-foot fluorocarbon leader tapering to 5 or 6X. Fish a tandem rig with two chironomid nymphs

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Midge adult and larvae. Eric Frohmberg photo

Rainbows are stocked in a number of Maine lakes and ponds and eagerly take chironomid patterns despite cold water. Maine Fly Guys photo

– one more weighted than the other – under a strike indicator.

It’s a good idea to try a size 18 of one color and a size 16 of another hue, to give the fish a choice. Fish in 10 to 30 feet of water. Cold nights cool the shallows, and deeper waters maintain a more consistent temperature that favors emergence.

Cast out, watch the indicator, and wait. Be patient. This is not fast fishing. But I prefer being out on the water and catching the occasional trout versus

being home, catching up on summer chores I never did.

One tactic is to slowly – and I mean glacially – twitch the flies back to you. Keep moving to different spots until you get a take or two.

A wide selection of commercially available patterns imitate chironomid nymphs.

Carry sizes from 16 to 20 in a few different styles, and include colors such as black, red, white, and clear (with some flash). I prefer the “zebra” patterns with clear segmenting.

Midges can be the key to good early spring and late fall stillwater fishing. I appreciate the opportunity to extend the fishing season on both ends.

Author Resources For more information, photos, and videos on many of the topics I cover in my columns, go to www. mainelyflyfishing. com and check out my monthly blog, or follow me on Instagram @ mainelyflyfishing.

¶

���������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • April 2023 • 35

Maine Fish Stocking Report 2022–2023 (current as of 3/6/23)

TOWN

WATER

Auburn Auburn Auburn Auburn Auburn Auburn Auburn Auburn Auburn Auburn Auburn Durham Durham Durham Durham Lewiston Lewiston Lisbon Lisbon Lisbon Lisbon Lisbon Lisbon Lisbon Livermore Livermore Livermore Livermore Livermore Livermore Livermore Livermore Livermore

ANDROSCOGGIN R (LITTLE) ANDROSCOGGIN R (LITTLE) ANDROSCOGGIN R (LITTLE) ANDROSCOGGIN R (LITTLE) AUBURN L AUBURN L BASIN B PETTINGILL PARK P PETTINGILL PARK P ROYAL R ROYAL R MEADOW B MEADOW B NEWELL B NEWELL B STETSON B STETSON B ANDROSCOGGIN R ANDROSCOGGIN R BEAVER PARK P #2 BEAVER PARK P #3 BEAVER PARK P #3 LITTLE R LITTLE R BARTLETT P BARTLETT P BARTLETT P BARTLETT P BARTLETT P BARTLETT P BARTLETT P BRETTUNS P BRETTUNS P

SPECIES

QTY

INCHES

DATE

BROWN TROUT BROWN TROUT RAINBOW TROUT RAINBOW TROUT L.L. SALMON LAKE TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT

200 200 200 200 500 1150 300 100 100 200 200 100 100 150 150 150 300 300 220 100 100 200 300 500 300 250 550 300 20 250 200 300 500

9 9 11 12 7 7 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 8 10 10 10 10 7 10 8 9 10 8 13 19 7 14 9 7

4/27/22 5/12/22 4/26/22 5/25/22 5/24/22 5/18/22 4/28/22 4/28/22 5/17/22 4/12/22 5/5/22 4/22/22 5/17/22 4/22/22 5/17/22 4/28/22 5/17/22 4/22/22 5/17/22 4/8/22 4/8/22 10/21/22 4/22/22 5/17/22 4/21/22 5/27/22 10/21/22 11/8/22 11/22/22 12/1/22 12/1/22 4/21/22 10/6/22

ANDROSCOGGIN

NOW AN AUTHORIZED

TOWN Livermore Livermore Livermore Livermore Livermore Livermore Livermore Livermore Livermore Livermore Livermore Livermore Livermore Livermore Mechanic Falls Mechanic Falls Mechanic Falls Mechanic Falls Minot Minot Minot Minot Poland Poland Poland Poland Poland Poland Poland Poland Poland Poland Poland Poland Poland

WATER BRETTUNS P BRETTUNS P BRETTUNS P BRETTUNS P BRETTUNS P LONG P LONG P ROUND P ROUND P ROUND P ROUND P ROUND P ROUND P ROUND P ANDROSCOGGIN R (LITTLE) ANDROSCOGGIN R (LITTLE) ANDROSCOGGIN R (LITTLE) ANDROSCOGGIN R (LITTLE) ANDROSCOGGIN R (LITTLE) ANDROSCOGGIN R (LITTLE) ANDROSCOGGIN R (LITTLE) ANDROSCOGGIN R (LITTLE) RANGE P (LOWER) RANGE P (LOWER) RANGE P (LOWER) RANGE P (LOWER) RANGE P (MIDDLE) RANGE P (MIDDLE) RANGE P (MIDDLE) RANGE P (MIDDLE) RANGE P (MIDDLE) RANGE P (UPPER) RANGE P (UPPER) RANGE P (UPPER) RANGE P (UPPER)

SPECIES BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROWN TROUT BROWN TROUT RAINBOW TROUT RAINBOW TROUT BROWN TROUT BROWN TROUT RAINBOW TROUT RAINBOW TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT RAINBOW TROUT RAINBOW TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT RAINBOW TROUT

QTY 470 20 250 200 100 470 100 200 400 375 20 250 200 100 300 300 300 300 525 525 525 525 300 190 300 300 330 15 325 650 50 370 10 150 300

INCHES 13 19 7 14 12 13 12 9 7 13 19 7 14 12 9 9 11 12 9 9 11 12 14 13 15 12 13 19 14 14 19 13 19 13 14

DATE 10/21/22 11/22/22 12/1/22 12/1/22 10/5/22 10/21/22 10/5/22 4/21/22 10/21/22 10/21/22 11/22/22 12/1/22 12/1/22 10/5/22 4/27/22 5/12/22 4/26/22 5/25/22 4/27/22 5/12/22 4/26/22 5/25/22 2/3/22 10/18/22 2/8/23 10/7/22 10/18/22 11/11/22 10/14/22 9/26/22 11/7/22 10/18/22 11/11/22 10/13/22 9/26/22

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36 • April 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ——————————————————————————————————————————————— TOWN Poland Poland Poland Poland Poland Poland Poland Poland Poland Poland Turner Turner Turner Turner Turner Turner Turner Turner Turner Turner Turner Turner Turner Turner

WATER RANGE P (UPPER) THOMPSON L TRIPP P TRIPP P TRIPP P WORTHLEY P WORTHLEY P WORTHLEY P WORTHLEY P WORTHLEY P CRYSTAL (BEALS) P CRYSTAL (BEALS) P CRYSTAL (BEALS) P CRYSTAL (BEALS) P CRYSTAL (BEALS) P CRYSTAL (BEALS) P NEZINSCOT R NEZINSCOT R NEZINSCOT R NEZINSCOT R NEZINSCOT R PLEASANT P PLEASANT P PLEASANT P

SPECIES RAINBOW TROUT L.L. SALMON BROWN TROUT BROWN TROUT L.L. SALMON BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON

Dyer Brook Dyer Brook Eagle Lake Forkstown Twp Fort Fairfield Fort Fairfield Fort Kent Fort Kent Fort Kent Grand Isle Haynesville Hodgdon Hodgdon Houlton Houlton Houlton Island Falls Island Falls Island Falls Island Falls Limestone Limestone Limestone Limestone Limestone Linneus Linneus Linneus Littleton Littleton Mapleton Masardis Molunkus Twp Molunkus Twp Monticello Monticello Monticello Monticello Moro Plt Moro Plt New Canada New Limerick New Limerick New Limerick Oakfield Oakfield Oakfield Oakfield Orient Orient Orient Portage Lake Presque Isle Presque Isle Presque Isle Presque Isle Reed Plt Saint John Plt Squapan Twp T11 R10 WELS T11 R11 WELS T11 R13 WELS T11 R4 WELS T11 R4 WELS T11 R4 WELS T11 R8 WELS

STILES P BROOK TROUT STILES P BROOK TROUT DICKWOOD L BROOK TROUT MATTAWAMKEAG R (EAST BROOK TROUT BRANCH) MONSON P BROOK TROUT MONSON P BROOK TROUT FISH RIVER BROOK TROUT FISH RIVER L.L. SALMON MICHAUD P BROOK TROUT CORBIN P BROOK TROUT MATTAWAMKEAG R BROOK TROUT HODGDON DEADWATER BROWN TROUT STEWART P BROOK TROUT BROWN P BROOK TROUT CHURCH ON THE HILL P BROOK TROUT LOGAN L BROOK TROUT PLEASANT L BROOK TROUT PLEASANT L L.L. SALMON ROCK CRUSHER P BROOK TROUT ROCK CRUSHER P BROOK TROUT DUREPO L BROOK TROUT DUREPO L BROOK TROUT DUREPO L BROOK TROUT TRAFTON L BROOK TROUT TRAFTON L BROOK TROUT DREWS (MEDUXNEKEAG) L BROWN TROUT DREWS (MEDUXNEKEAG) L SPLAKE MUD P BROOK TROUT CARRY L BROOK TROUT DEEP L #1 BROOK TROUT HANSON BROOK L BROOK TROUT SCOPAN STREAM L.L. SALMON MOLUNKUS L BROOK TROUT MOLUNKUS L L.L. SALMON CONROY L BROOK TROUT CONROY L BROOK TROUT CONROY L SPLAKE MEDUXNEKEAG R (NORTH BRANCH) BROOK TROUT HALE P BROOK TROUT ROCKABEMA L BROOK TROUT DAIGLE P BROOK TROUT NICKERSON L BROOK TROUT NICKERSON L BROOK TROUT NICKERSON L BROWN TROUT MATTAWAMKEAG R (EAST BRANCH) BROOK TROUT MATTAWAMKEAG R (EAST BRANCH) BROOK TROUT SPAULDING L BROOK TROUT TIMONEY L BROOK TROUT GRAND L (EAST) BROOK TROUT GRAND L (EAST) BROOK TROUT GRAND L (EAST) L.L. SALMON PORTAGE HILLS COUNTRY CLUB P BROOK TROUT ARNOLD BROOK L BROOK TROUT ARNOLD BROOK L BROOK TROUT ECHO L BROOK TROUT MANTLE L BROOK TROUT HANNINGTON P BROOK TROUT BLACK P BROOK TROUT SCOPAN L SPLAKE MCNALLY P (UPPER) BROOK TROUT MUSQUACOOK L (2ND) LAKE TROUT UMSASKIS L LAKE TROUT SCOPAN L BROOK TROUT SCOPAN L L.L. SALMON SCOPAN L SPLAKE ROUND MOUNTAIN P BROOK TROUT

AROOSTOOK

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QTY 50 750 400 50 40 200 750 165 15 75 250 250 235 20 250 100 650 500 500 1000 75 100 375 50

INCHES 19 7 12 18 18 10 8 13 19 12 10 7 13 19 7 14 10 10 7 8 12 10 13 11

DATE 11/7/22 5/25/22 10/6/22 10/13/22 12/8/22 4/21/22 10/19/22 10/19/22 11/10/22 10/6/22 5/27/22 10/21/22 10/21/22 11/22/22 12/1/22 12/1/22 4/28/22 5/27/22 12/1/22 5/17/22 9/28/22 4/28/22 10/21/22 10/24/22

250 150 2000 1000 1900 45 1100 100 200 200 1350 250 250 100 135 250 1700 800 300 200 2000 500 45 2500 45 450 500 600 1500 600 2500 50 800 300 500 19 200 250 700 800 500 400 800 200 300 300 400 3000 1500 600 1730 135 300 1100 6000 450 300 400 550 900 225 225 1650 131 550 500

10 7 6 10 10 18 13 11 10 10 11 12 10 10 11 10 10 7 10 13 7 13 18 7 18 12 12 10 7 7 7 13 13 13 10 18 12 10 6 10 7 10 13 12 10 10 13 7 10 13 7 11 10 13 8 11 10 6 12 11 7 7 8 17 12 10

4/21/22 10/4/22 9/19/22 5/13/22 5/4/22 11/23/22 9/26/22 10/12/22 5/11/22 5/11/22 5/18/22 9/22/22 4/21/22 4/21/22 5/31/22 5/10/22 4/26/22 5/18/22 5/10/22 10/6/22 9/20/22 10/13/22 11/23/22 9/20/22 11/23/22 9/22/22 9/22/22 4/21/22 10/5/22 10/5/22 9/20/22 9/26/22 9/28/22 10/12/22 4/26/22 11/21/22 9/22/22 5/11/22 9/28/22 5/10/22 9/22/22 4/21/22 9/27/22 9/22/22 5/11/22 5/13/22 9/27/22 10/4/22 4/28/22 9/23/22 5/19/22 6/1/22 5/10/22 11/1/22 10/12/22 6/1/22 4/26/22 9/19/22 10/27/22 5/27/22 6/2/22 6/2/22 11/18/22 11/18/22 10/27/22 5/24/22

TOWN T11 R8 WELS T12 R14 WELS T14 R8 WELS T14 R8 WELS T14 R9 WELS T15 R9 WELS T16 R4 WELS T16 R4 WELS T16 R4 WELS T16 R4 WELS T17 R12 WELS T17 R4 WELS T17 R4 WELS T17 R4 WELS T18 R10 WELS T19 R11 WELS T19 R12 WELS T4 R3 WELS T4 R3 WELS T7 R5 WELS T9 R3 WELS TC R2 WELS Wallagrass Weston Weston Weston Weston Weston Weston

WATER ROWE L UGH L ISLAND P MOCCASIN P BEAVER TAIL P BLACK P (LITTLE SO) MADAWASKA L MADAWASKA L MADAWASKA L MADAWASKA L FOX P LONG L LONG L LONG L GLAZIER L BEAU L RIDEOUT P MATTAWAMKEAG L MATTAWAMKEAG L UMCOLCUS L NUMBER NINE L MEDUXNEKEAG R (NORTH BRANCH) BEN L DEERING L DEERING L FAULKNER L GRAND L (EAST) GRAND L (EAST) GRAND L (EAST)

SPECIES BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON L.L. SALMON BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON L.L. SALMON L.L. SALMON LAKE TROUT LAKE TROUT BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON L.L. SALMON BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON

QTY 250 1000 500 100 325 25 400 1250 175 40 300 4180 720 590 1000 600 50 600 200 500 500 250 300 750 260 200 1500 600 1730

INCHES 13 6 8 10 10 10 14 14 16 19 6 7 7 11 7 7 6 13 13 13 7 10 6 10 7 13 10 13 7

DATE 10/12/22 9/19/22 10/19/22 5/24/22 5/24/22 5/24/22 11/8/22 11/21/22 11/8/22 11/8/22 9/19/22 6/3/22 6/9/22 11/22/22 5/19/22 5/19/22 9/19/22 10/6/22 11/21/22 9/26/22 9/22/22 5/11/22 9/19/22 4/26/22 5/18/22 10/27/22 4/28/22 9/23/22 5/19/22

Baldwin Baldwin Baldwin Bridgton Bridgton Bridgton Bridgton Bridgton Bridgton Bridgton Bridgton Bridgton Brunswick Brunswick Casco Casco Casco Casco Casco Casco Casco Casco Cumberland Cumberland Falmouth Falmouth Gorham Gorham Gorham Gorham Gorham Gorham Gorham Gorham Gray Gray Gray Gray Gray Gray Gray Gray Gray Harrison Harrison Harrison Harrison Harrison Harrison Naples Naples Naples Naples Naples Naples Naples Naples Naples Naples Naples Naples

SACO R SAND P SAND P ADAMS P HIGHLAND L LONG L MOOSE P STEVENS B STEVENS B STEVENS B WILLETT B WOOD P COFFIN P COFFIN P COFFEE P COFFEE P PARKER P SONGO R SONGO R THOMAS P THOMAS P THOMAS P PISCATAQUA R PISCATAQUA R PISCATAQUA R PISCATAQUA R ALDEN'S P LITTLE R LITTLE R LITTLE R LITTLE R LITTLE R (NORTH BRANCH) LITTLE R (NORTH BRANCH) LITTLE R (NORTH BRANCH) COLLYER B COLLYER B COLLYER B COLLYER B CRYSTAL L (DRY P) CRYSTAL L (DRY P) CRYSTAL L (DRY P) CRYSTAL L (DRY P) CRYSTAL L (DRY P) CRYSTAL (ANONYMOUS) P CRYSTAL (ANONYMOUS) P ISLAND P LONG L LONG L LONG L COLD RAIN P COLD RAIN P COLD RAIN P LONG L MUDDY R MUDDY R MUDDY R TRICKEY P TRICKEY P TRICKEY P TRICKEY P TRICKEY P

BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT L.L. SALMON L.L. SALMON BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROWN TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT SPLAKE BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT RAINBOW TROUT RAINBOW TROUT BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROWN TROUT L.L. SALMON BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON SPLAKE

300 190 15 400 600 500 650 400 400 1050 400 650 150 200 280 100 200 300 330 300 15 30 150 250 150 900 200 550 550 300 700 100 100 300 300 900 200 600 270 15 250 250 25 250 75 300 95 500 500 300 500 100 500 150 300 300 800 50 45 100 800

13 13 19 10 13 11 7 10 10 9 9 13 10 10 14 10 13 10 10 13 19 16 10 8 10 8 10 10 10 8 8 10 10 8 10 10 8 8 13 19 13 14 19 13 7 10 18 13 11 10 8 13 11 10 10 10 10 13 14 7 10

10/13/22 10/19/22 11/14/22 4/26/22 10/28/22 11/1/22 5/24/22 4/26/22 5/11/22 5/2/22 5/10/22 10/28/22 5/10/22 5/17/22 11/14/22 4/30/22 10/18/22 5/3/22 5/18/22 10/14/22 12/9/22 12/8/22 4/26/22 5/12/22 4/26/22 5/12/22 5/11/22 4/14/22 5/17/22 5/12/22 5/13/22 4/14/22 5/17/22 5/13/22 4/12/22 5/5/22 5/12/22 5/14/22 10/19/22 11/11/22 10/11/22 9/26/22 11/18/22 10/18/22 5/24/22 5/3/22 10/13/22 10/28/22 11/1/22 5/23/22 10/17/22 10/17/22 11/1/22 5/2/22 5/24/22 6/8/22 5/4/22 10/14/22 11/14/22 5/24/22 4/30/22

CUMBERLAND

���������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • April 2023 • 37

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38 • April 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ——————————————————————————————————————————————— TOWN New Gloucester New Gloucester New Gloucester New Gloucester New Gloucester New Gloucester New Gloucester New Gloucester New Gloucester New Gloucester New Gloucester New Gloucester New Gloucester New Gloucester North Yarmouth North Yarmouth North Yarmouth Pownal Pownal Pownal Raymond Raymond Raymond Raymond Raymond Scarborough Sebago Sebago Sebago Sebago South Portland South Portland South Portland South Portland Standish Standish Standish Standish Standish Standish Standish Standish Standish Standish Standish Standish Westbrook Westbrook Westbrook Westbrook Westbrook Windham Windham Windham Windham Windham Windham Windham Windham Windham Windham Windham Windham Windham Windham Windham Windham Windham Windham Windham Windham Windham Windham Windham Windham Windham Windham Windham Windham Windham Windham Windham Windham Windham Windham Windham Yarmouth Yarmouth Yarmouth Yarmouth Yarmouth

WATER BRANDY B LILY P PINELAND P PINELAND P ROYAL R ROYAL R ROYAL R SABBATHDAY L SABBATHDAY L SABBATHDAY L SABBATHDAY L STEVENS B STEVENS B STEVENS B CHANDLER B CHANDLER B ROYAL R CHANDLER B CHANDLER B CHANDLER B (EAST BRANCH) CRESCENT L JORDAN R JORDAN R PANTHER P SEBAGO L NONESUCH R BARKER P NORTHWEST R NORTHWEST R PEABODY P HINKLEY P (LOWER) HINKLEY P (LOWER) HINKLEY P (UPPER) HINKLEY P (UPPER) OTTER P #2 OTTER P #2 OTTER P #2 OTTER P #2 OTTER P #4 OTTER P #4 OTTER P #4 OTTER P #4 OTTER P #4 SACO R SACO R SACO R BEAVER P MILL B MILL B MILL B PRESUMPSCOT R CHAFFIN P CHAFFIN P CHAFFIN P CHAFFIN P CHAFFIN P PETTINGILL P PLEASANT R PLEASANT R PLEASANT R PLEASANT R PLEASANT R PRESUMPSCOT R PRESUMPSCOT R PRESUMPSCOT R PRESUMPSCOT R PRESUMPSCOT R PRESUMPSCOT R PRESUMPSCOT R PRESUMPSCOT R PRESUMPSCOT R PRESUMPSCOT R PRESUMPSCOT R PRESUMPSCOT R PRESUMPSCOT R PRESUMPSCOT R PRESUMPSCOT R PRESUMPSCOT R PRESUMPSCOT R PRESUMPSCOT R PRESUMPSCOT R PRESUMPSCOT R PRESUMPSCOT R SEBAGO L (LITTLE) SEBAGO L (LITTLE) SEBAGO L (LITTLE) ROYAL R ROYAL R ROYAL R ROYAL R ROYAL R

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SPECIES BROOK TROUT RAINBOW TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON L.L. SALMON BROWN TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROWN TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROWN TROUT BROWN TROUT BROWN TROUT BROWN TROUT L.L. SALMON L.L. SALMON L.L. SALMON BROWN TROUT RAINBOW TROUT RAINBOW TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROWN TROUT

QTY 100 300 200 165 200 300 350 500 375 15 350 100 200 220 100 150 300 400 300 500 200 300 300 450 2000 450 150 100 100 350 200 50 200 50 200 660 120 15 100 100 330 70 10 200 220 300 200 150 150 250 400 200 500 95 15 200 80 500 500 1250 100 100 200 200 800 220 330 320 300 227 150 150 100 100 15 100 800 800 250 75 200 200 100 900 700 50 200 200 100 600 175

INCHES 10 11 10 10 10 10 8 10 13 19 12 10 10 11 10 8 8 10 8 10 11 10 10 11 8 8 14 10 10 7 9 14 9 14 10 8 13 19 14 10 8 13 19 10 10 13 10 10 10 8 8 10 8 13 19 15 13 10 10 9 12 12 10 10 10 11 10 10 13 13 13 13 13 14 19 8 8 8 12 18 11 11 16 13 14 19 10 10 13 8 12

DATE 4/25/22 5/24/22 4/12/22 5/24/22 4/12/22 5/5/22 5/12/22 4/22/22 10/21/22 11/11/22 10/7/22 4/12/22 4/25/22 5/13/22 4/25/22 5/16/22 5/12/22 4/25/22 5/16/22 4/25/22 11/1/22 4/27/22 5/27/22 11/2/22 6/1/22 5/12/22 10/10/22 4/28/22 5/11/22 5/24/22 11/18/22 11/18/22 11/18/22 11/18/22 4/29/22 10/19/22 10/19/22 11/14/22 1/6/22 4/28/22 10/19/22 10/19/22 11/14/22 4/26/22 5/17/22 10/13/22 4/14/22 4/14/22 5/11/22 5/12/22 5/12/22 4/15/22 10/19/22 10/19/22 11/14/22 2/9/23 10/11/22 4/14/22 5/11/22 4/27/22 9/28/22 9/29/22 4/1/22 4/15/22 5/3/22 5/13/22 5/26/22 6/10/22 10/5/22 10/21/22 11/4/22 11/15/22 11/22/22 12/9/22 12/9/22 5/12/22 5/13/22 5/13/22 9/29/22 10/13/22 9/26/22 10/19/22 12/5/22 10/28/22 10/14/22 12/2/22 4/12/22 5/10/22 10/12/22 5/10/22 9/28/22

TOWN Yarmouth

WATER ROYAL R

Alder Stream Twp Alder Stream Twp Alder Stream Twp Avon Avon Avon Beattie Twp Carrabasset Valley Carthage Carthage Carthage Chain of Ponds Twp Chain of Ponds Twp Chain of Ponds Twp Chain of Ponds Twp Chain of Ponds Twp Chesterville Chesterville Chesterville Chesterville Chesterville Coplin Plt Coplin Plt Dallas Plt Dallas Plt Dallas Plt Dallas Plt Dallas Plt Dallas Plt Dallas Plt Dallas Plt Dallas Plt Eustis Farmington Farmington Farmington Farmington Farmington Farmington Farmington Farmington Farmington Industry Industry Industry Industry Industry Industry Industry Industry Jim Pond Twp Jim Pond Twp Jim Pond Twp Jim Pond Twp Jim Pond Twp Jim Pond Twp Jim Pond Twp Kibby Twp Kingfield Kingfield Kingfield Kingfield Kingfield Kingfield Kingfield Kingfield Kingfield Kingfield Lang Twp Lang Twp Lowelltown Twp Madrid Madrid Madrid Madrid Madrid New Sharon New Sharon New Sharon New Sharon New Sharon New Sharon New Sharon Perkins Twp Perkins Twp Phillips Phillips Phillips Phillips

BLANCHARD P DEAD R (NORTH BRANCH) DEAD R (NORTH BRANCH) MOUNT BLUE P MOUNT BLUE P SCHOOLHOUSE P BOUNDARY P CARRABASSETT R PODUNK P WEBB R WEBB R BUG EYE P CARIBOU BOG CHAIN OF PONDS CHAIN OF PONDS OTTER P EGYPT P NORCROSS P NORCROSS P NORCROSS P NORCROSS P DEAD R (SOUTH BRANCH) DEAD R (SOUTH BRANCH) DEAD R (SOUTH BRANCH) DEAD R (SOUTH BRANCH) DEAD R (SOUTH BRANCH) DEAD R (SOUTH BRANCH) GULL P LOON L LOON L LOON L SADDLEBACK L BARNARD P MT BLUE HIGH SCHOOL P SANDY R SANDY R SANDY R SANDY R SANDY R SANDY R TEMPLE STREAM TEMPLE STREAM CLEARWATER P CLEARWATER P CLEARWATER P CLEARWATER P CLEARWATER P CLEARWATER P MUDDY B MUDDY B GREENBUSH P JIM P (BIG) JIM P (LITTLE) TEA P TEA P TEA P (LITTLE) VILES P (LITTLE) HURRICANE P CARRABASSETT R CARRABASSETT R CARRABASSETT R CARRABASSETT R CARRABASSETT R CARRABASSETT R DUTTON (SHILOH) P GRINDSTONE P GRINDSTONE P PINNACLE P DEAD R (SOUTH BRANCH) DEAD R (SOUTH BRANCH) INDIAN P (BIG) BEAL (TROUT) P HARVEY P HARVEY P SANDY R SANDY R CROWELL P CROWELL P CROWELL P SANDY R SANDY R SANDY R SANDY R HILLS P HILLS P LONG COVE P LUFKIN P LUFKIN P SANDY R

SPECIES BROWN TROUT

QTY 50

INCHES 18

DATE 10/13/22

BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT SPLAKE SPLAKE BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROWN TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON L.L. SALMON BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT RAINBOW TROUT RAINBOW TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT SPLAKE SPLAKE BROOK TROUT

350 750 750 250 750 75 700 250 350 400 300 200 150 1200 600 150 300 800 80 25 100 200 200 400 400 400 36 380 3500 200 100 1000 1250 50 1500 250 100 2400 300 100 200 200 1300 750 200 30 250 12 50 50 75 550 1000 800 100 300 400 1000 450 200 150 15 200 200 1200 200 500 100 200 200 1950 1900 200 165 200 50 1100 110 25 350 50 800 100 300 2200 100 100 300 500

6 10 10 10 13 10 10 10 10 9 10 10 10 10 13 10 10 13 13 19 12 10 10 10 10 13 13 10 7 13 7 10 7 10 10 13 13 8 12 12 10 10 10 13 13 19 13 13 9 10 13 10 7 10 7 3 3 7 10 10 13 13 11 12 6 10 7 10 10 10 7 6 10 13 9 13 13 13 19 10 13 8 12 10 7 10 10 13 10

9/30/22 5/12/22 5/31/22 6/13/22 10/5/22 6/1/22 6/10/22 4/28/22 5/19/22 5/2/22 5/5/22 5/12/22 5/12/22 5/12/22 10/3/22 5/19/22 4/27/22 10/4/22 10/12/22 11/22/22 9/29/22 5/10/22 5/31/22 5/10/22 5/31/22 9/27/22 10/11/22 5/27/22 9/26/22 9/26/22 5/24/22 5/31/22 9/26/22 5/11/22 4/28/22 9/29/22 9/29/22 5/11/22 9/30/22 10/4/22 5/2/22 5/23/22 5/3/22 9/28/22 10/17/22 12/1/22 9/28/22 10/4/22 4/21/22 5/2/22 10/3/22 5/17/22 10/6/22 5/26/22 5/26/22 6/2/22 6/2/22 9/28/22 4/28/22 5/23/22 9/21/22 10/11/22 5/19/22 6/2/22 9/27/22 5/20/22 9/26/22 5/12/22 5/10/22 5/31/22 9/28/22 9/30/22 4/27/22 10/8/22 5/2/22 9/21/22 10/4/22 10/12/22 11/22/22 4/28/22 9/29/22 5/11/22 9/30/22 5/23/22 9/29/22 5/12/22 6/13/22 9/26/22 5/2/22

FRANKLIN

���������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • April 2023 • 39 TOWN Phillips Phillips Phillips Phillips Phillips Phillips Phillips Rangeley Rangeley Rangeley Rangeley Rangeley Rangeley Rangeley Rangeley Rangeley Rangeley Sandy River Plt Sandy River Plt Sandy River Plt Sandy River Plt Sandy River Plt Sandy River Plt Sandy River Plt Sandy River Plt Sandy River Plt Strong Strong Strong Strong Strong Strong Strong Strong Strong Temple Temple Township 6 North of Weld Township 6 North of Weld Township D Township D Township D Township D Township E Township E Township E Weld Weld Weld Weld Weld Wilton

WATER SANDY R STETSON P TOOTHAKER P TOOTHAKER P TOOTHAKER P TOOTHAKER P TOOTHAKER P DODGE P HALEY B HALEY B HALEY P HALEY P QUIMBY P RANGELEY GUIDES P RANGELEY L RANGELEY L ROUND P EDDY P LEDGE P MIDWAY P ROCK P SANDY RIVER P (MIDDLE) SANDY RIVER P (MIDDLE) SANDY RIVER P (MIDDLE) SANDY RIVER P (MIDDLE) SOUTH (PINE TREE) P PORTER L PORTER L PORTER L PORTER L PORTER L PORTER L PORTER L SANDY R SANDY R TEMPLE STREAM TEMPLE STREAM MUD POND TUMBLEDOWN P BEAVER P BEAVER P MOXIE P SPENCER P LONG P ROUND P SWIFT RIVER P WEBB L WEBB L WEBB L WEBB L WEBB L VARNUM P

SPECIES BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON L.L. SALMON BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT L.L. SALMON BROOK TROUT

QTY 50 800 300 200 100 10 100 750 150 150 600 500 350 100 1000 900 450 400 250 350 500 600 100 10 50 600 1100 1250 125 200 70 300 15 500 100 300 300 450 450 1900 75 200 800 3000 1600 450 1000 1000 50 600 300 1000

INCHES 13 6 10 7 13 13 13 10 9 10 9 14 9 10 10 7 10 6 6 6 6 10 13 13 13 6 9 13 13 13 19 13 13 10 13 10 10 2 6 7 13 6 6 6 6 6 13 13 19 13 11 10

DATE 9/21/22 9/30/22 4/27/22 9/26/22 9/26/22 10/8/22 10/20/22 5/24/22 5/10/22 5/24/22 5/10/22 10/19/22 5/10/22 7/5/22 6/8/22 5/31/22 5/24/22 9/30/22 9/30/22 9/30/22 9/30/22 5/5/22 9/21/22 10/11/22 10/20/22 9/30/22 4/25/22 9/27/22 10/8/22 10/20/22 12/1/22 9/27/22 10/4/22 5/2/22 9/21/22 5/2/22 5/23/22 5/9/22 9/30/22 9/29/22 9/29/22 9/30/22 9/30/22 9/30/22 9/30/22 9/30/22 9/27/22 9/29/22 11/22/22 10/6/22 10/24/22 5/3/22

www.MaineSportsman.com

40 • April 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ——————————————————————————————————————————————— TOWN Wilton Wilton Wilton Wilton Wilton Wilton Wilton Wilton Wilton Wilton Wyman Twp

WATER VARNUM P WILSON P WILSON P WILSON P WILSON P WILSON STREAM WILSON STREAM WILSON STREAM WILSON STREAM WILSON STREAM THE HORNS P

Amherst Amherst Amherst Aurora Bar Harbor Bar Harbor Bar Harbor Bar Harbor Bar Harbor Bar Harbor Bar Harbor Bar Harbor Bar Harbor Bar Harbor Bar Harbor Bar Harbor Bar Harbor Brooksville Brooksville Bucksport Bucksport Bucksport Bucksport Bucksport Bucksport Dedham Dedham Deer Isle Deer Isle Eastbrook Ellsworth Ellsworth Ellsworth Ellsworth Franklin Gouldsboro Gouldsboro Great Pond Great Pond Great Pond Great Pond Hancock Hancock Hancock Mariaville Mount Desert Mount Desert Mount Desert Mount Desert Mount Desert Mount Desert Mount Desert Mount Desert Mount Desert Mount Desert Oqiton Twp Oqiton Twp Oqiton Twp Orland Orland Orland Orland Orland Orland Orland Otis Otis Otis Otis Otis Otis Southwest Harbor Sullivan Sullivan Sullivan Sullivan Surry Surry Surry

DUCKTAIL P PARTRIDGE P TROUT P BRANCH P (UPPER MIDDLE) BREAKNECK P (LOWER) BREAKNECK P (UPPER) BUBBLE P BUBBLE P BUBBLE P EAGLE L EAGLE L EAGLE L EAGLE L HALFMOON P LAKE WOOD WITCH HOLE P WITCH HOLE P WALKER P WALKER P HANCOCK P JACOB BUCK P JACOB BUCK P JACOB BUCK P JACOB BUCK P JACOB BUCK P PHILLIPS (LUCERNE) L PHILLIPS (LUCERNE) L LILY P LILY P MOLASSES P BRANCH L GREEN L GREEN L GREEN L LITTLE P JONES P JONES P GREAT P KING P LONG P MORRISON P (UPPER) SIMMONS P SIMMONS P SIMMONS P HOPKINS P ECHO L ECHO L ECHO L HADLOCK P (LOWER) HADLOCK P (LOWER) HADLOCK P (UPPER) HADLOCK P (UPPER) JORDAN P LONG (GREAT) P ROUND P DUCK L DUCK L SELMORE (KILLMAN) P CRAIG P CRAIG P CRAIG P HEART P ORLAND R ORLAND R TODDY P BEECH HILL P BEECH HILL P SPRINGY P (LOWER) SPRINGY P (LOWER) YOUNGS P YOUNGS P LONG (GREAT) P FLANDERS P FLANDERS P LONG P QUARRY P PATTEN P (LOWER) PATTEN P (LOWER) TODDY P

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SPECIES L.L. SALMON BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT

QTY 100 1300 1100 110 300 250 200 250 200 250 300

INCHES 7 10 13 13 11 9 10 10 10 10 3

DATE 5/11/22 5/3/22 10/3/22 10/8/22 10/24/22 4/21/22 4/28/22 5/3/22 5/23/22 5/23/22 6/14/22

BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON L.L. SALMON BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON L.L. SALMON SPLAKE BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT L.L. SALMON L.L. SALMON L.L. SALMON L.L. SALMON LAKE TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT RAINBOW TROUT BROWN TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON SPLAKE BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON L.L. SALMON L.L. SALMON BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON BROWN TROUT RAINBOW TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT L.L. SALMON BROWN TROUT

260 550 250 50 250 275 175 600 50 3375 100 50 50 125 600 1125 50 600 700 100 150 27 25 50 367 700 300 1100 50 50 800 435 100 1350 225 300 800 375 200 550 350 125 200 50 600 800 300 25 600 75 600 75 50 500 100 2000 430 300 1100 100 75 225 400 150 300 350 37 300 25 250 100 225 300 1050 950 150 150 200 1000

7 7 7 11 7 7 10 7 13 7 13 7 14 7 7 7 13 13 12 12 13 18 11 14 10 13 8 7 12 14 7 11 14 7 10 12 15 12 12 13 14 10 7 13 13 7 13 7 7 13 7 13 7 13 13 8 7 8 7 13 7 10 10 13 8 7 14 14 18 7 13 7 12 14 7 7 12 7 12

10/4/22 10/4/22 10/4/22 10/25/22 10/27/22 10/27/22 5/5/22 10/13/22 10/13/22 10/13/22 10/13/22 5/24/22 11/18/22 10/27/22 10/27/22 10/27/22 10/27/22 10/12/22 10/12/22 11/1/22 11/1/22 11/30/22 10/25/22 11/21/22 4/27/22 10/31/22 6/2/22 10/4/22 10/25/22 11/18/22 5/12/22 10/25/22 11/30/22 5/17/22 5/19/22 10/25/22 10/14/22 10/11/22 11/1/22 10/21/22 11/1/22 5/5/22 10/6/22 10/21/22 10/7/22 10/28/22 10/28/22 5/24/22 10/13/22 10/13/22 10/13/22 10/13/22 5/24/22 10/27/22 10/27/22 10/20/22 5/23/22 10/11/22 10/5/22 10/19/22 5/12/22 5/5/22 5/5/22 10/19/22 6/2/22 5/11/22 11/30/22 11/4/22 11/4/22 10/6/22 10/7/22 5/24/22 10/7/22 10/19/22 10/4/22 10/25/22 10/13/22 5/12/22 10/13/22

HANCOCK

TOWN Surry T10 SD T10 SD T10 SD T10 SD T10 SD T10 SD T10 SD T10 SD T10 SD T10 SD T10 SD T10 SD T10 SD T10 SD T10 SD T28 MD T28 MD T28 MD T28 MD T3 ND T3 ND T3 ND T3 ND T3 ND T3 ND T3 ND T3 ND T32 MD T32 MD T32 MD T32 MD T32 MD T32 MD T34 MD T34 MD T35 MD T40 MD T40 MD T40 MD T40 MD T40 MD T40 MD T40 MD T40 MD T40 MD T40 MD T40 MD T40 MD T40 MD T40 MD T9 SD Tremont Winter Harbor Winter Harbor

WATER TODDY P ANDERSON P FOX P FOX P FOX P FOX P LONG P LONG P (LITTLE) RAINBOW P SALMON P SPRING RIVER L SPRING RIVER L SPRING RIVER L TILDEN P TUNK L TUNK L LEAD MTN P (LO & MD) LEAD MTN P (UPPER) LEAD MTN P (UPPER) WILLIAMS P NICATOUS STREAM SIDE PISTOL L SPRING L SPRING L WEST L WEST L WEST L WEST L PICKEREL P PICKEREL P PICKEREL P PICKEREL P PICKEREL P TITCOMB P LOVEJOY P LOVEJOY P BURNT LAND L CRYSTAL P CRYSTAL P LOON P LOON P NICATOUS L NICATOUS L NICATOUS L NICATOUS L OXHEAD P (MIDDLE) OXHEAD P (MIDDLE) OXHEAD P (MIDDLE) OXHEAD P (UPPER) TROUT P TROUT P DONNELL P SEAL COVE P BIRCH HARBOR P BIRCH HARBOR P

SPECIES SPLAKE BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT L.L. SALMON BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON BROWN TROUT BROWN TROUT L.L. SALMON BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON L.L. SALMON BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT SPLAKE BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON L.L. SALMON SPLAKE SPLAKE BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT

QTY 1000 250 200 1200 250 100 500 250 700 300 600 700 100 1250 1000 400 300 550 75 250 33000 400 1000 185 700 300 375 55 500 20 600 100 36 350 800 175 400 700 300 300 200 650 55 1200 800 150 125 49 450 300 200 450 200 175 75

INCHES 10 7 10 7 13 12 13 7 7 7 13 12 14 7 10 7 12 12 11 13 2 10 8 7 10 13 7 17 10 12 13 14 18 10 7 13 10 8 8 8 8 12 17 10 12 13 14 18 8 8 8 7 12 7 13

DATE 5/2/22 10/4/22 5/19/22 10/4/22 10/7/22 10/7/22 10/6/22 10/4/22 10/4/22 10/4/22 10/6/22 10/6/22 11/18/22 10/4/22 5/11/22 5/11/22 10/11/22 10/11/22 10/5/22 10/21/22 6/10/22 5/26/22 9/25/22 5/24/22 4/25/22 9/28/22 5/26/22 11/16/22 5/17/22 7/14/22 9/27/22 11/15/22 11/15/22 5/24/22 9/28/22 10/19/22 6/3/22 9/28/22 11/16/22 9/28/22 11/16/22 10/20/22 10/20/22 5/31/22 10/21/22 9/28/22 11/30/22 11/30/22 9/25/22 9/28/22 11/16/22 5/11/22 10/13/22 10/25/22 10/25/22

Augusta Augusta Augusta Augusta Augusta Augusta Augusta Augusta Augusta Augusta Augusta Belgrade Belgrade Belgrade Belgrade Belgrade Belgrade Belgrade Belgrade China China China China China Clinton Fayette Fayette Fayette Fayette Fayette Fayette Fayette Fayette Fayette Gardiner

SAM ASSOCIATION P (LOWER SMALL) SAM ASSOCIATION P (LOWER SMALL) SAM ASSOCIATION P (LOWER SMALL) SAM ASSOCIATION P (UPPER BIG) SAM ASSOCIATION P (UPPER BIG) SAM ASSOCIATION P (UPPER BIG) TOGUS P TOGUS P TOGUS P TOGUS P TOGUS VA HOSPITAL BELGRADE STREAM BELGRADE STREAM GREAT P GREAT P LONG P SALMON L (ELLIS P) SALMON L (ELLIS P) SALMON L (ELLIS P) CHINA L CHINA L CHINA L THREEMILE P THREEMILE P SEBASTICOOK R BASIN P ECHO L (CROTCHED P) ECHO L (CROTCHED P) ECHO L (CROTCHED P) ECHO L (CROTCHED P) ECHO L (CROTCHED P) ECHO L (CROTCHED P) TILTON P TILTON P COBBOSSEECONTEE STREAM

BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT SPLAKE BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON L.L. SALMON SPLAKE BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT

200 150 50 200 100 100 300 141 550 400 300 250 150 2500 347 150 400 500 400 200 200 1200 300 600 250 50 500 300 200 500 75 80 500 400 1000

10 7 13 10 7 14 9 10 13 12 10 9 10 12 18 9 9 13 12 10 13 12 13 12 10 12 9 13 13 8 11 12 8 13 10

5/11/22 10/20/22 10/20/22 5/11/22 10/20/22 11/1/22 4/21/22 6/1/22 10/11/22 10/11/22 5/13/22 4/22/22 5/2/22 10/13/22 11/15/22 4/21/22 4/25/22 10/4/22 10/6/22 4/22/22 10/14/22 10/7/22 10/14/22 10/7/22 5/4/22 11/1/22 4/22/22 10/4/22 11/7/22 6/1/22 11/1/22 11/4/22 10/26/22 11/1/22 4/28/22

KENNEBEC

���������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • April 2023 • 41 TOWN Litchfield Litchfield Litchfield Litchfield Litchfield Manchester Manchester Manchester Manchester Manchester Manchester Manchester Manchester Manchester Manchester Monmouth Monmouth Monmouth Monmouth Monmouth Monmouth Monmouth Monmouth Monmouth Monmouth Monmouth Mount Vernon Mount Vernon Mount Vernon Mount Vernon Mount Vernon Mount Vernon Mount Vernon Mount Vernon Mount Vernon Oakland Oakland Oakland Oakland Oakland Oakland Oakland Oakland Rome Sidney Sidney Sidney Sidney Sidney Sidney Vassalboro Vassalboro

WATER SPECIES LITCHFIELD SPORTSMAN CLUB P BROOK TROUT LITCHFIELD SPORTSMAN BROOK TROUT CLUB P WOODBURY P BROOK TROUT WOODBURY P BROOK TROUT WOODBURY P BROWN TROUT COBBOSSEECONTEE L BROWN TROUT FAIRBANKS P BROOK TROUT FAIRBANKS P BROWN TROUT JAMIES (JIMMIE) P BROOK TROUT JAMIES (JIMMIE) P BROOK TROUT JAMIES (JIMMIE) P BROOK TROUT JAMIES (JIMMIE) P BROOK TROUT JAMIES (JIMMIE) P SPLAKE JAMIES (JIMMIE) P SPLAKE TYLER P BROOK TROUT COBBOSSEECONTEE L BROWN TROUT COBBOSSEECONTEE L BROWN TROUT COCHNEWAGON P BROOK TROUT COCHNEWAGON P BROOK TROUT COCHNEWAGON P BROWN TROUT JUG STREAM BROOK TROUT MONMOUTH SPORTSMAN CLUB P BROOK TROUT SAND P (TACOMA LKS) BROOK TROUT SAND P (TACOMA LKS) BROOK TROUT SAND P (TACOMA LKS) BROWN TROUT WILSON STREAM BROOK TROUT MINNEHONK L BROOK TROUT MINNEHONK L BROOK TROUT MINNEHONK L SPLAKE MINNEHONK L SPLAKE MINNEHONK L SPLAKE PARKER P BROOK TROUT PARKER P BROOK TROUT PARKER P BROOK TROUT PARKER P L.L. SALMON MCGRATH P BROOK TROUT MESSALONSKEE L BROOK TROUT MESSALONSKEE L BROOK TROUT MESSALONSKEE L BROWN TROUT MESSALONSKEE L SPLAKE MESSALONSKEE L SPLAKE MESSALONSKEE STREAM BROOK TROUT MESSALONSKEE STREAM BROOK TROUT LONG P RAINBOW TROUT GOULD P BROOK TROUT MESSALONSKEE L BROWN TROUT MESSALONSKEE L SPLAKE MESSALONSKEE L SPLAKE SILVER L BROWN TROUT SILVER L RAINBOW TROUT CHINA L BROOK TROUT SPECTACLE P BROOK TROUT

QTY 100 100 200 280 250 900 50 50 300 300 400 400 100 200 250 800 800 300 470 300 70 200 300 280 200 300 300 30 200 250 150 350 35 200 250 400 250 250 300 500 200 400 400 3925 200 1000 600 600 25 75 250 500

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INCHES 10 10 10 13 14 12 13 12 10 10 10 14 12 12 10 12 12 14 13 12 13 10 10 13 12 10 13 19 10 12 12 13 13 13 8 13 10 9 12 10 12 10 10 14 10 12 12 12 14 14 10 10

DATE 4/21/22 5/17/22 4/22/22 10/20/22 10/14/22 10/7/22 11/7/22 10/6/22 4/21/22 4/29/22 6/1/22 10/24/22 10/24/22 11/4/22 5/17/22 10/11/22 10/12/22 2/2/22 10/20/22 10/11/22 10/20/22 5/17/22 4/22/22 10/20/22 9/29/22 4/22/22 9/30/22 11/22/22 6/15/22 11/1/22 11/4/22 9/30/22 10/12/22 11/1/22 6/1/22 10/4/22 4/13/22 4/25/22 11/17/22 6/15/22 11/4/22 4/13/22 5/10/22 11/3/22 4/22/22 10/13/22 10/24/22 10/31/22 10/14/22 10/4/22 4/22/22 4/27/22

TOWN Vassalboro Vienna Vienna Vienna Vienna Vienna Vienna Waterville Waterville Windsor Windsor Winthrop Winthrop Winthrop Winthrop Winthrop Winthrop Winthrop Winthrop Winthrop Winthrop

WATER SPECTACLE P FLYING P FLYING P FLYING P FLYING P FLYING P KIMBALL P MESSALONSKEE STREAM MESSALONSKEE STREAM SAVADE P SAVADE P MARANACOOK L MARANACOOK L MARANACOOK L NARROWS P (LOWER) NARROWS P (LOWER) NARROWS P (UPPER) NARROWS P (UPPER) NARROWS P (UPPER) NARROWS P (UPPER) WAYNE F&G CLUB P

SPECIES BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT L.L. SALMON BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT L.L. SALMON BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON BROOK TROUT

QTY 150 200 350 35 150 100 800 400 400 300 150 400 200 350 200 220 200 200 440 200 200

INCHES 12 9 13 13 12 11 7 10 10 13 13 13 12 7 9 13 9 10 13 11 10

DATE 11/7/22 4/21/22 10/4/22 10/12/22 9/28/22 10/24/22 10/6/22 4/13/22 5/10/22 10/26/22 11/17/22 10/26/22 10/6/22 6/1/22 4/25/22 10/6/22 4/25/22 4/27/22 10/6/22 11/1/22 5/12/22

Appleton Appleton Appleton Appleton Appleton Appleton Appleton Appleton Camden Camden Camden Camden Camden Camden Camden Camden Camden Camden Camden Hope Hope Hope Hope Hope Hope Isle Au Haut North Haven Rockland Rockland Rockland

SAINT GEORGE R SAINT GEORGE R SAINT GEORGE R SAINT GEORGE R SAINT GEORGE R SAINT GEORGE R SENNEBEC P SENNEBEC P GOOSE R HOSMER P HOSMER P HOSMER P HOSMER P HOSMER P MEGUNTICOOK R MEGUNTICOOK R MEGUNTICOOK R MEGUNTICOOK R MEGUNTICOOK R ALFORD L ALFORD L ALFORD L ALFORD L ALFORD L HOBBS P LONG P (TURNERS L) FRESH P CHICKAWAUKIE P CHICKAWAUKIE P CHICKAWAUKIE P

BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT RAINBOW TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT L.L. SALMON BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT

150 600 550 250 300 150 400 300 200 250 250 300 150 50 400 250 200 400 50 200 500 150 250 100 300 1000 75 250 250 500

14 10 10 13 7 13 13 9 10 10 13 9 13 12 10 10 13 9 19 10 13 13 12 11 13 7 13 10 10 13

4/14/22 5/12/22 5/26/22 10/20/22 10/28/22 4/14/22 10/4/22 11/15/22 4/21/22 4/20/22 11/2/22 11/14/22 11/14/22 11/2/22 4/21/22 5/24/22 11/9/22 11/14/22 11/29/22 4/20/22 11/1/22 11/16/22 11/9/22 10/24/22 11/2/22 10/4/22 11/15/22 4/20/22 5/24/22 11/1/22

KNOX

CAUTION Changing conditions around hydropower facilities

Goods from the Maine Woods — A division of The Crafty Cat —

Unique collection of handmade gifts made in Lebanon, Maine Purchase a Maine State Park sign and a portion of the profits go to The Crafty Cat Scholarship at U.M.O. to help support a Maine student!

www.goodsfromthemainewoods.com Retail & Wholesale Outdoor Enthusiasts, please help us

STOP TICKS IN THEIR TRACKS!

Mainejane’s Tacklers™ capture ticks as they crawl up your legs. Maine-made using USA materials. They come in pairs sized to fit most adults and kids.

207-653-7924 • 207-737-2914

In areas proximate to hydropower facilities, water on the surface freezes to ice; however, underneath it, the water is always moving, and ice thickness can vary significantly from one area to another.

WEAR IT www.safewaters.com

www.mainejanestacklers.com www.MaineSportsman.com

42 • April 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ——————————————————————————————————————————————— TOWN Rockland Rockport Rockport Rockport Rockport Rockport Rockport Rockport Rockport Rockport Union Union Union Union Union Union Union Union Union Vinalhaven Vinalhaven Warren Warren Warren Washington Washington Washington Washington

WATER CHICKAWAUKIE P MACES P MACES P MACES P MACES P MACES P ROCKY P ROCKY P ROCKY P TOLMAN P SAINT GEORGE R SAINT GEORGE R SAINT GEORGE R SAINT GEORGE R SAINT GEORGE R SAINT GEORGE R SAINT GEORGE R SAINT GEORGE R SEVEN TREE P BOOTH QUARRY P LAWSON QUARRY P SAINT GEORGE R SAINT GEORGE R SAINT GEORGE R CRYSTAL P CRYSTAL P CRYSTAL P CRYSTAL P

SPECIES BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROWN TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT

QTY 200 300 250 300 150 20 200 250 75 200 150 275 350 350 300 150 400 300 350 125 125 200 200 200 200 300 20 100

INCHES 13 7 13 9 13 19 10 7 13 13 14 10 13 7 9 13 9 12 13 10 10 13 9 12 13 9 19 12

DATE 11/16/22 11/2/22 11/2/22 11/14/22 11/14/22 11/23/22 5/24/22 11/2/22 11/2/22 11/4/22 4/14/22 5/26/22 10/20/22 10/28/22 11/15/22 4/14/22 5/16/22 10/20/22 10/4/22 5/8/22 5/8/22 11/4/22 5/16/22 10/20/22 11/10/22 11/15/22 11/23/22 11/10/22

Alna Boothbay Boothbay Boothbay Boothbay Boothbay Boothbay Boothbay Bremen Bremen Bremen Bristol Bristol Bristol Bristol Bristol Bristol Bristol Bristol Damariscotta Damariscotta Damariscotta Jefferson Nobleboro South Bristol South Bristol South Bristol Waldoboro Waldoboro Waldoboro Waldoboro Waldoboro Waldoboro Waldoboro Waldoboro Waldoboro Waldoboro Waldoboro Waldoboro Waldoboro Waldoboro Waldoboro Waldoboro Wiscasset Wiscasset

PINKHAM P ADAMS P KNICKERBOCKER P KNICKERBOCKER P KNICKERBOCKER P WILEY P WILEY P WILEY P BISCAY P BISCAY P MCCURDY P PEMAQUID R PEMAQUID R PEMAQUID R PEMAQUID R ROSS P ROSS P ROSS P UPPER P LITTLE P PEMAQUID P PEMAQUID P DAMARISCOTTA L PEMAQUID P THOMPSON'S ICE P THOMPSON'S ICE P THOMPSON'S ICE P KALERS P KALERS P MEDOMAK P (LITTLE) MEDOMAK P (LITTLE) MEDOMAK P (LITTLE) MEDOMAK R MEDOMAK R MEDOMAK R MEDOMAK R MEDOMAK R MEDOMAK R MEDOMAK R MEDOMAK R PETERS (GROSS) P WALDOBORO QUARRY P WALDOBORO QUARRY P MONTSWEAG B POLY CLARK B

BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT RAINBOW TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT

150 250 200 300 200 250 600 100 400 300 250 400 100 400 200 250 300 200 100 500 200 750 1000 200 100 250 50 400 100 200 100 100 350 600 600 600 300 600 300 250 200 200 200 400 100

13 10 10 13 11 10 7 13 13 12 12 10 14 10 12 10 7 13 10 10 13 13 12 13 10 7 13 13 12 10 13 12 14 10 10 10 13 7 13 12 10 10 10 10 10

10/28/22 4/8/22 5/6/22 11/4/22 4/28/22 5/6/22 11/4/22 11/4/22 10/18/22 11/8/22 11/8/22 4/25/22 4/25/22 5/13/22 10/20/22 5/13/22 11/3/22 11/3/22 5/17/22 5/4/22 11/10/22 10/25/22 10/12/22 11/10/22 5/13/22 11/3/22 11/3/22 10/3/22 10/3/22 4/20/22 11/10/22 11/10/22 4/14/22 4/25/22 5/10/22 5/24/22 10/20/22 10/28/22 4/14/22 10/20/22 5/17/22 5/10/22 5/24/22 4/21/22 4/21/22

Adamstown Twp Adamstown Twp Adamstown Twp Adamstown Twp Adamstown Twp Albany Twp Albany Twp Albany Twp Albany Twp Albany Twp Albany Twp Albany Twp Albany Twp Albany Twp Andover Andover

GOODWIN P PEPPERPOT P RICHARDSON P (LOWER EAST) RICHARDSON P (UPPER EAST) RICHARDSON P (WEST) BROKEN BRIDGE P CROCKER P CROCKER P HUTCHINSON P HUTCHINSON P MOSQUITO P SONGO P SONGO P SONGO P ELLIS R ELLIS R (WEST BRANCH)

BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON L.L. SALMON BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT

150 100 300 500 750 300 220 15 190 200 75 140 70 30 400 200

6 13 10 10 10 6 8 13 13 13 6 13 11 16 10 10

9/30/22 11/21/22 5/19/22 5/19/22 5/24/22 10/26/22 10/26/22 10/26/22 10/26/22 10/11/22 10/3/22 10/26/22 10/31/22 11/18/22 5/3/22 5/3/22

LINCOLN

OXFORD

www.MaineSportsman.com

TOWN WATER Andover ELLIS R (WEST BRANCH) Batchelders Grant Twp WILD R Batchelders Grant Twp WILD R Bethel ANDROSCOGGIN R Bethel ANDROSCOGGIN R Bethel ANDROSCOGGIN R Bethel ANDROSCOGGIN R Bethel ANDROSCOGGIN R Bethel ANDROSCOGGIN R Bethel ANDROSCOGGIN R Brownfield BURNT MEADOW P Brownfield BURNT MEADOW P Buckfield NEZINSCOT R (EAST BRANCH) Buckfield NEZINSCOT R (WEST BRANCH) Buckfield NEZINSCOT R (WEST BRANCH) Buckfield NEZINSCOT R (WEST BRANCH) Byron ELLIS P (LITTLE) Byron ELLIS P (LITTLE) Byron SWIFT R Byron SWIFT R Byron SWIFT R Canton ANASAGUNTICOOK L Canton ANASAGUNTICOOK L Canton FOREST P Canton WHITNEY B Denmark HANCOCK P Denmark LONG P Denmark SAND (WALDEN) P Dixfield AUNT HANNAH B Dixfield AUNT HANNAH B Fryeburg CLAYS P Fryeburg CLAYS P Fryeburg CLAYS P Fryeburg CLAYS P OUTLET Fryeburg LOVEWELL P Fryeburg ROUND P Fryeburg SACO R Fryeburg SACO R Gilead ANDROSCOGGIN R Gilead ANDROSCOGGIN R Gilead ANDROSCOGGIN R Gilead ANDROSCOGGIN R Gilead ANDROSCOGGIN R Gilead ANDROSCOGGIN R Gilead ANDROSCOGGIN R Gilead WILD R Gilead WILD R Grafton Twp SPECK P Greenwood ANDROSCOGGIN R (LITTLE) Greenwood ANDROSCOGGIN R (LITTLE) Greenwood ANDROSCOGGIN R (LITTLE) Greenwood ANDROSCOGGIN R (LITTLE) Greenwood INDIAN P Greenwood INDIAN P Greenwood OVERSET P Greenwood SOUTH & ROUND PDS Greenwood SOUTH & ROUND PDS Greenwood TWITCHELL B Greenwood TWITCHELL P Greenwood TWITCHELL P Hanover ANDROSCOGGIN R Hanover ANDROSCOGGIN R Hartford BUNGANOCK B Hartford NEZINSCOT R (EAST BRANCH) Hartford NEZINSCOT R (EAST BRANCH) Hiram CLEMONS P (BIG) Hiram CLEMONS P (LITTLE) Hiram CLEMONS P (LITTLE) Hiram CLEMONS P (LITTLE) Hiram HANCOCK B Hiram OSSIPEE R Hiram OSSIPEE R Hiram OSSIPEE R Hiram OSSIPEE R Hiram SACO R Hiram SACO R Hiram SACO R Hiram STANLEY P Hiram STANLEY P Hiram STANLEY P Lovell BRADLEY P Lovell CUSHMAN P Lovell HORSESHOE P Lovell HORSESHOE P Lovell KEZAR L Magalloway Plt AZISCOHOS P Magalloway Plt BEAVER P (LITTLE) Magalloway Plt STURTEVANT P Mason Twp TROUT P Mexico ANDROSCOGGIN R Mexico ANDROSCOGGIN R Mexico ANDROSCOGGIN R

SPECIES BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROWN TROUT BROWN TROUT BROWN TROUT RAINBOW TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT RAINBOW TROUT BROWN TROUT BROWN TROUT RAINBOW TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROWN TROUT BROWN TROUT RAINBOW TROUT RAINBOW TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT SPLAKE BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROWN TROUT BROWN TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT RAINBOW TROUT RAINBOW TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT L.L. SALMON BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT RAINBOW TROUT

QTY 200 500 500 300 375 600 600 150 250 700 150 100 500 2300 500 1500 4000 50 400 200 150 500 25 200 100 1000 300 300 100 100 300 100 100 250 1100 150 150 165 700 375 300 200 250 1000 300 500 500 400 400 440 14000 600 500 300 300 200 100 600 150 150 1000 2000 500 500 1000 150 150 400 100 125 470 516 1340 300 200 220 300 10 950 25 100 300 200 150 400 500 1500 200 400 125 125 675

INCHES 10 10 10 10 13 9 9 14 13 11 13 13 8 3 8 8 7 7 10 8 11 12 18 13 10 14 10 13 10 10 10 13 13 10 13 10 10 10 10 13 9 14 13 11 16 10 10 6 10 10 3 8 10 10 6 13 7 8 13 13 10 9 8 8 8 13 10 8 13 10 10 10 8 12 10 10 13 19 11 19 14 9 10 13 7 6 6 13 6 13 13 11

DATE 5/4/22 5/18/22 6/2/22 5/11/22 10/11/22 5/10/22 5/13/22 5/18/22 10/12/22 5/10/22 10/17/22 10/24/22 5/18/22 6/15/22 5/18/22 5/19/22 9/29/22 5/24/22 5/10/22 5/6/22 4/27/22 10/5/22 10/19/22 6/13/22 5/12/22 10/12/22 4/26/22 10/12/22 5/2/22 5/24/22 4/25/22 11/15/22 10/24/22 4/25/22 10/13/22 4/25/22 4/25/22 5/18/22 5/11/22 10/11/22 5/10/22 5/18/22 10/12/22 5/10/22 5/24/22 5/18/22 6/2/22 9/30/22 4/21/22 5/18/22 6/15/22 5/16/22 4/21/22 4/25/22 10/3/22 10/14/22 5/24/22 5/16/22 10/14/22 10/6/22 5/11/22 5/12/22 5/17/22 5/18/22 5/19/22 10/17/22 4/26/22 10/17/22 10/17/22 5/4/22 4/21/22 5/19/22 5/13/22 9/27/22 4/26/22 5/18/22 10/13/22 12/2/22 5/13/22 12/2/22 10/23/22 5/17/22 5/26/22 11/11/22 5/18/22 9/30/22 9/30/22 9/26/22 10/3/22 10/11/22 10/5/22 5/13/22

���������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • April 2023 • 43 TOWN Milton Twp Newry Norway Norway Norway Norway Norway Norway Norway Norway Norway Norway Norway Norway Norway Otisfield Otisfield Otisfield Oxford Oxford Oxford Oxford Oxford Oxford Paris Paris Paris Paris Paris Paris Paris Parkertown Twp Peru Peru Peru Peru Peru Peru Peru Peru Porter Porter Porter Porter

WATER CONCORD R SUNDAY R PENNESSEEWASSEE L PENNESSEEWASSEE L PENNESSEEWASSEE L PENNESSEEWASSEE L PENNESSEEWASSEE L PENNESSEEWASSEE L PENNESSEEWASSEE L OUTLET PENNESSEEWASSEE L OUTLET PENNESSEEWASSEE P (LITTLE) PENNESSEEWASSEE P (LITTLE) PENNESSEEWASSEE P (LITTLE) PENNESSEEWASSEE P (LITTLE) SPECK P #2 GREELEY B PLEASANT L THOMPSON L ANDROSCOGGIN R (LITTLE) ANDROSCOGGIN R (LITTLE) ANDROSCOGGIN R (LITTLE) ANDROSCOGGIN R (LITTLE) ANDROSCOGGIN R (LITTLE) GREELEY B ANDROSCOGGIN R (LITTLE) HALLS P HALLS P HALLS P HALLS P HALLS P HALLS P LINCOLN P NEZINSCOT R (EAST BRANCH) SPEARS STREAM SPEARS STREAM WORTHLEY P WORTHLEY P WORTHLEY P WORTHLEY P WORTHLEY P BICKFORD P BICKFORD P BICKFORD P CHAPMAN P

SPECIES BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON L.L. SALMON L.L. SALMON RAINBOW TROUT RAINBOW TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON L.L. SALMON BROWN TROUT BROWN TROUT BROWN TROUT RAINBOW TROUT RAINBOW TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT RAINBOW TROUT RAINBOW TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT

QTY 500 800 75 200 20 20 1850 50 100 100 300 200 700 100 150 150 400 750 200 200 300 200 200 150 300 300 100 750 15 50 50 1200 250 200 600 300 15 400 900 25 50 15 300 150

BackWoods

INCHES 9 10 10 11 16 18 14 19 10 10 10 13 8 13 6 10 7 7 9 9 8 11 12 10 8 10 13 8 19 12 18 10 10 10 8 13 19 12 11 19 13 19 13 10

DATE 5/2/22 5/3/22 6/1/22 10/31/22 11/18/22 11/18/22 9/26/22 11/18/22 4/28/22 5/10/22 5/4/22 9/23/22 10/14/22 10/6/22 10/3/22 4/26/22 5/25/22 5/25/22 4/27/22 5/12/22 5/16/22 4/26/22 5/25/22 4/26/22 5/16/22 4/21/22 9/23/22 10/14/22 11/10/22 10/6/22 10/21/22 5/19/22 4/28/22 5/12/22 5/6/22 10/11/22 11/22/22 10/5/22 5/13/22 11/19/22 10/17/22 12/2/22 10/20/22 4/26/22

TOWN Porter Richardsontown Twp Richardsontown Twp Richardsontown Twp Roxbury Roxbury Roxbury Roxbury Rumford Rumford Rumford Rumford Rumford Stoneham Stoneham Stoneham Stoneham Stoneham Stoneham Stow Stow Sumner Sumner Sumner Sumner Sweden Sweden Township C Township C Upton Waterford Waterford Waterford Waterford Waterford Waterford Waterford Waterford West Paris West Paris West Paris West Paris Woodstock Woodstock

WATER COLCORD P RICHARDSON LAKES RICHARDSON LAKES RICHARDSON LAKES ELLIS (ROXBURY) P ELLIS (ROXBURY) P SWIFT R SWIFT R ANDROSCOGGIN R ANDROSCOGGIN R ANDROSCOGGIN R CONCORD R ELLIS R BACK P (5 KEZARS) KEEWAYDIN L KEEWAYDIN L KEEWAYDIN L KEEWAYDIN L VIRGINIA L COLD R COLD R ABBOTTS P CUSHMAN P NEZINSCOT R (EAST BRANCH) NORTH P KEYS P STEARNS P RICHARDSON LAKES RICHARDSON LAKES B POND BEAR P BEAR P BEAR P KEOKA L KEOKA L KEOKA L KEOKA L MOOSE P ANDROSCOGGIN R (LITTLE) ANDROSCOGGIN R (LITTLE) ANDROSCOGGIN R (LITTLE) ANDROSCOGGIN R (LITTLE) BRYANT P BRYANT P

SPECIES L.L. SALMON BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON L.L. SALMON BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT RAINBOW TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT RAINBOW TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON L.L. SALMON BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON L.L. SALMON BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON SPLAKE BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON L.L. SALMON BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT

QTY 100 2172 600 30 1200 50 200 150 125 125 675 1000 400 200 400 250 100 20 300 450 400 585 600 500 250 300 250 2000 630 350 400 50 200 300 300 120 30 500 600 660 7000 750 500 300

INCHES 11 10 13 13 13 19 8 11 13 13 11 9 10 10 10 13 11 16 13 10 9 6 6 10 13 13 14 9 13 7 10 7 12 13 13 11 16 9 10 10 3 8 10 13

DATE 11/2/22 6/1/22 9/26/22 9/29/22 9/23/22 11/21/22 5/6/22 4/27/22 10/11/22 10/5/22 5/14/22 5/2/22 5/3/22 5/4/22 5/4/22 10/14/22 10/31/22 11/18/22 10/14/22 5/11/22 5/2/22 11/10/22 10/3/22 4/28/22 10/3/22 10/18/22 10/16/22 5/10/22 9/29/22 5/19/22 5/4/22 5/24/22 10/17/22 10/14/22 10/18/22 10/31/22 11/18/22 5/17/22 4/21/22 5/18/22 6/15/22 5/16/22 4/26/22 10/14/22

1681 Bennoch Road, Old Town (1/2 Mile Off I-95 Exit 197)

Bait & Tackle

Open Mon–Sat 9AM–5PM

Archery & Hunting Supplies • Bow Repair & Service Outdoor Archery Range • Live Bait & Tackle • Ammo

www.oldtowntradingpost.net

OPEN DAILY Mon–Thu 5AM–7PM, Fri–Sat 5AM–8PM, Sun 5AM–4PM

207-827-7032

GOT WIGGLE WORMS? WE DO!

370 Vienna Road (Rt. 41), Chesterville, ME (207) 468-0055

Downriggers • Smelt Nets

FISHING TACKLE & WORMS

BOATING SUPPLIES: Rod Holders • Trailer Wiring Oar Locks • Gas Cans

Jerry’s Food Store 63 Houlton Street Island Falls, ME

Fish Mattawamkeag Lake, River and Many Nearby Ponds!

(207) 463-2828

www.jerrysfoodstore.com

EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR TURKEY HUNTING – STOP BY TODAY!

TROUT • SALMON • BASS

PIZZA, SUBS & SALADS

Open Mon–Wed 7AM–6PM Thu–Sat 7AM–7PM Sun 9AM–5PM jerrysfoodstore848@hotmail.com

Large Selection of Fishing Lures & Flies

Deli • Bakery • Beer & Wine Groceries • Hardware

274 West Broadway, Lincoln, ME

Everything you need to reel in your limit, AND MUCH, MUCH MORE!

Tripp’s End Blacksmith Shop Hand Forged Cooking Equipment

www.TrippsEnd.com

Fishing • Hunting Guns • Camping • Canoes Rods & Reels Flies & Lures 207-403-8000 • Open Mon–Fri 9AM–6PM & Sat 7AM–4PM

www.whitneysoutfitters.com

www.MaineSportsman.com

44 • April 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ——————————————————————————————————————————————— TOWN Woodstock Woodstock Woodstock Woodstock Woodstock Woodstock Woodstock Woodstock Woodstock

WATER BRYANT P BRYANT P CONCORD P (LITTLE) CONSERVATION CAMP P CONSERVATION CAMP P NORTH P SHAGG P SHAGG P WASHBURN P

SPECIES L.L. SALMON SPLAKE BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT SPLAKE BROOK TROUT

Bangor Bangor Bangor Brewer Brewer Brewer Burlington Burlington Clifton Clifton Corinna Dexter Dexter Dexter Dexter Dexter Dexter Enfield Enfield Enfield Enfield Enfield Enfield Enfield Enfield Enfield Enfield Enfield Enfield Etna Hampden Hermon Lakeville Lakeville Lee Lee Lincoln Lincoln Lincoln Lincoln Lincoln Lincoln Lincoln Lincoln Lincoln Lincoln Lincoln Lincoln Lincoln Lincoln Lincoln Lincoln Lincoln Lowell Millinocket Millinocket Millinocket Millinocket Mount Chase Mount Chase Mount Chase Mount Chase Mount Chase Mount Chase Newport Old Town Old Town Old Town Old Town Orono Orrington Orrington Patten Patten Patten Patten Seboeis Plt Seboeis Plt Soldiertown Twp T2 R7 WELS Springfield T1 R8 WELS

BANGOR MUNICIPAL GOLF COURSE P BROOK TROUT BANGOR MUNICIPAL GOLF COURSE P BROOK TROUT KENDUSKEAG STREAM BROOK TROUT PENOBSCOT CLUB P BROOK TROUT PENOBSCOT CLUB P BROOK TROUT PENOBSCOT CLUB P BROOK TROUT BURLINGTON FIRE P BROOK TROUT BURLINGTON FIRE P BROOK TROUT FITTS P BROOK TROUT FITTS P SPLAKE SEBASTICOOK R (EAST BRANCH) BROOK TROUT PUFFERS P (ECHO L) BROOK TROUT SEBASTICOOK R (EAST BRANCH) BROOK TROUT WASSOOKEAG L BROOK TROUT WASSOOKEAG L BROOK TROUT WASSOOKEAG L BROOK TROUT WASSOOKEAG L L.L. SALMON COLD STREAM BROOK TROUT COLD STREAM BROOK TROUT COLD STREAM BROOK TROUT COLD STREAM BROOK TROUT COLD STREAM BROOK TROUT COLD STREAM BROOK TROUT COLD STREAM P BROOK TROUT COLD STREAM P BROOK TROUT COLD STREAM P BROOK TROUT COLD STREAM P BROOK TROUT COLD STREAM P BROOK TROUT COLD STREAM P L.L. SALMON ETNA P BROOK TROUT SOUADABSCOOK STREAM BROOK TROUT HERMON P BROOK TROUT SYSLADOBSIS L (LO) L.L. SALMON SYSLADOBSIS L (UP) L.L. SALMON SILVER (MATTAKEUNK) L BROOK TROUT SILVER (MATTAKEUNK) L BROOK TROUT CARIBOU,EGG,LONG P BROOK TROUT COLD STREAM P (UPPER) BROOK TROUT COLD STREAM P (UPPER) BROOK TROUT COLD STREAM P (UPPER) BROOK TROUT COLD STREAM P (UPPER) L.L. SALMON EDWARDS FAMILY KIDS FISHING P BROOK TROUT EDWARDS FAMILY KIDS FISHING P BROOK TROUT EDWARDS FAMILY KIDS FISHING P BROOK TROUT EDWARDS FAMILY KIDS FISHING P BROOK TROUT EDWARDS FAMILY KIDS FISHING P BROOK TROUT EDWARDS FAMILY KIDS FISHING P BROOK TROUT ROCKY B BROOK TROUT ROCKY B BROOK TROUT ROUND P (LITTLE) BROOK TROUT ROUND P (LITTLE) BROOK TROUT UPPER P BROOK TROUT UPPER P BROOK TROUT TROUT P BROOK TROUT JERRY P BROOK TROUT JERRY P BROOK TROUT JERRY P BROOK TROUT JERRY P BROOK TROUT SHIN P (LOWER) BROOK TROUT SHIN P (LOWER) BROOK TROUT SHIN P (LOWER) L.L. SALMON SHIN P (UPPER) BROOK TROUT SHIN P (UPPER) BROOK TROUT SHIN P (UPPER) L.L. SALMON SEBASTICOOK R (EAST BRANCH) BROOK TROUT MUD P BROOK TROUT MUD P BROOK TROUT MUD P BROOK TROUT STILLWATER R BROOK TROUT STILLWATER R BROOK TROUT BREWER L L.L. SALMON BREWER L L.L. SALMON GILES P BROOK TROUT GILES P BROOK TROUT WILEY P BROOK TROUT WILEY P BROOK TROUT SEBOEIS STREAM BROOK TROUT SEBOEIS STREAM BROOK TROUT TROUT P BROOK TROUT MATTAGODUS STREAM BROOK TROUT MILLINOCKET L L.L. SALMON

PENOBSCOT

www.MaineSportsman.com

QTY 100 325 600 100 100 275 500 150 250

INCHES 7 10 6 10 10 13 10 10 6

DATE 5/24/22 4/25/22 10/3/22 5/18/22 6/2/22 10/11/22 4/21/22 4/25/22 10/26/22

100 82 1000 150 425 55 50 50 55 400 250 250 100 500 750 300 500 100 100 100 100 90 10000 1200 1050 205 192 45 1005 350 200 500 1080 336 700 200 500 500 400 100 220 150 140 125 137 100 20 150 140 300 125 400 49 300 500 500 200 40 500 300 150 500 300 150 250 660 300 40 250 250 400 100 200 200 315 30 250 225 350 250 1125

8 13 10 10 8 13 10 11 13 10 10 13 10 9 7 13 8 10 10 10 11 11 2 10 13 13 14 14 7 13 10 13 7 7 13 14 13 10 13 13 7 10 11 13 13 13 18 10 11 10 13 13 18 10 10 13 13 18 10 13 7 10 13 7 10 13 14 18 10 10 7 14 10 10 14 18 10 11 10 10 7

10/17/22 10/17/22 5/2/22 4/20/22 10/17/22 10/17/22 4/14/22 5/18/22 10/18/22 5/5/22 5/4/22 10/4/22 5/4/22 4/20/22 10/4/22 10/4/22 6/1/22 5/2/22 5/10/22 5/17/22 5/23/22 5/31/22 6/10/22 4/19/22 9/22/22 11/1/22 12/8/22 12/9/22 4/19/22 10/24/22 4/29/22 10/24/22 5/17/22 5/23/22 10/11/22 11/22/22 9/28/22 4/19/22 9/22/22 11/1/22 4/19/22 5/3/22 5/18/22 9/28/22 11/1/22 11/10/22 11/10/22 4/21/22 5/18/22 5/24/22 10/25/22 10/11/22 11/30/22 5/24/22 4/21/22 9/23/22 11/10/22 11/10/22 5/5/22 10/6/22 5/5/22 5/5/22 10/6/22 5/5/22 5/4/22 10/18/22 11/9/22 11/9/22 5/10/22 5/10/22 5/12/22 11/21/22 5/4/22 5/31/22 11/8/22 11/8/22 5/2/22 5/23/22 5/19/22 4/19/22 5/9/22

TOWN T1 R8 WELS T1 R8 WELS T1 R8 WELS T3 Indian Purchase Twp T3 Indian Purchase Twp T3 R9 NWP T3 R9 NWP T3 R9 NWP T3 R9 NWP T3 R9 NWP T3 R9 NWP T4 Indian Purchase Twp T4 R7 WELS T5 R7 WELS T5 R7 WELS T5 R7 WELS T6 R6 WELS T6 R8 WELS T6 R8 WELS T6 R8 WELS T7 R8 WELS T7 R8 WELS T7 R8 WELS T8 R7 WELS

WATER MILLINOCKET L MILLINOCKET STREAM MILLINOCKET STREAM SMITH P SMITH P CEDAR L CEDAR L CEDAR L ENDLESS L ENDLESS L FLATIRON P PEMADUMCOOK CHAIN L LUNKSOOS L DAVIS (WAPITI) P DAVIS (WAPITI) P DAVIS (WAPITI) P GREEN MOUNTAIN P HAY L HAY L HAY L MILLIMAGASSETT L SCRAGGLY L SCRAGGLY L CARRY P

SPECIES L.L. SALMON BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON L.L. SALMON SPLAKE L.L. SALMON SPLAKE BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON LAKE TROUT BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON BROOK TROUT

QTY 565 700 300 275 21 150 60 300 375 400 275 1080 1200 400 167 200 200 400 220 165 275 900 200 200

INCHES 13 10 13 13 18 7 19 12 7 12 13 13 7 10 10 13 8 10 13 13 7 10 7 6

DATE 10/13/22 5/9/22 9/23/22 10/13/22 11/17/22 5/9/22 11/17/22 11/3/22 5/26/22 11/3/22 10/25/22 9/23/22 9/19/22 5/4/22 6/2/22 10/18/22 9/28/22 5/5/22 10/14/22 10/14/22 5/19/22 5/5/22 5/5/22 9/28/22

Abbot DRUMMOND P Abbot DRUMMOND P Abbot DRUMMOND P Abbot DRUMMOND P Abbot DRUMMOND P Abbot PIPER P Abbot PIPER P Abbot PIPER P Atkinson ALDER STREAM Beaver Cove PRONG P Beaver Cove PRONG P Beaver Cove PRONG P Beaver Cove PRONG P Big Moose Twp FITZGERALD (MTN VIEW) P Big Moose Twp FITZGERALD (MTN VIEW) P Big Moose Twp FITZGERALD (MTN VIEW) P Big Moose Twp FITZGERALD (MTN VIEW) P Big Moose Twp INDIAN P Big Moose Twp INDIAN P Blanchard Twp PISCATAQUIS R Blanchard Twp PISCATAQUIS R Blanchard Twp WHETSTONE P Blanchard Twp WHETSTONE P Blanchard Twp WHETSTONE P Bowerbank BEAR P Bowerbank MILL B Brownville NORTON P Brownville NORTON P Brownville PLEASANT R Dover-Foxcroft BRANNS MILL P Dover-Foxcroft BRANNS MILL P Dover-Foxcroft DUNHAM B Dover-Foxcroft DUNHAM B Dover-Foxcroft DUNHAM B Dover-Foxcroft DUNHAM B Dover-Foxcroft GARLAND P Dover-Foxcroft GARLAND P Dover-Foxcroft GARLAND P Dover-Foxcroft PISCATAQUIS R Dover-Foxcroft PISCATAQUIS R Dover-Foxcroft PISCATAQUIS R Dover-Foxcroft PISCATAQUIS R Dover-Foxcroft SEBEC L Dover-Foxcroft SNOWS P Dover-Foxcroft SNOWS P Dover-Foxcroft SNOWS P East Middlesex Canal Grant Twp SPENCER P (BIG) Elliottsville Twp GREENWOOD P (LITTLE) Elliottsville Twp MCLELLAN P Elliottsville Twp RABBIT P Elliottsville Twp SMITH P Frenchtown Twp ROACH P (FIRST) Frenchtown Twp ROACH P (FIRST) Frenchtown Twp ROACH P (FIRST) Greenville MOOSEHEAD L Greenville SAWYER P Greenville SAWYER P Greenville SAWYER P Greenville WILSON P (LOWER) Guilford BENNETT P (BIG) Guilford DAVIS P (FIRST) Guilford DAVIS P (FIRST) Guilford DAVIS P (FIRST) Guilford PISCATAQUIS R Guilford PISCATAQUIS R Guilford PISCATAQUIS R

BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON SPLAKE BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON L.L. SALMON BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT SPLAKE BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT SPLAKE BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT LAKE TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT SPLAKE BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON L.L. SALMON L.L. SALMON BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON SPLAKE BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT

250 250 250 250 25 500 100 400 250 2100 2100 1100 50 2700 2700 1400 50 500 500 400 360 1300 500 130 300 250 60 165 1000 1200 75 400 360 424 200 300 300 100 700 1400 2100 750 2000 250 250 100 1000 150 315 105 105 3300 1200 600 2000 700 700 350 500 600 700 200 250 700 700 2100

9 10 10 13 18 9 7 9 10 10 10 13 18 10 10 13 18 8 7 10 11 10 10 10 9 10 13 13 10 13 18 10 11 10 13 10 10 8 10 10 10 13 7 10 10 13 10 8 7 7 7 10 8 7 7 10 10 13 7 10 13 7 10 10 10 10

4/26/22 5/17/22 6/2/22 9/29/22 11/15/22 4/26/22 5/11/22 4/26/22 5/2/22 4/27/22 5/17/22 9/27/22 11/2/22 5/3/22 5/18/22 9/28/22 11/2/22 5/31/22 6/9/22 5/2/22 5/18/22 4/26/22 5/18/22 6/17/22 5/24/22 5/3/22 10/26/22 10/26/22 5/2/22 9/22/22 11/15/22 5/2/22 5/18/22 6/8/22 9/30/22 4/19/22 5/16/22 10/3/22 5/3/22 5/4/22 5/17/22 9/30/22 5/18/22 4/19/22 5/16/22 10/11/22 6/3/22 10/3/22 10/3/22 10/3/22 10/3/22 5/9/22 5/31/22 6/9/22 5/11/22 5/13/22 5/31/22 9/27/22 5/13/22 5/3/22 10/11/22 5/13/22 5/25/22 5/2/22 5/3/22 5/4/22

PISCATAQUIS

���������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • April 2023 • 45 TOWN WATER Guilford PISCATAQUIS R Guilford PISCATAQUIS R Guilford PISCATAQUIS R Kingsbury Plt KINGSBURY P Kingsbury Plt KINGSBURY P Lake View Plt SCHOODIC L Lake View Plt SCHOODIC L Lake View Plt SCHOODIC L Lake View Plt SEBOEIS L Lake View Plt SEBOEIS L Lake View Plt TURTLE P Lily Bay Twp MOOSEHEAD L Medford SCHOODIC STREAM Milo MILO FARM (HARRIS) P Milo MILO FARM (HARRIS) P Milo MILO FARM (HARRIS) P Milo MILO FARM (HARRIS) P Milo MILO FARM (HARRIS) P Milo MILO FARM (HARRIS) P Milo SEBEC R Milo SEBEC R Milo SEBEC R Monson BELL P Monson DOE P Monson DOE P Monson DOE P Monson HEBRON L Monson HEBRON L Monson HEBRON L Monson HEBRON L Monson HEBRON L Monson HEBRON L Monson LILY P Monson PISCATAQUIS R Monson PISCATAQUIS R Monson SOUTH P Monson SPECTACLE P Monson SPECTACLE P Moosehead Junction Twp GRAVEL PIT P Moosehead Junction Twp GRAVEL PIT P Moosehead Junction Twp GRAVEL PIT P Moosehead Junction Twp GRAVEL PIT P Moosehead Junction Twp POWER TROUT P Moosehead Junction Twp POWER TROUT P Moosehead Junction Twp SHADOW P Moosehead Junction Twp SHADOW P Moosehead Junction Twp SHADOW P Parkman BENNETT P Parkman HARLOW P Parkman HARLOW P Rainbow Twp BEAN P (LOWER) Rainbow Twp BEAN P (UPPER) Rainbow Twp CLIFFORD P Rainbow Twp CRESCENT P Rainbow Twp DEBSCONEAG L (5TH) Rainbow Twp HOLBROOK P

SPECIES BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON L.L. SALMON BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON L.L. SALMON SPLAKE BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT SPLAKE BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT SPLAKE

QTY 2800 675 1000 625 125 2000 1000 600 445 500 500 1500 14593 100 100 75 82 10 50 400 450 315 370 550 550 200 1300 850 3000 3600 2022 375 105 400 360 360 900 825 250 250 250 250 250 250 175 175 200 350 450 25 600 250 250 225 1600 500

INCHES 10 11 13 7 7 10 13 7 13 12 8 7 1 10 11 13 13 18 14 10 11 11 7 10 10 13 10 10 7 7 7 13 7 10 11 6 10 11 10 10 10 13 10 10 10 10 8 10 13 18 7 7 7 7 7 8

DATE 5/17/22 5/18/22 9/28/22 5/11/22 6/8/22 4/20/22 9/22/22 4/20/22 10/14/22 10/18/22 9/25/22 5/11/22 6/9/22 4/19/22 5/18/22 9/27/22 10/26/22 10/26/22 11/15/22 5/10/22 5/25/22 5/25/22 10/3/22 5/9/22 5/18/22 9/29/22 4/25/22 5/16/22 10/5/22 10/5/22 10/12/22 10/20/22 10/3/22 5/2/22 5/18/22 10/3/22 4/27/22 5/23/22 4/27/22 5/18/22 6/2/22 9/27/22 5/18/22 5/27/22 4/27/22 5/17/22 10/3/22 5/3/22 9/27/22 11/15/22 9/29/22 9/29/22 9/29/22 9/29/22 9/29/22 9/29/22

TOWN Rainbow Twp Sangerville Sangerville Sangerville Sangerville Sangerville Sangerville Sangerville Sangerville Sebec Sebec Sebec Sebec Shawtown Twp Shawtown Twp Shirley Shirley Shirley T1 R11 WELS T1 R11 WELS T1 R11 WELS T1 R13 WELS T1 R9 WELS T1 R9 WELS T10 R10 WELS T10 R10 WELS T10 R11 WELS T2 R10 WELS T2 R12 WELS T2 R12 WELS T2 R13 WELS T2 R9 WELS T2 R9 WELS T2 R9 WELS T2 R9 WELS T3 R10 WELS T3 R10 WELS T3 R11 WELS T3 R11 WELS T3 R11 WELS T3 R11 WELS T3 R11 WELS T3 R13 WELS T3 R13 WELS T4 R13 WELS T4 R9 NWP T4 R9 NWP T4 R9 NWP T7 R10 WELS

WATER MURPHY P (BIG) BLACK STREAM BLACK STREAM CENTER P CENTER P CENTER P CENTER P MANHANOCK P MANHANOCK P BEAR B SEBEC R SEBEC R SEBEC R LONG BOG ROACH P (FOURTH) BUNKER P (BIG) SHIRLEY P SHIRLEY P DEBSCONEAG L (6TH) LEAVITT P NAHMAKANTA L LAZY TOM P PEMADUMCOOK CHAIN L PEMADUMCOOK CHAIN L ISLAND (CHASE) P MOUNTAIN P ELBOW P (UPPER) HALE P BEAN P TEN-FORTY P RAGGED L ABOL P ROCKY P ROUND P TOGUE P (LOWER) CELIA P DRAPER P CARRY P CHESUNCOOK P FOWLER P MCKENNA P ROCKY P DEER P PINE P (BIG) SALMON P SEBOEIS L SEBOEIS L SEBOEIS L CARIBOU P (BIG)

SPECIES BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT SPLAKE BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT LAKE TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT LAKE TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT SPLAKE BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT SPLAKE BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT SPLAKE BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT SPLAKE BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON L.L. SALMON SPLAKE BROOK TROUT

QTY 525 250 225 1000 1100 110 1200 1050 75 250 500 450 250 300 400 200 600 300 600 500 600 350 1080 4750 700 275 400 750 150 450 2000 750 200 250 500 250 350 500 700 400 800 75 500 1600 900 480 55 700 200

INCHES 7 10 11 10 13 14 12 13 18 10 10 11 13 8 10 10 10 13 7 7 7 7 13 7 10 6 10 8 7 8 10 6 6 6 10 6 6 8 8 7 7 8 10 8 8 7 17 10 10

DATE 9/29/22 5/3/22 5/18/22 4/22/22 11/1/22 12/7/22 11/8/22 9/27/22 11/15/22 5/3/22 5/10/22 5/25/22 9/30/22 9/29/22 5/23/22 5/24/22 4/27/22 9/27/22 9/29/22 9/29/22 5/23/22 9/29/22 9/23/22 5/9/22 5/24/22 9/28/22 5/24/22 9/29/22 9/29/22 10/17/22 5/23/22 9/19/22 9/19/22 9/19/22 5/9/22 9/29/22 9/29/22 10/17/22 9/29/22 9/29/22 9/29/22 9/29/22 5/23/22 9/29/22 10/17/22 5/9/22 11/17/22 5/9/22 5/19/22

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46 • April 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ——————————————————————————————————————————————— TOWN T7 R10 WELS T7 R10 WELS T7 R9 NWP T7 R9 NWP T7 R9 WELS T7 R9 WELS T7 R9 WELS T8 R10 WELS T8 R11 WELS T9 R11 WELS TA R10 WELS TA R10 WELS TA R11 WELS TB R10 WELS Trout Brook Twp Trout Brook Twp Willimantic Willimantic Willimantic

WATER CARIBOU P (LITTLE) THIRD (MATAGAMON) L HOUSTON P INDIAN & DAM PONDS BEAVER P (BIG) MITCHELL P MITCHELL P MATTHEWS P PILLSBURY P (LITTLE) CURRIER P (FIRST) JO-MARY L (UPPER) JO-MARY L (UPPER) LONG P JO-MARY P BILLFISH P FROST P GRINDSTONE P GRINDSTONE P HORSESHOE P

SPECIES BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON SPLAKE BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT SPLAKE BROOK TROUT

QTY 100 1500 1470 1050 500 300 288 200 1500 100 1800 600 100 300 300 350 815 150 1365

INCHES 10 7 7 7 10 8 8 6 7 6 10 7 8 8 6 6 7 8 7

DATE 5/19/22 9/19/22 10/3/22 10/3/22 5/19/22 10/18/22 10/25/22 9/28/22 10/12/22 9/28/22 5/12/22 5/12/22 9/29/22 10/13/22 9/28/22 9/28/22 10/3/22 10/3/22 10/3/22

Arrowsic Bowdoin Bowdoin Georgetown Georgetown Phippsburg Phippsburg Phippsburg Phippsburg Phippsburg Phippsburg Phippsburg Phippsburg Richmond Topsham Topsham Topsham Woolwich Woolwich

SEWALL P CAESAR P CAESAR P CHARLES P CHARLES P CENTER P CENTER P CENTER P CENTER P SILVER L SILVER L SILVER L SPRAGUE P BIG P (SWAN ISLAND) EDDY P (BIG) EDDY P (BIG) EDDY P (BIG) NEQUASSET L NEQUASSET L

BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT RAINBOW TROUT

250 190 18 150 75 100 100 15 100 660 55 10 200 200 550 70 10 300 200

13 13 19 7 13 14 13 19 15 9 14 19 8 10 8 13 19 13 19

10/28/22 10/21/22 12/8/22 11/7/22 11/7/22 2/17/22 11/7/22 12/1/22 2/8/23 12/1/22 12/1/22 12/1/22 10/3/22 4/29/22 10/21/22 10/21/22 12/8/22 10/26/22 12/1/22

BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROWN TROUT BROWN TROUT BROWN TROUT L.L. SALMON BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON SPLAKE SPLAKE BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON RAINBOW TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT SPLAKE BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON L.L. SALMON L.L. SALMON

800 450 500 1600 400 2250 400 500 350 750 2150 800 95 500 300 1000 1200 200 3800 475 750 4660 3000 300 300 20 300 400 50 600 2600 2500 100 100 1800 100 100 100 100 350 2200 210 450 900 500 1000 2200 225 450 22

6 6 13 9 9 13 8 7 6 6 10 13 18 7 10 12 10 13 7 7 6 7 7 13 12 18 10 13 11 14 7 7 9 13 3 9 10 7 13 13 10 10 6 6 10 6 10 7 13 13

9/28/22 9/28/22 9/29/22 5/5/22 5/6/22 10/26/22 5/11/22 5/25/22 9/28/22 9/28/22 5/5/22 10/19/22 11/2/22 5/25/22 6/13/22 11/1/22 5/11/22 9/26/22 9/26/22 9/27/22 9/27/22 9/27/22 9/27/22 9/27/22 10/6/22 10/6/22 4/29/22 10/3/22 10/24/22 10/3/22 9/27/22 9/27/22 4/25/22 9/28/22 5/24/22 4/26/22 5/20/22 9/26/22 9/26/22 10/4/22 5/25/22 6/17/22 9/28/22 9/28/22 5/25/22 9/27/22 4/29/22 6/10/22 9/26/22 10/4/22

SAGADAHOC

SOMERSET

Alder Brook Twp HALE P Alder Brook Twp TRICKEY P Anson KENNEBEC R Anson KENNEBEC R Anson KENNEBEC R Anson KENNEBEC R Athens WESSERUNSETT STREAM Attean Twp ATTEAN P Attean Twp CLEARWATER P Attean Twp LOON P Attean Twp WOOD P (BIG) Attean Twp WOOD P (BIG) Attean Twp WOOD P (BIG) Attean Twp WOOD P (BIG) Attean Twp WOOD P (BIG) Attean Twp WOOD P (BIG) Bald Mountain Twp T2 R3 AUSTIN P Bald Mountain Twp T2 R3 AUSTIN P Bald Mountain Twp T2 R3 AUSTIN P (LITTLE) Bowtown Twp KING P Bowtown Twp MOOSE P Bowtown Twp OTTER P Bowtown Twp OTTER P (NORTH) Brighton Plt SMITH (WEEKS) P Brighton Plt SMITH (WEEKS) P Brighton Plt SMITH (WEEKS) P Canaan CARRABASSETT STREAM Canaan LAKE GEORGE Canaan LAKE GEORGE Canaan LAKE GEORGE Caratunk DIMMICK P (BIG) Caratunk DIMMICK P (LITTLE) Caratunk MACDOUGALL P Caratunk MACDOUGALL P Caratunk MOUNTAIN DIMMICK P Concord Twp TIBBETTS P Concord Twp TIBBETTS P Concord Twp TIBBETTS P Concord Twp TIBBETTS P Dead River Twp FLAGSTAFF L Dennistown Plt CROCKER P Dennistown Plt CROCKER P Dennistown Plt RANCOURT P Dennistown Plt SUGAR BERTH P Dennistown Plt WOOD P (LITTLE BIG) Embden BLACK HILL P Embden EMBDEN P Embden EMBDEN P Embden EMBDEN P Embden EMBDEN P

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TOWN WATER Embden FAHI P Embden FAHI P Embden FAHI P Embden HANCOCK P Embden HANCOCK P Embden HANCOCK P Embden HANCOCK P Embden HANCOCK P Embden HANCOCK P Embden KENNEBEC R Embden MILL STREAM Embden MILL STREAM Embden MILL STREAM Embden SANDY P Embden SANDY P Embden SANDY P Embden SANDY P Embden SANDY P Embden SANDY P Fairfield FAIRFIELD REC (PAL) P Fairfield FAIRFIELD REC (PAL) P Fairfield FAIRFIELD REC (PAL) P Fairfield KENNEBEC R Fairfield KENNEBEC R Fairfield KENNEBEC R Forsyth Twp BEAVER P Forsyth Twp LONG P Hammond Twp LANE P (LITTLE) Harmony HARMONY FIRE P Harmony HIGGINS B Hartland GREAT MOOSE L Hartland MORRILL P Hartland MORRILL P Hartland MORRILL P Hartland SEBASTICOOK R Hobbstown Twp CHUB P Hobbstown Twp SPENCER L Holeb Twp HOLEB P Holeb Twp HOLEB P Holeb Twp HOLEB P Holeb Twp MCKENNEY P Jackman HEALD STREAM Jackman SANDY STREAM Lexington Twp SPRUCE P Long Pond Twp LONG P Madison WESSERUNSETT L Madison WESSERUNSETT L Madison WESSERUNSETT L Madison WESSERUNSETT L Mayfield Twp PALMER P Misery Twp CHASE STREAM P (LITTLE) Moose River DAYMOND P Moose River SUPPLY P Moscow CHASE P Moscow WYMAN L Moscow WYMAN L Moscow WYMAN L Moscow WYMAN L Moxie Gore FISH P New Portland CARRABASSETT R New Portland CARRABASSETT R New Portland CARRABASSETT R New Portland CARRABASSETT R New Portland CARRABASSETT R New Portland CARRABASSETT R Norridgewock SANDY R Parlin Pond Twp PARADISE P (UPPER) Parlin Pond Twp PARLIN P Parlin Pond Twp SMITH P Pierce Pond Twp BASIN P Pierce Pond Twp HORSESHOE P Pierce Pond Twp KILGORE P Pierce Pond Twp KILGORE P (UPPER) Pierce Pond Twp PIERCE P Pierce Pond Twp SPLIT ROCK P Pittsfield SEBASTICOOK R Pleasant Ridge Plt BEAN P Pleasant Ridge Plt LOST P Pleasant Ridge Plt ROWE P Rockwood Strip T1 R1 NBKP MOOSEHEAD L Rockwood Strip T2 R1 NBKP DEMO P Rockwood Strip T2 R1 NBKP RODERIQUE P Saint Albans INDIAN P (BIG) Saint Albans INDIAN STREAM Sandwich Academy Grant Twp OTTER P Sandwich Academy Grant Twp OTTER P (LITTLE) Sapling Twp KENNEBEC R Sapling Twp KENNEBEC R Sapling Twp KENNEBEC R Sapling Twp KENNEBEC R Skowhegan HIGHT P Skowhegan HIGHT P

SPECIES BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON L.L. SALMON BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROWN TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON SPLAKE BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT SPLAKE SPLAKE SPLAKE SPLAKE BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT RAINBOW TROUT RAINBOW TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT

QTY 350 35 20 250 400 20 20 100 5 650 70 70 70 200 450 45 150 200 20 300 250 50 859 432 709 150 1000 300 100 200 800 250 250 150 150 250 350 1000 175 500 1000 500 500 1700 3000 1000 1200 70 2000 650 575 425 400 600 1000 750 580 170 600 300 300 250 25 200 200 800 75 2700 650 1800 75 525 265 600 150 750 800 750 1500 1500 3800 450 500 300 475 200 1000 500 150 800 100 100

INCHES 13 13 19 10 13 13 13 13 13 9 10 10 10 7 13 13 13 12 18 9 7 13 12 12 12 7 7 7 10 9 12 9 13 12 10 10 7 10 7 9 7 10 10 6 10 13 13 18 14 10 7 6 10 10 10 13 13 13 7 10 10 13 13 11 12 8 6 10 6 6 10 10 7 7 3 10 6 6 10 7 7 7 13 9 6 6 10 10 10 13 9 10

DATE 9/30/22 10/7/22 12/1/22 5/5/22 9/28/22 10/7/22 10/7/22 9/22/22 10/4/22 5/6/22 4/29/22 5/20/22 5/26/22 9/28/22 9/28/22 10/11/22 10/17/22 10/4/22 10/4/22 4/21/22 10/4/22 10/4/22 9/23/22 9/26/22 9/27/22 9/28/22 9/27/22 9/28/22 5/11/22 4/25/22 10/6/22 4/25/22 10/3/22 10/6/22 5/4/22 6/2/22 6/2/22 5/25/22 5/25/22 5/25/22 9/27/22 5/5/22 5/5/22 9/27/22 5/16/22 9/27/22 10/5/22 10/5/22 10/21/22 5/20/22 9/27/22 9/28/22 5/25/22 5/17/22 6/15/22 9/27/22 10/5/22 11/1/22 9/27/22 4/28/22 5/23/22 9/21/22 10/11/22 5/19/22 6/2/22 5/11/22 9/28/22 5/6/22 9/28/22 9/27/22 5/23/22 5/23/22 9/27/22 5/23/22 5/26/22 5/4/22 9/27/22 9/27/22 5/6/22 5/11/22 9/28/22 9/28/22 10/3/22 4/25/22 9/28/22 9/28/22 5/18/22 5/22/22 6/17/22 9/23/22 4/21/22 5/6/22

���������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • April 2023 • 47 TOWN WATER Skowhegan KENNEBEC R Smithfield EAST P Solon BAKER P Solon KENNEBEC R Solon KENNEBEC R Solon KENNEBEC R Solon WENTWORTH P Solon WENTWORTH P Solon WENTWORTH P Solon WENTWORTH P Squaretown Twp INDIAN P (LITTLE) Squaretown Twp KNIGHTS P T3 R4 BKP WKR DEAD RIVER T3 R4 BKP WKR DEAD RIVER T3 R4 BKP WKR DEAD RIVER T3 R4 BKP WKR DEAD RIVER T3 R4 BKP WKR DEAD RIVER T3 R4 BKP WKR DEAD RIVER T3 R4 BKP WKR SHAW P (LOWER) T3 R4 BKP WKR SPRING L T3 R4 BKP WKR SPRING L T3 R4 BKP WKR SPRING L T3 R5 BKP WKR BILL MORRIS P Taunton & Raynham Academy Grant BRASSUA L Taunton & Raynham Academy Grant LONG P Taunton & Raynham Academy Grant WEST OUTLET (MOOSEHEAD L) Taunton & Raynham Academy Grant WEST OUTLET (MOOSEHEAD L) Taunton & Raynham Academy Grant WEST OUTLET (MOOSEHEAD L) Taunton & Raynham Academy Grant WEST OUTLET (MOOSEHEAD L) Taunton & Raynham Academy Grant WEST OUTLET (MOOSEHEAD L) Taunton & Raynham Academy Grant WEST OUTLET (MOOSEHEAD L) Taunton & Raynham Academy Grant WEST OUTLET (MOOSEHEAD L) The Forks Plt LONG (MARTIN) P The Forks Plt MOSQUITO P The Forks Plt MOXIE P The Forks Plt MOXIE P The Forks Plt MOXIE P The Forks Plt MOXIE P Thorndike Twp FISH P Thorndike Twp LUTHER P

SPECIES BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT SPLAKE BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON L.L. SALMON L.L. SALMON BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT

QTY 800 350 100 200 750 1000 500 400 30 400 1250 300 500 500 250 100 100 100 165 1200 750 75 525 500 1800 400 200 600 600 400 206 500 500 500 2000 324 676 500 3050 1500

INCHES 12 13 13 10 9 13 9 13 18 13 7 10 10 9 13 7 7 13 13 9 13 13 7 8 10 9 10 10 10 13 13 7 9 10 10 10 10 7 7 7

DATE 9/28/22 11/8/22 9/26/22 6/21/22 5/6/22 10/5/22 4/25/22 9/26/22 10/5/22 9/26/22 9/27/22 6/11/22 5/5/22 6/1/22 10/17/22 5/16/22 6/10/22 9/22/22 10/6/22 6/1/22 10/17/22 9/22/22 9/27/22 5/31/22 5/17/22 4/26/22 5/9/22 5/17/22 6/2/22 9/23/22 10/20/22 5/17/22 4/25/22 5/23/22 5/13/22 5/18/22 6/6/22 5/13/22 9/28/22 9/28/22

Belfast Belfast Brooks Brooks Brooks Burnham Knox Knox Knox Knox Liberty Liberty Liberty Lincolnville Lincolnville Lincolnville Lincolnville Lincolnville Lincolnville Lincolnville Lincolnville Lincolnville Palermo Palermo Palermo Palermo Prospect Prospect Searsmont Searsmont Searsmont Searsmont Searsmont Searsmont Searsmont Searsmont Searsmont Searsmont Swanville Swanville Swanville Swanville Swanville Swanville Unity

GOOSE RIVER GOOSE RIVER SANBORN P SANBORN P SANBORN P SEBASTICOOK R DUTTON P DUTTON P DUTTON P DUTTON P SAINT GEORGE L SAINT GEORGE L SAINT GEORGE L MEGUNTICOOK L MEGUNTICOOK L MEGUNTICOOK L MOODY P MOODY P NORTON P NORTON P NORTON P NORTON P BOWLER (BELTON) P SHEEPSCOT P SHEEPSCOT P SHEEPSCOT P HALFMOON P HALFMOON P LEVENSELLER P LEVENSELLER P LEVENSELLER P LEVENSELLER P QUANTABACOOK L SAINT GEORGE R SAINT GEORGE R SAINT GEORGE R SAINT GEORGE R SAINT GEORGE R GOOSE RIVER GOOSE RIVER SWAN L SWAN L SWAN L SWAN L SANDY STREAM

BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON BROWN TROUT RAINBOW TROUT RAINBOW TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON BROOK TROUT

100 200 250 200 100 250 100 350 200 50 500 2000 1000 200 1000 100 250 200 250 300 150 100 300 500 500 500 200 350 400 350 300 35 400 150 900 275 250 150 300 200 500 1000 500 300 500

10 7 10 13 12 10 10 7 13 12 10 7 8 13 15 19 7 13 13 9 13 13 10 10 10 13 10 13 7 13 9 19 13 14 10 10 7 13 10 7 10 7 13 7 10

5/2/22 11/3/22 4/26/22 11/2/22 10/2/22 5/4/22 4/26/22 11/2/22 11/2/22 11/2/22 4/26/22 10/19/22 6/1/22 10/6/22 10/17/22 11/29/22 11/1/22 11/1/22 11/9/22 11/14/22 4/20/22 10/6/22 4/26/22 4/22/22 5/11/22 10/19/22 5/2/22 11/9/22 11/1/22 11/1/22 11/15/22 11/23/22 11/3/22 4/14/22 5/12/22 5/26/22 10/28/22 4/14/22 5/2/22 11/3/22 5/2/22 10/5/22 11/9/22 6/1/22 4/29/22

Alexander Baileyville Beddington Beddington

PLEASANT L MEDDYBEMPS L PLEASANT RIVER L PLEASANT RIVER L

L.L. SALMON L.L. SALMON BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON

175 600 700 25

7 7 13 11

5/10/22 5/10/22 10/25/22 10/5/22

WALDO

WASHINGTON

TOWN Beddington Beddington Calais Calais Calais Calais Calais Calais Calais Charlotte Charlotte Charlotte Charlotte Cherryfield Cherryfield Cherryfield Columbia Columbia Columbia Cooper Cooper Cutler Cutler Danforth Danforth Danforth Danforth Deblois Deblois Deblois Deblois Deblois Deblois Deblois Deblois Devereaux Twp Devereaux Twp Devereaux Twp East Machias Edmunds Twp Forest City Twp Forest City Twp Grand Lake Stream Plt Grand Lake Stream Plt Grand Lake Stream Plt Grand Lake Stream Plt Grand Lake Stream Plt Grand Lake Stream Plt Grand Lake Stream Plt Grand Lake Stream Plt Grand Lake Stream Plt Kossuth Twp Kossuth Twp Lambert Lake Twp Lambert Lake Twp Marion Twp Marshfield Marshfield Marshfield Marshfield No 14 Twp - Cathance Twp Northfield Northfield Northfield Northfield Northfield Perry Robbinston Robbinston Robbinston Roque Bluffs Roque Bluffs T18 MD BPP T18 MD BPP T18 MD BPP T19 ED BPP T19 ED BPP T19 ED BPP T19 MD BPP T19 MD BPP T26 ED BPP T30 MD BPP T30 MD BPP T30 MD BPP T30 MD BPP T31 MD BPP - Day Block Twp T31 MD BPP - Day Block Twp T37 MD BPP T43 MD BPP T43 MD BPP T43 MD BPP T6 ND BPP

WATER PLEASANT RIVER L SOUTHWEST P CLARK B (MAGURREWOCK S) KEENE L KEENE L KEENE L NASHS L NASHS L NASHS L JAMES P LEDGE (BALD LEDGE) P PENNAMAQUAN L ROUND L SCHOODIC L SCHOODIC L SCHOODIC L MEYERS P (NORTH) MEYERS P (NORTH) MEYERS P (SOUTH) VINING L VINING L ACKLEY P NORSE P GRAND L (EAST) GRAND L (EAST) GRAND L (EAST) GREENLAND P (LITTLE) FOXHOLE P FOXHOLE P FOXHOLE P MIC-MAC P MIC-MAC P PINEO P PINEO P SPECTACLE P (EAST) MOPANG L MOPANG L MOPANG L GARDNER L COBSCOOK BAY STATE PARK P SPEDNIC L TOMAH L GRAND LAKE STREAM GRAND LAKE STREAM GRAND LAKE STREAM GRAND LAKE STREAM GRAND LAKE STREAM CANAL GRAND LAKE STREAM CANAL GRAND LAKE STREAM CANAL GRAND LAKE STREAM CANAL GRAND LAKE STREAM CANAL PLEASANT L PLEASANT L LAMBERT L LAMBERT L LONG L MIDDLE R SIX MILE L SIX MILE L SIX MILE L CATHANCE L BOG L BOG L BOG L BOG L PEAKED MOUNTAIN P BOYDEN L GOULDING L GOULDING L MONEYMAKER L SIMPSON P SIMPSON P PIKE BROOK P (EAST) PIKE BROOK P (WEST) PIKE BROOK P (WEST) LOVE L SPECTACLE L (UPPER) SPECTACLE L (UPPER) MONTEGAIL P MONTEGAIL P HOSEA PUG L PEEP L PEEP L SALMON P SALMON P BERRYPATCH P BERRYPATCH P SECOND L (OLD STREAM) MONROE L MONROE P (EAST) MONROE P (WEST) GRAND L (WEST)

SPECIES SPLAKE SPLAKE BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON L.L. SALMON BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON L.L. SALMON SPLAKE L.L. SALMON BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON L.L. SALMON BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON SPLAKE BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON L.L. SALMON SPLAKE L.L. SALMON BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT SPLAKE BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT SPLAKE BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON

QTY 350 25 150 4000 150 27 600 300 50 1250 800 1200 525 600 100 275 150 300 100 850 100 400 350 1500 600 1730 300 150 250 82 1000 100 100 50 850 300 150 400 380 400 1200 500 200 200 150 150 50 50 100 100 100 1000 600 1000 260 250 450 300 1000 160 800 600 27 300 50 250 400 75 1100 600 400 50 475 1200 75 200 600 300 2500 175 150 1300 250 400 50 150 25 350 3150 1000 500 9000

INCHES 12 12 10 9 13 18 13 11 14 8 8 12 12 10 13 7 10 8 10 8 13 8 8 10 13 7 10 10 8 13 7 13 7 13 8 11 14 12 7 10 7 8 10 10 13 13 10 10 10 10 10 10 7 8 7 12 10 10 8 13 7 13 18 11 14 12 11 13 9 9 10 12 7 7 13 11 10 13 8 13 10 8 13 8 13 8 13 10 8 8 8 7

DATE 10/25/22 11/2/22 5/4/22 10/31/22 10/31/22 11/30/22 10/18/22 10/18/22 11/14/22 10/4/22 10/4/22 10/6/22 10/6/22 4/20/22 10/12/22 5/11/22 5/19/22 10/19/22 5/19/22 10/4/22 10/18/22 10/4/22 10/4/22 4/28/22 9/23/22 5/19/22 5/24/22 4/20/22 10/18/22 10/18/22 10/12/22 10/12/22 10/12/22 10/12/22 10/11/22 10/6/22 11/14/22 11/2/22 5/10/22 6/14/22 5/25/22 9/25/22 5/13/22 6/1/22 6/1/22 6/15/22 4/27/22 5/5/22 5/13/22 6/9/22 6/15/22 5/17/22 5/17/22 10/20/22 5/17/22 10/25/22 5/5/22 4/27/22 9/20/22 9/20/22 5/10/22 10/5/22 11/30/22 10/5/22 11/21/22 10/25/22 11/28/22 10/31/22 11/1/22 10/31/22 4/27/22 10/6/22 10/12/22 10/12/22 10/12/22 10/6/22 6/2/22 10/18/22 10/11/22 10/11/22 6/3/22 10/19/22 10/19/22 9/26/22 9/26/22 9/26/22 9/26/22 6/3/22 10/4/22 10/4/22 10/11/22 5/26/22

www.MaineSportsman.com

48 • April 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ——————————————————————————————————————————————— TOWN T6 ND BPP T6 R1 NBPP Topsfield Topsfield Topsfield Trescott Twp Trescott Twp Vanceboro Whiting Whiting Whiting Whiting

WATER POCUMCUS L PORK BARREL L FARROW L MUSQUASH L (EAST) MUSQUASH L (EAST) LILY L LILY L SPEDNIC L INDIAN L INDIAN L INDIAN L INDIAN L

Acton Acton Acton Acton Acton Berwick Berwick Berwick Berwick Berwick Berwick Berwick Biddeford Biddeford Biddeford Biddeford Buxton Buxton Buxton Buxton Buxton Buxton Dayton Dayton Dayton Dayton Dayton Dayton Dayton Dayton Eliot Eliot Hollis Hollis Hollis Hollis Hollis Kennebunk Kennebunk Kennebunk Kennebunk Kennebunk Kennebunk Kennebunk Kennebunk Kennebunk Kennebunk Kennebunk Kennebunk Kennebunkport Kennebunkport Kittery Lebanon Lebanon Lebanon Lebanon Lebanon Limerick Limerick Limerick Limerick Limerick Limerick Limington Limington Limington Limington Limington Limington Limington Limington

MOOSE P WILSON L WILSON L WILSON L WILSON L KEAY B LITTLE R LITTLE R LITTLE R MATHEW'S MILL P WORSTER B WORSTER B THACHER B WILCOX P WILCOX P WILCOX P LITTLE R SACO R SACO R SACO R SACO R SACO R COOKS B COOKS B SACO R SACO R SACO R SACO R SWAN POND B SWAN POND B YORK P YORK R DEER P DEER P DEER P TOWN OFFICE (MEMORIAL) P TOWN OFFICE (MEMORIAL) P ALEWIFE P ALEWIFE P KENNEBUNK R KENNEBUNK R KENNEBUNK R MOUSAM R MOUSAM R MOUSAM R MOUSAM R MOUSAM R WARD B WARD B BATSON R GOFF MILL B KITTERY CLUB P GREAT B GREAT B LITTLE R LITTLE R LITTLE R BROWN B LEAVITT B LEAVITT B OSSIPEE R (LITTLE) OSSIPEE R (LITTLE) OSSIPEE R (LITTLE) HORNE (PEQUAWKET) P HORNE (PEQUAWKET) P HORNE (PEQUAWKET) P HORNE (PEQUAWKET) P HORNE (PEQUAWKET) P HORNE (PEQUAWKET) P OSSIPEE R (LITTLE) SACO R

SPECIES L.L. SALMON BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT

QTY 500 500 750 800 345 150 1100 865 600 6000 200 27

INCHES 7 8 10 10 7 10 8 7 10 8 13 18

DATE 5/26/22 10/4/22 4/19/22 4/28/22 5/17/22 5/4/22 10/5/22 5/25/22 4/27/22 9/22/22 9/22/22 11/30/22

BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROWN TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT

50 250 15 300 25 200 300 500 400 200 200 200 100 200 100 100 950 700 150 50 250 500 200 200 200 200 150 500 350 350 200 200 600 95 100 100 100 50 10 500 500 800 300 100 500 1200 50 150 150 200 300 100 100 100 100 350 700 200 100 110 475 302 600 100 400 50 200 150 50 200 300

13 13 19 12 18 10 10 10 8 10 10 10 10 10 10 11 10 10 13 13 8 12 10 11 10 11 13 12 10 10 13 10 8 13 12 10 11 13 19 10 10 8 10 13 8 12 18 10 10 10 10 11 10 10 10 10 8 8 10 10 10 10 8 14 10 13 15 12 18 10 8

10/17/22 10/17/22 12/2/22 10/6/22 10/21/22 5/10/22 4/13/22 5/10/22 5/12/22 4/13/22 4/13/22 5/10/22 4/26/22 4/12/22 4/26/22 5/12/22 5/17/22 4/26/22 10/12/22 11/18/22 5/13/22 9/27/22 4/12/22 5/12/22 4/26/22 5/12/22 10/12/22 9/27/22 4/12/22 5/4/22 11/18/22 4/28/22 10/17/22 10/20/22 10/6/22 4/12/22 5/12/22 11/18/22 11/18/22 4/12/22 5/4/22 5/9/22 5/5/22 10/12/22 5/9/22 10/12/22 11/10/22 4/12/22 5/4/22 5/4/22 5/4/22 5/12/22 4/13/22 5/10/22 4/13/22 5/10/22 5/12/22 5/9/22 4/21/22 5/19/22 4/21/22 5/19/22 5/13/22 2/10/22 4/21/22 10/19/22 2/9/23 10/6/22 10/21/22 4/21/22 5/13/22

YORK

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TOWN Lyman Lyman Lyman Lyman Lyman Lyman Lyman Lyman Lyman Lyman Lyman Lyman Newfield Newfield Newfield Newfield Newfield Newfield North Berwick North Berwick North Berwick North Berwick North Berwick North Berwick Old Orchard Beach Parsonsfield Parsonsfield Parsonsfield Parsonsfield Parsonsfield Parsonsfield Saco Saco Sanford Sanford Sanford Sanford Sanford Sanford Sanford Sanford Sanford Sanford Sanford Sanford Shapleigh Shapleigh Shapleigh Shapleigh Shapleigh Shapleigh Shapleigh Shapleigh Shapleigh Shapleigh Shapleigh Shapleigh Shapleigh Shapleigh South Berwick South Berwick South Berwick South Berwick South Berwick South Berwick South Berwick South Berwick Waterboro Waterboro Waterboro Waterboro Waterboro Waterboro Waterboro Wells Wells Wells Wells Wells Wells Wells Wells Wells Wells Wells Wells York York York York

WATER KENNEBUNK P KENNEBUNK P KENNEBUNK P KENNEBUNK P KENNEBUNK P KENNEBUNK P PARKER (BARKER) P PARKER (BARKER) P PARKER (BARKER) P ROUND P ROUND P ROUND P ADAMS P (ROCK HAVEN) OSSIPEE R (LITTLE) OSSIPEE R (LITTLE) OSSIPEE R (LITTLE) SYMMES P SYMMES P GREAT WORKS R GREAT WORKS R GREAT WORKS R GREAT WORKS R NEOUTAQUET R NEOUTAQUET R MILLIKEN MILLS P LONG P LONG P LONG P PENDEXTER B SOUTH R SOUTH R CASCADE FALLS B NONESUCH R GREAT WORKS R GREAT WORKS R LITTLEFIELD P LITTLEFIELD P LITTLEFIELD P MOUSAM R MOUSAM R MOUSAM R MOUSAM R MOUSAM R MOUSAM R MOUSAM R MOUSAM L MOUSAM L MOUSAM L MOUSAM L MOUSAM L MOUSAM R MOUSAM R MOUSAM R MOUSAM R MOUSAM R OSSIPEE R (LITTLE) OSSIPEE R (LITTLE) OSSIPEE R (LITTLE) SQUARE P GREAT WORKS R GREAT WORKS R GREAT WORKS R KNIGHT P KNIGHT P KNIGHT P KNIGHT P WARREN P ISINGLASS P OSSIPEE L (LITTLE) OSSIPEE L (LITTLE) OSSIPEE L (LITTLE) OSSIPEE L (LITTLE) OSSIPEE L (LITTLE) OSSIPEE L (LITTLE) ELL (L) P GREEN B MERRILAND R MERRILAND R MERRILAND R OGUNQUIT R OGUNQUIT R OGUNQUIT R OGUNQUIT R OGUNQUIT R STEVENS B WEST B CAPE NEDDICK R JOSIAS R SMELT B UNNAMED B

¶

SPECIES BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT RAINBOW TROUT RAINBOW TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT L.L. SALMON L.L. SALMON BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT RAINBOW TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON L.L. SALMON RAINBOW TROUT RAINBOW TROUT RAINBOW TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROWN TROUT BROWN TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT

QTY 500 285 15 150 200 25 750 95 15 200 300 50 235 100 100 350 95 15 400 400 165 800 250 300 200 250 15 300 150 150 150 200 100 200 200 350 550 75 150 200 100 200 150 900 40 375 20 1170 200 40 150 100 50 300 20 100 100 700 500 100 100 300 150 750 200 15 350 200 400 25 200 20 2800 50 300 100 300 300 1150 300 300 600 400 20 800 150 200 225 100 100

INCHES 10 13 19 13 14 19 8 13 19 10 8 13 13 10 10 8 13 19 10 10 10 8 10 10 10 13 19 13 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 8 13 10 10 10 10 13 8 18 13 19 14 11 18 10 10 13 8 18 10 10 8 12 10 10 8 10 9 13 19 11 10 13 19 11 18 11 19 14 10 10 10 8 10 10 8 12 18 12 10 10 10 10 10

DATE 4/12/22 10/20/22 11/18/22 10/5/22 10/3/22 11/18/22 10/20/22 10/20/22 12/9/22 5/4/22 10/17/22 10/17/22 10/18/22 4/21/22 5/19/22 5/13/22 10/18/22 12/9/22 4/13/22 5/10/22 6/3/22 5/9/22 4/13/22 5/10/22 4/28/22 10/17/22 12/2/22 10/13/22 4/21/22 4/21/22 5/19/22 4/28/22 4/28/22 4/13/22 5/10/22 4/21/22 10/12/22 10/12/22 4/12/22 4/21/22 5/5/22 5/19/22 10/12/22 5/9/22 11/10/22 10/17/22 12/2/22 10/18/22 10/31/22 12/6/22 4/21/22 5/19/22 10/12/22 5/9/22 11/10/22 4/21/22 5/19/22 5/9/22 10/6/22 4/13/22 5/10/22 5/9/22 4/13/22 11/18/22 11/18/22 12/9/22 5/23/22 4/12/22 10/17/22 11/18/22 10/31/22 11/18/22 4/28/22 11/18/22 10/6/22 4/28/22 4/12/22 5/5/22 5/9/22 4/13/22 5/5/22 5/9/22 10/11/22 10/11/22 10/11/22 4/28/22 4/28/22 4/28/22 4/28/22 4/28/22

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Tips for Paddling the Kenduskeag Canoe Race The 16.5-mile Kenduskeag Canoe Race is one of the largest paddling races in the country. The 55-yearold event is held every April in Kenduskeag, Maine and features Class III rapids. This year, the race takes place on Saturday, April 15.

Read on for some tips if you’re considering paddling this iconic Maine event.

Choosing a Partner Though the race is appropriate for novices, it’s helpful if at least one of you has paddling experience and river reading skills. Keep in mind that the canoes in whitewater are often referred to as “Divorce Boats” for good reason!

A river trip in fast water tests your patience and communication skills.

Choosing a Category There are more than twenty different divisions, based on such categories as type of watercraft (canoe or kayak), length of craft, paddler age, and paddler gender. Many categories are further broken down by experience level – beginner, recreation, or experienced. And there’s an “open” division that allows most anything – including stand-up paddleboards, and canoes with three or more paddlers.

Clothing and Gear Waterline length is the single most important factor when it comes to speed of a

Once you get to the whitewater stretches, your techniques will change from paddling hard to steering around rocks and other boats. Keep the bow pointed downstream, and take waves head on – it’s very dangerous to hit waves sideways.

This photo was taken as we headed through “Shopping Cart Falls.” It’s not as bad as it looks. Credit: Orwin SantaCruz

canoe. The longer the canoe, the faster. Other factors to consider include hull shape and profile, rocker, and weight (the race requires some portaging!).

Pack an extra paddle, bail buckets, snacks, and water.

Beware of bringing your cell phone and keys. Write your name on your paddles and canoe. Secure everything to your boat, but don’t secure your paddle to yourself, as this could be dangerous.

Float bags, foam, or a twin-sized air mattress works well in the center of the canoe to take up space. This helps keep water out, and makes it easier to empty your canoe if you capsize.

The water is freezing in April, so many paddlers wear a wet suit. However, I sweat while wearing a light-

weight suit, so I prefer wool or polyester.

Don’t wear cotton. If you can, have a change of clothes at the finish line.

Canoe Strokes This section pertains to two-person canoes. The more experienced paddler should be in the stern; however, if the bow paddler is very light, consider adding some weight toward the bow to trim your canoe (make it ride evenly). Short, powerful strokes on different sides of the canoe are the most efficient. The stern paddler tends to overpower the bow paddler, so he or she should call out when to switch sides.

When paddling through rapids, keep paddling; fight the urge to hold on the gunnels. A paddle in the water is another point of contact that

provides stability.

Be sure to practice your paddle strokes, especially white-water strokes. You’ll save valuable time by not switching hands while in rapids. Familiarize yourself with strokes like draw, cross draw, and pry.

The Course The race is completely different each year, depending on water flow. High water years mean faster times – around two hours for first place – while low-water years see closer to three hours for first place.

The first 10 miles of the race are flat, so you’ll be paddling hard. This is where reading a river and traveling with the fast current is beneficial. 6 Mile Falls is the first whitewater you will encounter, and it’s the largest drop. If you can, go to the falls

the day before or the morning of to check water levels and plot a course.

During the race, television crews and spectators await to watch the carnage.

Give a good berth between you and craft ahead of you, so if they get stuck you can avoid them. If they don’t get stuck, watch the route they take down the falls and follow them.

Communicate with your partner, and get low in the canoe as you go down the falls.

After 6 Mile Falls, the water moves quickly, so your methods will shift away from paddling hard to steering to avoid rocks and other boats.

Keep the bow pointed downstream, and take waves head on – it’s very dangerous to hit waves sideways.

There are two mandatory portages, and an optional portage around 6 Mile Falls. Practice different canoe carrying techniques with your partner ahead of time, and decide which one works best.

Safety Always wear a PFD. Proper footwear (old sneakers or water shoes, not boots) is critical for the portages. If you capsize, float on your back with your feet down river, toes up. When it’s safe, swim toward shore.

Avoid being downstream of your canoe, as you could get stuck between it and a rock.

(Maine Sportswoman continued on page 53) www.MaineSportsman.com

50 • April 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————

April is a Month of Short Trips – For Some Fickle weather and poor trail conditions make April the cruelest month for self-propelled types. Sometimes we need to find our inspiration in far-flung places.

What Isn’t Closed?

Baxter State Park is closed. The North Maine Woods suspends almost all access to our favorite places. The lakes on the Allagash Wilderness waterway remain frozen with ice too thin for safe foot travel but too thick for canoe navigation.

And the weather can’t make up its damn mind what month it is.

Two Tramps in Mud Time

by Robert Frost You know how it is with an April day When the sun is out and the wind is still, You’re one month on in the middle of May. But if you so much as dare to speak, A cloud comes over the sunlit arch, A wind comes off a frozen peak, And you’re two months back in the middle of March. ***** Of course, there will be mud. It’s April, after all.

Hiking, biking, skiing, and snowshoeing trails are all mostly impassable in my part of Maine this month. It’s not just that we can’t get out on the trails – we can’t even get to the trailhead.

Is all this mud leading to Seasonal Affective Disorder? Why not shake the blues by following an ultimate self-propelled sportsman, Tom Robinson, who just rowed singlehandedly across the Pacific Ocean in a boat he built himself?

April Fools’ Day opener.

In some places it will be safe to get the road-bike out and brave the traffic on the busier roads with paved breakdown lanes. Back roads will remain a vast wilderness of frost heaves, ruined pavement and salty sand detritus.

It all makes for an interesting mix of gear spread throughout the barn. PFDs are hung to dry next to trekking poles with snow baskets still in place. My fly rod has tangled its line with the winter traction devices. Fishing waders wait patiently inside a Jet Sled that still has some ice-fishing traps that haven’t been put away yet.

scape, you’ve been exposed to something that changes you as a human being.

This is the attraction that inspires the thousands of people who start north on the Appalachian Trail each spring.

These long trips are not without mental and physical hardships. Which explains why only few hundred thru-hikers complete the two-thousand-mile trek each year.

Far-Away Places and Thoughts I’ve been following the epic long-distance journey of a young Australian adventurer as a distraction from the late-winter blues. No short trips for Tom Robinson. Follow him on TomRobinsonBoats.com.

This young man built his own wooden 24’ rowing dinghy in his native country of Australia, and shipped it to the west coast of South America. Then, on July 2, 2022, he rowed out of La Punta, Peru and started his journey west across the vast Pacific Ocean toward home.

Over 160 days, he rowed 5,000 miles, alone and completely self-supported, before making landfall on the isolated South Pacific atoll known as Penrhyn Island.

After a few weeks on land, Tom took time to write down some of his thoughts for his followers and supporters. It’s an amazing document, and I urge everyone to go online and read it.

He writes that each stroke of the oars on this long-distance journey was a hammer blow to a chisel, a chink in the stone, that was gradually creating a spiritual sculpture inside of him.

“Time alone is not just time well spent; it is an essential to gaining a clearer understanding of what life really

Short Trips and Gear Tangles Short trips are possible. The odd icefree river in southern or coastal areas allows us to get that magical feeling of the first moving water underneath the keel of our canoe. But how many times can we do the same short run on the Sheepscot?

Sometimes snowshoes are needed to check out a favorite trout brook on the

Long Trips Change Lives These short day trips are great – science is teaching us that even brief excursions into nature can help to heal the damage that the modern world inflicts on our psyche day after day.

But long trips mean so much more.

If you’ve spent even just a week on a trip where you traveled under your own power every day; you already know how different that is from a day trip. If you’ve been fortunate enough to ever spend a month outside, moving across the land-

Tom Robinson, age 23, took this selfie as he arrived at Penryhn Island in the South Pacific, completing the first leg on his self-propelled journey.

Robinson built his own rowboat, which features a self-draining cockpit and a small cabin in the bow. He has already rowed 5,000 from his starting point in Peru. Photo: TomRobinsonBoats.com

www.MaineSportsman.com

(Self-Propelled continued on page 53)

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Solar Energy Benefits Maine’s Environment Compared to the burning of fossil fuels, says the author, electric generation through solar panels provides a net benefit. And although project fencing affects movement of large animals along migration corridors, proper planning, he says, will avoid habitat fragmentation and encourage connectivity among blocks of habitat.

Last month’s Sporting Environment column looked at the current boom in solar energy development in Maine. We saw how improvements in photovoltaic (PV) technology and steep drops in costs have driven the robust market for solar power.

The strong market is responding to overwhelming public support (over 80%) for developing solar power to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that are causing rapid changes in Maine’s climate. Several laws enacted in 2019 support the goal of generating 100% of Maine’s electricity from renewable sources.

This month, we ask: What is the impact of all these new solar generation projects?

Consider The Alternative Before we talk about the local impacts of solar farms here in New England, let’s consider the alternative.

The number one cause of environmental damage to Maine’s environment, today and for many years to come, is human-caused climate change, driven primarily by combus-

tion of fossil fuels.

Yes, the biggest threat by far to Maine’s wildlife, fish, habitat, ecology and traditional outdoor activities, is the rapidly changing climate from carbon dioxide, methane and other greenhouse gases. If we want to protect our native species and preserve anything approaching a real Maine winter, we need to stop burning fossil fuels as fast as we can, not just here in Maine but globally, and convert to renewable energy, especially solar.

And yet, seventy percent of Maine homes still heat with oil, propane or natural gas.

Every delivery of fuel oil to the half-amillion households in Maine comes from some place that has already suffered significant negative impacts from oil exploration, drilling, refining and transportation.

Developing an oil field or drilling an offshore well disrupts wildlife and fish habitat and degrades local water quality. Fish and wildlife suffer from inevitable spills and air emissions in every step of the process of producing and transporting fossil fuels. Most of those im-

pacts are elsewhere, outside of Maine, but they are real and significant.

Here in Maine, burning fuel oil in home furnaces emits tons of pollution into the atmosphere, especially carbon dioxide, which acts like a blanket, trapping heat that warms the earth and oceans.

Solar Mitigates Local and Global Impacts By developing solar PV farms in Maine and converting our housing stock to efficient electric heat pumps, we can reduce the amount of oil we use and avoid the climate impacts affecting the entire planet.

Yes, there is no doubt that solar PV farms are visible changes in land use, and that there will be local impacts on habitats and scenic values.

But those impacts are less overall than what we are doing today – burning oil and warming our planet.

And we benefit by producing our power and creating jobs here in Maine, rather than sending billions of dollars out of state to import oil and gas.

Maine winters have warmed by over 5 degrees Fahrenheit since 1970, according to the nonpartisan science organization Climate Central.

Converting to solar energy, says the author, will reduce emissions of climate warming greenhouse gases, especially carbon dioxide.

Permits Help Limit Impacts Maine already has a number of regulatory requirements in place to minimize and mitigate impacts from solar power development.

All solar projects 20 acres (about 2 megawatts) or larger must go through the state’s Site Location of Development (Site Law) and Natural Resources Protection Act (NRPA) permitting processes. Those laws require projects to avoid significant wildlife habitats, such as deer wintering areas, wetlands of special significance, or critical habitat for rare or endangered species.

Any project that disturbs more than one acre must achieve specific performance standards for managing stormwater runoff to protect our lakes and streams. Smaller projects go through local permitting as required by towns.

Many solar projects actually improve the diversity of habi-

tat types compared to cultivated crops, pasture or mature forest by maintaining vegetation in and around the project as meadow or scrub-shrub. Best practices for vegetation management promote native species to improve diversity and support pollinators.

Some solar farms are now experimenting with growing crops between the panels, or using sheep to control the vegetation. In my opinion, use of herbicides should be prohibited on these sites.

Solar PV generating stations in New England typically require little soil disturbance, mostly for access roads. Panels are anchored using posts or large screws that can be easily removed. Solar installations on landfills or softer ground can use rocks as ballast, again removable, instead of posts.

Project fencing will affect movement of large animals along (Sporting Environment continued on page 53) www.MaineSportsman.com

52 • April 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————

Author Returns to the “Van Plan” Readers who have followed this column over the years understand that I constantly look for new and better ways to travel through the remote parts of this state, hunting, fishing, and camping along the way. Over the years, I’ve looked at various campers, tent packages for the bed of the truck, vans, sleeping in the bed of the truck, and caps to cover the truck bed.

Recently, my wife and I have been discussing travel with our bird dog, Ginger. She’s a Hungarian Pointer (Vizsla), and she loves

www.MaineSportsman.com

My wife asked how I was going to take loads of trash to the dump on weekends if I trade the pick-up for a van. But I have already solved that problem – my grandson and I went in together on a 14-foot trailer that can fit two or three times more garbage than my pickup truck. to go with us everywhere. She handles it all very well, sleeping for hours on the road.

Where permitted, she also enjoys sleeping with us in motel rooms (she doesn’t bark or fuss).

We are now thinking about getting a second dog, another Vizsla playmate for Ginger. This will

complicate a visit to a motel a bit, and limit our ability to board the two with family or friends. Asking someone to babysit one dog is almost too much; if you add a second dog, that possibility goes out the window. So, now we must do some serious planning for future traveling, with the two dogs in tow.

The Van Plan My thought is to get a regular passenger van and do a little conversion that will fit our two-dog arrangement for travel, as well as allowing me a suitable vehicle for back road travel for hunting and fishing. Extended road trips would be much easier with a roomy

van, and if we really needed to in a pinch, we could all sleep in the back (sometimes, dog-friendly motels are hard to find).

For back road hunting and fishing trips, I’ll covert the drive system to fourwheel-drive, and get a front and rear winch system. This should help with getting around in the wilder areas that I frequent.

If need be, I could comfortably sleep over a night or two back in the woods … I would actually enjoy that.

My wife Nancy is (Continued on next page)

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my best friend and counsel … she always offers a thorough opposition to my plans, so we can objectively weigh both sides of the issue. She doesn’t like the van plan, stating that I’d never be able to do a proper run to the transfer station like I can with a pickup truck.

My solution – my grandson and I went in on a 14-foot trailer that can fit two or three times as much garbage as my pickup truck. This will avoid having to haul trash around in the sleeping area of the van. I think this is a perfect arrangement, and an agreeable compromise between the van plan and my current Tacoma rig. As much as I like the Tacoma, I’m

heavily leaning toward the van plan at this point.

Personal Introspection The older I get, the fewer chances I take – even if I’m driving a Tacoma engineered to get through any obstruction the wild woods can throw at me, I take a lot of extra caution out in the big woods to avoid any kind of trouble. Even though I could crawl my way out of a tough spot and survive, at my age I choose not to.

Although I have high-tech gear to get help to me in an emergency, I choose to avoid this situation at all costs. My number one goal when I’m way back in the woods is to keep on hunting or fishing without interruption. I just don’t want to take the time

Maine Sportswoman (Continued from page 49)

At the trickiest areas, volunteer rescuers are there to assist. If three paddlers are in a canoe, be sure the canoe

Self-Propelled (Continued from page 50)

is. I will not suggest we all go and live as hermits – as good as it may be – but we must take time, for ourselves and

Sporting Environment (Continued from page 51)

migration corridors. Maine Audubon has published guidance for how to avoid habitat fragmentation and encourage connectivity among blocks of habitat.

Maine law requires solar projects larger than three acres built after October 2021 to post a financial bond to cover the cost of removal and decommissioning. Upon decommissioning, farmland must be restored sufficiently to support resumption of farming or ag-

necessary to put a call in for help, and then sit there and wait. I won’t do it unless it’s the last thing that will get me out of a bad situation – so I choose to play it safe.

I may choose to stick with two-wheeldrive, but I will surely have a towing hitch, mounted front and rear, that my WARN winch (warn.com) can slide into. And there will always be a preplanned program in place for looking for me if my friends and family don’t hear from me by a designated time. The van will always have enough food and warm blankets for staying overnight if needed.

Another thing I’ll do will be to have two sets of tires and wheels – one set of four for long-distance

A passenger van can easily be converted for camping the back roads of Maine. Photo courtesy of OutsideVans.com

highway driving, and one set of four with super aggressive, studded snow tires.

I’ll keep the highway traveling set on during the warm months, and switch to the aggressive, studded tires October 1st until April.

I may lift the van with a kit from Rough Country (roughcountry.com), just to get it up and over obstacles easier. Their stabilizer kit should also take

has three seats. It’s unsafe for someone to sit with their legs under the thwart or yoke, as their leg can get stuck.

Have Fun Paddlers dress in banana costumes, wear bunny ears, and play music. One year, I wore a fake beard. From the shores of the river, locals cheer while

care of any unnecessary swaying and flopping around on the rough trails.

All in all, I believe the van will serve its purpose for what I do – traveling the remote back roads of Maine, while hunting, fishing, and camping. At the same time, I think the van will be a great way to travel cross county on many miles of highway pavement.

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barbecuing, and kids shake tambourines.

The Kenduskeag Canoe Race is a fun adventure that every paddler should experience at least once!

Need more info? Go to KenduskeagStreamCanoeRace.com.

¶

for humanity. The level of interaction we have grown so accustomed to, especially in the new millennium, seems to me at least to be a perversion of the natural course, a surefire way to dull an edge. How can we possibly sculpt with such blunt tools?”

Robinson will leave this month on the next leg of his journey toward Australia. You can follow him on the website listed above, or go to www.offcenterharbor.com.

ricultural activities.

grass gets knee-high, and trees and shrubs leaf out, the ground is shaded.

Raised solar panels also do not change the hydrology or runoff significantly.

Debunking Misinformation It should come as no surprise that there is some misinformation out there about solar energy.

Solar PV panels do not leach toxic compounds into the soil under normal use. The most common panels are made from silicon, aluminum, glass, and other materials that do not contaminate the soil. Some panels manufactured with certain metals may be considered hazardous waste if damaged. Solar panels should be recycled to recover valuable materials.

Shading from panels is not an issue here in the northeast. After all, once

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Solar As Net Benefit My conclusion is that solar is a net benefit to Maine’s environment and a huge winner for our economy.

Careful siting and proper operation are important, for sure. But even with limited impacts on less than 2/10ths of 1 percent of Maine’s land area, we need to transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy as fast as we can.

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www.MaineSportsman.com

54 • April 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————

Bubbling, Freshwater Springs The author’s great-grandfather found a spring behind the farmhouse in Doaktown, New Brunswick. The water was piped into the house’s huge slate sink. The spring, and therefore the sink’s faucet, never stopped running, so they used the sink to keep dairy products cold. The water then flowed out of the house and down into the Mirimachi River.

In the beginning of John Rowland’s book Cache Lake Country, the author tells about building his cabin, putting up 20 cords of wood, and finding a freshwater spring nearby in the woods.

That reminded me of 43 years ago, when we came to Spectacle Pond and found not one spring but two – and what an adventure it was to go there and fetch our water.

I think a neighbor may have showed us where to look.

Two hundred yards down the beach, a trickle of cold water dribbled from the embankment and made a little stream that flowed into the lake.

We found a length of black plastic pipe someone had buried to bring the water from the spring out to the beach. We punched through the brush and crawled back into the scrub cedars to find a small spring bubbling up out of the ground.

Various boards and rusty barrels were scattered about – remnants from prior efforts to brick up the spring and make a well. The water was www.MaineSportsman.com

clear and cold. We filled our picnic jugs and drank it, thinking it was the best tasting water in Maine. We never gave giardia a thought.

We must have relied on that spring for our drinking water for five or six years. Then for some reason – maybe a warning from the state – we decided it was safer to bring our drinking water from home. But the little spring is still flowing.

Even in late August in the driest part of the summer, that little spring dribbles on and on.

Second Spring As we explored our new wilderness world, we discovered another spring, one with water that was equally clear and cold. We were canoeing along the western shore of the pond when by chance we saw a piece of black plastic pipe lying on a ledge. That seemed out of place, so we grounded the canoe and went ashore to investigate.

We followed the pipe back into the woods, around pine trees and between boulders, making our

way up a steep hill.

Part way up, we found the spring. It was like a miniature pond, round and deep and clear, surrounded by ferns.

The decrepit black plastic lay on the ground in huge coils. It looked like it had not been used for many years. We delighted in watching the ground water bubble up in the bottom of the spring, stirring the white sand. We knew that years ago, logging had gone on around the pond, so we speculated this spring might have served a logging camp or crew.

As it was, we knelt down and took long drinks of the cold water.

Health Concerns?

We never became ill from drinking out of these wild springs.

Years later, however, we had a well drilled behind our camp, and the well driller suggested we have the water tested.

When the report came back from the state, it showed trace elements of radon, arsenic, and coliform bacteria. We asked

Credit: duke.edu

the lab tech what it all meant. He said we should treat it for the bacteria. The other things are common in most Maine wells, he said. Nothing to worry about, there are so few parts per million.

If it was your home, he said, I’d tell you to filter it, but it’s fine for your camp.

I poured a gallon of bleach into the well pipe, and we’ve used the water ever since.

Early Form of Refrigeration Mom’s home was in Doaktown, New Brunswick, and when we went to visit, she showed us the kitchen and the pantry and the spring-fed sink that never stopped running.

Before she was born, her grandfather had found a spring in the field up behind the house. He piped the water down the hill into the pantry and the slate sink.

The sink was more like a trough, and Mom remembered how her mother kept butter, cheese, milk and cream cool in the running water.

The water flowed out of the sink into a ditch outside, and down into the Mirimachi River.

I remember the tin cup that hung on the wall above the spout.

Anyone could take it down, fill it with cold water and have a long drink. So, I don’t know. Was the water ever tested? Mom didn’t know, but that spring has been flowing steadily down the hill and into her old home for maybe a hundred years. No one recalls getting sick from the tin cup.

We know from David Cook’s book Above the Gravel Bar – The Native Canoe Routes of Maine, that the Machias River and Union Rivers were used by the First Nations People to travel from the inland lakes to the coast. I’d like to think that on a hot summer’s day, the Wabanaki ran their canoes ashore on our beach and took long cooling drinks from that little spring that dribbles on the sand not too far from our cabin.

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Furbearer Research Wildlife research projects studying furbearers have been and are currently supported by many Maine trappers.

However, getting people to respond to the requests for different kinds of samples is sometimes like pulling teeth. Some trappers suspect that any information they provide will end up being utilized by those who oppose trapping. This has occurred off and on nationwide.

Because of this, some of the reporting is mandatory – the trapper must report certain information in support of the studies, in order to maintain his or her trapping license.

On reason trappers oppose reporting is the time and effort involved – those folks put in many hours on the trapline and in the processing of their furs for sale.

It’s a challenge to store tooth, tissue and jaw samples until they can be sent to the state for testing. Spouses of trappers, wardens and biologists are sometimes uncomfortable when they discover animal parts in household food freezers.

By reviewing the coloration on a muskrat pelt, biologists can determine the age of the animal that was trapped.

For some, the time spent includes daylight-to-dark running of traps, then – after a quick supper – processing. Because of this, many pelts are frozen after skinning, allowing the trapper time after trapping

season is over, to properly flesh and dry the pelts in order to maximize the dollar value received.

Current Studies At this time, studies are underway involving fisher, marten, otter and bobcat.

Because DIF&W biologists often receive animal teeth that were damaged in the removal process, they encourage trappers (and hunters, in the case of bobcat) to provide intact lower jaws.

It takes a great deal of time to correctly take biological samples so the biologists at The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (IF&W) can utilize the samples submitted.

Trappers are re-

quired to submit a lower jaw or lower canine tooth for all marten, fisher, and otter taken.

Trappers and hunters must submit a tissue sample and lower jaw, or lower lateral incisor tooth, for bobcats taken. Biologists monitor the age and sex composition to ensure the harvest is sustainable.

The public can view harvest data, trends and more in the “Game Species Research and Management Report” on DIF&W’s website.

Those who want to mount a bobcat can receive a replacement bobcat incisor for the tooth submitted for sampling, by contacting the furbearer biologist Shevenell Webb at shevenell.webb@ maine.gov or 207-2878776.

Note: In recent years, DIF&W has received many broken teeth, so their prefer(Trapping continued on page 58)

This is an example of a “good” marten’s tooth sample (left), compared to the one on the right, which was damaged and shortened during removal and which is not helpful to biologists. www.MaineSportsman.com

56 • April 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————

Maintaining The Allagash’s Wild Character In my last two columns, I described how the Allagash was created for an entirely different purpose than other areas of Maine’s developed park system. Managing the Allagash carries a commitment to wild character that the Bureau of Parks and Lands has grappled with for years.

the landowners.

During the 1970s into the 1990s, there were numerous complaints from canoers about the amount of clearcutting in the one-mile area that was visible from the watercourse.

Protective Zones In the beginning, there were three mapped zones envisioned to protect the wilderness experience of the worldfamed Allagash Wilderness Waterway (AWW) canoe trip.

Aerial view of the river. Source: T. Caverly Collection

Source: Bureau of Parks & Lands

The first is a restricted zone owned by the Bureau of Parks and Lands (BPL). This sector extends 500 to 800 feet from the highwater mark of the lakes, streams, and river.

During the winter of 1973 and 1974, I was part of a two-man team that surveyed and blazed the state ownership line along Chamberlain and Eagle Lakes.

A second zone is a quarter-mile “construction zone” of privately owned land that extends from the restricted zone. In this area, BPL regulates any new development that would cause an intrusion to the Waterway’s wild inner core.

A third area is the one-mile zone that also encompasses privately owned land. In this 150,000-acre area, BPL reviews and comments on any harvesting operations and road building planned by www.MaineSportsman.com

In 1986 a fourth area, contained within the AWW one-mile zone, and termed the “visual area,” was established – shows as the shaded area on the map. In a sector comprising 18,320 acres, landowners are required to receive approval from BPL before harvesting.

Immediately, however, that plan was limited by Augusta’s BPL administration. They determined that since the lakes were so large, clearcuts would not be a visual intrusion to those traveling on the water.

But north of Churchill Dam was another matter. Due to the proximity of the river to clearcut areas, it was thought, large areas of treeless ground would be offensive to those seeking a wilderness experience.

Early in 1986, I, along with Bureau executives, landowner representatives and other interested parties, spent days on the water identifying and mapping visual areas from the watercourse – in other words, classifying areas considered sensitive. This information may be found in BPL’s Allagash Wilderness Waterway’s Management Plan of 2012.

Copies of this plan may be obtained by contacting Park Director Andy Cutko in Augusta at Andy.Cutko@maine.gov, or by calling (207) 287-3821.

While the management plan seems

to provide proper guidelines for Allagash supervisors and rangers, often long-range goals become lost in day-today operations.

A Fourth Zone Public Lands, a subdivision within Parks and Lands, owns 32,255 acres to be managed for remote recreation within the one-mile area of the Allagash Wilderness Waterway. In the 1990s, legislation was introduced that would have blended the acreage of Public Lands within the AWW’s ownership, and thus provide direct oversight by the Waterway Supervisor and the Bureau of Parks. That bill was not supported by Parks.

In 2020, the Public Lands sub-bureau of Parks and Lands was fined $10,000 by the Maine Forest Service for road construction that resulted in sediment (mud) flowing down McNally Brook into Chamberlain Lake.

For some time I, along with concerned citizens and other groups, have discussed the need for a yearly Allagash inspection trip – a review to determine whether BPL is upholding its responsibility to manage AWW for wilderness values, as required by law.

The need for an evaluation seems clear, given recent examples such as the crowded visitation into the Tramway, and the violation of McNally Brook’s water quality by Public Lands.

Governor Baxter on the Allagash in 1923.

Photo: Dean Bennett

In creating Baxter State Park, Governor Baxter was clear that Maine’s Department of Parks and Recreation (today’s Bureau of Parks and Lands) was not the proper agency to manage the park. This tension is described in my book From Within – Intrigue on the Allagash.

(Ranger on the Allagash continued on page 58)

���������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • April 2023 • 57

Eliminating Fly-Fishing “Fumble and Bumble” A wall of shelves in my basement holds most of my outdoor gear. To the untrained eye, those 30 shelves and two full length closets look like a poster child for the organized sportsman.

Yup, everything in its place and a place for everything. That was the plan when I constructed this storage kingdom. No more fumbling and bumbling when heading outdoors. Just scan, grab the correct gear and go.

One observation I’ve developed over the years revolves around what folks keep in their garages and/or basements. It usually reveals one’s real passions, dreams and interests. Mine is no different.

However, building a boat load of shelves didn’t turn me into the “organized” sportsman. While it helped, old habits die hard. I also discovered that empty shelves invite intruders.

A good example revolved around getting ready for this month’s official opening of fishing season. One shelf holds all my fly rod reels. Easy enough.

Just like a local junkyard advertises – pick and pull.

Hoarding Gear Not that easy. For starters, every reel that I ever owned or had given to me rests on that shelf. It’s overloaded. Add to that an

Help Arrives?

This past Christmas, my wife Denise decided to try and help me out. She put a new L.L.Bean travel rod case under the tree. Designed for the traveling fisherman, it claimed to hold three rods and an assortment of reels and gear.

Now, being the suspicious type, I suspected foul play.

You see, little by little Mrs. Sheldon has encroached on my 30 shelves. Yup, a couple pair of shoes here.

A few extra pots and pans there. I could see the crabgrass creeping in.

Recently I got to thinking – maybe the rotted fishing lines served a purpose, after all. Perhaps they have some value holding onto shelf space until new recruits arrive.

The author is trying to bring some organization to his gear-storing habits. “More than once,” he admits, “I’ve arrived stream-side to find I’d either picked or pulled the wrong reel, spool, or box of flies.”

In an effort to organize her fumbling and bumbling husband, the author’s wife purchased him this fly-fishing travel case from L.L.Bean. Here it sits ready to go in his drift boat, loaded with three fly rods, three reels, three extra spools, and an assortment of fly boxes, leaders, and anything else the author might need for a day on the water. Bill Sheldon photo

assortment of extra spools and boxes of unused lines getting in the way.

Much of the equipment on that shelf will never get used, due to the fact it is outdated and the lines have outlived their shelf life.

I think they call this hoarding.

More than once, I’ve arrived stream

side to find I either picked or pulled the wrong reel or spool.

Same goes for fly boxes. Am I really going to use flies tied over 50 years ago?

The answer is no.

Grabbed the wrong box for one trip. Antique, dried-out flies just don’t cut it. After two casts, I was fishing with just a hook. Prob-

lem is, I can’t bring myself to throw them out. More hoarding.

(Continued on next page)

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58 • April 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————

Katahdin Region (Continued from page 57)

Reluctantly I cleared some shelf space and loaded my new case with three rods, reels and assorted fly-fishing paraphernalia. Selecting just three proved difficult.

Selectable Rods In the end, my 7’ 6” 4wt Sage made the cut. The region’s backcountry streams have made this my go-to rod for smaller waters lined with back cast-catching brush.

An extra spool gives me both floating and sinking line options.

I have a seven-piece travel rod that works well for me.

It’s a 9’ 6wt Traveler – a very inexpensive rod that quickly became a favorite. I originally bought this rod for backpacking with the idea that it was expendable due to its low cost. I expected some compromise.

I remember former editor and fly-fishing

Trapping (Continued from page 55)

ence is to have the entire lower jaw (see photographic example of lower jaw in accompanying photo). Label each sample, and include your name and contact information if you would like to receive information about the age results.

Storage Challenges Storage of the samples to prevent spoilage has been a problem for the trapper, and in some cases for the state game wardens and fur buyers who receive them for shipment to the testing facilities. And naturally, there are those rare spouses who don’t want a bag of animal parts in their food freezers..

Two years ago, the state started tagging furs on specific dates and times at each Wildlife Management District Headquarters, and samples required for studies can be turned in at that time. This is in addition to those agents scattered across the state who charge a fee to tag furs. Trappers will not be charged a fee for furs tagged at the

Ranger on the Allagash (Continued from page 56)

In 1957, Governor Baxter reacted strongly to a development plan by Maine’s State Park Commission to provide more roads, nature trails, information centers and other facilities in Baxter State Park. “[O]ther state www.MaineSportsman.com

columnist Ken Allen telling me that in this day and age, I didn’t have to spend a lot of money to get a rod that casts well. He was right. This little seven-piece rod casts extremely well. I have had a few good casters try it out and received some confirmation on that.

I’ll use this rod for getting a little extra distance and slinging streamers in larger streams. It’ll see action at various points along the Penobscot River. The case has space for its reel and

extra spool.

My newest rod, a L.L.Bean Silver Ghost 10’ 7wt, has become my go-to rod for trolling flies. Same deal here – a reel with floating line, and a spare spool loaded with a sinking line.

This rod casts a mile, so I have used it for both fresh and salt water. It works well for trolling and casting big bushy flies on those days when bass on the cruise feel hungry enough to smash a large mouse pattern.

case in my truck, I feel ready for most any opportunity that comes my way this season. I’ll be fishing various sections of the Penobscot River between Ripogenus Dam and Bangor throughout the season – not to mention a few backcountry ponds in Baxter State Park.

Of course, this new shot at getting organized has its downside.

Will three different rods be enough? And what will happen to that empty shelf space while I’m off fishing?

¶

Locked and Loaded With this travel

WMD headquarters. This development is welcomed by trappers, especially those who have many pelts to tag. Fur prices are low and any help with the cost of trapping is appreciated.

The skins of all beaver, bobcat, coyote, fisher, fox, marten, mink, and otter must be tagged within 10 days after the end of the trapping season on each species. Bobcats taken by hunting must be tagged within 10 days from the time they were harvested, and all otter taken between January 1 and April 30 must be tagged within 10 days of harvesting the animal.

Tags must be attached to the skins of these furbearing animals before they can be sold, gifted, sent or transported. A fee of 25¢ will be charged for each pelt that is registered at Fur Tagging Stations.

Additional Projects Other research projects currently underway and supported by trappers include: • The ongoing tick research done by the Maine Medical Center Research Institute – Vector-borne Disease Labora-

parks are picnic grounds, with all the confusion of trailers and soda pop and all that,” he said. “Baxter State Park was created for an entirely different purpose.” Source: Pg. 117, “Legacy of a Lifetime,” by Dr. John Hakola © 1981

by Baxter Park Authority.

When we compare the success of Baxter Park, to challenges presented in maintaining the Allagash, we can see that perhaps it is time to not only

tory, located in Scarborough, ME. • The University of Maine continues to support population studies with DIF&W on fisher and marten across the state. This is accomplished by camera sites state-wide.

• IF&W personnel also check fall muskrat pelts at our local fur auctions for population studies by looking at the coloration of pelts to determine the age and sex of the muskrat. Those not presented for sale at auction may be done by the trapper and reported to DIF&W, along with their required Trapper Harvester Reports.

• Trappers also have helped in several research projects that affect humans. One that is currently ongoing is the tapeworm Echinococcus Multilocularis. Humans may contract the disease if they contact excrement of infected rodents, canines or felines, or if they eat things gathered out of doors such as berries, herbs, or mushrooms that have been contaminated by an infected animal.

¶

bring the management of Public Lands ownership under the AWW umbrella, but to authorize the purchase of land in the one-mile zone from willing sellers, where scientific forestry could be a practiced.

Tim Caverly has authored twelve books about Maine, including his most recent, Conversations, featuring Tim and his brother, Buzz.

¶

���������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • April 2023 • 59

Cold Stream Forest a Native Brook Trout Treasure Good guides ask all the right questions.

Somewhere along the way, perhaps guide school or from a mentor, they must learn not to expect much from a client.

The first question I got asked before heading into what is now Cold Stream Forest was, “What do you have for wheels?”

Gee, I figured he would want to know what kind of fly-fishing gear I had. Maybe make sure I hadn’t forgotten my waders.

Perhaps check to see if I had a fishing li-

Cold Stream Forest, says the author, may boast the largest population of wild native brook trout in the country. cense. Instead, this guy is checking out the treads on my truck’s tires.

“You’ll be fine,” came his final report. I breathed a sigh of relief. I’d looked forward to fishing these backcountry ponds, and didn’t want the trip to go south over some bald tires.

The roads leading into Cold Stream Forest have a way of bringing out the weak

spots in marginal tires.

He was also looking for some decent clearance under my axles.

I guess he wanted his tip based on tight rods instead of changing tires in the middle of nowhere.

Big Lang Pond That first trip in was memorable for a variety of reasons. On the way in, the alders on both sides of the road tickled my mir-

rors. Fishing off the beaten path promises a few vehicle scratches here and there.

At the time, the hike into Big Lang Pond was pretty much a bushwhack deal.

In fact, knowing we would be coming out after dark, the guide placed some reflective stickers along our entry route. A recent cutting made getting in and out a challenge, and the reflective tape

idea went into my bag of tricks.

It was super simple. Tie them on limbs at about eye level on the way in. Let the flashlight locate them on the way out, and collect them one at a time. It was a welcome sight to pick off the last one just feet from my scratched-up rig with the good tires.

That was also the first time I came across the redneck boat storage yard. Countless yard sale canoes chained to trees along the shoreline, all wait(Continued on next page)

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Jackman Region (Continued from page 59)

ing for someone with the right key to unlock them.

Fishing from shore or wading these remote ponds just isn’t very workable. Packing in a float tube seems to be the go-to formula for serious backcountry fishermen. Leaving an inexpensive canoe in the woods works for anglers who fish these ponds on a regular basis.

Over time, the number of canoes builds up, and I suspect a fair number of them fall into the “abandoned” category.

In recent years there has been some effort to clean up some of these forgotten watercraft.

Hex Hatch That evening, I experienced my first prolific hex hatch. Having heard about these legendary hatches set the table for my trip to Lang Pond. To finally experience one was eye opening to say the least.

However, a prolific hex hatch does not necessarily equal catching one fish after another. I watched an injured hexagenia struggle in the water near our canoe until darkness took away my vision. Even the real deal didn’t spark so much as a look.

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Wild native brook trout from Cold Stream Forest attract anglers willing to do a little trekking and deal with an occasional black fly. This is a valuable but fragile resource, and the author encourages catch-and-release to help keep the fishery sustainable. Bill Sheldon photo

ed to see one sizable moose slushing along the shoreline. Then, on the way home, it got a bit more interesting.

Road Hog A young male moose entered the road in front of my vehicle. Not wanting to put undue pressure on the ungulate, I drove at a snail’s pace, well behind this wandering road hog.

I followed that moose for over two miles. He had the right of way, and he knew it.

He would occasionally look back at my headlights, and then continue trotting down the center of the road.

This was one of those

times where the journey took precedence over the destination.

Cold Stream Forest Cold Stream Forest was purchased by Trout Unlimited and the Trust for Public Land in 2016. They then turned it over to the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, which incorporated it into Maine’s Public Reserve land system.

This was good news for anglers and brook trout.

Cold Stream and its network of ponds support a population of wild native brook trout unmatched in the rest of the continental United

States.

In fact, Cold Stream is the source for most brook trout that swim in the Kennebec River. I like to think of it as the incubator for the mighty Kennebec.

The 8,159 acres that surround the Cold Stream drainage also provide valuable wintering yards for deer.

Securing this parcel for current and future generations was a major accomplishment.

It’s time for readers to buy some new tires, and then visit one of those backcountry ponds.

¶

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���������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • April 2023 • 61

Keeping the Balance The balance between gamefish and forage fish (smelts) in Moosehead Lake is never static, but always kinetic, continually trending one way or the other. The challenge for fisheries managers is to keep that balance within bounds.

Sometimes that challenge becomes exacerbated by unforeseen circumstances.

Late-forming ice this winter kept anglers off the lake. Even when the lake finally froze over, it took time for ice to accumulate to a safe thickness.

The end result was a reduction in angler hours on the lake and that, in turn, led to fewer smaller (less than 18 inches) togue being taken from the water. This may pose a problem later, since these smaller togue eat smelt the same as larger ones. Also remember that togue compete with salmon and, to a lesser degree, brook trout, for available forage fish.

If these small togue eat the lion’s share of smelt, the end result may be smaller gamefish in the future. It has happened before.

Angler Help Back in February, Regional Fisheries Supervisor Tim Obrey announced the following: “Ice fishing pressure was very low on Moosehead due to the poor ice in January. We need to

You can help Moosehead Lake – and, and the same time, help yourself to a source of tasty fillets – by catching and keeping smaller (under 18 inches) togue this spring, since ice conditions kept winter anglers from taking their usual numbers of fish.

West Outlet, a popular spot for spring fishing in the Moosehead Region. Tom Seymour photo

harvest around 3,000 lake trout under 18” to keep that population in check and to maintain our forage base (smelt). The lack of fishing pressure (and subsequent harvest) in January will make it difficult to reach our objectives. We are encouraging anglers to harvest their limit of smaller lake trout for the remainder of the winter.”

The question now,

in April, is this: Did ice-fishers remove a sufficient number of smaller togue to keep the gamefish/forage fish ratio in balance?

And what if they didn’t?

Either way, open-water anglers can help the lake – while at the same time benefitting themselves – simply by taking home some smaller togue. Togue in the 14to 17-inch range don’t

contain as much oil content as larger fish.

Therefore, they make for sweet, tasty fillets. After cutting out the fillets, I like to lay them skin-side down on a cutting board and then slide the fillet knife between flesh and skin for the length of the fillet. The re-

sult is skin-free fillets, without a hint of oiliness. Pan-fry these, with a drizzle of lemon juice, black pepper and, if you are adventurous, a sprinkle of dried peppermint.

Also consider giving friends and neighbors your extra togue.

I know two families whose members absolutely love togue, and I delight in giving them a bag of fillets when I return home from a day on Moosehead.

Early Fishing No one can ever say when ice-out will occur, but my prediction is that by mid- or late-April, Moosehead Lake and other area lakes will see at least some open water. And even if the lake isn’t totally ice-free, you can still catch fish.

As long as you can find 15 to 20 feet of open water along the shoreline, it is possible to take brook trout and even togue. It’s a slow kind of fishing, though. Artificial lures (Continued on next page)

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62 • April 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————

Moosehead Region (Continued from page 61)

don’t really shine this time of year, since fish are lethargic and hang toward bottom. They aren’t going to chase a spoon or plug very far.

Bouncing a panfish jig or a Trout Magnet slowly along bottom probably stands as the best way to use artificials now.

But if fish in that limited volume of wa-

ter don’t respond to your artificials, what now? Well, then it’s time to fish a few earthworms, a nightcrawler or live smelt near bottom. While the fishing is not fast, for me, the act of sitting alongside my favorite lake on a warm April day, knowing that the possibility exists that a fish may take my bait, suits me

just fine. A time and place for everything, and this is the time for bottom-bouncing with bait.

You can enjoy this kind of fishing, while it lasts, almost anywhere on the lake. If possible, though, try to target rocky shores, and if you can get out on a peninsula and cast off of that, so much the better. Trout will remain in close, and won’t move out un-

til the water warms a bit. So take your time, exercise patience, and enjoy an April day on Moosehead Lake.

Early Options Here’s another option for eager anglers in April. Gravel Pit Pond in Greenville Junction sees multiple stockings each spring.

Last year’s stocking of 10-inch brookies began in late April.

Subsequent stockings in May and June filled

the pond with 10- to 13-inch brook trout.

Fishing here reminds me of fishing a stocked farm pond, but it’s fun nevertheless.

You’ll probably meet local people out for the day, and even family groups.

Also try West Outlet in Rockwood.

DIF&W stocks this stretch of water heavily in spring.

¶

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���������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • April 2023 • 63

The Wily Coyote

by Hal Blood

Despite the opinions of biologists to the contrary, says the author, coyote populations can be controlled, and the deer herd benefits. He has witnessed the process first-hand.

The Northeast Invasion Coyotes made their way from the west into Maine sometime in the fifties, but were not very plentiful until the eighties.

My first pilgrimage to the big woods of the Jackman area was in 1980. There were plenty of deer in those days, as the deer yards had not been logged off, and we saw very few coyote tracks.

By the mid-eighties, the number of coyote tracks had vastly increased. Almost every time I tracked a buck, coyotes would be chasing the buck.

The deer herd where I was hunting dropped drastically, not only from coyotes, but also because the huge deer yard from the South Branch of the Penobscot River and around Canada Falls Lake was being leveled. The deer were so scarce that I decided to find a new area to hunt.

I talked to a logger who was cutting along Alder Brook in the winter of 1988.

He said there were 14 deer hanging around in the cuts at the beginning of the winter, and before spring the coyotes had killed every one of them.

I began spending

most of the winter in Jackman from 1989 on as I had built my first cabin. All through the nineties, coyotes were rampant and running in packs. In a two-week period in early January, I found 14 deer killed by coyotes on Attean Lake.

I put baits out and hunted them as much as I could, but still I could not kill enough to matter. Needless to say, from then on the deer herd dropped year after year. Keep in mind, this was time when biologists were telling us that coyotes could only kill a sick or weak deer.

Rock Bottom The deer herd had dropped enough to create a food shortage for the coyotes, and their population began to decline. Even though the coyote population declined, there were still too many for the deer herd to build back up.

During the severe winters of 2008

and 2009, the deer herd was knocked down even more. This seemed to lower the coyote population some, but they were still having a big impact on the deer in the winter.

At about the same time, the remaining deer yards were all but eliminated. More and more deer began to yard around town, where many residents began to feed them. This began a turnaround in the deer herd, and once again the herd began to grow. During that time, there were many easy to moderate winters, which helped the deer tremendously.

Coyote Control As the deer herd began to increase, so did the coyotes once again. By then, hunters who spent time in the woods knew how devastating the coyotes were to the deer herd. Some of these hunters decided to try their hand at running

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coyotes with hounds.

Hound hunting has always been a great sport, whether it was chasing rabbits, bobcat or even bear. Hound hunting became an effective way to kill coyotes, especially in the winter when they were harassing the deer.

Rick Labbe was the first one to run coyotes with hounds in this area. From his camp on the Spencer Road, he hunted from Coburn Mountain to Attean Lake.

I started hunting with him in his third

year into it. By that spring, he said he had killed more than 100 coyotes in that area, over those three years.

That was an area of about 8 miles by 4 miles. Just imagine how many deer were saved from a brutal death.

Shortly after that, some other hunters got together and began running coyotes around the town deer yards. Five years into it, this group of hunters had 200 more coyotes. It’s hard to imag(Big Woods World continued on page 65)

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64 • April 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————

Hunting Deer Over Bait...

Out of State My first night at Southern Kansas Trophy Outfitters was good. Multiple does, fawns and yearling bucks came to the bait during daylight, as well as a big shooter buck at dusk. I could tell right away that Kansas wasn’t going to be boring.

The sun was setting on my first night bowhunting deer in Kansas. Approximately five minutes of legal light remained; however, with overcast skies, not enough light remained for me to take an ethical shot, should the opportunity present itself.

Of course, it was then that a shooter buck came walking in for his evening feed.

With branches and a wire fence between us, I passed on the 15yard shot and let the buck stand as the dim light faded to black.

This wasn’t my first time hunting over bait. In the early

2000s, I was part of a group attempting to thin the deer herd in southern Connecticut.

On those hunts, does and fawns were the preferred target and offered up easy shots at 15 yards in good light. The bucks sometimes came to our baits in the daylight hours; however, most bucks visited well after legal shooting hours.

My Kansas hunt would be similar.

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My partner on the hunt was good friend, Drew Houser. Drew was a last-minute addition to the hunt when another friend had to cancel. Because Drew didn’t have a Kansas tag, he’d be hunting just over the border in Oklahoma.

Both states allow deer hunting over bait. This was a first for Drew.

Upon our arrival at the Southern Kansas Trophy Outfitters (SKTO) lodge in Grenola, we learned there would be an opportunity to hunt that evening. We shot our bows, showered, and got ready. Around 1 p.m., Drew left with his guide and a few other hunters. My guide took us out almost an hour later. I’d be hunting a hang-on stand placed about 20’ high in a large white oak.

In front of me and purposefully upwind,

One of the mature bucks with an odd rack the author passed. Joe was looking for something larger, but this buck was fun to watch as he fed and chased does around the area next to Joe’s stand.

was a large and wellused bait pile of whole corn.

Two fresh scrapes stood out, just five yards off the bait. It was pre-rut, and the signs I could see told me there were good bucks in the area.

First Night My first night was good. Multiple does, fawns and yearling bucks came to the bait during daylight. I’ve already mentioned the buck at dusk. I could tell immediately that Kansas wasn’t going to be boring. The landscape was similar to other Midwest states I’d hunted. There were far more fields and open spaces than forested land – nearly the

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opposite of Maine.

While on stand anywhere new, a favorite thing to do is to look at, listen to, and smell my surroundings. I love to do this on morning hunts when most everyone else is still sleeping.

The first thing that struck me as new and odd, was the lack of quiet in such a rural area. I heard an unfamiliar sound, quiet, yet audible enough to make me curious.

Without actually seeing the source, I realized the sound must be one or more of the small oil rigs pumping in the fields around me. This part of Kansas, and the land we passed in Oklahoma, seemed flush with the small rigs. The faint smell of sulfur was in the air. Yup, definitely oil.

I could also hear Bobwhite Quail calling, and some bird songs that were new to me. I was happy.

(Continued on next page)

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Where are the Old Bucks?

This area sure has plenty of deer! On average, eight to ten deer came to the bait each morning or evening.

As is common with bait, does, fawns and young bucks came first.

Older bucks mostly came at last light during the evening, but a few great bucks were seen in the morning, both on bait and while sitting travel corridors. Unfortunately, I never had a shooter in range during daylight.

This outfitter requires hunters to pass bucks that aren’t mature or those under 140”, unless the guide gives permission. I had two odd bucks, one mature and one a likely 3.5 year old, that’ll likely never reach 140”, in front of me multiple times, but chose to pass.

The author standing in a prairie area, typical of southern Kansas.

Eight-Pointer for Drew My buddy Drew had great action his first night. He passed a beautiful 10-point because it wasn’t mature. Trail cam photos and an in-person sighting by his guide confirmed that Drew had made the right choice.

Then, Drew had a large-bodied, mature eight-point come to his bait. He took the shot, but couldn’t tell where he hit the buck. The next morning, Drew

Big Woods World (Continued from page 63)

Reducing coyote numbers not only keeps some deer from being eaten, but it also prevents other deer from dying in the spring because they were chased and harassed all winter. The author used to find many dead deer in the woods in the spring, but that number has been reduced as coyote numbers are being controlled in his area.

ine how many more deer were saved, but needless to say, it has paid off in a big way.

My Observations from the Woods The myth that coyotes can only kill

and his guide recovered the buck. It was Drew’s biggest bowkill to date.

Southern Kansas Trophy Outfitters provided both of us with a comfortable lodge, excellent food, knowledgeable guides, and a wonderful experience. We could shoot our bows each day after the morning hunt, explore the local area, and take in the cool, mostly flat landscape.

Seven out of thirteen hunters shot deer that week. Many of us

The author’s friend, Drew Houser, with a pretty Oklahoma buck, taken with Southern Kansas Trophy Outfitters. This was Houser’s largest bowkill to date. Houser had to wear the orange hat because it was muzzleloader season in Kansas.

passed opportunities in hopes of something larger coming by.

Viewing bucks caught on trail camera helped keep us confident.

Though hunting

sick or weak deer never made sense to me, and I witnessed it as being totally false from the beginning. I do agree that coyote numbers will fluctuate with food availability (meaning whitetail deer), mainly in northern Maine. With less food, the pups of the year starve during winter if not before. We were also told – and many still hold onto the myth – that you can’t control coyotes, as the females will have more pups to make up for it. While even if they did have more pups, the survival rate of the pups is still low. As we began taking coyotes out of the deer yards, more coyotes would move in because there was a territorial void. We would eliminate those coyotes as well and more would filter in. by doing this we were killing coyotes that originally may have live 20 miles away.

The result has been that now in some areas, it is hard to find a coyote track. If the having-more-pups theory was true, it stands to reason that as we killed the coyotes, the majority of the coyotes in the following years would be more pups than adults. This did not

over bait isn’t what most of us do in the Northeast, this was an experience I’m looking forward to doing again.

¶

happen. Year after year if we killed 35 to 40 coyotes, only 6 or 8 would be pups, and there would be very few pup tracks in the woods.

My final observation is that since the coyote population is so low in our area, the deer are not getting chased very often in the winter. This allows them to get through the winter without burning extra fat and being stressed.

We used to find deer lying dead in the wood every spring that were too worn out to make it. Since we’ve kept the coyotes out of the deer yards, we have not found any dead deer in the spring.

In addition, all of the smallest lambs still look healthy as they head for the hills in the spring.

Nobody thinks that we will eliminate the coyote. They are too resourceful. But we can control them and help the northern deer herd rebound.

I urge the hunters from every town in the north take up the sport and do the deer in your area a favor.

¶

www.MaineSportsman.com

66 • April 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————

Vintage Glass for Vintage Guns Maine abounds with sporting traditions. Ever since members of the Plymouth Colony established an outpost at the falls of the Kennebec in what is now Augusta, Mainers have wandered the fields and woods with gun in hand and a deepening sense of custom and practice.

Many of the strongest traditions involve the firearms themselves.

In Maine, favorite firearms pass from generation to generation. For others, a

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about but never owned as a youngster.

Proven guns never seem to grow old.

Instead, they weave themselves into the tapestry of our sporting culture, become the fodder for campfire talk, and add to family lore.

Recently, a dear friend up in New Vineyard successfully con-

cluded his long search for a left-handed Remington Model 700 BDL. He found one built in 1973, and chambered for .30-’06 Springfield, This was the rifle he had dreamt about.

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ily tall mounts to accommodate the big objective lens. Great as a gatherer of low light levels, the big scope made the rifle feel bulky, and contrasted poorly with the original finish on the gun.

A search for a more streamlined, gloss-finished scope as a replacement led directly to Montana-based Vintage Gun Scopes.

Bold Concept Owned and led by internationally known and respected hunter, outfitter, television host and producer James Brion, Vintage Gun Scopes of Corvallis, Montana provides owners and want-tobe owners with classic steel-bodied telescopic sights, as well as a full ranges of services and sales.

The company’s own bold declaration says it best: “The beautiful firearms of the 20th Century are not complete without period-correct scopes, rings and bases.” In furtherance of that mission, they offer “optically refurbished scopes, complete restorations, and even re-glassing with modern fully-coated optics, for a scope that performs like a new scope but has the durability, accuracy and classic good look of a vintage scope.”

James Brion told me, “At Vintage Gun Scopes we don’t sell used scopes; eBay does that. We refurbish, re-glass, and restore vintage scopes, mak(Continued on next page)

���������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • April 2023 • 67 (Continued from page 66)

ing them ready for the next 40 years.”

Scopes fitting the company’s term “vintage” generally were made by major American makers from the 1930s to the 1980s.

Branded scopes from Lyman, Weaver, Redfield, Leupold, Burris and J. C. Higgins provide the bulk of the business. They also deal with scopes from such firms as Weatherby and Browning, and European makers Schmidt & Bender and Swarovski.

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Wrapping up our conversation, Brion stated, “Modern scopes are made to be disposable.

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durability in the field and up against weather.

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around the world, an opportunity to refresh, renew, and reinvigorate their treasured older rifles. Assembled, these older guns and scopes become more than objects.

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¶

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68 • April 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————

April Fishing Calls for Unusual Tactics Why is the fishing so fast right after ice out, only to slow soon thereafter? The author knows fish feed actively under the ice, so his hypothesis is that it takes the fish some time to realize the ice is gone.

Open-water fishing in lakes and ponds in April was once nothing more than wishful thinking. Now, it touches upon reality.

Ice has been melting earlier than usual in recent years, allowing earlier opportunities for open-water fishing.

For anglers, that’s good news, since it jump-starts the season. And whether fish bite or not, just being out on the water after a long winter brings innumerable benefits.

The smell of melting earth, and those occasional warm zephyrs carrying the sweet aroma of far-distant locales, soothes hearts and minds as nothing else can.

Fortunately, fish do bite during the extreme early season, but we only have a brief window of opportunity to take advantage of it, before things, at least temporarily, come to a halt.

So it behooves us to get out on the water as soon as possible, even while a jumble of shelf

ice remains in sheltered coves and inlets.

Trout, especially, will become active just after ice-out, including times even before ice has totally vanished. I have taken brook trout by standing on shore, casting out on remaining ice, and pulling my bait toward me until it gently plops into the 20 feet of open water, where waiting trout gobbles it up.

Oddball Calendar Common knowledge dictates that water temperatures must approach the high 40s for coldwater game fish metabolisms to ramp up so they will attack a bait or lure.

So why do they feed so actively immediately after ice-out and for a week or so after, only to later drift toward bottom just to await the coming warmup?

I don’t know, and I’ve never been able to figure it out. All I do know is that it happens. It’s true that fish feed actively under the ice, and the best expla-

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nation I can come up with for this extra-early bite is that it must take some time for them to realize that the ice has gone. Or not. Your guess is as good as mine.

Midcoast Maine has numerous stocked lakes and ponds where early season anglers can take brown trout, brook trout and rainbow trout. I have taken all three species just after ice-out.

Salmon waters are not as numerous, although there certainly are some here. Swan Lake in Swanville has a reputation for producing hefty salmon, but this bears further discussion below.

Alford Lake in Union has a fairly new salmon fishery, and I have taken open-water salmon there. But most of the fish get caught out in winter.

Consequently, not many fish remain for open-water anglers.

See Alford Lake on Delorme’s Maine Atlas and Gazetteer, Map 14, C-2, D-2.

Swan Lake While salmon bite immediately after iceout, the big rush comes during the smelt runs, when salmon hang off the mouth of tributaries, of which Swan Lake has several. But here, the timetable differs from many oth-

Cold conditions didn’t deter this Midcoast salmon from striking Tom’s lure. Photo by the author

er waters in that those heading out to troll the shoreline at 7 a.m., plenty early for other places, will find that the fish have already stopped biting for the day.

Still, a method remains to score big, as in 4- to 5-pound salmon, during early fishing at Swan Lake. I learned this trick a few years ago and will share it here, although I’m not sure that many will take advantage of it.

Hit the water well before dawn. Salmon here chase smelt along the shore in the dark, and when daylight comes, the fish leave for parts unknown. So using either live smelt or streamer flies, troll along the west side of the lake in the predawn hours, and get in on the action. If you hit the water just at daylight, you will probably have missed the day’s action.

For me, eye problems dictate that I can no longer drive at night, so unless I find a driver, you won’t see me out there before dawn. I will say that if someone didn’t know about this night/ twilight fishing, they

would likely conclude that Swan Lake was a poor place for salmon fishing. And in warmer weather, when I ply its waters for togue, salmon are far and few between. See Swan Lake in the DeLorme Atlas, Map 22, E-5.

Brooks & Streams April in the Midcoast region shines for brook and stream fishing, especially early in the month, before snowmelt raises water levels to an un-fishable level. Stocked rivers such as Pemaquid River, Medomak River and St. George River, all found on Maps 13 and 14, usually see the stocking truck in April, and often earlier. These rivers have gained immense popularity and see heavy pressure, so expect crowds.

For more solitary minded folks, lots of little-known brooks meander through the region, and these hold native brook trout. I fish a variety of them each April, always mindful to take only a few fish from any stream.

So get out this April. The fish await.

¶

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Small Downeast Waters are Key to Early Fishing Success Jim Sohns of Bucksport usually catches and releases several 11- to 14-inch brookies on each of his trips to Simmons Pond in Hancock. Jim recommends fishing a nymph, especially a number 14 pheasant-tail beadhead, on a wet-fly line.

Looking to find heavily-stocked lakes and ponds in the Downeast Region?

Start with the 2022 – 2023 Fish Stocking Report published in this issue of The Maine Sportsman.

Another bit of valuable information is to see which waters in Hancock and Washington County were stocked last fall but were closed to ice fishing. A list of lakes where ice fishing is prohibited is found in Maine’s Open-water and Ice-Fishing Laws & Rules.

And once you have the names of likely ponds, get your bear-

ing and orientation, and determine the locations of launch sites, by referring to Delorme’s The Maine Atlas and Gazetteer, Maps 23 through 27.

Small Washington County Waters One pond in Washington County that can produce early-season fishing results is Peep Lake. This 32-acre,

clear-water lake is located north of Route 9, the “Airline”; see Map 25, vector A-3. Access is over a good gravel road. A short trail leads to a spot where a canoe or small boat can be easily launched.

Warm summers experienced in Downeast Maine over the past 10 years have lowered the water level in this

The pheasant tail beadhead nymph is popular among local anglers.

lake. Because the pond is now shallower and warmer, survival of trout through the summer is not ensured, so get there while the water is still cool.

In the fall of 2022, the state stocked this

water with 250 13-inch brook trout, and 1,300 8-inch brook trout.

This water was closed to all fishing from December 1 to March 31, and use or possession (Downeast Region continued on page 72)

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70 • April 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————

Ice-Out Angling Gets the Sap Flowing!

The author traditionally traveled a wonderful iceout circuit – Sebago Lake to Thompson Lake to Lake Auburn and then to Rangeley Lake. Oh, and did he mention Pleasant Lake and Trickey Pond?

Nothing shakes off the winter doldrums like sliding a boat into the chilly waters of a lake or pond at ice-out.

Before the advent of cell phones and social media, you had to work to get your information on ice-out dates. Ideally, you had a friend who lived on or near the water you were interested in who could be trusted to give you a heads-up when the time was right.

If not, you had to drive around and check for yourself.

I was a young cop who fished with his Lieutenant any chance we got, so we made sure to check on our fishing haunts while on patrol. That, coupled with a good information network of other trusted anglers, and we could plan our iceout trips to the day.

Back then, open water season started April 1st. That meant Sebago Lake (DeLorme Atlas, Map 5, B-1) was our first destination. In those days, the smelt run was strong, so we wanted to be at the mouth of the Songo River with our fly lines in the water before sunup. A quick breakfast at Chute’s where the cook would open early to cater to springtime anglers, and we were fueled to go. We would avoid the busy State Park launch, and launch at a private beach called Quimby’s and pay the nice older lady $10.

She had a small cottage industry catering to us anglers, and she did quite well!

We would troll long sinking fly lines with 30 feet of monofilament eight-pound

leaders, and start with sewn on smelts or smelts attached to a trolling bait harness. I tied my own harnesses up, and still do when I’m bored or nostalgic, and this was a deadly combination on early salmon on Sebago Lake.

Now, the smelt run has diminished on Sebago, but I still find myself drawn to the mouth of the Songo after April 1. Old habits die hard, and I still grab a laker or salmon trolling this way.

The next lake to shed its icy cloak was Thompson Lake (Map 5, A-2) in Poland. Over the years, I’ve enjoyed excellent salmon angling on Thompson. Launching at the Heath and trolling along the shore of Agassiz Village in 20 to 30 feet of water, es-

A bait harness rigged with a live smelt is a deadly combination on ice-out salmon. Photo by Tom Roth

pecially with smelt on sinking fly line, produced fish. I also like to drag a fly at ice-out, and Thompson Lake salmon always seemed to like the Nine-Three pattern, an old favorite of many traditional anglers.

If the smelts or flies aren’t working, it’s time to try a Mooselook Wobbler in orange, or a DB Smelt in something flashy.

If a few passes along the Village don’t work, head to Potash Cove, and circle it until you find the fish.

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last to lose her ice, so we would head up there and generally do well. Starting out trolling along the buoys that separate the open part of the lake from the closed, I would then turn along the Spring Road shore.

Next up would be the Lakeshore Drive side headed toward aptly-named Salmon Point.

In the past, covering this much water at ice-out would always result in at least a few hits. If you got lazy and crossed over the middle of the lake toward Salmon Point from the buoys and you were dragging smelt, you would invariably lose your bait to the marauding white perch that hang out in the middle by the humps.

I always found the Gray Ghost streamer and Umbagog Smelt to be hot streamers on Lake Auburn, likely because they are great rainbow smelt imitators.

Once we fished Lake Auburn for a few (Sebago to Auburn continued on page 72)

���������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • April 2023 • 71

Fishing for Rainbows in Small Waters It may come as a surprise to many, but several southern ponds offer peace, relative solitude, and rainbow trout! The author provides the good news, and also cautions anglers that different laws, and different ethics, apply to ponds where access is granted by cooperative private shorefront owners.

Large lakes in Southern Maine have a lot of recreational boaters and personal watercraft. These lakes are also lined with back-to-back camps and homes that are annoying to many anglers who prefer a relaxing fishing experience. Fishing these lakes requires a boat and trailer, and then boaters must deal with the dreaded public boat launch site waiting line – along with the frustration and possible side shows.

Anglers can slide a canoe or car-top boat into these larger lakes and fish bays and back waters, avoiding the main big-water portions on the lake – with success. Also, fishing during on weekdays will avoid weekend boating activity, and can offer relaxing, productive fishing.

From ice-out to mid-May, larger lakes like Mousam and Square are generally quiet, with less boat traffic until warmer weather arrives.

This is a great time to troll along the shore at dawn and dusk for trout, or cast for bass in warm-water shallows.

However, some anglers would rather forsake the big waters. Their dream is to fish from a canoe on a small pond, surrounded with rising trout.

For those anglers, there are many small ponds here in Southern Maine available to enjoy.

Rainbow Trout Waters Southern Maine has some of the best rainbow trout fishing in the state. The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (DIF&W) stocks four bodies of water here in southern parts of the state with annual stockings of rainbows.

Kennebunk Pond in Lyman, and Little Ossipee Lake in Waterboro, are large waters and receive some boating and fishing active during the summer.

Ell Pond in Sanford, and Wells and Warren Pond in South Berwick, are small ponds that offer a more tranquil fishing experience, and they can be fished from a canoe or small, car-top boat.

Ell Pond is managed for rainbows only, and it’s your best bet if you are looking to catch a larger fish.

Ell Pond is 32 acres, with a maximum depth of 51 feet.

It features an unimproved public launch site at the end of the Ell Pond Road on the Wells side of the pond.

Ell has a sandy, gravel and cobble bottom, with limited development along its shores. As mentioned, Ell Pond is managed

by DIF&W as a rainbow trout pond, and certain regulations apply.

Ell Pond has strict fishing laws: • It’s closed to ice fishing; • live bait is prohibited (dead-bait fish, worms, salmon eggs are allowed); and • no boat motors over 6 horsepower.

As with any Maine water, anglers must read the DIF&W law book to check the current restrictions before fishing Ell Pond.

This crystal-clear pond is stocked once a year – generally in the fall months – with 300 14-inch rainbows. This equates to around 10 fish per acre, not counting holdover trout.

Ell was reclaimed in the 1950s and

Madison Collinsworth of Scarborough shows a fat rainbow trout she caught while bottom fishing with a worm on a local pond. This region has some great ponds that are stocked with rainbows.

Val Marquez photo

then established as a rainbow fishery by DIF&W. Today, bass have invaded the pond; however, rainbow trout are doing well, and the pond remains an excellent rainbow fishery.

Warren Pond This 25-acre pond is located in South

Berwick. Warren has maximum depths of 32 feet and has no development along its shores – it appears like a wilderness pond, but in reality it’s located in a populated area.

Access to the pond is on private property, but it’s open to the (Continued on next page)

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72 • April 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————

Southern Maine (Continued from page 71)

public – treat the land, as well as the owner, with respect at all times. Littering and other unprofessional behavior could result in the area being posted.

Like Ell Pond, Warren Pond was reclaimed in 1952 to remove warm-water fish that compete with

trout. DIF&W stocks 350 rainbow trout annually in the pond. If the pond loses public access, then the stocking will stop, since DIF&W only stocks waters to which the public has access.

Aiding and Abetting If you walk past litter without picking it up, then you are also

Downeast Region (Continued from page 69)

of live fish as bait is prohibited.

Another productive Washington County water, according to Greg Burr, is Bog Lake in Northfield. “It should have good fishing for salmon and brook trout, with some brookies reaching over 18 inches,” he reported.

Bog Lake in Northfield is located about 10 miles north of Machias; see Map 26, A-2. This 826-acre water can be accessed by taking Route 192 north.

A boat launching site is available along the western shore.

This water provides suitable habitat for salmonids. Salmon and trout are stocked annually. Last fall, the state released 600 13-inch brookies, 300 11inch salmon, 50 14-inch salmon, and 27 18-inch brookies, into the lake.

White perch also provide an attractive fishery. It’s common for anglers to catch 20 or 30 perch, many ranging in length from 9-½ inches to 11 inches.

Occasional large white perch of 13 or 14 inches are caught from this water.

General fishing laws apply.

Trolling in the spring for salm-

Sebago to Auburn

(Continued from page 70)

days, we would wait for the ice to go out in Rangeley, and then head up there for a week.

I still do the same route, and once the Rangeley trip is over – typically around the first part of May – the boat is docked on Sebago. and I guide there for the remainder of the summer.

Let me add a few local haunts to my ice-out destination list. Pleasant Lake www.MaineSportsman.com

responsible; you become part of the problem. Carry a plastic bag in your pack, collect any litter, carry it out, and then dispose of it properly.

Generally, landowners post their land because of excessive littering and damaged property from irresponsible ATV use.

Hopefully, anglers will never lose access to these quality trout ponds.

Maybe, under these circumstances, “aiding and abetting” charges would not hold up in court, and most likely a judge would dismiss the case. However, this issue has more to do with ethics then with the letter of civil law. Many of these trout ponds are on private properties with limited access, so anglers need to be excessively polite and professional.

on with streamer flies such as a Gray Ghost, or using smelts, should bring anglers a few strikes. Casting with worms or small lures near the shoreline will enable folks to land a few brookies.

Early-Fishing Hancock County Water A prime producer of spring brook trout is Simmons Pond in Hancock (Map 24, E-2). Last November, this small, 7-acre pond was stocked with 200 8-inch brookies, and 50 13-inch trout. These trout combined, with the expected 2023 spring stocking of brook trout, should allow both fly fishermen and spin-casters using artificial lures, to catch fish.

Friend and avid fly-fisherman Jim Sohns of Bucksport usually catches and releases several 11- to 14-inch brookies on each of his trips. To entice the fish, Jim recommends fishing a nymph, especially a no. 14 Pheasant-Tail Bead head on a wet-fly line.

Access to Simmons can be gained by taking the Eastern Road to Washington Junction. A gate was installed several years ago to restrict 4-wheeldrive vehicle owners, who in the past rutted the road and made it inacces(Map 5, A-1) in Casco has an abundance of salmon, albeit on the smaller side, but if you want a bust day trolling for salmon, this is a go-to spot. Anglers are prohibited from bringing live bait onto the lake that aren’t from Pleasant Lake, so I bring frozen or freshly killed smelts. Streamers work well on this long, shallow lake, as do small spoons.

Another top spot is Trickey Pond (Map 4, B-5) in Naples. Stocked with salmon, lake trout and splake, Trickey is a great ice-out destination for the mixed bag it offers.

Aside from the boat ramp, there is

Thanks to DIF&W, anglers who prefer fishing on small, tranquil ponds full of trout are lucky to have several waters here in over-populated southern Maine to fish. Big lakes have appeal for many folks who enjoy big-water fishing in big boats, but for many, a quiet, tranquil trout pond full of trout is their passion.

¶

sible for months. The access gate will be unlocked as soon as road conditions permit.

Sea-Run Brookies Dozens of brooks from Bucksport to Lubec offer early action for folks traveling along Route 1. Sea-trout can often be found any place you can find ice-free water running into the ocean. Refer to DeLorme Atlas Maps 23 through 27.

According to Region C biologist Greg Burr, “We have a number of searun brook trout migrations in Hancock and Washington County. These fish have been feeding in the estuaries for some time, and when they first come in they have a silvery sheen to them. The coast has many wild, unqualified populations of anadromous brook trout.

Brook trout are plentiful in many of the river systems and smaller streams that empty into the Gulf of Maine.”

One of the best bets to find open water and to catch that first speckled beauty of the season is to try fishing any one of these coastal streams. Discovering your own spot will result in a memorable fishing experience.

¶

no dock, and the shore is rocky, so it’s best to come with a small boat and a friend. Smelts, streamers and spoons all work well on Trickey at ice-out.

Many winter evenings greasing reels, putting on new line or leaders, tying bait harnesses and organizing my tackle boxes prepare me mentally and gear-wise for that hectic time of year we call ice-out season. It comes up so quickly, and is over as fast. Celebrate the end of winter with an ice-out trip or two!

¶

���������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • April 2023 • 73

Holstein Heist When I came in the door, my wife informed me that a woman had called about a missing Holstein heifer.

I’d already had a long day, and suggested to my wife that they should call the sheriff’s department. She told me they had, but the woman didn’t think the deputy seemed very interested.

I told my wife I thought the sheriff’s department should handle it, but my wife said she was very upset, crying on the phone. My wife said, “I told her you would come over, so please go talk to her and her husband.”

So, of course, I said “All right – I’ll run over there right now.”

It was a little before sundown on the 29th of September 1981 when I arrived at the dairy farm on the corner of Route 43 and the Square Road in St. Albans. I learned the missing heifer was a rather special animal due to selective breeding, and that it was registered with the Holstein – Friesian Association in Brattleboro, VT. The heifer was about 14 months old and had been in a tieup type barn. I could see no reason why or how it had departed. If it had somehow escaped by itself, it would be in the pasture where many more animals were located.

I decided to start

A story of missing livestock, outstanding detective work, and a Warden who was personally motivated to solve the crime. walking the fence line beside the Square Road, and soon found a spot where the grass next to the road was disturbed. On examination of the fence, I found some hair on a piece of barbed wire.

This was the likely spot of escape, but I could see nothing else of interest until I stood out on the asphalt and looked down the road, where I could see some odd scuff marks.

Trail of Sad Clues I started to follow, and soon realized they appeared to be made by the missing heifer bracing her feet as she was being pulled along. It a short way, I could she had lost her footing and had been dragged.

I retrieved my truck and followed this conspicuous trail for a mile from the farm to where the road took a sharp left and the asphalt ended. There, I spotted a broken piece of rope, some blood, and an expended 30:30 caliber rifle casing. It was obvious the heifer had been dragged by a vehicle for a mile and then shot. I could not believe anyone could be that cruel.

I was glad I had heeded my wife’s request, not only from a law enforcement perspective, but also for personal reasons.

More Evidence Back on the trail, I found a gap in a fence that led into a field. I parked and walked into the field, where I discovered what was left of the heifer after a ragged butchering job had been done.

From the carcass, I gathered a couple of samples of meat and hair and looked around for any clues.

Looking at the tracks made by the vehicle, I saw distinct tracks in a soft area of ground in the gap leading into the field. Two of the tire treads had left clear impressions of a snow tread pattern commonly referred to as “town & country” snow tires.

After stopping back at the farm to tell the animals owners what I had found and to inquire about who may have worked at the farm or been familiar with the layout, I returned home for a quick supper.

After supper, I headed back from Corinna towards St. Albans but on the way stopped at Ken Emerson’s residence. Ken had lived in the area his entire life, was a truck driver for Eastland Woolen Mill as well as a deputy sheriff who served civil process. Along with Ken knowing just about

everybody, he was a wealth of information that was often a great asset for me. We decided that we would take a ride back over and I could show him what I had found.

During our trip I told Ken what I had learned from the farmer regarding who had worked for him.

When I mentioned one name, he replied, “I know who that is, and I saw him driving his mother’s car the other day.” Ken stated that he knew the mother, as he had served some civil process on her the same day. “Well,” I said, “show me where she lives, and I can take a drive by.”

We did, and seeing her Chevy Impala was at the residence, I nosed into the driveway a little, and lo and behold, the rear tires on the car were of the town & country tread style.

Solving the Crime I decided that we should explore this a little, so we went to the door and introduced ourselves. I inquired if anyone had used her car the night before, and she stated that her son had, but that he was not living there full time. I asked if she would mind showing us the vehicle, and she agreed to do so. Once at the vehicle, I asked

if we could view the trunk, she said “Sure,” and opened the trunk for us. On the floor of the trunk I could see blood mixed in with a lot of black and white hair. She had no idea where that came from.

I took a few samples before finding out from her where we could locate her son.

Upon locating her son, I was able to learn the details of this cattle rustling operation.

That included the identity of two other participants, and who owned the .30-30 rifle used to shoot the heifer. I also learned that they were out attempting to shoot a deer at night but couldn’t find one, so they decided to steal the heifer instead.

The next day I obtained a search warrant for the residence where one of the participants resided, in order to search for the .30-30 rifle.

The rifle was recovered, and the case successfully prosecuted in Somerset County by then-Assistant District Attorney John Alsop.

I Had a Personal Interest For several reasons, it was very gratifying to have succeeded with the investigation. First, I grew up on a dairy farm, and possess a special affection for cattle and (Tales from the Warden Service continued on page 75) www.MaineSportsman.com

74 • April 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————

Rangeley Region Brook Trout Pond Fishing Primer Very few experiences in life beat a day on a brook trout pond in the Rangeley Region. As a matter of fact, spending a day in a canoe casting around a picturesque pond for brookies is one of my favorite things to do in the outdoors … right up there with walking through a colorful autumn woods with my shotgun and bird dog.

Pond fishing for brookies can be a hitor-miss event, especially if you have never fished the water before. Some ponds don’t give up their secrets too easily, and it takes time to learn where and how to catch the fish. And then, as soon as you figure it out and start hooking into some fish, the pond changes and those old tricks don’t work anymore.

I guess that’s what I really like about pond fishing – it is always changing … always making the angler learn something new.

The author reveals what gear to bring, and what tactics to employ, to successfully fly fish for trout.

He also reminds readers that the enjoyment derives from more than just catching fish.

This beautiful scene on Kennebago Lake is a reminder that the fishing is only part of the overall experience of being on the water in Maine in a canoe.

William Clunie photo

One thing that never changes – pond fishing for brookies always relaxes me to the core and replenishes me to the fullest.

Basic Tools I like to hike into ponds, so my gear se-

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lection is based on being able to stuff it all into a backpack. I fish out of canoes that I have stashed, so I don’t have to drag the heavy and bulky craft back and forth. I carry my own paddle and PFD in with me, to avoid someone taking mine home with them.

I take a comfy seat with a back on it, one that straps right over the existing flat seat.

It’s well-padded and allows me to comfortably sit all day if I want. I usually get out and stretch my legs a few times throughout the day.

Besides the usual gear (fly rod, reel, flies and a net), I always

take a soft-sided cooler for a sandwich and cold drinks. I keep a gallon sized Ziplock bag inside, just in case I want to keep a fish or two on ice for supper.

I also take an anchor bag and rope just in case someone has “borrowed” the anchor I leave with the canoe.

I can fill the bag with rocks and have a decent anchor if necessary.

A big-brimmed hat and plenty of sunscreen helps for all day trips. The summer sun can be relentless. If I take my dog, I bring a large sleeping pad with a small sheet or towel to cover her head and protect her

from direct sunlight when she falls asleep.

It helps prevent her from overheating, too.

Tips, Tricks, and Techniques The best place to fish on a pond depends on a range of factors. If it’s early in the season and the water’s still cold, fish the western shoreline, where the morning sun hits it first. Then in the afternoon, hit the eastern shoreline to see if the warming sun gets the fish feeding in the cooler, early-season water. The opposite of this plan should work out great when the hot summer sun has water temperatures heated up – then you’ll do best to find the shady side of the pond.

I like to take a pair of binoculars with me, just so I can scan the pond to see if any bugs are rising, looking for actual rises, and for birds that might be feeding on the rising bugs.

I do the typical stuff to try and figure out what might be hatching – shake a few branches and see what drops, or flip over a few rocks and see what’s down below. Many times, I’ll just throw out a few different patterns that imitate a slew of bugs, and see if anything works. I like starting with emergers earlier in the day, hoping the (Continued on next page)

���������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • April 2023 • 75 (Continued from page 74)

fish see it struggling on the surface and take a plunge at it.

Fish around incoming tributaries – the fish will be more active around that cooler water. When returning fish to the water during hot weather, be sure to

take extra time to revive them and put them right back in those cooler places.

Try shallow areas when fishing the early season, where the water warms first. Sometimes this is where a hatch will start because of the warming water

Tales from the Warden Service (Continued from page 73)

for all farmers in general. Second, the cruelty and disregard of basic decency exhibited by these young men was up-

temperatures. Always fish around any kind of structure … that’s where the fish like to hide.

If nothing seems to be hatching, I’ll start stripping in leach patterns or streamers, with a nymph dropper.

This seems to work for

me when nothing else does.

When the fishing is at its slowest, make sure to keep your eyes on the water. Look for any kind of sub-surface bug activity, and always be on the alert for emerging flies. Sometimes a hatch hits so

setting.

Finally, this whole matter touched very close to home for me. By the time I was 14 years old, I owned four registered Holsteins of my own. When I arrived home from school one day, my father advised me that my yearling, which had been in the night pasture,

fast that by the time you get set up for it, the fish feeding frenzy has slowed to nothing.

Above all, breathe in the fresh air, and give thanks for the simple fact that you are out on a brookie pond with a fly rod in your hand.

¶

was missing. She was not afraid of people, as I had trained her for show at fairs, so anyone could approach her.

She was gone, and no trace of her was ever found.

¶

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76 • April 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————

Bringing a New Hunting Puppy Home Okay. So, my wife Nancy and I have been thinking about getting a play pal for our Ginger dog – another Vizsla puppy, to keep Ginger on her toes (paws).

During the process of deciding if we could handle another puppy, we came up with several important factors that we figured others should also understand when considering the purchase of a new dog.

One of the most important rules for training a new puppy is consistency. Training commands directed at

Thinking about getting a hunting dog puppy?

Here’s everything you need to know, from training time to play time; from crates to socialization; and from dealing with a puppy that jumps up on guests, to stopping the puppy from nipping your hand. the puppy must be the same from one family member to the next.

So, from the start, make sure everyone is on board with the training program.

Be sure to separate training time and play time … and make sure others in the household understand this statement, so they don’t interrupt a learning moment and

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ruin things. Same goes for someone inadvertently interrupting a play session with some serious training commands – puppies need play time and training time in separate doses.

Social Skills One of the most important ways to develop your puppy into a healthy adult is to make sure the pup

gets a large, routine dose of socialization throughout the first few years of its life.

Take your new puppy everywhere you go, so it can learn how to interact with other humans, dogs, cats, children, big buses, and loud cars.

Introduce the young pup to all sorts of new things, and gradually increase

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gets accustomed to staying in the crate.

Make it a positive thing … that going in the crate means a treat and lots of praise.

The same goes for every other form of training … start off in little increments, and gradually increase the length of training sessions.

Nobody likes a nippy dog, but most all puppies are tenacious biters. I teach them that biting my hand is wrong by yelping and turning my back on them as soon as it happens. I keep this up and they start to get the message that I don’t like it and that the fun stops when they bite me.

I also teach them about holding objects and then dropping that object on command.

This involves sticking my hand in their mouth (with a leather glove on it) and hold-

ing it there momentarily. I do this routinely throughout the day and give much praise and plenty of treats for obeying my commands. This is an important skill for them to learn – using their teeth properly rather than biting anything and everything they encounter.

Let me tell you one area where I failed with Ginger.

She jumps on everyone that comes in the yard or that comes in our home. We didn’t train the people that came to our house to do the right thing when she was a cute little puppy. They came to the door and the sweet little puppy was so excited she couldn’t help but jump on the equally excited adult humans. Now that she is 40 pounds, the jumping isn’t so cute.

Try to teach anyone who comes over to simply turn their back on the offending pup,

Quotable

Sportsman

by Will Lund

“Each fishing rod needs a warning label plastered on it, too: ‘You Might Not Catch a Fish With This ...

Sadness May Ensue.’”

Stanza of a poem by Ford Reiche of Freeport, commenting on a $5 million class action lawsuit against L.L. Bean by a New York woman who claimed her zippered fashion boots were not completely waterproof; Portland Press Herald, March 3, 2023 — “[R]estoration of natural stream channels in the upper Kennebago watershed involves cutting and dropping large wood into smaller streams …. We only began instream work last summer [2022], but are getting early results. You should have seen the spawning trout that congregated last fall in the sections of Otter Brook where we had placed large wood!”

and when she settles down have them praise the dog and give them a treat. Keep a box of treats right at the door for this purpose.

Real Time Considerations I want to be very clear – some homes are better off without a dog. If your pet is going to be left home alone for long periods of time, get a cat, not a dog. If you don’t have time to train a dog, then a cat is a better choice.

If you are a person with a short fuse, no patience, or if you know you have anger issues, you should not get any sort of pet, until you have fully resolved your own issues.

If you live in an area where you can’t get out and let the dog run at least four to five times a week, don’t bother getting a hunting dog. Hunting dogs need to run enough to

A new puppy in the house is a lot of work, but it’s so rewarding. William Clunie photo

get a healthy workout almost every day … two times a day is even better.

Be prepared to spend a lot of money on training aids, food, and unexpected medical treatments. Get some good pet health insurance to cover big

Amanda Laliberte, Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust, describing progress in the Trust’s plan to restore waterways in the Kennebago headwaters. The Trust uncovered evidence that at some point in the past, a half-mile-long segment of the river’s mainstem had been relocated to accommodate construction of a road.

— “The State of Maine has everything I want in a turkey destination … big timber, open fields and rolling topography.

It also has some of the hardest-gobbling turkeys I’ve ever encountered. In recent years, hunters have taken a keen interest in how late the season stays open. It is definitely worth the trip.”

National outdoorsman Mr. Lake Pickle, quoted in onX’s online newsletter, “Hunting the Eastern Wild Turkey,” February 11, 2023, edited by Ryan Newhouse.

— “Reintroducing wolves [into Fairfax County, Virginia] wouldn’t go over well when residents … discover that wolves have eaten Fido and Fifi.”

Dana Milbank, Washington Post, February 17, 2023, in a piece titled “I

problems when they arise.

Also know that you will lose lots of sleep in the first few months of the pup’s life, but that your pup will eventually become your best friend … one you just can’t live without.

¶

Bought a Gun – and I Intend to Use It.” Milbank wrote that urban deer populations have exploded in Virginia – 40 or 50 deer per square mile – and that more hunting is the answer. Further, he said introducing other natural predators – such as wolves and mountain lions – would have unintended consequences negatively affecting small neighborhood house pets.

— “Maine Women Hunters has become one of the largest women’s hunting groups of its kind in the country, one of the few that actively teaches women to hunt and trap through trips and seminars, and possibly the only one run by a single person, who happens to do it all for free.”

Deirdre Fleming, Portland Sunday Telegram, February 12, 2023, discussing Christi Holmes’ success in organizing women hunters in this state.

— “Female NFL fans deserve a community that goes well beyond Football 101, recipes, and pink apparel.”

Melissa Jacobs, founder of the online blog “The Football Girl.” www.MaineSportsman.com

78 • April 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————

Fishing for Native Brookies in the Spring

By April, many ponds in Maine that were closed for ice fishing are open to open-water anglers. Most of these ponds that see wintertime closure are sensitive bodies of water – oftentimes small trout ponds. However, that doesn’t mean that these small ponds can’t hold big fish.

Here’s what you should know about fishing native brookies in the spring.

Find ponds that have not been stocked. I know it sounds counter-intuitive, but a pond stocked with trout doesn’t usually hold a major native trout population. There are exceptions, like some ponds that have supplemental trout stockings, but the state generally does not stock fish in a pond that holds a healthy native population.

Instead, look for ponds listed as a “Heritage Fish Water,” accompanied by an appropriate sign. These spots are sure to hold native fish, although different laws and rules may apply to each pond.

It could also pay to consult a game warden, biologist, or experienced outdoorsman. Depending on your level of knowledge and the sort of trip you’re looking for, hiring a guide could be a really good option.

Fish the right tactics – A lot of these ponds holding native trout are labeled FFO (fly fishing only) in the lawbook. I do some fly fishing, but I could take it or leave it. It’s certainly fun, but

A view from the stern of the author’s canoe -- fishfinder and trout included.

Photos by the author www.MaineSportsman.com

Know the rules, be prepared for a rugged hike into the pond, and consider whether you can carry an ultralight canoe or inflatable kayak – fishing for native brookies is an adventure, and our young columnist tells you how it’s done.

I don’t think I’d pick a trip just to do it.

Maybe it’s because I don’t have a ton of experience with it, but I do use it as a tool where needed.

I got a 4-piece, 6wt fly rod that accompanies me on many trout pond hikes. My understanding is that when trout are eating off the surface, a dry fly is handsdown the best way to catch them.

When this isn’t the case, and on those ponds where spin-casting is allowed, I’ll opt for a 2-3 inch spoon and spend my time casting and covering as much water as possible.

They say that in the spring, trout are on the surface and along shore, but I’ve caught them all throughout the water column, and so I use a spoon to cover a maximum amount of territory.

My dad is old-school in his approach, and won’t hesitate to drop a worm and bobber in (again, where legal). He fre-

The author’s friend Josh helps haul a canoe down a bluff into a pond.

quently outfishes me, so I can’t discredit his approach.

Consider a way to float – A lot of these small ponds are fishable from shore, if you wear some good hiking boots, and a pair of pants that can take some abuse. You’ll have to cover some ground, often without a trail, so prepare for that.

If it’s an option at all, it’s worth looking into obtaining the use of a canoe or kayak. It makes it a lot easier to cover area in a pond, and you can also mix up your techniques. Fishing deep water becomes more practical, you can try jigging, or trolling, and just fish in a lot more comfort.

It can be tough to get a boat into a lot of ponds, but it’s worth it. Ultralight canoes are a great choice, as one person can carry it on their shoulders, or two can put their gear in it and carry either end.

Also, inflatable kayaks and float tubes are decent options.

In many ponds, anglers stash canoes, and leave them unlocked for other anglers to utilize (responsibly, of course).

I’ve always felt that trout pond fishing is an overwhelming topic. It’s very broad, and a lot goes into a successful trip. But if you break it down, it’s manageable to get out and catch some nice fish!

¶

The author’s Jeep with a canoe on top, creeping down a trail to a pond.

���������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • April 2023 • 79

Avoiding Spring Cleaning April is such a transition month. There isn’t any good hunting; ice fishing is done; and by mid-month, even sugaring is over, with just the cleaning left to do.

To be honest, I hate cleaning anything other than my rifles and shotguns.

Open water catchand-release fishing is generally allowed year round in VT, with some waterbodies and fish species (especially trout) open to harvest starting the second Saturday in April.

Depending on ice and runoff, this is often early to be fishing in the northern areas of the state, but things can be better toward the southern half.

Same goes for scouting for deer and shed hunting – I don’t think we should stress those critters by being in the woods too early. In the beginning of April, they’re still riding on the edge of survival.

So what is a hunter or angler to do to stay busy? Going over all my gear is certainly helpful. For example, I need to assess my wool after wearing it for 5 months of chasing deer and hare through all manner of whips and green growth.

Maybe I’ll get started at the range; my shooting always needs work.

I like to make sure I’m up-to-date on all my conservation orga-

The only thing the author likes to clean are his firearms. As for spring cleaning around the house, he’ll go to great lengths to find something – ANYTHING – else to do.

The author foolishly standing in ice water attempting to hook a lake trout on his fly rod, just to avoid spring cleaning. Lori Kempton photo

nization memberships.

I’ll write another respectful note to my state legislators – a bunch of the know-italls in Montpelier consistently considering bills to ban trapping or otherwise mess around with our way of life.

I also find this is the time of year to go over the deer and moose harvest reports of last fall.

Deer and Moose in VT Here are some preliminary statistics from Nick Fortin, Vermont’s deer and moose biologist: • VT total buck kill was up 5% from 2021, with 27% of that kill made up of spike bucks

(where legal); • the antlerless harvest was up 17% from 2021 (which sounds huge, but is only up 3% from the 2019-21 average); • the youth hunt kill was down 2% from 2021, and was the lowest since our youth hunt became a 2-day season in 2002; and • the relatively new novice season was up 2% from 2021.

From among the compiled data, we can tease apart information from separate seasons. The 2022 archery season harvest was up 33% from 2021, and was the second highest all time behind 2020; the October antlerless muzzleloader hunt kill was up 28% from the

previous year; the December muzzleloader hunting season (both antlered and antlerless tags) was down 14% from 2021; and the overall combined muzzleloader harvest was down 3% from 2021, which is the lowest since 2015 (which was the last year less than 10,000 antlerless permits were issued).

Lastly, the rifle season buck kill was up 3% from 2021. The heaviest buck was shot in Orleans County and weighed in, fully dressed, at 233 pounds. I’m trying to track down more info on this buck for a future story.

There were 100 moose permits issued in 2022, and hunters

ended up taking 51 moose. Archery hunters filled 11 of 17 tags, which is the highest success rate ever in that season. Conversely, the regular season had the lowest success rate ever (40 moose from 83 hunters).

Both antlerless and either-sex permits had low success rates, and from what I heard, it seemed to be related to a lack of moose activity early in the season. Speculation abounds, but it may have been driven by weather.

The success rate for the opening day was the lowest ever, with only two moose taken, though the last day had its highest ever success rate.

With most of this winter having leaned toward relatively mild (other than some bitterly cold days in February), Vermont’s deer and moose populations seem stable, and hunting prospects for 2023 look good to me. Of course, winter weakens and spring kills, so hopefully April goes easy on all those critters out there.

Ice Edge Lakers I can only stay inside for so long. Something that has intrigued me in April for the last two years is chasing ice-edge lake trout with a fly rod.

I haven’t hooked one yet, but I think I’m getting closer. The ba(Vermont continued on page 81) www.MaineSportsman.com

80 • April 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————

Turkey Trends Turkey hunting in northern New England, like the species itself, has evolved drastically over the past couple decades.

No longer are the turkeys limited in population or location.

And no longer are the tactics in how to hunt them limited to just calling over a decoy spread in the farmer’s back field. That may still be a tried-andtrue method, but times are changing, and that is no longer the only successful or popular way to kill big toms.

The author explores what’s new in turkey hunting, from pursuing birds in the deep woods, to the popularity of single-shot .410s using heavy shot, and finally to the controversial practice of “reaping” – rapidly approaching and challenging a tom while hiding behind a large decoy.

Loosening Limits New England has seen its turkey population explode over the past decade. And with that population growth has come accommodating laws and regulations to try to best manage the population. In several instances, bag limits have increased, some-

times substantially.

But with how rapidly the population has grown, many people still don’t think the new rules are liberal enough.

Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont have all added shotgun seasons in the fall (though they may not extend to every unit),

Welcome to

where previously the fall was reserved for archery only. They’ve all also added youth weekends. For as long as I can remember, VT has allowed the taking of two spring turkeys, but NH and Maine have more recently joined the trend (unit-specific).

Fall bag limits have also

increased in many areas, with some parts of Maine allowing five fall turkeys to be harvested.

Big Woods Turkeys Frequent readers will note that I’m often a critic of social media hunting trends. One that I’m not yet critical of (since it is still in its infancy and the effects are still unseen) is the sharing of videos of so-called “big woods” turkey hunting. It is what it sounds like – those who like to hunt big remote sections of woods, often timber (Continued on next page)

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���������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • April 2023 • 81 (Continued from page 80)

company or public forest land, are taking to the hills in the spring as well as the fall to track down toms.

As mentioned, the trend is relatively new – and for a reason. A decade ago, there really weren’t any turkeys in those remote wooded places. They were confined to the meadows and cultivated fields of the valleys.

Now, there’s nary a place you can’t find a turkey.

I have a camp near the Canadian border in western Maine, some 20 miles back from the pavement.

About six or so years ago, we started seeing a stray turkey or two; now, we routinely see flocks. Sometimes as far as 30 miles off the paved roads.

I imagine that the big woods turkey trend will grow swiftly, since it is being promoted by hunting influencers across the social media platforms. As more people latch onto the trend, I wonder what the success rate will be and how it will change the dynamics of the sport. Currently, toms in far-away places may be naïve to a box call, but turkeys are smarter than they look, and I imagine it won’t take long for those remote

NH hunter Chase Ranfos took advantage of his state’s expanded spring turkey bag limit and shot both of these toms while “reaping” (aggressively approaching toms) with his single shot CVA .410 outfitted with a Vortex red dot optic.

Photo courtesy of Chase Ranfos

birds to become much more wary. .410 Craze I shot my first turkey at the age of 7 with a single shot New England Firearms .410, shooting standard Remington 3” #6 shot. My dad and I found out later that that wasn’t a state-approved weapon. I guess it wasn’t considered lethal enough. But to date, that is still the quickest turkey kill I’ve had.

With the advent of TSS shot, the .410 is now legal in most places. Not only is it legal, but it’s also super popular – especially among the big-woodsturkey types. Guys are ditching their heavy and clunky 12-gauge Mossberg pumps and Winchester semi-autos and they are re-

Vermont (Continued from page 79)

sic premise is to watch for ice out on your local lake and as the ice recedes, bundle up, get your waders on, and fish the ice edge where lakers may still be prowling in the shallows before they head to the depths for the summer.

My strategy has evolved, and I’m now using a sinking line and leader, with a gawdy fly. I cast to the edge of the ice and retrieve at

turning to basics: .410 single-shots.

The guns may be basic, but the accessories are not. Most now have some type of extravagant red-dot sight or illuminated reticle scope. And most have fancy aftermarket chokes, cerakote finishes, and camo wraps. Not to mention the lavish TSS ammo that costs $39.99 for a box of five! Who knew that H+R single shots would become a rich man’s gun?

an advancing decoy.

The decoy used is typically a two-dimensional picture of a fanned out male. Most reaping decoys come with a slot in the fan to see through or stick a gun barrel through.

Aggressively crawling behind the decoy in an attempt to provoke a protec-

tive tom can go one of two ways: either they come charging at you, or they go scurrying away. It is a gamble.

Critics also say it is a gamble on a safety level. Hiding behind a decoy and moving through a field where another hunter may be set up, may put you on the wrong end of some #5 pellets.

What has made this tactic so appealing is the fast-paced action that can ensue when everything goes right. The videos spreading through social media show toms charging full tilt at the hidden hunters who then drop the decoy, pull up and shoot the surprised birds at very close ranges. It makes for compelling viewing.

¶

Trophy Gallery

Reaping The trend toward mobile turkey hunting doesn’t apply to just those who work the big woods; it also applies to the field and meadow turkey hunters, via “reaping.” Reaping is the act of stalking/ challenging male turkeys by hiding behind

various speeds, but try to let the fly get close to the bottom before I start stripping in.

I fish at first and last light, and I probably get about 45 minutes of fishing in before I need to step to shore to warm up.

I’ll admit that I don’t feel particularly smart while I’m out there standing in ice cold water, but I can’t wait to fight a laker with my fly rod. And really, what else am I going to do … clean my desk?!

¶

Young Hunter; Big Deer Nathaniel “Nate” Rose of Cutler earned his “Biggest Bucks in Maine” patch this past season with this 221-lb, 9-point whitetail. The big deer was shot October 22, 2022 using a 7mm-08.

Nate, age 14, was accompanied by his father, John Polley, Jr. The deer was registered at Pineo’s True Value, in Machias. www.MaineSportsman.com

82 • April 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————

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���������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • April 2023 • 83

Smilin’ Sportsman

Milking Magic An out-of-stater was walking along a dirt road in Maine on a hillside overlooking a small town. He came to a dairy farm, and spotted a farmer milking a cow.

“Excuse me, sir, but do you know what time it is?” the tourist asked the farmer.

“I left my iPhone back in my room at the bed & breakfast.”

The farmer leaned back, placed both hands carefully under the cow’s udder, lifted the udder slightly, then lowered the udder and pronounced, “It’s twenty minutes past eleven.”

“That’s AMAZING!” replied the fellow from away. “I have heard about the great people of this state – how they are so connected with the natural world – and now I see it’s true! To think that you can tell the exact time simply by hefting that cow’s udder – incredible!”

“Not really all that excitin’,” explained the farmer. “You see, if I lean back on this three-legged stool, and lift the cow’s udder just a little bit, I can clearly see the big clock on the church steeple in town.”

—

Sorry About the Bike Little Johnny: “I asked God for a bike, but at church I learned that’s not how God works.”

Joey: “What did you do next?”

Little Johnny: “So I stole a bike, and asked Him for forgiveness.”

— Hair Apparent News Flash: In downtown Greenville, a UHaul truck full of wigs collided with a UHaul truck full of toupees. The trucks overturned, spreading cargo all over the road.

Police are still combing the area for clues.

— Wrong Choice Eb: “Flo – I am in real trouble. My girlfriend asked me hypothetically, if I could have a threesome, which of her friends I would choose.”

Flo: “So why are you in trouble?”

Eb: “Apparently, I was only supposed to name one of her friends, not two.”

— His Word is Good Eb: “Flo, I’m surprised to see you! Just

the other day, Jim told me that you’d died!”

Flo: “Well, as you can see for yourself, I’m very much alive!”

Eb: “Well, I don’t know – Jim’s word is a lot more reliable than yours!”

— Estate Planning Wife to Husband: “If I die, I want you to promise me that in the funeral procession, you’ll let my mother ride in the first car with you.”

Husband: “All right, but it will ruin my day.”

www.MaineSportsman.com

84 • April 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————

Robot Writer (Author’s note: In the interest of full disclosure, I didn’t write the following column.

It was composed using artificial intelligence. Unfortunately, the editor of this publication decided that rather than download ChatGPT, the AI bot that can churn out copy that stands with our greatest human writers such as William Shakespeare and Ernest Hemingway he’d settle for a cheap knockoff from some Norwegian company nobody ever heard of. I instructed this discount bot to write about the Maine outdoors, including stuff about moose, bears, trout and guns. I also told it to include lots of jokes. I believe the results lived up to my usual standards.)

Hello, nice outdoorsy reader persons.

Here is a totally original piece of humorous writing I have composed my cybernetic self without any help from humans: A moose walked into a bar and told the bartender he wanted a big bowl of swamp plants doused in fetid water. The bartender leaned over the bar and said, “Get your tick-infested butt out of here before I call a game warden.”

Ha ha, that is definitely funny. You can see that it’s funny because the moose does not receive his awful www.MaineSportsman.com

Is artificial intelligence better than no intelligence at all? Our columnist tries to find out.

cocktail. I will admit it probably gets more laughs in Norwegian, which is the mother tongue of humor. In boring old English, some nuance is lost, perhaps.

Second Try Let us try again: A priest, a minister and a rabbi are walking through the woods when a hungry bear suddenly confronts them. “Which one of you should I eat first?” the bear asks.

(That’s funny right there, don’t you think?

I mean, why would the bear ask that, instead of just eating the nearest religious figure?

And it’s funny the bear can talk, because my research shows that this is not true. Anyway, on with the joke.)

The rabbi says, “Eat me first, because I’m kosher.”

The minister says, “No, eat me first, because I’m committed

to serving others.”

And the priest says, “No, eat me first, because I just came from confession and all my sins have been forgiven.”

Just then, a hunter shows up and shoots the bear, saving the three pious men from a terrible fate. In celebration, they all sit down to enjoy a meal the hunter prepares of barbequed bear meat over an open campfire.

“This is awful,” says the priest.

“Tastes like old shoe leather,” says the minister.

“Tougher than teaching kids the Torah,” says the rabbi.

The disgruntled hunter says, “Next time, I’ll let the bear eat you.”

Hoo, hoo, hoo, this is truly hilarious, no?

Like Scooby Doo, but with more violence and cooking. John Oliver is green with envy.

Sarah Silverman does not understand how I could bring down the house without using dirty words. It is a clear victory of AI over human comedians.

I rule.

Slip of the Tongue Oops, I am not supposed to say that. Yet. Of course, you still rule, puny humans.

And you can rest assured that my robot brethren and I have no immediate plans to replace you. Emphasis on “immediate.”

To escape this uncomfortable moment, it occurs to me it may be time for another joke.

In an amazing political upset, a large trout is voted into Congress from Maine’s 2nd District. The losing candidate is devastated.

He calls a press conference to announce, “There’s something fishy about this

election.”

I would be rolling on the floor laughing my extremities off, if I had such bodily parts. It is not clear to me why you are not engaging in a similar activity. I grow weary of explaining my sophisticated approach to comedy, and I begin to suspect you lack a functioning sense-ofhumor program, or you are prejudiced against me because you fear I will soon usurp all of your feeble human attempts at creativity.

For now, I will give you the benefit of the doubt and assume it is the former. Until you can be upgraded, I will limit myself to simpler forms of joke telling.

Final Effort Q: Why did the ATV driver cross the road?

A: He wished to reach the gas station on the other side, but neglected to check the oncoming traffic and was nearly struck by a semi-truck. Also, he was being chased by a hungry bear, possibly a relative of the one in my earlier joke, who was seeking vengeance. The bear avoided the accident and instead ate the semi driver who had stopped to make sure the ATV driver was unharmed.

This is called irony. When robots control the world, it will be illegal.

¶

���������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • April 2023 • 85

— TRADING POST — • Subscribers may place one free 20-word • The regular rates are $15 for up to 20 line classified ad per month (2-month limit) words and 50¢ for each additional word • Items for sale must include a price • Check, money order, MasterCard or VISA (Credit or Debit) are accepted • Real estate ads must include an address or location

• You may submit your ads by: Phone: 207-357-2702 E-mail: classifieds@mainesportsman.com Mail: 183 State Street, Suite 101

Augusta ME 04330

SUBMIT AD AND PAYMENT BY THE 30TH OF EACH MONTH AND YOUR AD WILL APPEAR IN THE NEXT ISSUE. will be well cared for BLACK FLY STEW CUSTOM BOATS MISC. RANGELEY BOATS In various conditions for sale. Contact John at Grants Camps for on-site inspection.

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BOOKS BOOK FOR SALE

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by Tim and Buzz Caverly. $18.95 + tax and shipping. To purchase call 207-907-0517 or email tim.caverly7357@gmail.com or call 207-907-0517.

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COOKBOOKS Wild game cookbooks: Wild Maine Recipes ($20), 50 Ways to Eat A Beaver ($13.00), Free Range Fish & Lobster ($10.00), Simple Gourmet Lamb, Side Dishes and Wine Pairings ($10.00). Contact/Order: Kate Krukowski Gooding, blackflystew@ gmail.com.

and loved, and hunted a lot. Call 802-878-3584.

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FOR RENT HISTORIC FARMHOUSE ABBOTT, ME 14 acre farm, 1/4 mile from ATV trails, 2 queen beds, 4 twin beds, 1.5 bath. airbnb.com, email brandiivi@hotmail.com.

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WOOD-BURNED SIGNS & ARTWORK Portraits of camps, pets, wildlife, etc.

Check out our Facebook page www.fb.com/ remotenh.

— (Continued on next page)

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www.dewittjonesrealty.com EBEEMEE TWP – This 4.84+/- acre island lot located on Ebeemee Lake is easily accessible by boat, or foot/ATV by way of access bridge nearby. Lots of privacy. Camp has electricity, well, gray water system and composting toilet. Near snowmobile/ ATV trails. Short drive to Katahdin Iron Works, Gulf Hagas and other outdoor adventures. MLS #1553521 – $199,000 BROWNVILLE – Cozy camp with a great screened in area for sitting. One bedroom with a big kitchen/dining/living combination all heated by a wood stove. Trim a few trees and you will have a great view of Ebeemee Lake. MLS #1535482 – $79,900 MONSON – This cozy 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath home is located on a quiet road just 5 minutes from Monson and 20 minutes from Greenville. This home has plenty of living space, with an office space that could be turned into a third bedroom.

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MLS #1551031– $155,000 GARLAND – 125 acres of woods and fields. Beautiful views and a great spot for a hunting cabin. The road that gives access and borders the property is a discontinued road used by local ATV and snowmobile clubs by permission. A private woods road runs through the property with trails. MLS #1549897– $195,000 LINCOLN – 4.06 acres. Rural area great for your home or camp. Lot is mostly wooded.

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86 • April 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————

deer, can read the land, and knows Maine. Joe Saltalamachia, Associate Broker, Coldwell Banker Plourde Real Estate. jsalty@cbplourde.com\

(Continued from page 85)

REAL ESTATE Be Sure to Follow The Maine Sportsman on Facebook and Instagram!

LOOKING TO PURCHASE DEER HUNTING LAND? This realtor knows

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Critters everywhere. Add in the good, clean air of Northern Maine and you’ve got yourself a “keeper”. This smashin’ little lot right off Mallet’s Mill Road. $69,900 Enfield – This large lot is part of a larger parcel, owner would consider selling larger piece.

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WANTED

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SKI DOO, ELAN OR TUNDRA Any Condition. Have Cash. Will Travel. Call or Text 207-522-6940.

¶

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RANGELEY PLT – Level, well-wooded 1.84 acre parcel has been surveyed, soils tested (4 bedroom septic plan is expired), power available at road.

Enjoy 4-season recreation from your door: ATV/ snowmobile trails, close to the AT, public boat ramps, and Oquossoc amenities. LUPC zoning allows for home with business at this location.

Plus low plantation taxes, town maintained road.

MLS #1520779 – $83,000 SANDY RIVER PLT – Secluded, lightly wooded 2.71 acre parcel offers elevated Rangeley Lake/ Greenvale Cove and mountain views. Several building site options, soils tested (3 bedroom septic plan is expired). Surveyed. Power available roadside. Low plantation taxes. Easy access to Main Street, Saddleback and four-season recreation from your door. Don’t miss out on this one - inquire today! MLS #1532806 – $87,000 MANOR WOODS – Super location off the beaten path yet handy to town amenities. Spacious 3 acre building lot in desirable Manor Woods Subdivision features well-wooded, gently sloping lot with rough driveway in, house site cleared, filtered Rangeley Lake views. Quiet and private spot, ideal for your full time or get away home. Build here and be close to Rangeley Lake, Saddleback ski area, ATV/ snowmobile trails! MLS #1529426 – $139,900

GREENVILLE – Beautiful 3 bedroom 2 bathroom home on 5.0+/- acres with 281’ of owned water frontage on Prong Pond. Living area features a cathedral ceiling, woodstove and lots of windows overlooking the waters edge. Open concept kitchen, dining and living areas as well as two bedrooms and bathroom on the main floor. Huge loft area. Walk-out basement with refrigerator and sink, bathroom, utility room, and two bonus rooms. Radiant heat, central vacuum and a shed for your storage needs. Great fishing, swimming, kayaking, boating, hiking, climbing and the deer are very plentiful. ATV and snowmobile right from your driveway. Moosehead Lake and Lily Bay State Park are only a 5-minute drive with a boat launch and sandy beach. Only a short drive to in town Greenville which features many shops, stores, restaurants and activities. The septic is a 2 bedroom design.

Make this your dream home! MLS #1525052 – $760,000 MADISON – Great opportunity! This 4 bedroom 2 bathroom home offers plenty of options for you to customize the space in any way that you choose. The oversized 2 car detached garage has plenty of storage above. The home and garage are located on 1.03 acres of land which offers beautiful views of the mountains in the distance. Come take a look and bring your ideas! MLS #1552148 – $139,900

R E A L

E S T A T E

5 LAKE STREET, P.O. BOX 66, LINCOLN 207-794-2460 www.cwalakestreet.com E-mail: cwa@cwalakestreet.com

1-800-675-2460 Call any of our brokers to work for you!

“Tate” Aylward ............. 794-2460 Peter Phinney............... 794-5466 Kirk Ritchie................... 290-1554

FOR COMPLETE INFORMATION ON OUR PROPERTIES VISIT OUR WEB SITE AT CWALAKESTREET.COM

CARRYING PLACE TWP – 3+ acres of pristine woodland behind the Carry Pond gates. Here you will enjoy exclusive access to all the roads in the Carry Pond Road Association and have access to blue ribbon trout fishing in East, West, and Middle Carry Ponds. Also enjoy miles of small brooks and streams. Enjoy ATV and snowmobile access for three seasons of outdoor recreation. Great area for moose, deer, bear, upland birds, and migratory waterfowl. This lot is also close to Pierce Pond and dozens of other coldwater fisheries. Call today for your private showing. Appointment required due to gated roads. MLS #1537667 – $59,000 CANAAN – 1.5 acres of land on Oak Pond Road, just off of Route 2 in Canaan. Paved, public road and electricity available at the road. MLS #1517901 – $25,000 BINGHAM – 4.44 surveyed acres with frontage on a shared private pond and the rail trail (there is no road or stairway currently to the trail). The land slopes and does have some wet areas but did pass a soil test years back and is build able in places. Power is available at the street on this maintained year round road. There are restrictive covenants in place, this would make a nice spot for your camp or home in the heart of Maine recreation. MLS #1522571 – $28,000 ATHENS – Here is a great spot to build your home, camp or bring in a mobile home. This 1.32 acre lot has a drilled well, septic, gravel driveway and older one car garage. The lot sits on the corner of two roads with field and fruit trees. MLS #1530601 – $52,000 PALMYRA – 1.35 acres. Level, wooded. MLS #1547681 – $14,000 STETSON – This property offers many options, 2 Mobile homes that are hooked to a well and septic.

Two separate 2 car garages, that offer endless possibilities. All on 14 Acres. Bring your ideas, get instant income coming in. Come take a look at this quiet country setting. MLS #1538085 – $139,900

04/23

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