The Maine Sportsman April 2024 Digital Edition

Sportsman The Maine

April 2024 • $4.99

For Over 50 Years!

2023–2024 Maine Fish Stocking List P. 34–46

Float-Tube Trout Fishing P. 67 Building Rangeley Boats P. 9 Springtime Scouting with Hal Blood and Joe Saltalamachia P. 55

Reasons to Wear Fur P. 61

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Editorial

Quick takes: Fish Stocking, the Allagash, and the State of Maine Sportsman’s Show Fish Stocking This issue contains our annual fish stocking list – a reminder of the unbelievable job done by dedicated employees and biologists at the state’s eight hatcheries.

However, we’ve also seen an increased awareness of the need to protect heritage trout waters, by identifying populations of native fish and avoiding “stocking over” those fish with hatchery fish.

We applaud the efforts of the state to provide hundreds of thousands of fish for the enjoyment of our residents and visitors. At the same time, we encourage continued activism by individuals and groups to protect vulnerable species, especially brook trout and arctic charr, by focusing attention on the threat posed by stocking waters in which stocked fish can migrate upstream or downstream to compete with heritage fish.

Allagash Wilderness Waterway In a balancing act not unlike that posed by fish stocking – namely, providing opportunities for more participants versus protecting our state’s existing natural resources – administrators at the Allagash Wilderness Waterway are weighing using federal grant money to build and upgrade storage and office structures near the river, and purchasing a new, more powerful patrol boat, against the perception that the proposals continue what some critics see as increased development that threatens the protected waterway’s wilderness character.

Although meetings on the latest proposals are continuing at press time, we note that the state’s summary sheet makes the following assertion: “When these federally-funded projects are complete, the state does not envision the need for any new development for the foreseeable future.” Regardless of the outcome in this case, we believe it’s time for the waterway’s governing rules to be amended to prohibit future increases and enlargements in development, including access points, buildings and equipment. These are the types of restrictions that affect the rest of us – limiting structure-building and treecutting in shoreland zones. It’s time the state applied those same concepts to its own activities.

It’s Showtime!

On an uplifting note, every day brings The Maine Sportsman and its coproducer, Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine, closer to the April 19 – 21 State of Maine Sportsman’s Show, at the Augusta Civic Center. Retailers, guides, sporting camps, turkey-calling, a Kids’ Zone, the annual state surplus firearms auction, fly-tying, informational seminars, and lots of enthusiastic folks ready to enjoy Maine’s spring and summer of fishing, ATVing and just getting into the woods and onto the waters for fresh air and recreation.

While you are at the show, stop in at The Maine Sportsman’s booth to say hello to our staff and writers, and grab some back issues and even some swag.

See you there!

¶

On the Cover: This photo of a nice Franklin County brook trout was taken by Steve Marsters, an avid catch-and-release fly fisherman who resides in Rangeley. Generallaw North Zone open water fishing begins April 1st on lakes, ponds, rivers, streams and brooks. www.MaineSportsman.com

New England’s Largest Outdoor Publication

Sportsman The Maine

ISSN 0199-036 — Issue No. 617 • www.mainesportsman.com PUBLISHER: Jon Lund MANAGING EDITOR: Will Lund will@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: Jon Mulherin 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: $33 • 24-Month Subscription: $54

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Almanac by Will Lund.................................................... 12 Aroostook - “The County” by Bill Graves..................... 51 Big Game Hunting by Joe Saltalamachia.................. 56 Big Woods World by Hal Blood..................................... 55 Editorial.............................................................................. 4 Freshwater Fly Fishing by William Clunie...................... 47 Get Out There by Staci Warren.................................... 67 Jackman Region by William Sheldon.......................... 64 Jottings by Jon Lund........................................................ 7 Katahdin Country by William Sheldon......................... 62 Letters to the Editor.......................................................... 5 Maine Sportswoman by Christi Elliott........................... 61 Maine Wildlife by Tom Seymour................................... 17 Midcoast by Tom Seymour........................................... 73 Moosehead Region by Tom Seymour......................... 71 New Hampshire by Ethan Emerson.............................. 80 Nolan’s Outdoor World by Nolan Raymond............... 31 Off-Road Traveler by William Clunie............................ 69 Outdoors & Other Mistakes by Al Diamon.................. 84 Quotable Sportsman by Will Lund.................................. 8 Rangeley Region by William Clunie............................. 77 Ranger on the Allagash by Tim Caverly...................... 54 Riding Shotgun by Robert Summers............................. 83 Saltwater Fishing by Bob Humphrey............................ 26 Sebago to Auburn Region by Tom Roth..................... 74 Self-Propelled Sportsman by Jim Andrews.................. 76 Shooter’s Bench by Col. J.C. Allard............................. 58 Smilin’ Sportsman by Will Lund...................................... 83 Snapshots in Time by Bill Pierce.................................... 11 Southern Maine by Val Marquez................................. 75 Sporting Environment by David Van Wie.................... 68 Sportsman’s Journal by King Montgomery................... 9 Tales from the Warden Service by Ret. Lt. Doug Tibbetts.66 Tidewater Tales by Randy Randall............................... 50 Trapping The Silent Places by David Miller.................. 60 Trading Post (Classifieds)............................................... 85 Trout Fishing by Tom Seymour....................................... 48 Vermont by Matt Breton............................................... 82 Western Maine Mountains by William Clunie.............. 79

GUEST COLUMNS & SPECIAL SECTIONS

April Fools’ Special by Tim Caverly............................... 30 ATVing in Maine by Steve Carpenteri......................... 20 Boating in Maine by Bob Humphrey............................ 23 Fish Stocking List.............................................................. 34 Shotgun Chokes by David E. Petzal............................. 32 State of Maine Sportsman’s Show............................... 33 Turkey Hunting in Maine by Blaine Cardilli.................. 29

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Letters To The Editor

That is a Very Nice Buck!

To the Editor: I was honored to harvest a most impressive buck during the 2022 whitetail season, and I wanted to share a photo of the big deer with your readers.

Your Fish is SO Ugly ….!

To the Editor: After reading your March, 2024 issue, I have a couple of comments.

First, can you tell me why Maine has a closed season on snowshoe rabbits? Here in Wisconsin, the rabbit season is open all year long. Our Department of Natural Resources biologists explain that hares are such prolific breeders, hunting seasons have no negative effect on their population.

Second, I read in the columns on cusk fishing by Steve Carpenteri, Tom Seymour and Val Marquez that cusk are the ugliest of all freshwater fish. I disagree! In my state, we feature eelpout, which are far and away the ugliest.

Burbot

Maybe you don’t have eelpouts in Maine.

I’ve caught them when using minnows to fish for walleyes. I don’t have the courage even to handle them to take them off the hook – I cut the line.

J. Birney Dibble, MD, Eau Claire, WI This 10-pointer weighed 204.8 lbs, so it qualified for the Biggest Bucks in Maine patch club.

However, more significant than the weight were the massive antlers, which were scored by Jean Arsenault of the Maine Antler and Skull Club in the “Perfect” category with a total of 171-0/8”, making it the second-highest scoring deer in Maine that year.

I had the head mounted – a quality job by taxidermist Dan Sargent, of Fayette.

This is my third deer to qualify for the Biggest Bucks club. However, my photo has never appeared in your magazine.

I am 78 years old. I come from a family of hunters, and I’ve been hunting more than 60 years. This buck’s rack is the biggest of any deer I’ve ever seen or harvested. I believe this is my best chance to appear in the pages of The Maine Sportsman.

I agree with the official scorer, Mr. Arsenault, who declared that this buck was “one in a million.”

Ronald Paine, Oxford, ME —

The editor responds: Maine’s DIF&W website may help clear up the mystery, Dr. Dibble – it appears we may both be referring to the exact same fish, formally known as the burbot. From the state’s site: “Burbot are not known for their grace and beauty. In Maine, the burbot is commonly known as the cusk, although in other areas it is also called the ling, eelpout or lawyer.”

[See “Quotable Sportsman,” p. 8, for opinions on that final designation.]

—

Likes the Idea of Non-Lead Shotshells To the Editor: From reading Col. Allard’s March 2024 “Shooter’s Bench” (“Boss Shotshells Strives to Develop Viable Non-Lead Ammo”), I was pleased to learn of the existence of the Michigan company, Boss Outdoors, LLC and their non-lead shotshell ammunition that’s said to carry well, doesn’t harm older barrels, and features biodegradable hulls and wads.

I would not have known about the company but for Col. Allard’s (Continued on next page) www.MaineSportsman.com

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Letters to the Editor

(Continued from page 5)

column. I hope he will keep us apprised as he tests out and hunts with the new shells.

I currently shoot paper hull shells from RST Shotgun Shell Manufacturing. They make shells that are safe for Damascus barrels.

Erik Warren, Port Clinton, OH —

New Patch Club Suggestion To the Editor: I wish to propose a new patch club.

How about a patch for an outdoorsperson who harvested two bears in one season – one by hunting, and the second by trapping?

This type of black bear “double” is very difficult to accomplish.

I have been a subscriber for several years, and I am also a guide.

Steve Drasher, Reading PA The editor responds: Interesting idea, Steve – thank you. The trap/hunt combo is the only way you can legally tag two bears in a single season. We’ll discuss your patch club idea with the manage-

ment team.

This month, we received two other proposals for new patch clubs. From the first reader: “I believe you would get support for a Maine Predator Hunters Club” (presumably coyotes and bobcats). And from a second: “I suggest establishing the ‘Maine Waterfowlers Patch Club’.”

Readers: What do you think?

—

In front of an unsuspecting listener, he would hold up a favorite axe, and declare: “This is the best axe I ever owned; I’ve replaced the head twice and the handle three times, but it’s the best axe I ever owned.”

Tell Randy to keep up the good work.

Phil Gould, Coventry, CT (with a camp in Langtown, ME) —

Randy Randall Fan Mail, Part 1

Randy Randall Fan Mail, Part 2

To the Editor: I enjoy Randy Randall’s monthly column in The Maine Sportsman, especially the one in the November 2023 issue titled “Axes Don’t Die.” It reminded me of a joke my father used to tell, which I thought your readers might enjoy. It could be titled: “Axes Don’t Die, but Recover from Injury.”

To the Editor: I read Randy Randall’s column in The Maine Sportsman about brewing coffee at camp (see “Tidewater Tales,” March 2024 issue). Randy is right on the mark.

In years gone by, my dad was a scaler for the Brown Company in western Maine, and he appreciated a good axe (e.g., Snow and Neally).

Photo: EB Leland

Stoeger, Benelli & STIHL Dealer

By the way, if Randy needs a coffee pot for any reason, I probably can help him out. When it comes to coffee, it is good to have spares.

EB Leland, Kittery, ME —

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To the Editor: I read the Letter to the Editor from Barry O. Hadlock (see “Bought Model 92 for $10 from Friend in Need,” March (Letters to the Editor continued on page 8)

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The Other Show When I was a student in high school, for several years in a row my classmate and buddy, Harry B. and I traveled to Boston to go to the huge New England Sportsman’s Show.

Among other attractions, the show featured a Big Name Baseball Player casting a fly great distances over the heads of the crowd. Wow. When we went to Boston we did attend the sportsman’s show; however, that was not the only attraction.

Boston was also home to The Old Howard, The State and The Casino. They were burlesque theaters that were still in operation. They are longgone now.

All three operated continuously. The usual program was a dancing chorus num-

When the author was in high school, he told his family that he and his classmate were driving to Boston to go to the New England Sportsman’s Show. Here’s the rest of the story. ber, followed by a comedy skit, and then a striptease number. I recall that it was more tease than strip, but it seemed to be all in good fun.

Comedy Skit Let me describe one of the skits: • Straight man stands looking in the distance through a pair of binoculars … looking, looking.

• Fall guy walks by, and asks, “Watcha looking at?”

• “You can see Niagra Falls from here,” replies Straight guy, as he hands the binoculars to Fall guy.

• Fall guy looks through the binoc-

Now the Fall guy tries it – placing the quarter on his head, and catching the quarter in the funnel.

Repeats.

Practice makes perfect.

While the Fall guy has his head tipped back, the Straight guy reaches away with his hand and comes back with a pitcher of water, which he carefully pours into the funnel … but nothing happens.

Straight guy looks at the audience

•

•

•

ulars a long time.

Meanwhile, Straight guy starts to play with a quarter, practicing, practicing. He places the quarter on his forehead, and tips his head forward, until the quarter falls into an aluminum funnel tucked into his belt.

•

•

and scratches his head, puzzled, and then walks away.

Fall guy looks knowingly at the audience, and then slides a hot water bottle out of his pants, winks broadly and says, “I’ve been to Niagara Falls before.”

Secret is Safe Neither Harry nor I talked a lot about our side trips in Boston, and no one spilled the beans on our adventures.

I remember a melody played by the violin of the pit orchestra accompanying the striptease performance at one of the theaters.

Then, unexpected(Continued on next page)

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Jottings (Continued from page 7)

ly, I heard the music again.

We were practicing marching in for the

graduation ceremony at Cony, and I knew the tune was somehow familiar. It was the

Letters to the Editor

(Continued from page 6)

2024 issue) in which he mentioned the difficult of obtaining ammo for his 38 – 40 Winchester.

There is some good news – all is not lost.

Ammunition for the 38-40 is still available, although it’s expensive.

Companies such as Winchester, UltraMax, Jamison, HSM and Buffalo Cartridge carry the ammunition. However, it is commonly back-ordered, or listed as out of stock.

Quotable

Sportsman

burlesque number. I don’t know if anyone else recognized the melody.

I believe Vaudeville humor was a remnant of the medi-

cine shows that were performed by the traveling peddlers of patent medicines during the Prohibition years.

For Harry and me, the shows were a great

Local gun retailers, and the larger dealerships such as Cabela’s, Kittery Trading Post and L.L.Bean, should be able to help Mr. Hadlock find out if Winchester has made, or will be making, a “special run” of 38-40 ammunition, by checking with the regional Winchester distributor.

Originally, the 38-40 was loaded for pistols and rifles, with higher-velocity versions for the rifles. This was common with several of the older cartridges – that they were usable in both handguns and rifles.

The other – and probably the best and by far the cheapest long term – option, is reloading the cartridges him-

diversion during our trips to Boston to see the latest outdoor gear at the New England Sportsman’s Show.

¶

self. Reloading dies, brass, powder and primers are available, and properly resized and lubricated cast bullets are available through different manufacturers. Graf and Son, Midway, and Brownell are three good sources of dies, bullets, and brass for the 38-40.

For cast bullets, I highly recommend Magnus Bullets – they come resized and lubricated (ready to use).

I have reloaded several older rifle cartridges with them, and I also use them in my 41 Ruger revolver, with which I’ve taken several deer and wild hogs, as well as my first moose.

David Miller, Lexington TWP, ME

¶

“I was angry and in disbelief, but I had to make a plan [since] I didn’t want to end up in a life raft.”

by Will Lund

“There are a couple of theories behind the origin of the nickname ‘lawyer fish’ when referring to burbot [cusk or eelpout]. One popular explanation is that the burbot … is likened to the stereotype of lawyers being ‘slippery’ or evasive. Another theory relates to the burbot’s method of escaping predators, twisting vigorously when caught, which some people compare to the way lawyers ‘twist’ facts or legal arguments.”

“Attorney Mike,” online legal advice, on the site Quora ­— “The more sporting guns you own, and the more expensive they are, the better a human being you are.”

David Petzal, noted firearms expert and guest writer for The Maine Sportsman. ­— “It was impressive and a little surreal to witness.”

Rich Armstrong, a passenger aboard a 40-foot boat equipped with an Artificial Intelligence (AI) navigating system, after the skipper pushed a few touchscreen buttons and then stepped back. On its own, the boat maneuvered out of a boat slip, and executed a 90-degree turn into the main channel. BoatUS Magazine, Feb./ March issue, in the article “It’s a Brave New World on the Water” ­— www.MaineSportsman.com

An x-ray showed two ball bearings inside the “record” crappie. Photo: Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks

Cole Brauer, the first woman to circumnavigate the globe sailing solo, has Maine connections.

Ms. Cole Brauer of Boothbay Harbor, describing the waves that washed over her 40-foot sailboat as she approached Cape Horn in January, 2024. Hurricane-force winds were so strong they prevented her from lowering her mainsail.

Reported by K.C. Baker in People magazine, 2/26/24. Brauer, age 29, is the first woman to sail solo around the world, completing the Global Solo Challenge race in early March, 2024. ­— “Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks game wardens took the fish to the Conservation Center for further study.

There, they used an X-ray to examine the supposed trophy catch, and found it contained two steel ball bearings.”

Matthew Self, reporting in Kansas Outdoors on February 16, 2024 about a fish controversy in that state. A white crappie that was initially declared a state record after weighing in at 4.07 pounds was later removed from the record books, following eyewitness reports that the initial weight had been 3.73 pounds, before the apparent clandestine addition of two weighty ball bearings into the fish’s stomach. ­— “Almost two weeks after the tournament, I got a letter that says I was disqualified. What do my children think?

They think I was lying? What does my family think? You know? I think it casts doubt on my integrity.”

Tim Vallee, who was denied a $25,000 prize in a Connecticut bluefish tournament because he failed a lie detector test.

Such tests are used in an increasing number of fishing tournaments. Some oppose the tests, since they are not 100% reliable.

Rule #4 of the derby states, “By registering, all contestants agree to be polygraph tested in order to claim a prize and prior to being awarded any prize won.”

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The Wizard of Kennebago Owning and running a Maine sporting camp is a near-Herculean task. There is so much to do to ensure guests get at least what they pay for and hopefully more.

John and Carolyn Blunt have owned Grant’s Kennebago Camps since 1988, and over the years their tasks have become even more demanding as infrastructure has aged. Each season greets them with a never-ending cycle of leveling, repairing, plumbing, cleaning, painting and furnishing.

And then there’s the boats and the outboards. Each of the 20 cabins comes with a Rangeley boat and a 6-hp outboard motor.

The boats are wooden, and the motors always need maintaining.

Several years ago in the off-season, John Blunt took courses at Old Orchard Beach High School on outboard motor repair, got a good stock of parts, and took over preventative and actual maintenance of

What do you do if you need to replace a fleet of 30 aging boats at your sporting camp? Why, you build them yourself, of course!

A Rangeley boat at Grant’s Kennebago Camps circa 1920s-1930s. The guide rows, while a nattily clad sport, fly rod in hand, reposes in the stern seat. Note the coat, vest and tie on the angler. I’m glad we don’t dress like that anymore!

the motors at Grant’s.

No more trying to get a motor-repair person up to the fairly remote camps; and no more loading up the pickup with conked-out motors and taking them back to civilization for repair.

Now, the boats were another story.

The old wooden Rangeleys sit in the water for about six months of the year. And as we all know, time, air, wood and water don’t mix very well. For example, here’s a quote from a reader named “Ryan” reacting to a fine Rangeley boat article written by Bob

A gorgeous Rangeley boat at the Outdoor Heritage Museum in Oquossoc.

The squared stern is to accommodate an outboard motor, and the round seats are so that sports stay centered, making rowing or motoring smooth and easy.

Luther Tibbets was Rangeley’s first full-time boat builder. Photos by the author unless otherwise indicated

Dagley in the electronic news.orvis.com newsletter: I absolutely hated these boats for the first month of the season while working as a dockman at Grant’s Kennebago Camps. As anyone who has had a lot of experience with these boats knows, they must swell by absorbing water before they are watertight, so they take on water the first 2-4 weeks after they are put in the lake (some of them never stop, but it gets better over time). Some of them take on A LOT, as in the boat is completely swamped in the

morning. I remember spending hours every day scooping water out with a gallon milk jug cut into a scoop.

Other than that, though, these boats really are beautiful.

— Ryan The Rangeley Boat About a century and a half ago, sports began pouring into the Rangeley Lakes, because the area was a true sportsman’s paradise for the angler, the hunter, and the bigcity rusticators who sought Thoreau’s “tonic of wildness.” A boat was needed to carry a guide and one or two

Each of the 20 cabins comes with a Rangeley boat with a 6-hp outboard motor. The worn-out wooden boats are being replaced with fiberglass and wood models.

sports.

Ergo, the Rangeley boat found its beginning in the late 1860s at the Oquossoc Angling Association. Based on the St. Lawrence skiff of New York’s Thousand Islands, the Rangeley boat, originally called an Indian Rock boat, was born. It was a 17foot canoe-like vessel on steroids – a beautiful boat. The design has morphed and evolved over the years, and it’s still in use all over Maine and New England.

The Rangeley boats at Grant’s are pretty old; some have been there for decades. The youngest are around 36 years old, while some push 60. Blunt has rebuilt most of them at least twice since 1988 when he bought Grant’s.

Several local craftsmen originally built the boats, including Ray Ellis, who made most of them.

The remainder were built by the Collins brothers, Charles and Thomas Barrett, and Tom Folsom.

(Continued on next page)

Rangeley boats line the shoreline at Grant’s in mid-October. It’s grouse and woodcock season, and some sports still are fishing Kennebago Lake for brookies and salmon. www.MaineSportsman.com

10 • April 2024 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————

Sportsman’s Journal (Continued from page 9)

(As of this writing, John has 30 wooden Rangeley boats for sale for between $300 and $900. He even has some for free, but they’ll require a lot of work. Call 800-6334815.)

There are never enough employees, particularly since the pandemic, to properly care for the wooden boats, and they do need a lot of attention before, during, and after the sporting camp season. So John Blunt has implemented a plan.

The New Rangeley Boat John is replacing all of the wooden Rangeleys over a fiveyear period with new, fiberglass-hulled boats of his design, but still following the Rangeley boat pattern. Three years ago he built a prototype, the mold, and two boats. Year #2, he built seven, and last year, six boats came out of his shop attached to his home in Saco. After the next two years, all 30 will be finished and floating nicely on Kennebago Lake at Grant’s Camps ready for folks to enjoy in this stunningly beautiful setting.

John Blunt has been “simply messing about in boat” for well over half a century, so he knows of what he speaks as he showed me his cathedral-ceiling workshop with two large garage doors, and plenty of storage from floor to near the ceiling. He’s also a home builder, a carpenter, and a superb woodworker, as evidenced by his gorgeous cabinetry work.

But now it’s about boats, and one Rangeley nearing completion was before me sitting on a trailer.

His proprietary mold is at a shop in Eliot, and once a fiberglass hull is ready, it comes to John’s home/ shop. From the time he begins adding corner blocks, decking, seats, and special fittings, the boat should be done in about 40 hours.

The added wood parts are quality white oak, and the various metal fittings are of the finest materials. The new Rangeley boat is 17-1/2 feet long with a 45-inch beam – about the same as the original Rangeley from 1869.

Blunt has updated the boat by adding sturdier oak seats, in-

Once a fiberglass hull is ready it comes to John’s home/shop. From the time he begins adding corner blocks, decking, seats, and special fittings, the boat should be done in about 40-hours. Note the increased keel decking allowing for a more stable platform for fly angles to stand on while casting. www.MaineSportsman.com

cluding the placement of the rear guide seat for ease of operating the outboard motor; a stowage area for the oars along the inside hull rise; a rear corner block cam anchor rope holder; gunnels of an indestructible composite shaped as a splash guard; an extended keel for even more stability and smooth handling; and other custom touches that make the boat user-friendly, strong, attractive, and very safe. ***** I’m very impressed with this new version of an old boat, particularly with its safety and creature comfort aspects. It also looks great, and a nice touch is that the fiberglass hull at first look appears to be wooden lapstrake, just like the original planking.

And, now it’s even easier to stand in the boat and properly fly cast as if you were on shore. What a craft!

And it’s fashioned by an absolute wizard of a gent who likes to solve problems.

Note to readers: Next month’s column will feature additional history of the Rangeley boat.

Information Grant’s Kennebago Camps: 1-800-6334815, grantscamps@

John Blunt is replacing all of the wooden Rangeleys at Grant’s Camps over a five year period with new, fiberglass-hulled boats of his design, but still following the Rangeley boat pattern. In two years, 30 fiberglass hull Rangeleys should be floating on Kennebago Lake.

gmail.com, www. grantscamps.com.

Older wooden Rangeley boats now for sale.

Outdoor Heritage Museum: 207-8643091, www.rangeleyhistoricalsociety.org.

Fly fishing exhibits include Carrie Stevens streamers, Herb Welch, and Fly Rod Crosby. One of the finest small museums in the country.

Herbert L. Welch: Black Ghosts and Art in a Maine Guide’s Wilderness.

Superb book by the late Graydon Hilyard and his son Leslie on Oquossoc’s Herb Welch, tyer of the fabled Black Ghost Rangeley-style streamer fly. He was the Lefty Kreh of his day.

John and Carolyn Blunt take the first fiberglass Rangeley boat on a shakedown cruise on scenic Kennebago Lake. Here, they cross under the causeway en route to the incredibly beautiful Logans. Photo courtesy of John Blunt

Carrie G. Stevens: Maker of Rangeley Favorite Trout and Salmon Flies. A beautiful book by the late Graydon Hilyard and his son Leslie Hilyard on Upper Dam’s famous fly tyer and angler.

Her Gray Ghost is my favorite streamer for all the Rangeley waters.

Rangeley Region Fly Shop: 207-8643615, www.rangeleyflyshop.com.

Everything you need for fishing at Grant’s and elsewhere in the region. Guided trips.

River’s Edge Sports: 207-8645582, www.riversedgesports.com. Full-service fly shop and guide service in Oquossoc.

¶

This beauty at Oquossoc’s Outdoor Heritage Museum was built by Barrett. The lady angler who owned it had Herb Welch as her guide, who rowed all over the lakes in search of fish. My next column will expand on a brief history of the venerable Rangeley boat.

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“Snapshots in Time”

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

The following fish stories appeared in the April 16, 1896, edition of the RANGELEY LAKES newspaper. What a 19th century angling paradise Maine was! I still love fishing here, and I hope those of you who love Maine’s great outdoors feel that way too.

Stray Stories of Sport A newspaper man with a list toward sport was looking about for things to report.

So, he sat him down where the sports held court and these are the yarns that held the fort.

“Speaking of ice fishing,” said the greatest oracle of the unabridged gospel, “I’ll tell you a little something that happened in the Rangeleys years and years ago.

“Joe Ellis and myself went down to Bugle Cove, on the Big Lake [Mooselookmeguntic] to where an old fisherman had a camp, for a few days of sport through the ice. We had to go up the Narrows for our minnows, and among the number we caught a 3/4-lb. chub. I said we’d better throw it away, but Joe said it might come handy if we ran out of bait.”

[Note: “The Narrows” was a channel of current that separated Mooselookmeguntic and Cupsuptic Lakes prior to the construction of Upper Dam. The dam flooded this short riverine area, forming one contiguous lake as it remains to this day.]

“We went back to the cove and baited up, using the big chub among others. Then we went up to the village. Lyman Haines had a party of New Yorkers at his house, and said that he’d take all the fish we got, so we returned to the cove hoping for a big catch.

“Our lines ran across from the cove to Sandy Point. We found a handsome lot of fish on the first hooks we lifted, some of them weighing 5 and 6 lbs.

“We were interested to see what there’d be on the big chub hook, and true as you live, there was a 9-lb. trout! Our total catch weighed 45 lbs., and Lyman paid us 50 cents a pound.”

R.G. Allerton knew about all there was to know about BIG brook trout.

Bangor man said the big fish followed a smaller one to the top.

“Yes,” assented Natt Ellis, “they will do that. I remember a story my father often told about an experience he had when he was with R. G. Allerton, who built the Allerton Lodge.

“They were trolling from Sandy Point to Bugle Cove one bright, calm day. Mr. Allerton had a strike and

One Fish Leads to Another

At this point, someone read a Bangor liar’s story about a man’s catching a 35-lb. togue with his teeth. The

Allerton Lodge, Bugle Cove on Mooselookmeguntic.

soon had the fish, a 2-pounder, up to the side of the boat.

“As they prepared to net the fish, they noticed that a monster trout had followed the little fellow up. The big one lay motionless a moment looking at them, then swished its tail and was gone. Both men agreed that the big trout would weigh every ounce of 15 lbs., and they said they saw it just as plain though the fish were in the boat.”

[Author’s note: R.G. Allerton was a founding member of the Oquossoc Angling Association, and the author of the now rare and valuable title; “Brook Trout Fishing: an Account of a Trip of the Oquossoc Angling Association to Northern Maine in June 1869.”

At the Outdoor Heritage Museum a few years back, we had a mount on loan of a 15 lb. 2 oz. brook trout landed in Rangeley. So, if Allerton, who caught several brookies over the years in the 10-12 lb. class, said he saw a 15 lb. brook trout ready to gulp a two-pounder he had on the line, then I for one am inclined to believe it.]

And finally, below an interesting advertisement from the back pages:

Winter Pickerel Fishing

The finest in Maine, through the ice. No license to pay. No limit as to the number of fish or pounds. One party took seven barrels. Nice warm rooms.

Hotel right on the shore of lake. Best of board. Daily mail. Tel. and Tel. connections. Terms only $2.00 per day.

For any further information wanted, write to: J. G. HARLOW, THE FLAGSTAFF, Flagstaff, Me. [Note: What a fishing lodge! Just imagine warm rooms, three squares, great fishing, and you could telegraph your friends to not only brag about the deal you were getting, given $2.00 is the equivalent of $62.00 in today’s money, but also to check and see if they could use a barrel of pickerel!]

Have fun out there, and be sure to make some great Maine Outdoor History of your own. www.MaineSportsman.com

Almanac

12 • April 2024 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————

Three Minutes with a Maine Guide

by Lisa DeHart

Maine Canoe Races As March goes out like a lamb, the first of five canoe races is scheduled – the St. George (March 30) – followed by the Passagassawakeag or “Passy” (April 6), Souadabscook (April 13), Kenduskeag (April 20) and Millinocket X-Stream (June 1st) races.

Photo: PaddleMillinocket.org

The X-Stream is a fairly new race, while the Kenduskeg is the biggest.

Canoe racing is a fine Maine tradition.

Compiled and Edited by — Will Lund —

In one of my first canoe races, I got to the put-in location by finding the next closest town and following vehicles with canoes tied to the roof. Solid plan!

Nothing beats the energy of a canoe race. Seeing lines of canoes being portaged down side roads, dozens of people prepping boats and prepping gear. Everyone is super laid-back, in spite of it being a race, and the primary “strategy” is to support the local sponsor and finally get your paddle in the water after a long winter.

It’s always great seeing young paddlers and old friends.

This is a sport where the old not only teach the young, but dominate the technique — think airline pilot; think equestrian.

No Child Seats in 1976 Now comes one of my favorite parts … what to do with all these now-useless vehicles, and how to get them to the end of the race to drive home. Usually, we all drive our vehicles to the takeout, and

then pile into the back of a pickup truck to get back to the start.

Canoe racers Jim and Lisa Lisius. Photo

by John Meader

If you’re of a certain age, nothing makes you feel more like a kid than riding in a truck to the put-in point. It brings back fond memories of my Dad pointing to the 1976 “child seat” … the spare tire in the truck bed. “Sit on that,” he’d say, “and don’t wreck everybody’s day by falling out.”

“You can count on me, Dad!” I’d reply, and off we’d go.

(Continued on next page)

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Bouncing in the back of a truck at a canoe race is the same thing. It’s fun to climb in – although it takes longer now than it used to – and introducing yourself to a bunch of fellow canoeists for the ride back is a great start to the day. In fact, some people come just to do the tremendous job of helping to run the event and to shuttle canoeists. We are forever grateful.

Get the details of these races online, register, and support a fine Maine tradition.

— Guide Talk

by John LaMarca

child backpack) and I were lucky enough to harvest a huge beaver.

We lugged it back home, where I combed out the mud and grime from the fur, and dried it out. I thought to myself, “Wow, this furbearer looks bigger than both my kids combined.” I had to know! I got my scale and weighed the beaver – it was 62 lbs.!

I then ran in and weighed the kids.

Jack, almost 2 years old at the time, was about 22 lbs. and Tom, 4 months old, was about 15 lbs. My kids weighed a total of 37 lbs. The beaver was 25 lbs. heavier than both my kids combined.

After the fun with the kids was over, it was time to prepare the beaver.

Preparing the Beaver Once I had skun, fleshed and boarded (stretched for drying) the beaver pelt, I wanted to try a dinner recipe recommended by my trapping buddy Justin; namely, Bacon Beaver Burgers.

Following his instructions, I removed the back hams and backstraps, and ground them up with some bacon ends.

During a subsequent dinner at our house, Justin and I both ate one of the (Continued on next page)

Beaver Trapping: Beyond the Fur

Spring trapping is one of my favorite times of year, right up there with whitetail deer season. The process of setting traps, much like the mountain men of old, gives rise to a sense of history and tradition for me.

In earlier columns I have discussed the significance and appeal of prime, thick winter beaver furs, but in addition to harvesting their pelts, there are other uses to which these animals can be put.

I am going to make specific reference to the largest beaver I trapped last year, but these descriptions apply to any beaver catch.

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Almanac (Continued from page 13) burgers, and they were delicious. The taste of the meat I would describe as being similar to a beef pot roast, and of course a little bacon never hurts.

Lastly, I sent the pelt, together with another one I had, to “Glacier Wear,” a furrier on Spruce Street in Greenville, Maine. Glacier Wear is making the pelts into new throw pillows for our couch.

I am thankful to that beaver for the meal, for its fur, and for the memories with my boys we will never forget.

—

Is a Pennsylvania Drone Hunting Conviction Meaningful in Maine?

Maine law prohibits an activity categorized as “Airborne hunting,” stating “A person on the ground or airborne may not use aircraft, including drones and remote-controlled aircraft, to aid or assist in hunting deer, bear, or moose.”

Pennsylvania has a nearly-identical law, and that law was recently used to convict a drone operator who was asked by undercover wardens to help recover a deer.

According to an article by Dac Collins in Outdoor Life, four charges were brought against the drone operator following a December sting operation by the Pennsylvania Game Commission in which a warden called the drone operator pretending to be a hunter who had wounded a deer and needed help locating it.

After a hearing, the judge agreed with state prosecutors that searching for an animal with a drone constituted “hunting” under a strict interpretation of that state’s law.

The defendant has promised an appeal, and the Pennsylvania legislature is also considering an amendment to that state’s law to permit use of drones in recovering game animals.

– WNL —

Can You Hear Me Now?

My cell phone ice-fishing story

by Sam Wheeler, Special Correspondent In January, my friend and I met up at a pond in Western Maine to do some cusk fishing. It was the first time this season we had fished for arguably the least-attractive but best-tasting freshwater fish in Maine.

And as often occurs when packing for a trip, there were a few things we forgot to bring along.

Illumination Ice fishing for cusk is a unique expewww.MaineSportsman.com

rience. Unlike a lot of other fish I target through the ice, cusk primarily feed at night, so that’s when you go after them.

And what’s one thing everyone fishing at night needs? A flashlight or headlamp, of course.

I had neither.

But luckily, as most people with iPhones know, the devices can make for decent flashlights, in a pinch. Sure – it can be risky hanging onto a slippery smartphone in the winter, but on this particular night I had no choice.

About an hour into fishing, we both went to check our lines. I hadn’t gotten any flags yet, but I wanted to give each of my lines a quick tug, just to make sure there was nothing on the other end.

“A Small Splash” When I got to my first trap I knelt down on the ice and set my phone in my lap with the flashlight on. I pulled my trap just out of the water, and when I went to return it to the hole, I heard a small splash.

Wilderness First Aid

by Stacey Wheeler, RN, BSN

Essential Safety Gear for Day Trips According to the Outdoor Foundation, outdoor recreation has grown by 55% in the United States since 2020.

Participation has increased in every state, including here in Maine.

Whether you are experienced or new to outdoor activities, it’s important to bring certain safety items in your daypack, even if you do not plan to travel far.

The items listed below are the bare minimum, and you should adjust the contents of your pack, based on the type of activity and the number of folks – especially youngsters – who are along with you.

• First Aid Kit. Every adult in the group should carry their own basic kit. It does not take many items to fill this essential need to treat injuries. My kit includes gloves, alcohol wipes, tweezers, medical tape, an emergency blanket, bandaids of varying sizes, a tourniquet, ace wrap, gauze pads, moleskin, pain relievers, essential medications, and antibiotic cream.

• Light source. Flashlight and extra batteries.

Photo: ChinaVision

Looking down into the ice, I watched as the light from my phone quickly disappeared into the darkness of the lake.

Stunned Silence I sat in silence for about a minute, gazing thoughtfully into the hole, and then made my way back to my shack. “It happened,” I told my friend.

By the end of the night, we were able to laugh it off (the same thing had also happened to him in an earlier season).

What was even more comforting was a couple of days later, when I was in the Verizon store telling the sales associate my story and he told me, “That happens more often than you might think.”

I’ll continue to go fishing as long as the ice stays safe, I haven’t cusk-fished since my phone incident, but having once paid the price for being unprepared, I’ll be sure to bring a real flashlight – and a back-up – to avoid a recurrence of this episode.

—

Here are the contents of the author’s day-hike pack. Stacey Wheeler photo

• •

• • •

Sharp knife for food preparation, cutting bandages, and other tasks.

Hydration. Water bottles, camel pack and/or water filtration bottle.

Electrolyte powders can help to boost hydration and provide essential minerals lost through perspiration.

Snacks. Select snacks that provide protein and energy such as nuts, beef jerky, protein bars.

Cell phone and a charger block.

Lighter or matches. Include a fire starter, such as Vaseline-soaked cotton balls.

(Continued on next page)

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Compass. Bring one, and know how to use it. It’s easier than you think to get turned around in the woods.

• Paracord or rope. This can be used for anything from a clothesline for wet clothes, to an emergency strap to pull someone up and out of a crevasse.

Being prepared for the outdoors can make the difference between a

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2024 Moose Permit Lottery Applications will be Accepted Online Only

The Original

L’Original

WOBBLER 4 SIZES

32 COLORS

Beginning April 1 until May 15, 2024 at 11:59 pm Applications for the Maine moose permit lottery will be accepted online starting April 1 and ending May 15, 2024 at 11:59 pm (ET).

The new application period will allow moose hunters to know how many permits are issued in each zone, as well as shortening the waiting time from when people apply until the drawing on June 15th. The application period is similar in length to the antlerless deer lottery.

The 2024 moose permit lottery drawing will take place Saturday, June 15 in Fort Kent. Those who do not attend the in-person drawing can view lottery results at www.mefishwildlife.com by 6 pm on June 15.

For more information about moose hunting in Maine and the moose permit lottery, please visit: mefishwildlife.com.

DLY

IN

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Trophy Gallery

#38 WonderBread PROU

•

good outcome, and a bad one. Knowing how and when to use the items above is fundamental.

Several organizations, including the University of Maine Cooperative Extension and the American Red Cross, offer wilderness first aid courses in Maine that provide the basic knowledge of first aid treatments for outdoor day trips.

N A DA

Also available

Something to Smile About Gabe Valley, a dentist in Lincoln, had a successful day on the ice during the weekend of February 17th, 2024. Fishing the depths of Moosehead Lake, Dr. Valley iced this 25”, 6 lb. 4 oz. brook trout. “It’s a trophy that I’ll have a hard time topping in this lifetime,” he told The Sportsman.

®

MOOSELOOK

®

www.mooselook.ca

www.MaineSportsman.com

16 • April 2024 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————

April 2024 Sunrise/Sunset

Young Man; Big Accomplishment Kasen Smith gets his Grand Slam at the age of 12

Bangor, ME DATE RISE 1 Mon 6:12 2 Tue 6:11 3 Wed 6:09 4 Thu 6:07 5 Fri 6:05 6 Sat 6:03 7 Sun 6:01 8 Mon 6:00 9 Tue 5:58 10 Wed 5:56 11 Thu 5:54 12 Fri 5:52 13 Sat 5:51 14 Sun 5:49 15 Mon 5:47

SET 7:04 7:05 7:07 7:08 7:09 7:10 7:12 7:13 7:14 7:15 7:17 7:18 7:19 7:20 7:22

DATE RISE 16 Tue 5:46 17 Wed 5:44 18 Thu 5:42 19 Fri 5:40 20 Sat 5:39 21 Sun 5:37 22 Mon 5:35 23 Tue 5:34 24 Wed 5:32 25 Thu 5:31 26 Fri 5:29 27 Sat 5:28 28 Sun 5:26 29 Mon 5:25 30 Tue 5:23

SET 7:23 7:24 7:25 7:27 7:28 7:29 7:30 7:32 7:33 7:34 7:35 7:37 7:38 7:39 7:40

April 2024 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

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 Mon Tue

HIGH AM PM

4:14 5:13 6:18 7:27 8:34 9:34 10:30 11:23 — 12:31 1:19 2:07 2:58 3:54 4:55 6:00 7:05 8:08 9:03 9:51 10:33 11:13 11:51 — 12:29 1:01 1:37 2:16 3:02 3:55

www.MaineSportsman.com

5:03 6:06 7:13 8:18 9:15 10:07 10:56 11:44 12:15 1:06 1:57 2:50 3:46 4:47 5:49 6:53 7:54 8:48 9:34 10:14 10:51 11:24 11:57 12:28 1:03 1:39 2:18 3:01 3:52 4:49

LOW AM PM

10:47 11:47 12:00 1:08 2:16 3:18 4:15 5:08 6:00 6:50 7:41 8:32 9:27 10:26 11:28 — 12:50 1:56 2:54 3:43 4:25 5:04 5:39 6:14 6:48 7:24 8:03 8:46 9:35 10:29

10:57 — 12:52 1:58 2:58 3:52 4:41 5:30 6:17 7:05 7:53 8:44 9:38 10:38 11:42 12:33 1:37 2:34 3:22 4:03 4:39 5:12 5:45 6:17 6:51 7:27 8:07 8:52 9:43 10:41

Kasen Smith of Parsonsfield had a very good year afield in 2023, earning his Grand Slam patch from The Maine Sportsman at the age of 12.

On April 29, 2023, Kasen harvested this 18-lb. tom while hunting in North Berwick with his future step-father, Aaron Fenderson. The big bird featured a rare 10” split beard.

He completed stages #2 through #4 of the Grand Slam requirements with a 135-lb. black bear on September 15 in Roxbury (tagged at Mills Market, in Andover); a 518-lb. bull moose (that he called in himself, Kasen shows off the shoulwhile on a hunt with his grandfather, der patch, window sticker and Gary Taylor) in Chesuncook on bumper sticker awarded in recSeptember 26; and a whitetail buck ognition of his membership in the on Youth Day, October 20, in South Maine Grand Slam club.

Berwick.

“Kasen has developed a strong passion and love for both hunting and fishing,” wrote his Mom, Danielle Taylor. “He is already an avid outdoorsman.”

Readers will see Kasen’s name listed in our next issue’s annual Grand Slam special section, together with the names of the other hunters who achieved this remarkable accomplishment in 2023, and featuring many photos of their trophies. Congratulations to Kasen and his supportive family, and to the other hunters who are the newest members of Maine’s Grand Slam patch club.

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Maine Wildlife:

Maine’s Turtles

by Tom Seymour

Turtles rank as one of those Maine wildlife species that most people rarely think about unless they chance upon one.

Consider the more vocal critters, including coyotes, most birds, and even insects – they are seldom out-of-sight and out-of-mind. Most common members of Maine’s wildlife panoply are, if not in-your-face, at least visible most of the time. Maine’s wild mammals, from deer to moose, and skunks to raccoons, are highly visible and easily recognized.

Not so with turtles.

One reason for turtles being so seldom seen is that except for snapping turtles, which lay their eggs along roads, most of our turtles spend the bulk of their time in aquatic environments. Unless you frequent shallow ponds and slow-moving streams, you likely won’t cross paths with a Maine turtle.

With the exceptions of snapping turtles and painted turtles, most of Maine’s turtles live lives of quiet solitude. That, however, is no reason for us not to become better acquainted with them. Learning more about Maine’s turtles will make you a better and more observant outdoorsperson, allowing you to stand out from the crowd. I liken it to the study of ferns, since although everyone can see them growing almost anywhere, very few folks can identify more than one or two species.

Shrinking Ranges Development, deforestation and draining of wetlands all contribute to habitat loss, and that results in shrinking populations of many wildlife species, including turtles. Continued habitat loss will only result in more and more population declines. Because of shrinking populations, it is a banner day when someone sees one of Maine’s less-common turtles.

Wood Turtles Consider wood turtles. Although my United States Department of Agriculture, Northeastern Forest Experimental Station range map indicates that these turtles are found throughout the state, the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (DIF&W) ranks

According to the author, the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (DIF&W) ranks wood turtles as a “species of special concern.” Snapping turtles and Eastern painted turtles, however, are numerous in this state. Photo: Jonathan Mays, and Maine DIF&W

them as a species of special concern. Indeed, I can recall seeing only one wood turtle in my life. I was so excited, I forgot to take a photo. Wood turtle populations in Maine are steadily declining, and that makes them a life-list species, for those keeping count.

Many turtle species, including those of special concern and endangered, fall prey to collectors. Turtles make easyto-care-for pets. Also, they live longer than most other pets, which makes them even more desirable. Over-collecting has led to sharp declines in turtle populations – as if they didn’t have enough to contend with already.

Fortunately, some turtle populations remain robust and healthy. The DIF&W considers eastern painted turtles a species of least concern. Because of their relative abundance and wide range, these rank as the turtles that everyone knows.

Serene Settings To me, painted turtles represent still, late-spring mornings, driving my boat up some slow-moving channel, heading for deeper water. In the channel, baitfish swirl on the surface ahead of the boat, yellow warblers sing and flash, blue herons erupt from the water, all aggravated by the intrusion, and painted turtles sit in queues on the bank and on bits of driftwood.

This scenario repeats itself up and down the length of Maine. The background scenery may change, and the bird species may change, but painted turtles are always present. And that is one of the nice things about them. No matter where, as long as we visit the right habitat, we can always count on

seeing painted turtles.

Here’s a bit of folklore regarding painted turtles. In my younger days, I heard and kind of believed in the erroneous proposition that you could tell male and female painted turtles apart by the color of their plastron – the bottom, protective part of the turtle’s covering.

It went this way: a yellow plastron supposedly denoted a female, while a red or orange plastron meant your specimen was a male.

In fact, this is untrue.

One good and accurate method of sexing painted turtles is to compare front claws. Males have longer claws than females. Also, as they age, females grow larger than males. There are other means of identification, but these two are among the easier ways to tell.

I must be forgiven for entertaining a reserved belief in this and other items of folklore of my youth. I was influenced by country people, at a time when folk wisdom was predominate. By the way, I was also taught that wild onions were poisonous, when in fact they rank among the finest wild foods.

Long-Lived Turtles are said to have existed long before the age of dinosaurs. Their unique body features served to protect them from predators, and their mostly seclusive habits kept them away from prying, dangerous eyes.

Through the years, turtles have remained mostly unchanged. They continue as such, ever-present, but mostly out-of-sight, members of Maine’s wildlife family. www.MaineSportsman.com

18 • April 2024 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————

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���������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • April 2024 • 19

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 big-game 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 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.

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www.MaineSportsman.com

20 • April 2024 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————

Maine’s ATV Trends

by Steve Carpenteri

As the 2024 Maine all-terrain vehicle season unfolds this spring, all eyes are on what’s new, different and trending in the popular genre of motorized back-woods travel.

Just how popular are ATVs in Maine? At last count, there were over 80,000 registered

clicking on the ATV link at the top of the page. You’ll learn important information, such as the fact that new resident registrations must be done in person, while renewals can be completed online. Registrations completed on or after May 1, 2024 will be

For now, ATV purchasers will see better suspension, improved lighting, and enhanced communication systems. So what’s in the future? How about all-electric units, and even self-driving ATVs? off-road vehicles in the state.

Popularity inevitably leads to oversight, of course, and there are plenty of rules,

regulations and requirements associated with ATVs in the state.

If you are new to the world of ATVs, I

recommend starting out by visiting the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife’s website (mefishwildlife.com) and

(Continued on next page)

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LEWISTON Central Maine Powersports 845 Main Street • 207-689-2345 www.centralmainepowersports.com SKOWHEGAN Whittemore & Sons 257 Waterville Road • 207-474-2591 www.whittemoreandsons.com t - Customer Cash offer good on select models between February 1, 2024 through June 30, 2024. See dealer for additional customer cash available on prior year models. 1 - Available for well qualified tier 1 credit customers who finance through Yamaha Financial Services, a DBA of Yamaha Motor Finance Corporation, USA (YMFUS). 3.99% APR financing for 84 months at $13.66 per month per $1,000 financed regardless of down payment. Must take delivery from retail stock by 3/31/24 on purchases of new 2022-2024 Yamaha RMAX, YXZ1000, Wolverine X2 1000 Side by Side. Available on approved credit through Yamaha Financial Services. Not all buyers will qualify. Higher financing rates apply for buyers with lower credit ratings. See dealer for qualifications and complete details. Offer can not be combined with customer cash. Offer good only at participating dealers.. 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. ©2024 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved • YamahaMotorsports.com

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���������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • April 2024 • 21 (Continued from page 20)

valid through June 30, 2025.

It will be interesting to see whether low snow levels experienced during the 2023 – 2024 winter season – at least in Southern Maine – lead some folks to choose ATVs over snowmobiles in future years. If so, will this result in increased ATV use? Will ATV clubs be able to obtain landowners’ permission to utilize trails currently limited to snowmobiles? If ATV use increases, will that lead to more regulations? These and other questions remain to be answered, but it does seem that change is in the air when it comes to recreational riding along Maine’s trails.

What’s New? Hints of what’s coming are already be-

ing seen in the world of ATVs and side-bysides, with design improvements and increased capacity for passengers, and accessories that were once optional, now becoming de rigueur industry standards.

We’ve come a long way from the original fat-tire, 3-wheeled units that were wildly popular during the late 1960s and early 1970s. Today’s top-end ATVs feature enclosed cabs, 360-degree lighting, emergency brakes, heat, radios, GPS, and a host of after-market add-ons.

Also gaining in popularity are the latest in off-roading apparel, including boots, gloves, pants, jackets, helmets and goggles.

Many of these items are sold in color-coordinated packages that match the color and

design of the owner’s ATV. All the Comforts of Home There is already a movement afoot to improve the design and function of ATVs so that any rider can travel anywhere in the state confidently and safely with the “maximum outdoor experience” in mind. For example, ATVs will soon include integrated applications (apps) that can connect to smartphones for easy access to navigation, trail maps, and weather updates, all in real time. With Bluetooth connectivity, riders will be able to enjoy their favorite music, receive incoming calls, and remain connected to their smartphones while enjoying the thrill of riding.

Progressive rid-

ADVENTURE AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

Today’s top-end ATVs feature enclosed cabs, 360-degree lighting, emergency brakes, heat, radios, GPS, and a host of other add-ons. Photo: Can-Am

ers are calling for advanced unit-to-unit communication networks, including builtin intercom systems that will allow riders to communicate with each other, even over long distances. This could be achieved by integrating ATVs’

electronic systems with walkie-talkies and other communication devices.

Another innovation feature in the not-too-distant future will be the use of HUD (heads-up display) systems within the rider’s (Continued on next page)

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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.

LEBANON Northeast Motorsports 451 Carl Broggi Highway • (207) 457-2225 www.nemotorsportsofmaine.com WILTON Mountain Side Powersports 912 US-2 • (207) 645-2985 www.mountainsidepowersports.com

WARNING: CFMOTO recreational vehicles are intended for off-road use only and can be hazardous to operate.

Read Owner’s Manual and all product labels before operating. Never operate on paved roads. Operators and passengers must wear a helmet, eye protection and protective clothing. Operators must be at least 16 years old with a valid driver’s license. Passengers, if permitted, must be at least 12 years old. Always use seat belts, cab netting and doors (if equipped). Never operate under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Avoid excessive speed and sharp turns, and never engage in stunt driving. Check state and local laws before operating on trails. Take a safety training course before operating. Contact your CFMOTO dealer for more information, call the ATV Safety Institute at 1-800-887-2887, or go to www.atvsafety.org. ©2015 Zejiang CFMOTO Power Co., Ltd.

www.MaineSportsman.com

22 • April 2024 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————

ATVing (Continued from page 21)

helmet. The display will provide valuable information, including speed, navigation, and

communication alerts, while still allowing the rider to focus on the challenging trail.

Other Changes on the Way Riders of the future can look forward to continued improvements in electrical systems, traction,

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©2024 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP). All rights reserved. ®, ™ and the BRP logo are trademarks of BRP or its affiliates. Offers valid in your state only from Friday 1st March 2024 to Tuesday 30th April 2024. The terms and conditions may vary depending on your state and these offers are subject to termination or change at any time without notice. See an authorized BRP dealer for details. * Rates as low as 1.99% APR (Annual Percentage Rate) for 36 months.

Examples of monthly payments required over a 36‑month term at a 1.99% APR rate: $28.64 per $1,000 financed. An example of a monthly payment with $1,750 down, no rebate, an APR of 1.99% APR for 36 months at an MSRP of $17,499 is $451.03/mo. Total cost of borrowing $487.84 with a total repayment obligation of $16,236.94. Down payment may be required. Other financing offers may be available. Minimum and Maximum Amount Financed may vary. Not all buyers will qualify. Higher rates apply for buyers with lower credit ratings. Other qualifications and restrictions may apply, depending on the participating financial institution(s). BRP is not responsible for any of the financing terms and conditions.

Offer subject to change without notice. Financing promotions void where prohibited. See your BRP dealer for details. * Rebate up to $1,750 on select Can‑Am models: Eligible units are all new and unused 2023 and 2024 Can‑Am Outlander, Commander, and Defender models, excluding all XMR packages. Qualifying buyers of eligible models will receive a tiered rebate per vehicle when purchasing two or more qualifying models and up to $1,750 rebate per vehicle when purchasing a total of six or more Defender and/or Commander models. Qualifying Outlander models will recieve a tiered rebate per unit when purchasing two or more qualifying models up to $1,250 rebate per unit. Rebate per unit is earned based upon the total combination of qualifying Can‑Am models purchased. Purchase must be completed in a single transaction to earn the rebates. While quantities last. BRP recommends that all ATV‑SSV drivers take a training course. See your dealer or call the ATV Safety Institute at 1‑800‑887‑2887. ATV and SSV can be hazardous to operate. Never carry passengers on any ATV‑SSV not specifically designed by the manufacturer for such use. All adult model Can‑Am ATVs are Category G ATVs (General Use Models) intended for recreational and/or utility use by an operator age 16 or older. Carefully read the vehicle’s operator’s guide. Follow all instructional and safety material and observe applicable laws and regulations.

ATV and SSV are for off‑road use only; never ride on paved surfaces or public roads. For your safety, the operator and passenger(s) must wear a helmet, eye protection and applicable protective clothing. Always remember that riding and alcohol/drugs don’t mix. Never engage in stunt driving. Avoid excessive speed and be particularly careful on difficult terrain. Always ride responsibly and safely. See your authorized BRP dealer for details and visit www.can‑am.brp.com.

and horsepower. Suspension systems are being developed that automatically adjust to the terrain, providing improved safety, comfort and stability under various conditions. Enhancements in shock absorption and dampening technology will allow for a smoother ride while navigating rough terrain, and will also prolong the life of suspension components, so ATVs will perform better and last longer.

Wheels will be made of materials that are stronger and more durable, while remaining lightweight. This will help improve the vehicle’s overall maneuverability.

Also, innovations in tire technology will result in high-quality tires with better traction and greater puncture resistance.

Enter AI? Perhaps not surprisingly, autonomous (self-driving) ATVs will be developed in the future.

These ATVs will be programmed with GPS coordinates, and will utilize advanced sensor technology to navigate through rough terrain on their own.

This technology could help bring an injured or incapacitated driver home safely, or allow users to scout remote areas, assist with search-and-rescue operations, or even perform agricultural tasks.

In the nearer future, we know that all-electric ATVs are in the works, which will eliminate exhaust emissions and reduce noise.

Stay Tuned In the coming months, The Maine Sportsman will cover these and many other aspects of the ATV world, with interviews and tips from the state’s top ATV retailers. As off-roading continues to grow in popularity, there will be increased interest in ATV innovations, clubs, trails, competitions and regulations.

Maine’s legendary winter snowstorms may occur less frequently than in the past, but our fascination with the wild Maine woods and the state’s impressive trail system will never go away.

¶

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���������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • April 2024 • 23

The Hull Truth, Part 2

What’s the right hull design and cockpit layout for your new boat?

by Bob Humphrey In the March issue’s Special Boating Section, we covered basic hull types and their applications.

This time, we’ll go into more detail on the outside and inside options for different applications and preferences.

To review the five primary hull configurations:

•

•

Round-bottomed displacement hulls are best suited for rough water, slow speed and heavy loads; think sailboats, tankers or large commercial fishing vessels.

Flat-bottomed planing hulls are very stable, require less power, are

•

•

easily maneuvered and have a shallow draft.

Examples include duck boats, bass boats, inflatables and dinghies.

Multi-hulls combine the sleek efficiency of a round bottom with the stability of a flat one.

Pontoons can ef-

•

ficiently carry a crowd when cruising calm water.

V hulls (Deep, Modified and Shallow) offer the greatest variety for most applications.

These are all plan-

ing hulls, which means they ride on the water rather than in it at higher speeds.

Some V hulls are better than others at planing, but the ef(Continued on next page)

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SHAPLEIGH Parker’s Boathouse 86 Emery Mills Road (207) 636-2722 www.parkersboathouse.com www.MaineSportsman.com

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24 • April 2024 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————

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Boating (Continued from page 24)

The center console allows ease of mobility around the deck, which is a plus for fishing. Photos provided by the author

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LEWISTON Al’s Sport Center 1818 Lisbon Road (207) 784-75910 www.alssportcenter.com

PORTLAND Portland Yacht Services 100 W. Commercial Street (207) 774-1067 www.portlandyacht.com

MANCHESTER GORHAM Clark Marine White Rock Outboard 57 Puddledock Road 351 Sebago Lake Road (207) 622-7011 207-892-9606 www.whiterockoutboard.com www.clarkmarinemaine.com

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ELLSWORTH Pirie Marine 53 Sunset Park Road (207) 664-0500 www.piriemarine.com

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fect can be enhanced with trim tabs. Fixed tabs improve efficiency, but adjustable tabs also allow the operator to change the pitch or level of the boat while turning and maneuvering. On smaller boats where trim tabs may be less practical or affordable, planing can be improved by adding fins to the engine’s lower unit.

Inflatables Let’s go back to inflatables, which are most often used as dinghies. They come in two distinct styles: flat (soft) bottom, and hard or “rigid” bottom.

Soft-bottomed versions are lightweight, portable and collapsible. However, if you plan to do more than just go from dock to mooring or boat to shore, you might consider a hard bottom.

They provide a deeper V for greater stability and comfort in rough water, and a more rugged hull should you intentionally or acciden-

tally touch bottom.

Above Deck So far, we’ve addressed the outside of the hull. Now let’s transition to the inside.

The most cost-effective configuration for smaller boats is tiller control with bench seats. However, there are a few drawbacks; most notably, the operator is in the stern, and off to one side.

This can create weight and balance issues for a solo operator. I used to put a cinder block in the bow of my duck boat in order to get it up on plane.

Next comes the side console. This configuration moves the operator, steering and controls forward, but still on one side, which can be remedied by adding bodies or shifting contents.

A walk-through console or bowrider offers the added comfort and protection of a full windshield, while (Continued on next page)

A bowrider or walk-though design provides easy access to the front, and good protection from the elements at the helm. Can’t find a single, perfect design? “There’s no law,” the author reminds us, “against owning multiple boats.”

���������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • April 2024 • 25 (Continued from page 24)

still providing forward access. Consoles are more common on larger, heavier boats where balance is less of an issue, but you can further improve it with a center console, which offers more mobility fore and aft – a plus for fishing.

For inclement weather, you can add a collapsible canopy to a bowrider. In a center console, you’ll have to get more creative (using a tall bimini), or dress appropriately.

Next comes a fully or partially enclosed cabin or pilot house.

This will limit mobility fore and aft to walking along a narrow strip of gunwale. The cuddy cabin offers a compromise, with a narrow stretch of deck around the cabin but below the gunwale. Another

variation is the express, which provides a partially enclosed cabin with removable curtains between the windshield and hard top.

Another option to consider is freeboard – the height of the gunwale above water.

At the low end is the classic bass boat with little or no freeboard, which is fine for flat water. Smaller johnboats and duck boats may be more in the 1218 inch range, which is handier for grabbing fish or decoys. Higher freeboard provides a safer, drier ride, which is more of a consideration in rough water or when traveling at higher speeds.

As noted in the previous installment and as experienced boaters know, there is no single style that will aptly suit all your

needs. Start by deciding what your primary use is – whether it be fishing, pleasure cruising or water sports.

Then determine which style also suits secondary uses.

If you still can’t find one that’s a match,

there’s no law against owning multiple boats.

¶

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5 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY applies to qualifying purchases of Suzuki outboard motors sold and delivered to the retail purchaser, for pleasure (non-commercial) use only, from April 1, 2021 through March 31, 2024. See Suzuki Limited Warranty for additional details. Suzuki, the “S” logo, and Suzuki model and product names are Suzuki Trademarks or ®. Don’t drink and drive. Always wear a USCG-approved life jacket and read your owner’s manual. © 2021 Suzuki Marine USA, LLC. All rights reserved.

www.MaineSportsman.com

26 • April 2024 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————

The Saltwater Anglers Club: Wear Your Patches with Pride March is here, and Maine hunters who were lucky enough to bag a buck bulky enough for the Biggest Bucks in Maine Club have received their patches. These red patches represent a badge of honor for those who bear them, but they’re not the only patches available for Maine sportsmen, women and children.

Among the options is a relatively new program administered by The Maine Sportsman: the “Maine Saltwater Anglers Club,” billed as “an association of anglers who have landed a big saltwater fish in Maine.”

Meanwhile, the Department of Marine Resources (DMR) operates the TackleBusters Club (TBC), for saltwater anglers “who have landed a big one” in Maine, and DMR maintains the state’s saltwater game fish records.

Let’s take a look at how these programs recognize catches of a

imum qualifying sizes are 15 lbs. or 36 inches, and there were a fair number in that range last year.

The record is 19.66 pounds, which is a realistic goal, if you can find them.

The Maine Sportsman magazine offers a new patch club, the “Maine Saltwater Anglers Club,” billed as “an association of anglers who have landed a big saltwater fish in Maine.” Credit: MaineSportsman.com

few of the more popular species.

Stripers Striped bass are kings of – and often the only – inshore gamefish available.

Minimum qualifying sizes are 20 pounds or 40 inches for the Sportsman’s patch club, and 25 pounds or 42 inches for TBC. Reaching that achievement became a

If haddock return to their usual haunts this year, a patch fish is a realistic goal. Photo provided by the author

bit more difficult last year with the new 28to 31-inch slot limit.

However, it’s possible to catch, weigh and quickly release your fish and still qualify, provided you had a witness to the weighing. For the TBC, you also need a photo of the fish with a visible tape measure for size verification.

There were lots of big bass around last summer, so there should be plenty of potential entries.

Meanwhile, the state record is 67 pounds – a

number unlikely to be bested anytime soon, especially with the slot limit in place.

Blues Bluefish are a bit more enigmatic. Once abundant, their presence more recently has been occasional at best; but when they show up, it’s exciting.

Blues were initially omitted from the Sportsman’s application form, but I worked with the magazine’s staffers, and a patch-worthy fish is now listed at 12 lbs. or 30”. For TBC, min-

Bluefin Bluefin tuna reign supreme in offshore waters from roughly June through October.

Minimum qualifying sizes for the Sportsman’s program are 500 pounds or 93 inches (commercial) and 100 pounds or 50 inches (recreational); and the TBC has a single standard of 300 pounds.

All are achievable goals, with the right equipment and knowhow.

Average weights last year for commercial fish were in the mid-400s, with a fair number of 100+ inch fish measuring 600700 pounds.

Smaller recreational fish are less common, and when they are here, it’s usually early and late in the season.

The all-time state records are 1,155 lbs. for harpoon, 810 for handline, and 819 for rod and reel.

Groundfish Groundfish offer more options for offshore anglers, including cod, haddock and pollock. For cod, the Sportsman program’s sets the patch-win(Continued on next page)

www.MaineSportsman.com

���������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • April 2024 • 27 (Continued from page 26)

ning size at 12 lbs. or 30”. The 25-pound TBC minimum might be a little tougher, but it’s not impossible to reach.

Haddock were a little scarce last year, but 4 pounds or 24 inches for the Sportsman’s program, and 7 pounds for TBC,

are both obtainable, if you can find them.

Pollock, including some large examples, were common last year, making the 14-pound Sportsman’s standard within reach, and the 25-pound TBC possible.

As for all-time state records, you’ll have to beat an 80-pound cod,

a 15-pound haddock or a 46-pound pollack. Good luck. A 41inch halibut (the current legal minimum) will get you a Maine Sportsman’s patch, but you’ll have to exceed 50 pounds for TBC, and 215 pounds for the state record.

You should also check minimum legal sizes

for fish like cusk, cunner and hake, since although they are not regulated for size currently, that could easily change in the future.

them.

The Maine Sportsman program’s minimum qualifying sizes are: blue - 120 inches (photos are encouraged, to facilitate catch-and-release); porbeagle - 200 pounds or 87 inches; and thresher - 300 pounds or 148 inches. The TBC

Sharks Blue sharks, porbeagle and thresher sharks are options for those with the mettle and gear to tackle

(Continued on next page)

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28 • April 2024 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————

Saltwater Fishing (Continued from page 27)

does not list the blue shark, but establishes minimum sizes at 200 lbs. for both porbeagle and thresher.

Entry Entry forms for The Maine Sportsman’s Saltwater Angler Club are available online at mainesportsman.

com (click on “Patch Club Forms”), or by emailing The Maine Sportsman at patchclub@mainesportsman.com, or by phone, (207) 622-4242.

Tackle Busters Club applications are

available online at maine.gov/dmr, under the “Fisheries – Recreational” link.

There’s no time limit for The Maine Sportsman’s program, but “Tackle Buster” entries to the

Department of Marine Resources must be in before January 1 of the following year.

State records require certification by a state biologist or game warden as to weight and species.

¶

Recent Entries into The Maine Sportsman’s Saltwater Anglers Patch Club Maine’s saltwater fishermen and charter boat captains have discovered the Saltwater Angler’s Club, and we are receiving applications and photos that serve to highlight the great resource that is Maine’s inshore and offshore recreational fishery.

Our two most recent patch club

recipients include Jason Turcotte of Durham for a 2.6-lb., 17” cunner, caught off Freeport, and a second patch for a 16” sea raven, caught off Biddeford using a diamond jig; and Brian Boyt of Old Orchard Beach, showing his huge 44” halibut, caught off Jeffreys Ledge, and also a 7-lb., 13.2-oz, 22-inch tautog, caught off Cape

Elizabeth on June 30, 2023. As detailed in our March issue, Brian’s tautog has been recognized as a new state record.

Congratulations, Jason and Brian.

For more information on the Maine Saltwater Anglers Club, and to print off an application, go to www.MaineSportsman. com/Patch-Clubs.

Jason Turcotte’s 16” sea raven.

Jason Turcotte with his 17” cunner.

Brian Boyt with his 22” tautog.

Brian Boyt with his 44” halibut.

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���������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • April 2024 • 29

Dealing with “Tree-Hopping” Spring Gobblers

by Blaine Cardilli

A key to turkey hunting, says the author, is to make a flexible plan that allows you to adjust, since the toms may have been displaced overnight from where you expected them to be. And once you’ve found them, the author tells you how to bring them in close – as in, within 15 yards.

Many hunters spend a great deal of time locating roosts, and then they try to set up close enough to get a “textbook” hunt, in which the toms fly down and come right toward your calling or your decoys.

However, I’ve encountered two major problems hunting roosts: 1) “henned-up” gobblers, where your set-up is ignored, and the birds move away in an opposite direction; and 2) a less talked-about issue, known as tree hopping.

If you’re hunting a morning roost and the toms decide to follow the hens away from your set-up, that pretty much kills that first location. While it’s frustrating, it’s no big deal; we’ve all been there.

But then there’s the issue of “tree hopping,” which I have encountered more times than I care to admit, especially here in Maine.

Why Do Toms Move at Night?

Turkeys rarely move during the night, but sometimes they have to, due to a heavy storm in which they experience the effects of high winds and driving rain.

When I used to hunt roosts in a traditional manner, a spring storm would occasionally come through the night before a hunt, and I’d find myself watching an empty roost or (worse yet) I would discover the birds sitting in the tree directly above me.

To avoid this situation, I changed my roost-hunting habits altogether.

New Approach For the last three decades, I have experienced a much greater success rate by first locating the roost areas in advance, and then re-roosting birds (i.e., learning where they’ve moved to) the mornings of my actual hunt.

Birds that tree-hop don’t usually go too far

at night (the farthest I’ve seen was about 75 yards), so by getting a handle on where the roost areas are, I know I can still count on them being in that general vicinity.

Since turkeys sound off more readily at daybreak (and most often without the use of a locator call), all I have to do is start my walk-in just before dawn, and the birds will let me know exactly where they are.

Then I know where to go, since a week or two in advance of the season, I have cleared out several set-up locations. Once I hear them gobbling, I just sneak my way in to the one spot I think best suits that particular hunt.

Choosing the Right Location Many hunters like setting up on field edges. That’s all well and good in some situations (depending on the terrain), but how many of you have been calling and had a gobbler

This beautiful gobbler was feeding out in the open and heard the author’s calls coming from around a bend in the field. As soon as the tom rounded the corner to investigate, the author smoked him at 12 steps from the edge of the woods. Blaine Cardilli photos

pop over a rise 150-200 yards out and just stop ... either because he doesn’t see the “bird” making the calls, or something about your decoy set-up just doesn’t seem right to him? Oftentimes, that bird will just stay out

there, strutting back and forth, trying to get you to come to him, before eventually becoming disinterested and walking off.

The key to any successful set-up is stack(Turkey Hunting continued on next page)

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30 • April 2024 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————

— April Fools’ Special Feature —

Rangers, Guides and Practical Jokes

by Tim Caverly

Even though rangers and guides who work in Baxter and the Allagash have busy days, occasionally there are times when a lull occurs. To entertain, some will contrive a practical joke.

One year at the Jalbert Campsite on Long Lake in T11R13, a ranger installed a lightbulb with an electrical wire running to a wall switch. Even though campers were miles from any type of electricity, the ranger would be amused when people hailed his canoe to report that the 60-watt fixture wasn’t working.

The ranger patiently explained it was probably a burnt bulb, saying he did have more at camp.

In honor of April Fool’s Day, the author recounts some of the lighter moments contrived by the staffs at Baxter State Park and the Allagash Wilderness Waterway.

Afterwards, the ladies would get mad at their husbands, thinking they could have brought their electric hair curlers into the wilderness.

Tracy’s Old Spring – No Respite for the Thirsty My brother Buzz, in his early years as a ranger in Baxter Park, worked at the remote Russell Pond Campground.

The campground was a 7.2-mile backpacking hike from the parking lot at Roaring Brook.

Powered by “spruce juice”?

Another trickery was when a guide fastened an electrical plug-in socket five feet off the ground to a large spruce tree.

Threaded from the bottom of the outlet was a 12-gauge Romex copper cable, which ran down the bark into the dirt.

Each morning, my friend would plug his battery-operated electric razor into the socket, and shave. To onlookers, it appeared the man was using power from a source which he explained as “spruce juice.”

Turkey Hunting

“Tracey’s Old Spring”

During one slow period, Buzz found an old coil spring from a horse-drawn wagon once used by the Tracy and Love Lumber company.

Buzz kept that steel spiral, as he

The author’s son, Ryan Cardilli, enjoying a typical early-morning spring set-up along the floor of a deciduous forest.

myself into a spot that means the tom’s visibility is limited. In other words, I don’t want him to spot my decoys from a half-mile out; rather, I want him to search for me!

I do this by hiding myself (and my decoys) either around a bend in the field, or in an indentation or “pocket” in the terrain. That way, if a field bird develops an interest in my calls, he’ll have to negotiate the terrain to find the source of the calls.

By positioning myself off to one side with my decoys fairly close (no more than 12-15 yards from me), when the old boy rounds the corner and sees my set-up, he’s already well within range ... and it’s “game over”!

ing the odds in your favor. If I choose to hunt a field edge, I do so by tucking

Fooling a Turkey’s Eyes When filming, I’ll use a ground

(Continued from page 29)

www.MaineSportsman.com

tried to think of a use. Then he had an idea.

En route to Russell, hikers passed by the Northwest Basin Trail, where they would climb a small rise to stop and rest.

On a nearby knoll was a wooden box.

Bolted to the cover was a bright green cast-iron pitcher pump. On the chest near the pump was a hand painted sign that read Tracy’s Old Spring.

Beside the container waited a two-gallon galvanized pail with instructions: “Use this to prime pump.” Tired and thirsty, a camper would walk the 100 yards to fill the bucket from Russell Pond.

Back at the pump, they would pour the liquid into the iron casing, then work the handle to draw from a well. When water didn’t come, the person would lift the cover, where they would see the old coil spring and a sign that advised, “KEEP SMILING.” However, eventually the trick backfired on Buzz.

One muggy day, Fred Holt, Deputy Commissioner of the Maine Forest Service, was on an inspection trip for the Baxter Park Authority. After hiking for three hours, Fred arrived at the water pump. Thirsty, he followed directions to prime. But when he raised the wooden lid and realized it was a prank, Mr. Holt told Buzz the joke was inappropriate, and it needed to be removed.

Sometimes, folks just don’t have a sense of humor.

¶

blind to conceal movement, but my favorite method is to simply prop myself up by a big old tree; there’s just something special about that. Either way, I like to enhance all my set-ups with brush, and when sitting against a tree I’ll even cut some branches and twigs and stick them in the ground around me.

I’ve read that turkeys can see 3-4 times sharper than us, and 8-10 times farther. Good camouflage is necessary, therefore, if you want to fool that gobbler’s eyesight.

Ultimately, the best set-ups will come from a combination of understanding turkey behavior, learning how to “read the land,” and effective camouflage.

¶

���������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • April 2024 • 31

— April Fools’ Special Feature —

Are Wild Turkeys Preparing for a Hostile Takeover This Month?

This is a fair warning to any turkey hunter or outdoorsman looking to take to the woods this spring – it has become increasingly obvious that our prolific turkey population is becoming a problem.

While they’re rewarding to hunt, this poses a hazard to the future of the sport.

With such vast numbers, they’ve gained the ability to cooperate, and they’re organizing a revolt against those who hunt them.

In short, the turkeys are preparing to fight back.

I know you might be thinking that this is a ridiculous statement, but it’s really not. Much like the Russian Revolution, Communist Revolution and American Revolution, the turkey population has gained such a foothold in our state that it was only a matter of time before they began working to overthrow the system – and that time has come.

Flying Under the Radar I believe they’ve been taking their time in this effort, gaining intelligence on us hunters, including our home addresses, and surveying us from a

“It’s them or us,” declares the author, in this tribute to April Fool’s Day 2024.

In this grim harbinger of things to come, a vengeful wild turkey chases an innocent photographer out of a field in a southern state. The author believes things are about to get much, much worse, as turkeys realize they have strength in numbers. Photo: Louisiana Sportsman

safe distance. Oftentimes, even when you feel you are safe from the prying eyes of a feathered foe, you may be directly in their crosshairs.

Other times, a turkey may act tame and come right up near your house. Use caution: This is a trap!

This is an attempt to make you feel comfortable in their presence.

This is just exactly what they want: your wife and kids cooing over the “cute little turkeys” hanging out under the bird feeder.

But you’ll know better. Those are your

enemies. They’ve infiltrated not only your home, but the minds of your loved ones.

Not “Birds of Courage” Benjamin Franklin (1706 – 1790) once referred to turkeys as “birds of courage.”

Since then, things have changed. When turkeys were nearly extinct, courage changed to fear, in a time. Now, however, that fear has turned to vengeance. Today’s turkeys are birds of spite and revenge, not courage.

As hunters, we

hold the fate of the world as we know it on our shoulders. People simply can’t comprehend that turkeys are revolting against us, and I don’t blame them. If you were approached on the street by a stranger, and they told you that a species of big birds was silently taking over the world, would you actually believe them?

It’s Peace vs.

Destruction “It’s time for a showdown,” an anonymous source claims.

“It’s not turkeys vs. people anymore. It’s

right vs. wrong. Peace vs. certain destruction.

Happiness vs. chaos.

These birds can’t run society, even if they won. They’re simply not refined enough.

They fail to communicate, fail to understand large-scale economics, and fail to realize the consequences of their actions. We must work together to curb the forward advances of these devious critters.”

So what do we do?

I’m glad you asked.

Drastic measures are needed in this situation. Stay vigilant.

Keep an eye out for any brown bird in the 1020 pound range, and take evasive action if attacked. When possible, make forward advances. During turkey season, be sure to get your limit. Any way to reduce their force is going to help. When outside of season, just keep your head on a swivel. They can – and will – attack at any opportunity… you’re never really safe. Even in your own home, they may be watching you.

It’s time we take the bull by the horns and prevent this revolt from growing. The last thing we need is for our world to be run by a bunch of turkeys.

¶

www.MaineSportsman.com

32 • April 2024 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————

— Guest Column —

All About Shotgun Chokes

by David E. Petzal, Cumberland, ME Do you miss easy shots that you know you should have made? Do you fringe birds you should have dropped clean? Do you miss a lot, period?

This is because shotguns shoot the way they want to shoot, not the way you expect them to. If you want to do better, you have to understand chokes, and you have to pattern your gun. There’s no way around either.

Managing Editor Will Lund has compiled the choke chart below. It shows what chokes are available, and how much they constrict a shot column. It’s your starting point on the road to understanding.

And, since I’ve made all my dumb mistakes, I’ve added what I know: • No one single choke will do it all. You need three: Skeet, Improved Cylinder, and Modified. If I was fond of freezing and hunting ducks, I’d add “Improved Modified” to the editor’s list.

• When plastic shot cups/wads came out in the 1960s, patterns suddenly got a lot tighter. This was because plastic made the trip up the bore much easier, fewer pellets were deformed, and more of them landed on target. Smart gunmakers quickly re-thought how they choked their barrels. It also meant that older, pre-plastic-cup shotguns were suddenly and badly over-choked. So, if you’re shooting an older American gun, or a European gun, you had best visit a gunsmith who specializes in shotguns.* He can measure how much choke you have, and tell you what to do about it.

• Regardless of which choke you use, big pellets work better than small pellets. One school of thought says that it’s better to opt for smaller shot sizes, which give you more lead in the air. But you need only three (maybe four) shot to bring down most birds, and those are a lot more effective if they have some heft.

• Hard shot with lots of antimony is much better than soft shot, because it deforms less. More pellets stay in the pattern and do their job. Cheap, offbrand shotshells contain soft shot. If you buy them, you’ll save money, and you’ll miss.

• Give careful thought where you want your patterns to hit. If you’re a grouse hunter, for example, you’ll want to pattern your gun at 10 or 15 yards, and you’ll want the pattern to hit dead on, not high, because grouse dive a lot, and you’ll go crazy trying to get below them.

• If you have an O/U or a side-by-side, www.MaineSportsman.com

Two 12-Gauges; Two Choke Styles A venerable Remington Wingmaster Model 870 Magnum (center) features threaded internal choke tubes (Imp Cyl, Mod, and Full) that screw into the barrel-end using a small wrench. An older Winchester Model 12 (upper right), displays an external “Deluxe Poly-Choke” that offers six different settings, including “X-Full” and “Slug.” Patented in the early 1930s, the Poly-Choke was considered high-tech before the advent of interchangeable tubes. W. Lund photo

you need to check that both barrels shoot to the same point of impact. Some of them don’t.

Patterning When you pattern a shotgun, you’re looking to find out the following: 1. Where does the pattern hit? Is it high?

Low? Right? Left? Not only can a shotgun be off by direction, but it can be off by a lot of distance.

2. Are you getting the pattern density

you want? If it’s a grouse gun, and you’re shooting 70 percent patterns, you have a problem.

3. Are the patterns even, or are there gaps through which a turkey vulture could fly untouched?

To get answers, you need butcher paper cut into 40-inch squares. With a Magic Marker, draw a 30-inch circle in the center of each sheet, and in its center, a 20-inch circle.

Figure out the distance at which you do your shooting in the field. For most of us, 25 yards is about right. Mount the gun as you would when shooting at a bird (do not aim carefully), and fire a shot at the center of the 20-inch circle.

Do this five times, each time with a fresh sheet of paper. At the end, you’ll have a clear picture of what your gun is doing, or not doing. Pay special attention to how many pellets hit in the 20inch circle, and if there are any gaps, because that’s what the military calls “the beaten zone” where the real action takes place.

If everything is as you want it, fine.

Probably it won’t be. Very often, you can fix whatever’s wrong by changing chokes, or switching shot sizes, changing shell brands, or plastering moleskin on the comb of your stock. Do what’s cheapest, first.

And when you get your gun set up just the way you want, never, ever sell it. *Working on shotguns is an art unto itself. You want a specialist. Trust me on this.

¶

Shotgun Chokes The most common choke settings are: • Cylinder • Skeet • Modified • Improved Modified

• •

Improved Cylinder Full

These settings are measurable using paper targets at a range. All settings, including two different skeet settings, as well as the tightest settings (“full” and “turkey”), are found below: Choke Constrict. % of shot within 30” circle Cylinder .000 40% at 40 yds Skeet 1 .005 45% at 40 yds Improved Cylinder .010 50% Skeet 2 (light Mod.) .015 55% Modified .020 60% Improved Modified 65% Full .030 70% Extra Full .040 73% Turkey .045 plus 75+%

Markings IIIII notches IIII notches III notches II notches I notch

���������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • April 2024 • 33

Make Plans to Attend the

State of Maine Sportsman’s Show at the Augusta Civic Center Friday–Sunday, April 19–21, 2024

All Photos by King Montgomery

Each spring, The Maine Sportsman magazine, in partnership with Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine, hosts the State of Maine Sportsman’s Show at the Augusta Civic Center. Last year, more than 9,000 folks were in attendance.

This year is going to be even bigger and better, with daily boat give-aways,

Friday, April 19, 2024 1PM–8PM Saturday, April 20, 2024 9AM–7PM Sunday, April 21, 2024 9AM–4PM AUGUSTA CIVIC CENTER

a surplus firearms auction on Sunday, new and returning exhibitors, seminars and demonstrations, and two archery stations.

We will host the annual Duck Stamp Contest, as well as the popular Trail Camera contest.

Turkey calling, a meeting of the

NAVHDA dog enthusiasts, hourly raffles, and an extensive Kids Zone provide something for everyone.

Make plans now to attend.

Questions? Email Carol, at Carol@ MaineSportsman.com.

The 42nd Annual

State of Maine

Sportsman’s Show

TICKETS Adults: $10 Kids Ages 5-12: $5 Under Age 5: Free Veterans & Seniors: $5 FREE PARKING

Mark Your Calendars for Maine’s Premier Outdoor Show!

Outdoor enthusiasts wait all winter long for the spring thaw, and what better way to spend one of those spring weekends than at Maine’s biggest outdoor trade show, the 42ND ANNUAL STATE OF MAINE SPORTSMAN’S SHOW! Thousands of outdoors-minded folks will gather for an entire weekend of everything outdoors April 19–21. There truly is something for everyone: Over 100 Exhibitors, Kid Zone, Demonstrations, Seminars, Game Camera Photography Contest, Turkey Calling Contest, and LOTS MORE!

STATE OF MAINE FIREARMS AUCTION WILL BE HELD AT THE SHOW!

Sunday, April 21st at 12 Noon • Your Show Ticket Gets You Into the Auction • Seized & Donated Guns Will Be Auctioned Are you a returning or new exhibitor with questions? Contact Carol at Carol@MaineSportsman.com or (207) 622-4242.

show.mainesportsman.com

— STAY TUNED TO OUR WEBSITE AND FACEBOOK PAGE FOR UPDATES! — www.MaineSportsman.com

34 • April 2024 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————

Maine Fish Stocking Report 2023–2024 (current as of 3/11/24)

TOWN

WATER

SPECIES

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 Livermore Livermore Livermore Livermore Livermore Livermore Livermore Livermore Mechanic Falls Mechanic Falls Mechanic Falls Mechanic Falls Minot Minot Minot Minot Minot Minot Poland Poland Poland Poland Poland Poland Poland Poland Poland Poland Poland Poland Poland Poland Poland Poland Poland Poland Poland Poland Poland Poland Poland Poland Poland Turner Turner Turner Turner

ANDROSCOGGIN R (LITTLE) ANDROSCOGGIN R (LITTLE) ANDROSCOGGIN R (LITTLE) ANDROSCOGGIN R (LITTLE) ANDROSCOGGIN R (LITTLE) AUBURN L AUBURN L BASIN B 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 BRETTUNS P BRETTUNS P BRETTUNS P BRETTUNS P BRETTUNS P LONG P LONG P LONG 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) ANDROSCOGGIN R (LITTLE) ANDROSCOGGIN R (LITTLE) 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 (MIDDLE) RANGE P (MIDDLE) RANGE P (UPPER) RANGE P (UPPER) RANGE P (UPPER) RANGE P (UPPER) RANGE P (UPPER) THOMPSON L TRIPP P TRIPP P TRIPP P WORTHLEY P WORTHLEY P WORTHLEY P WORTHLEY P WORTHLEY P WORTHLEY P CRYSTAL (BEALS) P CRYSTAL (BEALS) P CRYSTAL (BEALS) P NEZINSCOT R

QTY

SIZE (inch)

DATE

200 200 880 200 200 500 1150 300 200 200 200 100 100 150 150 150 300 200 300 100 100 200 300 500 30 300 400 500 25 300 500 500 100 25 500 100 25 200 400 400 100 300 300 300 300 225 300 525 25 525 525 200 300 300 15 15 150 350 325 50 650 10 400 150 50 300 500 50 400 40 15 175 200 750 75 75 25 250 250 650

9 9 10 11 11 8 7 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 8 10 10 10 10 7 10 8 20 13 9 8 20 9 7 13 8 20 13 8 20 9 7 13 8 8 9 11 11 9 8 9 19 11 11 13 15 12 20 20 13 13 12 19 13 20 13 12 19 13 9 18 12 18 20 13 10 8 8 14 20 7 13 10

4/20/23 5/23/23 6/14/23 5/15/23 6/1/23 6/6/23 5/25/23 4/26/23 5/17/23 4/19/23 5/15/23 4/14/23 5/17/23 4/14/23 5/17/23 4/26/23 5/10/23 5/17/23 4/14/23 4/14/23 4/14/23 10/20/23 5/17/23 5/11/23 12/8/23 10/12/23 4/25/23 10/12/23 12/8/23 4/25/23 10/19/23 10/17/23 5/1/23 12/8/23 10/17/23 5/1/23 12/8/23 4/25/23 10/17/23 10/17/23 5/1/23 4/20/23 5/23/23 5/15/23 6/1/23 4/20/23 4/20/23 5/23/23 12/4/23 5/15/23 6/1/23 10/12/23 2/8/23 10/5/23 11/3/23 11/3/23 11/3/23 10/12/23 10/5/23 12/3/23 10/4/23 11/9/23 10/12/23 10/5/23 12/3/23 10/4/23 6/13/23 12/5/23 10/16/23 12/1/23 11/6/23 10/11/23 4/19/23 10/11/23 5/1/23 5/1/23 12/8/23 10/17/23 10/17/23 4/26/23

ANDROSCOGGIN

www.MaineSportsman.com

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

TOWN Turner Turner Turner Turner

WATER NEZINSCOT R PLEASANT P PLEASANT P PLEASANT P

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

QTY 1275 100 400 50

SIZE (inch) 8 10 13 12

DATE 5/11/23 4/26/23 10/17/23 10/18/23

Dyer Brook Dyer Brook Eagle Lake Forkstown Twp Fort Fairfield Fort Kent Fort Kent Fort Kent Fort Kent Grand Isle Haynesville Hodgdon Hodgdon Houlton Houlton Houlton Island Falls Island Falls Island Falls Island Falls Island Falls Limestone Limestone Limestone Limestone Linneus Linneus Linneus Linneus Littleton Littleton Mapleton Molunkus Twp Molunkus Twp Monticello Monticello Monticello Monticello Monticello Moro Plt Moro Plt New Canada New Canada New Limerick New Limerick Oakfield Oakfield 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 R4 WELS T11 R4 WELS T11 R8 WELS T11 R8 WELS T11 R8 WELS T12 R14 WELS T14 R8 WELS T14 R9 WELS T15 R9 WELS T15 R9 WELS T16 R4 WELS T16 R4 WELS T16 R4 WELS

STILES P BROOK TROUT STILES P BROOK TROUT DICKWOOD L BROOK TROUT MATTAWAMKEAG R (EAST BRANCH) BROOK TROUT MONSON P BROOK TROUT FISH RIVER BROOK TROUT FISH RIVER L.L. SALMON 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 MATTAWAMKEAG L L.L. SALMON 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 LIMESTONE STREAM BROOK TROUT TRAFTON L BROOK TROUT DREWS (MEDUXNEKEAG) L BROWN TROUT DREWS (MEDUXNEKEAG) L SPLAKE MUD P BROOK TROUT MUD P BROOK TROUT CARRY L BROOK TROUT DEEP L #1 BROOK TROUT HANSON BROOK L BROOK TROUT MOLUNKUS L BROOK TROUT MOLUNKUS L L.L. SALMON CONROY L BROOK TROUT CONROY L BROOK TROUT CONROY L BROOK TROUT CONROY L SPLAKE MEDUXNEKEAG R (NORTH BROOK TROUT BRANCH) HALE P BROOK TROUT ROCKABEMA L BROOK TROUT DAIGLE P BROOK TROUT SLY BROOK L (THIRD) L.L. SALMON NICKERSON L BROOK TROUT NICKERSON L BROOK TROUT MATTAWAMKEAG R (EAST BRANCH) BROOK TROUT SPAULDING L BROOK TROUT SPAULDING L BROOK TROUT SPAULDING L 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 SCOPAN L L.L. SALMON SCOPAN L SPLAKE ROUND MOUNTAIN P BROOK TROUT ROWE L BROOK TROUT ROWE L SPLAKE UGH L BROOK TROUT ISLAND P BROOK TROUT BEAVER TAIL P BROOK TROUT BLACK P (LITTLE SO) BROOK TROUT TOGUE P L.L. SALMON MADAWASKA L BROOK TROUT MADAWASKA L BROOK TROUT MADAWASKA L L.L. SALMON

150 250 2000 1000 2000 1100 650 1500 200 200 2000 250 250 100 165 250 200 1500 700 200 300 500 2000 200 2500 450 500 50 600 1500 600 2500 800 400 50 200 500 200 275 700 800 500 250 400 800 600 50 200 400 800 3000 600 1300 2100 165 300 1100 6000 550 300 400 550 1000 350 550 500 250 313 1000 500 325 25 350 450 1200 75

8 10 7 10 10 13 11 7 10 10 10 12 10 10 10 10 13 10 7 13 10 13 8 11 8 12 13 17 10 8 7 8 13 12 17 9 10 13 10 7 10 8 8 10 13 10 17 9 13 10 7 13 9 7 10 10 14 8 10 10 8 13 10 13 13 10 14 13 8 8 10 10 8 14 14 17

10/18/23 4/21/23 9/26/23 5/15/23 4/27/23 9/27/23 9/27/23 6/15/23 5/23/23 5/23/23 5/15/23 9/28/23 4/21/23 4/21/23 5/26/23 4/25/23 10/20/23 4/24/23 5/22/23 10/24/23 5/5/23 10/18/23 9/25/23 6/30/23 9/25/23 9/28/23 10/19/23 11/16/23 4/21/23 9/27/23 10/18/23 9/27/23 10/3/23 9/25/23 11/16/23 6/14/23 4/25/23 10/19/23 5/23/23 10/10/23 5/3/23 10/18/23 5/18/23 4/21/23 10/5/23 5/11/23 11/16/23 6/14/23 10/5/23 4/25/23 9/22/23 10/12/23 5/1/23 5/26/23 6/1/23 5/23/23 10/31/23 9/28/23 6/1/23 5/11/23 9/26/23 10/20/23 5/16/23 10/18/23 10/20/23 5/18/23 10/25/23 11/13/23 9/26/23 10/24/23 5/18/23 5/18/23 6/1/23 10/31/23 11/8/23 11/16/23

AROOSTOOK

���������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • April 2024 • 35 WATER SPECIES CROSS L L.L. SALMON CROSS L L.L. SALMON CROSS L L.L. SALMON FOX P BROOK TROUT LONG L L.L. SALMON GLAZIER L LAKE TROUT RIDEOUT P BROOK TROUT MATTAWAMKEAG L L.L. SALMON UMCOLCUS L BROOK TROUT NUMBER NINE L BROOK TROUT MEDUXNEKEAG R (NORTH BRANCH) BROOK TROUT DEERING L BROOK TROUT DEERING L L.L. SALMON FAULKNER L BROOK TROUT GRAND L (EAST) BROOK TROUT GRAND L (EAST) BROOK TROUT GRAND L (EAST) L.L. SALMON SAINT FROID L LAKE TROUT

QTY 205 300 800 200 4000 1000 50 800 500 500 275 750 400 200 600 1300 2100 1000

SIZE (inch) 17 7 7 7 7 7 7 13 13 8 10 10 7 14 13 9 7 7

DATE 11/16/23 6/15/23 6/1/23 9/26/23 6/1/23 5/18/23 9/26/23 10/13/23 10/18/23 9/25/23 5/23/23 4/20/23 6/5/23 9/28/23 10/12/23 4/21/23 5/26/23 5/18/23

Baldwin Baldwin Baldwin Bridgton Bridgton Bridgton Bridgton Bridgton Bridgton Bridgton Bridgton Bridgton Bridgton Brunswick Brunswick Brunswick Casco Casco Casco Casco Casco Casco Casco Casco Casco Cumberland Cumberland Falmouth Falmouth Gorham Gorham Gorham Gorham Gorham Gorham Gorham

SACO R SAND P SAND P ADAMS P HIGHLAND L LONG L MOOSE P STEVENS B STEVENS B STEVENS B WILLETT B WOOD P WOOD P COFFIN P COFFIN P COFFIN P COFFEE P COFFEE P PARKER P SONGO R 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 LITTLE R (NORTH BRANCH)

300 15 200 400 600 500 650 400 400 1050 400 600 650 100 100 200 300 100 200 300 300 500 15 300 30 150 250 150 900 200 100 450 550 300 700 100

8 20 13 10 9 12 8 9 10 10 8 14 8 10 10 10 13 10 13 10 10 10 20 13 16 10 8 10 8 10 10 10 10 8 8 10

5/16/23 11/14/23 10/11/23 5/17/23 4/21/23 10/24/23 6/5/23 4/13/23 5/22/23 5/16/23 4/19/23 5/2/23 4/19/23 5/5/23 5/11/23 6/6/23 11/27/23 4/24/23 10/11/23 4/18/23 5/17/23 5/26/23 11/6/23 10/12/23 12/1/23 4/18/23 5/5/23 4/18/23 5/5/23 5/16/23 4/16/23 5/16/23 4/21/23 5/5/23 5/9/23 4/21/23

CUMBERLAND

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 BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT SPLAKE BROOK TROUT 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 BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT

TOWN 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

Streamers • Live Bait Rigs • Spinners • Hornbergs Coneheads • Flutterspoons • Lake Trolls Super Smelts • Cod Teasers • Flies & Nymphs

WATER 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

SPECIES 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

QTY 100 300 300 900 200 600 15 285 250 25 250 250 75 300 95 1500 500 100 300 500 500 150 300 300 50 50 800 100 800

SIZE (inch) 10 8 10 10 8 8 20 13 12 19 13 13 8 10 18 12 12 13 10 8 12 10 10 10 13 13 9 8 10

DATE 5/16/23 5/9/23 4/19/23 5/15/23 5/15/23 5/8/23 11/9/23 10/12/23 10/16/23 12/3/23 10/4/23 10/12/23 6/6/23 4/25/23 11/15/23 10/20/23 10/24/23 10/11/23 5/18/23 10/11/23 10/24/23 4/28/23 5/22/23 6/15/23 10/12/23 11/17/23 4/20/23 6/6/23 4/24/23

Mid-Maine Marine

INC.

TOWN T16 R5 WELS T16 R5 WELS T16 R5 WELS T17 R12 WELS T17 R4 WELS T18 R10 WELS T19 R12 WELS T4 R3 WELS T7 R5 WELS T9 R3 WELS TC R2 WELS Weston Weston Weston Weston Weston Weston Winterville Plt

THE BOATER’S CHOICE

www.midmainemarine.com 885 Kennedy Memorial Drive Oakland, ME 04963 (207) 465-2146

FOUR-STROKE OUTBOARDS IN STOCK: • 2.5 M • 3.5 M •4M •5M •6M • 8 M, ML • 9.9 M, ML • 9.9 EH, ELH • 15 M, ML • 15 EH, ELH • 20 M, ML • 20 EH, ELH, E • 20 ELHPT • 25 ELHPT • 40 ELPT • 40 ELHPT • 50 ELPT • 60 ELPT • 60 ELPT-CT • 60 ELHPT • 90 ELPT • 90 ELPT-CT • 115 ELPT • 115 EXLPT PRO XS • 150 ELPT

— Available in Sporting Goods Stores Throughout New England —

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Ask About Rebates Limited Quantities Available Check Inventory at

www.midmainemarine.com www.MaineSportsman.com

36 • April 2024 • 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 New Gloucester New Gloucester North Yarmouth North Yarmouth North Yarmouth Pownal Pownal Pownal Raymond Raymond Raymond Raymond Raymond Raymond Scarborough Sebago Sebago Sebago Sebago Sebago South Portland South Portland South Portland South Portland 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 Yarmouth Yarmouth Yarmouth Yarmouth Yarmouth

WATER BRANDY B LILY P PINELAND P PINELAND P ROYAL R ROYAL R 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 JORDAN R PANTHER P SEBAGO L NONESUCH R BARKER P 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 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 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

SPECIES BROOK TROUT RAINBOW TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROWN 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 BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON L.L. SALMON BROWN 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 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 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 100 300 150 200 200 300 50 100 200 15 400 500 350 100 200 200 100 150 300 400 300 500 200 300 300 500 450 2000 450 150 150 100 100 350 50 200 50 200 15 125 200 600 10 75 100 300 200 200 300 200 150 150 250 400 15 100 100 200 500 80 500 500 200 1250 100 150 165 300 350 800 50 75 100 200 1600 100 200 200 1000 50 700 100 200 200 50 775

SIZE (inch) 10 11 10 10 10 10 8 8 8 20 13 10 12 10 10 10 10 8 8 10 8 10 12 9 10 10 12 9 8 8 14 9 10 8 13 9 13 9 20 13 10 9 20 13 10 9 10 10 8 10 10 10 8 8 20 13 15 10 9 12 10 10 12 8 13 13 13 10 13 10 8 18 8 12 8 16 11 12 12 19 13 13 10 10 18 8

DATE 4/18/23 4/19/23 5/5/23 4/6/23 4/19/23 5/15/23 5/17/23 5/22/23 5/15/23 11/9/23 10/12/23 4/19/23 10/12/23 4/14/23 5/5/23 5/15/23 4/19/23 5/8/23 5/13/23 4/19/23 5/8/23 4/19/23 10/23/23 4/13/23 6/15/23 5/17/23 10/24/23 6/13/23 5/5/23 5/2/23 5/2/23 4/13/23 5/25/23 6/5/23 10/19/23 10/19/23 10/19/23 10/19/23 11/6/23 10/18/23 4/20/23 10/17/23 11/6/23 10/18/23 4/20/23 10/17/23 4/20/23 5/17/23 5/16/23 4/18/23 4/18/23 5/16/23 5/5/23 5/5/23 11/9/23 10/12/23 2/9/23 4/19/23 10/12/23 10/11/23 4/19/23 5/16/23 10/11/23 4/20/23 9/29/23 10/10/23 10/23/23 4/6/23 11/3/23 4/19/23 5/5/23 12/6/23 5/12/23 10/11/23 5/9/23 12/1/23 9/29/23 10/23/23 10/20/23 12/2/23 10/24/23 10/19/23 4/19/23 5/15/23 12/6/23 5/13/23

Alder Stream Twp Alder Stream Twp Alder Stream Twp

BLANCHARD P DEAD R (NORTH BRANCH) DEAD R (NORTH BRANCH)

BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT

350 750 750

6 9 9

10/3/23 5/11/23 6/5/23

FRANKLIN

www.MaineSportsman.com

TOWN Avon Avon Avon Beattie Twp Carrabasset Valley Carthage Carthage Chain of Ponds Twp Chain of Ponds Twp Chain of Ponds Twp Chain of Ponds Twp Chain of Ponds Twp Chain of Ponds Twp 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 Dallas Plt Dallas Plt Eustis Eustis Farmington Farmington Farmington Farmington Farmington Farmington Industry Industry 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 Kibby Twp Kingfield Kingfield 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 Perkins Twp Perkins Twp Perkins Twp Phillips Phillips Phillips Phillips Phillips Phillips Phillips

WATER MOUNT BLUE P MOUNT BLUE P SCHOOLHOUSE P BOUNDARY P CARRABASSETT R PODUNK P WEBB R BUG EYE P CARIBOU BOG CHAIN OF PONDS CHAIN OF PONDS CHAIN OF PONDS OTTER P EGYPT 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 LOON L LOON L SADDLEBACK L BARNARD P FLAGSTAFF L MT BLUE HIGH SCHOOL P SANDY R SANDY R SANDY R TEMPLE STREAM TEMPLE STREAM CLEARWATER P CLEARWATER P CLEARWATER P CLEARWATER P CLEARWATER P CLEARWATER P CLEARWATER P MUDDY B MUDDY B MUDDY B GREENBUSH P JIM P (BIG) JIM P (LITTLE) 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 GRINDSTONE P PINNACLE 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 HILLS P HILLS P HILLS P LONG COVE P LUFKIN P SANDY R SANDY R STETSON P TOOTHAKER P TOOTHAKER P

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

QTY 150 725 125 770 250 350 700 200 150 200 600 1200 150 300 25 800 100 200 200 200 220 400 400 1000 150 200 200 3500 105 1000 1250 600 50 350 1500 2800 200 200 30 200 220 250 825 1300 250 50 50 50 75 550 1000 1100 300 400 950 150 200 200 250 200 200 1200 50 200 500 50 150 200 200 1950 1600 200 200 50 200 25 100 1200 50 350 900 100 300 2200 100 350 50 500 800 100 100

SIZE (inch) 10 13 10 10 9 9 10 9 9 9 12 9 9 9 20 12 8 9 10 12 13 9 10 9 12 10 13 7 7 9 7 8 10 13 9 8 9 10 20 12 10 9 13 9 13 10 10 10 12 9 7 9 3 3 7 12 10 10 9 11 11 6 10 9 7 9 9 9 10 7 6 10 12 13 9 20 12 13 13 9 8 10 10 7 10 13 13 9 6 10 12

DATE 6/13/23 10/24/23 6/13/23 6/9/23 5/11/23 5/23/23 5/24/23 5/8/23 5/17/23 6/5/23 10/10/23 5/8/23 5/23/23 4/25/23 11/7/23 10/25/23 5/3/23 5/11/23 6/1/23 9/29/23 9/29/23 5/11/23 6/1/23 5/17/23 10/12/23 5/8/23 10/12/23 10/12/23 5/8/23 5/24/23 10/18/23 6/12/23 5/25/23 9/21/23 5/9/23 5/10/23 5/25/23 5/10/23 11/21/23 10/23/23 6/6/23 6/21/23 10/16/23 5/12/23 10/16/23 4/23/23 5/10/23 5/20/23 10/12/23 5/17/23 10/12/23 6/12/23 5/23/23 5/23/23 10/2/23 9/21/23 5/24/23 6/6/23 5/11/23 5/24/23 6/7/23 10/4/23 5/18/23 6/1/23 10/11/23 6/21/23 5/15/23 5/11/23 6/1/23 10/2/23 10/4/23 5/19/23 10/19/23 9/21/23 5/9/23 11/7/23 10/20/23 10/20/23 9/21/23 5/9/23 5/10/23 5/4/23 5/19/23 10/11/23 5/19/23 10/3/23 9/21/23 5/9/23 10/3/23 5/19/23 9/21/23

���������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • April 2024 • 37

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38 • April 2024 • The Maine Sportsman ——————————————————————————————————————————————— TOWN WATER Phillips TOOTHAKER P Phillips TOOTHAKER P Phillips TOOTHAKER P Rangeley DODGE P Rangeley HALEY B Rangeley HALEY B Rangeley HALEY P Rangeley HALEY P Rangeley QUIMBY P Rangeley QUIMBY P Rangeley RANGELEY GUIDES P Rangeley RANGELEY L Rangeley RANGELEY L Rangeley ROUND P Sandy River Plt EDDY P Sandy River Plt LEDGE P Sandy River Plt MIDWAY P Sandy River Plt ROCK P Sandy River Plt SANDY RIVER P (MIDDLE) Sandy River Plt SANDY RIVER P (MIDDLE) Sandy River Plt SANDY RIVER P (MIDDLE) Sandy River Plt SOUTH (PINE TREE) P Strong PORTER L Strong PORTER L Strong PORTER L Strong PORTER L Strong PORTER L Strong PORTER L Strong SANDY R Strong SANDY R Temple TEMPLE STREAM Temple TEMPLE STREAM Township 6 North of Weld MUD POND Township D BEAVER P Township D BEAVER P Township D MOXIE P Township D SPENCER P Township E LONG P Township E ROUND P Township E SWIFT RIVER P Weld WEBB L Weld WEBB L Weld WEBB L Weld WEBB L Weld WEBB L Weld WEBB L Wilton VARNUM P Wilton VARNUM P Wilton WILSON P Wilton WILSON P Wilton WILSON P Wilton WILSON P Wilton WILSON P Wilton WILSON STREAM Wilton WILSON STREAM Wilton WILSON STREAM Wilton WILSON STREAM Wilton WILSON STREAM Wyman Twp THE HORNS 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 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 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 L.L. SALMON BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT L.L. SALMON BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT

QTY 100 200 300 825 150 150 500 600 35 350 100 1100 900 450 400 250 350 500 200 250 600 600 75 250 250 1100 1500 300 100 500 300 300 450 75 1900 200 800 2850 1600 450 50 200 450 2275 600 200 1000 105 220 250 1300 1400 300 100 250 250 250 495 300

SIZE (inch) 12 6 10 9 9 9 14 9 9 9 10 9 7 9 6 6 6 6 10 12 9 6 20 9 9 10 12 13 13 9 9 10 3 12 7 6 6 6 6 6 20 10 6 12 8 12 9 7 10 9 9 12 12 9 10 10 10 10 3

DATE 10/19/23 9/21/23 5/4/23 5/30/23 5/8/23 5/23/23 10/27/23 5/8/23 5/30/23 5/23/23 6/30/23 5/30/23 5/11/23 5/30/23 10/3/23 10/3/23 10/3/23 10/3/23 6/1/23 10/19/23 5/24/23 10/3/23 11/21/23 5/25/23 6/21/23 4/24/23 10/19/23 10/23/23 9/21/23 5/9/23 5/25/23 5/10/23 5/19/23 10/11/23 10/11/23 10/3/23 10/3/23 10/3/23 10/3/23 10/3/23 11/1/23 5/4/23 10/18/23 9/25/23 5/4/23 10/18/23 5/23/23 5/18/23 6/6/23 6/21/23 5/23/23 9/26/23 10/18/23 6/21/23 4/19/23 5/10/23 5/20/23 6/6/23 6/21/23

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 Bar Harbor Brooksville Brooksville Bucksport Bucksport Bucksport Bucksport Bucksport Bucksport Dedham Dedham Dedham Deer Isle Deer Isle

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 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 L.L. SALMON BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT

260 550 250 25 250 275 50 175 600 25 100 3375 35 50 125 600 75 1125 500 700 100 25 100 25 30 350 700 75 300 1100 50

8 8 8 11 7 7 13 9 7 18 13 7 19 7 7 7 13 7 13 12 12 18 13 11 16 10 13 16 7 7 12

10/3/23 10/3/23 10/3/23 10/6/23 11/2/23 11/2/23 10/18/23 5/18/23 10/18/23 11/28/23 10/18/23 10/18/23 11/29/23 5/25/23 11/2/23 11/2/23 11/2/23 11/2/23 11/2/23 10/12/23 10/19/23 11/28/23 10/20/23 10/6/23 11/30/23 5/2/23 10/26/23 11/30/23 5/18/23 10/18/23 10/12/23

HANCOCK

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 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 PHILLIPS (LUCERNE) L LILY P LILY P

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TOWN Eastbrook Eastbrook 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 Orland Otis Otis Otis Otis Otis Southwest Harbor Sullivan Sullivan Sullivan Sullivan Surry Surry Surry 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 T28 MD T28 MD T28 MD T28 MD T28 MD T3 ND T3 ND T3 ND T3 ND T3 ND T3 ND T3 ND T32 MD T32 MD T32 MD T32 MD T32 MD T34 MD T34 MD T34 MD T35 MD T40 MD T40 MD T40 MD T40 MD

WATER MOLASSES P MOLASSES 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 ORLAND R TODDY P BEECH HILL P BEECH HILL P 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 TODDY P ANDERSON P FOX P FOX P FOX 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 WILLIAMS P SIDE PISTOL L SPRING L SPRING L WEST L WEST L WEST L WEST L PICKEREL P PICKEREL P PICKEREL P PICKEREL P TITCOMB P LOVEJOY P LOVEJOY P LOVEJOY P BURNT LAND L CRYSTAL P CRYSTAL P CRYSTAL P LOON P

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

QTY 300 50 50 800 100 300 450 225 160 700 375 200 550 350 50 125 200 600 300 800 50 75 600 75 600 50 500 100 2000 500 300 100 1100 50 225 150 400 400 400 75 350 300 100 250 225 200 800 950 150 150 200 1000 1000 250 200 1200 125 250 600 300 700 700 75 1250 1000 500 300 550 75 90 160 400 1000 250 300 600 50 500 50 60 550 600 350 28 75 800 400 100 300 700 100

SIZE (inch) 12 7 19 7 19 7 11 9 12 13 12 12 13 13 13 9 7 13 13 7 7 13 7 13 7 7 13 13 8 7 8 13 7 7 10 13 9 9 7 19 7 14 13 7 7 12 13 8 7 12 7 12 10 8 9 7 12 8 8 8 13 12 16 8 9 7 12 12 14 13 14 10 8 8 13 10 17 7 17 14 10 13 10 14 13 7 10 10 9 8 10

DATE 10/10/23 5/19/23 11/29/23 5/18/23 11/30/23 5/18/23 10/6/23 5/25/23 10/25/23 10/18/23 11/7/23 10/19/23 10/31/23 10/19/23 10/20/23 5/18/23 11/2/23 11/6/23 10/20/23 11/2/23 5/25/23 10/18/23 10/18/23 10/18/23 10/18/23 5/25/23 10/24/23 10/24/23 10/18/23 5/23/23 10/18/23 10/20/23 10/24/23 5/18/23 4/26/23 10/20/23 5/18/23 6/12/23 5/18/23 11/29/23 5/19/23 11/29/23 10/25/23 10/25/23 5/25/23 10/25/23 10/23/23 10/3/23 10/25/23 10/6/23 5/18/23 10/6/23 4/26/23 10/3/23 5/25/23 10/24/23 10/10/23 10/3/23 10/3/23 10/3/23 10/24/23 10/10/23 11/29/23 10/3/23 5/25/23 5/19/23 10/11/23 10/11/23 10/16/23 11/29/23 11/29/23 5/17/23 9/28/23 5/22/23 10/12/23 4/27/23 11/17/23 4/27/23 11/7/23 11/7/23 6/6/23 10/11/23 5/22/23 10/31/23 9/28/23 9/28/23 5/16/23 5/30/23 11/30/23 9/28/23 5/30/23

���������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • April 2024 • 39 TOWN T40 MD T40 MD T40 MD T40 MD T40 MD T40 MD T40 MD T40 MD T40 MD T40 MD T40 MD T9 SD T9 SD Tremont Winter Harbor Winter Harbor

WATER LOON P LOON P NICATOUS L NICATOUS L NICATOUS L NICATOUS L OXHEAD P (MIDDLE) OXHEAD P (MIDDLE) OXHEAD P (UPPER) TROUT P TROUT P DONNELL P DONNELL P SEAL COVE P BIRCH HARBOR P BIRCH HARBOR P

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

QTY 200 300 55 650 800 1200 50 150 450 100 300 450 250 200 75 175

SIZE (inch) 9 8 17 13 13 10 18 13 8 10 8 7 8 12 13 7

DATE 11/30/23 9/28/23 11/30/23 10/12/23 10/30/23 5/16/23 11/17/23 10/12/23 9/28/23 5/30/23 9/28/23 5/19/23 5/2/23 10/12/23 10/25/23 10/25/23

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

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 P TOGUS VA HOSPITAL TOGUS VA HOSPITAL BELGRADE STREAM BELGRADE STREAM GREAT P GREAT P GREAT P LONG P SALMON L (ELLIS P) SALMON L (ELLIS P) SALMON L (ELLIS P) CHINA L CHINA L CHINA L CHINA L THREEMILE P THREEMILE P SEBASTICOOK R ECHO L (CROTCHED P) ECHO L (CROTCHED P) ECHO L (CROTCHED P) ECHO L (CROTCHED P) ECHO L (CROTCHED P)

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

50 150 200 100 100 200 200 200 200 550 400 150 150 150 250 800 800 1600 150 400 500 400 200 200 350 1250 300 600 250 100 300 500 400 200

13 7 9 7 13 9 9 9 9 13 12 9 9 9 9 13 13 13 9 9 12 8 9 13 13 12 13 12 9 12 12 9 8 13

10/31/23 10/31/23 4/20/23 10/31/23 10/31/23 4/20/23 4/20/23 5/1/23 5/31/23 11/6/23 11/6/23 4/20/23 5/15/23 5/15/23 4/20/23 11/9/23 11/10/23 11/14/23 4/20/23 4/25/23 10/24/23 5/1/23 4/19/23 11/7/23 11/28/23 11/7/23 11/8/23 10/27/23 5/17/23 10/24/23 10/13/23 4/25/23 6/5/23 11/1/23

KENNEBEC

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TOWN Gardiner 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 Monmouth 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 Vassalboro Vassalboro Vassalboro Vienna

WATER COBBOSSEECONTEE STREAM LITCHFIELD SPORTSMAN CLUB P LITCHFIELD SPORTSMAN CLUB P WOODBURY P WOODBURY P WOODBURY P COBBOSSEECONTEE L FAIRBANKS P FAIRBANKS P JAMIES (JIMMIE) P JAMIES (JIMMIE) P JAMIES (JIMMIE) P JAMIES (JIMMIE) P JAMIES (JIMMIE) P JAMIES (JIMMIE) P TYLER P COBBOSSEECONTEE L COCHNEWAGON P COCHNEWAGON P COCHNEWAGON P JUG STREAM MONMOUTH SPORTSMAN CLUB P SAND P (TACOMA LKS) SAND P (TACOMA LKS) SAND P (TACOMA LKS) WILSON STREAM WILSON STREAM WILSON STREAM MINNEHONK L MINNEHONK L MINNEHONK L MINNEHONK L PARKER P PARKER P MCGRATH P MESSALONSKEE L MESSALONSKEE L MESSALONSKEE L MESSALONSKEE L MESSALONSKEE L MESSALONSKEE STREAM MESSALONSKEE STREAM LONG P GOULD P MESSALONSKEE L MESSALONSKEE L SILVER L SILVER L CHINA L SPECTACLE P SPECTACLE P FLYING P

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

QTY 1000 100 100 200 300 250 1700 50 50 300 300 300 400 100 200 250 800 300 500 300 75 200 300 300 200 138 200 300 100 300 200 200 550 250 500 250 250 150 200 463 400 400 4000 200 2000 1000 25 75 250 500 150 100

SIZE (inch) 9 10 10 10 13 8 8 13 12 10 10 10 13 13 13 10 8 14 13 12 13 10 10 13 8 10 10 10 12 12 13 13 12 12 12 9 9 13 13 10 9 9 13 10 12 13 12 13 9 9 12 12

DATE 4/25/23 4/20/23 5/16/23 4/14/23 10/16/23 5/1/23 5/1/23 11/8/23 11/8/23 4/20/23 5/4/23 5/16/23 10/16/23 10/16/23 11/9/23 5/11/23 5/1/23 2/22/23 10/16/23 11/8/23 10/16/23 5/4/23 4/14/23 10/16/23 5/1/23 5/19/23 5/4/23 4/21/23 10/24/23 10/13/23 11/1/23 11/9/23 10/27/23 10/24/23 10/18/23 4/20/23 5/12/23 4/20/23 11/9/23 5/26/23 4/20/23 5/12/23 11/6/23 4/20/23 10/17/23 11/1/23 11/8/23 10/4/23 4/19/23 4/28/23 10/27/23 10/24/23

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40 • April 2024 • The Maine Sportsman ——————————————————————————————————————————————— TOWN Vienna Vienna Vienna Vienna Vienna Waterville Waterville Windsor Winthrop Winthrop Winthrop Winthrop Winthrop Winthrop Winthrop Winthrop Winthrop Winthrop

WATER FLYING P FLYING P FLYING P FLYING P KIMBALL P MESSALONSKEE STREAM MESSALONSKEE STREAM 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 BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT L.L. SALMON 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 200 350 100 100 800 400 400 300 400 200 350 200 200 200 200 400 100 200

SIZE (inch) 9 12 8 12 7 9 9 13 13 8 8 9 12 9 9 12 12 10

DATE 4/25/23 10/13/23 5/1/23 10/18/23 10/12/23 4/20/23 5/12/23 10/26/23 10/25/23 5/1/23 6/5/23 4/25/23 10/24/23 4/25/23 5/15/23 10/24/23 10/18/23 5/4/23

Appleton Appleton Appleton Appleton Appleton Appleton Appleton Appleton Camden Camden Camden Camden Camden Camden Camden Camden Hope Hope Hope Hope Hope Isle Au Haut North Haven Rockland Rockland Rockland Rockland Rockport Rockport Rockport Rockport Rockport Rockport Union Union Union Union Union Union Union Union Union Vinalhaven Vinalhaven Warren Warren Warren Washington Washington Washington

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

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

100 150 200 300 600 150 150 250 200 250 250 50 100 200 400 100 200 500 250 100 100 1000 75 150 250 250 500 150 150 300 75 250 200 150 150 200 350 150 150 350 400 350 125 125 100 200 200 150 200 100

13 14 9 7 9 13 13 13 9 9 13 12 13 13 9 13 9 13 12 12 13 7 13 13 9 9 13 13 13 7 13 7 13 13 14 9 7 13 13 8 9 13 9 9 13 8 9 13 13 12

10/23/23 4/18/23 6/1/23 10/23/23 5/9/23 4/18/23 11/29/23 10/16/23 4/21/23 4/21/23 10/21/23 10/21/23 11/28/23 11/1/23 4/21/23 10/12/23 4/21/23 11/1/23 10/23/23 10/12/23 10/21/23 10/18/23 11/8/23 11/28/23 4/21/23 5/31/23 11/1/23 10/28/23 11/28/23 10/28/23 10/28/23 10/28/23 11/9/23 10/16/23 4/19/23 6/1/23 10/23/23 4/19/23 11/29/23 5/11/23 5/18/23 10/16/23 4/30/23 4/30/23 10/23/23 5/11/23 5/18/23 11/28/23 10/21/23 10/21/23

Alna Boothbay Boothbay Boothbay Boothbay Boothbay Boothbay Boothbay Bremen Bremen Bremen Bristol Bristol Bristol Bristol Bristol Bristol Bristol Bristol Damariscotta

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

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

200 250 200 300 200 100 250 600 400 350 250 100 400 400 200 200 250 300 100 500

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

10/23/23 4/25/23 5/10/23 11/1/23 5/31/23 11/1/23 5/10/23 11/1/23 11/8/23 10/6/23 10/6/23 4/19/23 4/19/23 5/8/23 5/11/23 11/3/23 5/8/23 11/3/23 5/11/23 5/10/23

KNOX

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LINCOLN

TOWN Damariscotta Damariscotta Jefferson 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

WATER PEMAQUID P PEMAQUID P DAMARISCOTTA L 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 MEDOMAK R PETERS (GROSS) P WALDOBORO QUARRY P MONTSWEAG B POLY CLARK B

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

QTY 200 750 400 1000 200 50 100 250 350 100 100 200 100 100 275 350 600 650 675 250 300 400 200 200 400 100

SIZE (inch) 13 8 15 8 13 13 9 7 13 12 13 9 12 13 9 14 7 9 9 12 13 13 9 9 9 9

DATE 10/25/23 5/2/23 5/25/23 5/2/23 10/25/23 11/3/23 5/8/23 11/3/23 11/9/23 11/9/23 10/16/23 5/8/23 10/21/23 10/16/23 5/8/23 4/18/23 10/16/23 6/1/23 5/17/23 10/23/23 11/29/23 4/18/23 5/11/23 5/17/23 5/10/23 5/10/23

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

150 100 300 500 750 300 15 200 200 200 75 150 30 70 400 400 250 750 300 375 150 250 600 600 700 150 100 500 2000 500 3800 50 400 200 150 25 500 200 100 1000 300 300 100 110 100 300 100 250 1100 150 300 375 700 200 250 300 75 300 1000 250 250 500 400 400

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

10/3/23 10/4/23 5/23/23 5/23/23 5/30/23 10/11/23 10/11/23 10/11/23 10/13/23 10/10/23 10/10/23 10/13/23 12/1/23 10/1/23 5/18/23 5/18/23 5/18/23 6/6/23 5/11/23 9/26/23 5/12/23 9/29/23 5/17/23 5/16/23 6/1/23 10/13/23 10/22/23 5/11/23 5/11/23 4/26/23 10/5/23 5/23/23 5/26/23 5/25/23 5/25/23 11/20/23 10/12/23 11/7/23 5/23/23 10/11/23 5/17/23 10/12/23 5/20/23 6/6/23 11/18/23 5/3/23 10/3/23 5/3/23 4/21/23 5/3/23 5/17/23 9/26/23 5/11/23 5/12/23 9/29/23 5/16/23 12/2/23 5/30/23 6/1/23 5/18/23 5/18/23 6/6/23 10/3/23 4/21/23

OXFORD

Adamstown Twp GOODWIN P Adamstown Twp PEPPERPOT P Adamstown Twp RICHARDSON P (LOWER EAST) Adamstown Twp RICHARDSON P (UPPER EAST) Adamstown Twp RICHARDSON P (WEST) Albany Twp BROKEN BRIDGE P Albany Twp CROCKER P Albany Twp CROCKER P Albany Twp HUTCHINSON P Albany Twp HUTCHINSON P Albany Twp MOSQUITO P Albany Twp SONGO P Albany Twp SONGO P Albany Twp SONGO P Andover ELLIS R 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) Byron ELLIS P (LITTLE) 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 Gilead ANDROSCOGGIN 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 Gilead WILD R Grafton Twp SPECK P Greenwood ANDROSCOGGIN R (LITTLE)

���������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • April 2024 • 41 TOWN Greenwood Greenwood Greenwood Greenwood Greenwood Greenwood Greenwood Greenwood Greenwood Greenwood Greenwood Hanover Hanover Hartford Hartford Hiram Hiram Hiram Hiram Hiram Hiram Hiram Hiram Hiram Hiram Hiram Hiram Hiram Lovell Lovell Lovell Lovell Lovell Magalloway Plt Magalloway Plt Magalloway Plt Mason Twp Mexico Mexico Mexico Milton Twp Newry Norway 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 Porter Richardsontown Twp Richardsontown Twp Roxbury Roxbury Roxbury

WATER ANDROSCOGGIN R (LITTLE) ANDROSCOGGIN R (LITTLE) ANDROSCOGGIN R (LITTLE) INDIAN P INDIAN P OVERSET P SOUTH & ROUND PDS SOUTH & ROUND PDS TWITCHELL B TWITCHELL P TWITCHELL P ANDROSCOGGIN R ANDROSCOGGIN R BUNGANOCK B NEZINSCOT R (EAST BRANCH) CLEMONS P (BIG) CLEMONS P (LITTLE) CLEMONS P (LITTLE) CLEMONS P (LITTLE) HANCOCK B OSSIPEE R OSSIPEE R OSSIPEE R SACO R SACO R STANLEY P STANLEY P STANLEY P BRADLEY P CUSHMAN P HORSESHOE P HORSESHOE P KEZAR L AZISCOHOS P BEAVER P (LITTLE) STURTEVANT P TROUT P ANDROSCOGGIN R ANDROSCOGGIN R ANDROSCOGGIN R CONCORD R SUNDAY R PENNESSEEWASSEE L 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 COLCORD P RICHARDSON LAKES RICHARDSON LAKES ELLIS (ROXBURY) P ELLIS (ROXBURY) P SWIFT R

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

QTY 400 13334 600 450 300 300 200 100 600 150 150 1000 2000 500 1500 150 100 150 400 125 470 470 1640 400 300 10 25 950 100 300 200 150 400 475 1425 200 400 125 125 675 500 800 37 20 20 200 36 50 1850 100 100 200 300 700 100 150 150 400 500 200 200 300 200 200 150 300 15 100 300 750 50 50 1200 250 200 600 15 330 400 25 900 15 50 300 150 100 3200 600 50 1350 200

SIZE (inch) 10 3 8 10 10 6 13 8 8 13 12 10 9 8 8 13 13 10 9 10 10 10 8 10 8 20 19 11 8 10 10 12 7 6 6 13 6 13 12 11 9 10 10 16 18 11 11 19 13 9 10 13 10 8 12 6 9 8 9 9 9 8 11 11 9 8 20 13 10 8 12 18 9 10 10 8 20 13 12 19 11 20 13 12 10 12 9 13 20 12 9

DATE 5/18/23 6/15/23 5/9/23 4/20/23 5/8/23 10/10/23 10/13/23 6/6/23 5/9/23 10/13/23 10/11/23 5/11/23 5/25/23 5/11/23 5/11/23 10/13/23 10/13/23 4/27/23 10/13/23 5/25/23 4/27/23 5/17/23 5/8/23 5/17/23 5/16/23 11/14/23 12/3/23 5/2/23 5/2/23 5/12/23 6/7/23 10/21/23 5/22/23 10/3/23 10/3/23 10/18/23 10/10/23 9/26/23 10/11/23 5/31/23 5/17/23 5/18/23 6/2/23 12/1/23 12/1/23 10/1/23 6/2/23 12/2/23 10/4/23 4/13/23 5/23/23 10/5/23 4/25/23 10/5/23 10/16/23 10/10/23 4/18/23 6/6/23 6/13/23 4/20/23 5/23/23 5/9/23 5/15/23 6/1/23 4/18/23 5/9/23 11/1/23 10/5/23 4/19/23 10/5/23 10/11/23 12/5/23 5/23/23 4/26/23 5/23/23 5/5/23 11/28/23 10/21/23 10/12/23 12/2/23 5/3/23 11/14/23 10/13/23 10/17/23 4/27/23 10/23/23 5/17/23 10/18/23 11/1/23 9/22/23 5/25/23

TOWN Roxbury Rumford Rumford Rumford Rumford Rumford Rumford Stoneham Stoneham Stoneham Stoneham Stoneham Stoneham Stow Stow Sumner Sumner Sumner Sumner Sweden Sweden Township C Township C Waterford Waterford Waterford Waterford Waterford Waterford Waterford West Paris West Paris West Paris West Paris West Paris Woodstock Woodstock Woodstock Woodstock Woodstock Woodstock Woodstock Woodstock Woodstock Woodstock Woodstock Woodstock Woodstock

WATER SWIFT R ANDROSCOGGIN 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 BEAR P BEAR P BEAR P KEOKA L KEOKA L KEOKA L MOOSE P ANDROSCOGGIN R (LITTLE) ANDROSCOGGIN R (LITTLE) ANDROSCOGGIN R (LITTLE) ANDROSCOGGIN R (LITTLE) ANDROSCOGGIN R (LITTLE) BRYANT P BRYANT P BRYANT P BRYANT P CONCORD P (LITTLE) CONSERVATION CAMP P CONSERVATION CAMP P NORTH P NORTH P SHAGG P SHAGG P SHAGG P WASHBURN P

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

Bangor Bangor Bangor Bangor Brewer Brewer Brewer Brewer Burlington

BANGOR MUNICIPAL GOLF COURSE P BROOK TROUT BANGOR MUNICIPAL GOLF COURSE P BROOK TROUT KENDUSKEAG STREAM BROOK TROUT KENDUSKEAG STREAM BROOK TROUT PENOBSCOT CLUB P BROOK TROUT PENOBSCOT CLUB P BROOK TROUT PENOBSCOT CLUB P BROOK TROUT PENOBSCOT CLUB P BROOK TROUT BURLINGTON FIRE P BROOK TROUT

PENOBSCOT

Jerry’s Food Store 63 Houlton Street Island Falls, ME Open Mon–Wed 7AM–6PM Thu–Sat 7AM–7PM Sun 9AM–5PM

(207) 463-2828

jerrysfoodstore848@hotmail.com

www.jerrysfoodstore.com

QTY 150 125 125 675 1000 1000 400 200 250 400 20 100 300 450 400 650 600 500 250 300 250 2000 600 400 50 200 600 30 120 500 600 600 6666 300 450 300 500 100 325 600 100 100 178 275 450 600 150 250

SIZE (inch) 11 13 12 11 11 9 10 10 13 10 16 11 13 10 9 6 6 10 13 13 12 9 13 9 8 13 13 16 11 10 10 10 3 9 8 13 10 8 10 6 10 10 14 8 10 6 10 6

DATE 5/25/23 9/26/23 10/11/23 5/30/23 6/7/23 5/17/23 5/18/23 4/25/23 10/13/23 4/25/23 12/1/23 10/1/23 10/13/23 6/8/23 5/26/23 10/10/23 10/10/23 4/26/23 10/10/23 10/11/23 10/10/23 6/1/23 10/24/23 4/25/23 6/6/23 10/23/23 10/12/23 12/1/23 10/1/23 5/12/23 4/21/23 5/18/23 6/15/23 5/23/23 5/9/23 10/5/23 4/20/23 6/6/23 5/8/23 10/18/23 5/18/23 6/6/23 5/2/23 5/2/23 4/20/23 10/10/23 5/8/23 10/11/23

75 100 1000 1050 10 55 150 425 50

13 8 10 10 18 13 10 8 10

10/20/23 10/20/23 4/25/23 5/30/23 11/28/23 10/16/23 4/19/23 10/16/23 4/13/23

FISHING TACKLE & WORMS Fish Mattawamkeag Lake, River and Many Nearby Ponds!

TROUT • SALMON • BASS

PIZZA, SUBS & SALADS Deli • Bakery • Beer & Wine Groceries • Hardware

In-Line Spinners & Trolling Spoons

All Lures Made in Maine from Quality Components Now Available: Pike & Muskie Spinners

(207) 450-5883 • www.klcme.com www.MaineSportsman.com

42 • April 2024 • The Maine Sportsman ——————————————————————————————————————————————— TOWN WATER SPECIES Burlington BURLINGTON FIRE P BROOK TROUT Burlington BURLINGTON FIRE P BROOK TROUT Clifton FITTS P BROOK TROUT Clifton FITTS P SPLAKE Corinna SEBASTICOOK R (EAST BRANCH) BROOK TROUT Dexter PUFFERS P (ECHO L) BROOK TROUT Dexter SEBASTICOOK R (EAST BRANCH) BROOK TROUT Dexter WASSOOKEAG L BROOK TROUT Dexter WASSOOKEAG L BROOK TROUT Dexter WASSOOKEAG L L.L. SALMON Enfield COLD STREAM BROOK TROUT Enfield COLD STREAM BROOK TROUT Enfield COLD STREAM BROOK TROUT Enfield COLD STREAM BROOK TROUT Enfield COLD STREAM BROOK TROUT Enfield COLD STREAM BROOK TROUT Enfield COLD STREAM P BROOK TROUT Enfield COLD STREAM P BROOK TROUT Enfield COLD STREAM P BROOK TROUT Enfield COLD STREAM P BROOK TROUT Enfield COLD STREAM P BROOK TROUT Enfield COLD STREAM P BROOK TROUT Enfield COLD STREAM P L.L. SALMON Etna ETNA P BROOK TROUT Grand Falls Twp PASSADUMKEAG R L.L. SALMON Grand Falls Twp PASSADUMKEAG R L.L. SALMON Hampden SOUADABSCOOK STREAM BROOK TROUT Hermon HERMON P BROOK TROUT Lakeville SYSLADOBSIS L (LO) L.L. SALMON Lakeville SYSLADOBSIS L (UP) L.L. SALMON Lee SILVER (MATTAKEUNK) L BROOK TROUT Lincoln CARIBOU,EGG,LONG P BROOK TROUT Lincoln COLD STREAM P (UPPER) BROOK TROUT Lincoln COLD STREAM P (UPPER) BROOK TROUT Lincoln COLD STREAM P (UPPER) L.L. SALMON Lincoln EDWARDS FAMILY KIDS FISHING P BROOK TROUT Lincoln EDWARDS FAMILY KIDS FISHING P BROOK TROUT Lincoln EDWARDS FAMILY KIDS FISHING P BROOK TROUT Lincoln EDWARDS FAMILY KIDS FISHING P BROOK TROUT Lincoln EDWARDS FAMILY KIDS FISHING P BROOK TROUT Lincoln ROCKY B BROOK TROUT Lincoln ROCKY B BROOK TROUT Lincoln ROUND P (LITTLE) BROOK TROUT Lincoln ROUND P (LITTLE) BROOK TROUT Lincoln UPPER P BROOK TROUT Lincoln UPPER P BROOK TROUT Lowell PASSADUMKEAG R L.L. SALMON Lowell TROUT P BROOK TROUT Millinocket JERRY P BROOK TROUT Millinocket JERRY P BROOK TROUT Millinocket JERRY P BROOK TROUT Millinocket JERRY P BROOK TROUT Mount Chase SHIN P (LOWER) BROOK TROUT Mount Chase SHIN P (LOWER) BROOK TROUT Mount Chase SHIN P (LOWER) L.L. SALMON Mount Chase SHIN P (UPPER) BROOK TROUT Mount Chase SHIN P (UPPER) BROOK TROUT Mount Chase SHIN P (UPPER) L.L. SALMON Newport SEBASTICOOK R (EAST BRANCH) BROOK TROUT Old Town MUD P BROOK TROUT Old Town MUD P BROOK TROUT Old Town MUD P BROOK TROUT Old Town MUD P BROOK TROUT Old Town STILLWATER R BROOK TROUT Orono STILLWATER R BROOK TROUT Orrington BREWER L L.L. SALMON Orrington BREWER L L.L. SALMON Patten GILES P BROOK TROUT Patten WILEY P BROOK TROUT Patten WILEY P BROOK TROUT Seboeis Plt SEBOEIS STREAM BROOK TROUT Seboeis Plt SEBOEIS STREAM BROOK TROUT Soldiertown Twp T2 R7 WELS TROUT P BROOK TROUT Springfield MATTAGODUS STREAM BROOK TROUT T1 R8 WELS MILLINOCKET L L.L. SALMON T1 R8 WELS MILLINOCKET L L.L. SALMON T1 R8 WELS MILLINOCKET L L.L. SALMON T1 R8 WELS MILLINOCKET L LAKE TROUT T1 R8 WELS MILLINOCKET STREAM BROOK TROUT T1 R8 WELS MILLINOCKET STREAM BROOK TROUT T3 Indian Purchase Twp SMITH P BROOK TROUT T3 Indian Purchase Twp SMITH P BROOK TROUT T3 R9 NWP CEDAR L L.L. SALMON T3 R9 NWP CEDAR L L.L. SALMON T3 R9 NWP CEDAR L L.L. SALMON T3 R9 NWP CEDAR L SPLAKE T3 R9 NWP ENDLESS L L.L. SALMON T3 R9 NWP ENDLESS L SPLAKE T3 R9 NWP FLATIRON P BROOK TROUT T4 Indian Purchase Twp PEMADUMCOOK CHAIN L BROOK TROUT T4 R7 WELS LUNKSOOS L BROOK TROUT

www.MaineSportsman.com

QTY 55 55 25 400 250 250 100 500 750 500 100 100 100 110 200 19272 70 80 400 525 525 800 1350 350 100 785 200 500 1250 400 700 500 400 500 300 20 125 125 150 165 150 150 125 300 30 400 440 330 40 50 500 500 300 500 250 300 500 250 250 30 30 60 600 250 250 100 175 220 40 200 250 275 175 250 65 520 1200 5000 330 700 25 250 12 45 250 300 400 400 250 1000 1200

SIZE (inch) 10 11 18 10 9 12 9 9 8 8 10 10 11 11 10 2 13 14 10 13 13 10 7 13 8 8 9 13 7 7 13 13 13 10 7 17 13 14 10 10 10 10 13 10 18 13 8 10 17 13 10 13 13 10 7 13 10 7 9 17 18 14 13 10 10 16 11 10 18 13 10 11 10 10 13 13 7 7 13 10 14 13 17 17 7 13 8 13 13 13 8

DATE 5/5/23 5/24/23 11/28/23 5/2/23 4/27/23 10/24/23 4/27/23 4/27/23 10/24/23 6/5/23 4/21/23 5/5/23 6/15/23 5/24/23 5/12/23 6/7/23 10/24/23 12/1/23 4/27/23 10/3/23 10/3/23 4/13/23 4/27/23 10/25/23 5/30/23 5/30/23 5/16/23 11/2/23 5/23/23 5/23/23 10/3/23 10/3/23 10/4/23 4/19/23 4/19/23 11/1/23 10/13/23 11/1/23 4/20/23 5/18/23 4/20/23 5/12/23 10/19/23 5/22/23 11/28/23 10/4/23 5/30/23 5/22/23 11/2/23 10/24/23 5/3/23 10/17/23 10/6/23 4/27/23 5/3/23 10/6/23 4/27/23 5/3/23 4/27/23 11/7/23 11/28/23 11/7/23 10/11/23 5/11/23 5/11/23 11/30/23 10/6/23 5/22/23 11/16/23 11/16/23 5/9/23 5/24/23 5/18/23 4/20/23 11/29/23 10/23/23 5/9/23 5/9/23 10/24/23 5/9/23 11/2/23 10/17/23 11/29/23 11/17/23 5/9/23 10/24/23 5/15/23 10/24/23 10/19/23 10/3/23 10/10/23

TOWN 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 DAVIS (WAPITI) P DAVIS (WAPITI) P GREEN MOUNTAIN P HAY L HAY L HAY L MILLIMAGASSETT L SCRAGGLY L SCRAGGLY L CARRY P

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

QTY 150 550 200 200 400 200 275 600 200 200

SIZE (inch) 13 10 8 13 10 13 7 10 7 7

DATE 11/16/23 5/22/23 10/10/23 10/6/23 4/28/23 10/13/23 5/18/23 4/28/23 4/28/23 10/10/23

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

25 250 250 250 275 500 300 250 50 1100 2100 2100 50 1400 2700 2970 750 400 400 400 500 1300 105 300 250 165 100 1000 75 1200 200 400 400 440 300 330 100 750 750 750 750 750 1500 2000 100 250 250 1000 150 300 100 100 3300 1890 2000 350 700 700 525 250 350 700 210 250 500 500 750 750 750 1500 1500 2250 1000 200 1000 2000 600 55 525 500

17 10 10 12 10 10 10 10 17 13 10 10 17 13 10 10 7 10 10 10 10 9 7 10 10 13 11 10 18 13 13 10 10 10 10 10 7 10 10 10 10 13 10 8 13 10 10 9 7 6 6 6 9 7 7 13 10 10 7 10 10 13 7 9 13 13 10 10 10 10 10 10 7 11 13 10 7 17 13 13

11/17/23 4/27/23 5/24/23 9/28/23 6/8/23 5/3/23 5/24/23 5/8/23 11/18/23 9/27/23 5/2/23 5/22/23 11/18/23 9/27/23 4/27/23 6/8/23 5/16/23 5/9/23 5/23/23 6/15/23 5/22/23 5/16/23 5/8/23 5/23/23 5/8/23 10/19/23 6/15/23 5/10/23 11/28/23 10/5/23 10/17/23 4/24/23 5/15/23 6/5/23 4/20/23 5/25/23 9/28/23 5/8/23 5/23/23 5/24/23 5/25/23 10/17/23 5/10/23 5/10/23 10/17/23 4/20/23 5/16/23 5/23/23 9/28/23 9/28/23 9/28/23 9/28/23 5/16/23 5/18/23 5/10/23 9/27/23 5/2/23 5/22/23 5/18/23 5/12/23 5/1/23 10/4/23 5/18/23 5/18/23 9/26/23 9/26/23 5/8/23 5/9/23 5/22/23 5/24/23 5/24/23 5/10/23 5/8/23 6/15/23 10/4/23 4/19/23 4/19/23 11/29/23 10/19/23 11/7/23

PISCATAQUIS

Abbot DRUMMOND P Abbot DRUMMOND P Abbot DRUMMOND P Abbot DRUMMOND P Abbot DRUMMOND 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 Blanchard Twp PISCATAQUIS R Blanchard Twp PISCATAQUIS R Blanchard Twp WHETSTONE P Blanchard Twp WHETSTONE P Blanchard Twp WHETSTONE P Blanchard Twp WHETSTONE P Bowerbank BEAR P Bowerbank MILL B Brownville NORTON P Brownville PLEASANT R 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 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) Greenville MOOSEHEAD L Greenville SAWYER P Greenville SAWYER P Greenville SAWYER P Greenville WILSON P (LOWER) Guilford BENNETT P (BIG) 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 Guilford PISCATAQUIS R Guilford PISCATAQUIS R Guilford PISCATAQUIS R Guilford PISCATAQUIS R Guilford PISCATAQUIS R Kingsbury Plt KINGSBURY P Lake View Plt SCHOODIC L 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 SEBOEIS L

���������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • April 2024 • 43 TOWN WATER Lake View Plt TURTLE P Lily Bay Twp MOOSEHEAD L 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 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 HEBRON L Monson LILY P Monson PISCATAQUIS R Monson PISCATAQUIS R Monson SOUTH P Monson SPECTACLE 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 Parkman BENNETT 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

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

QTY 500 1500 10 75 75 100 100 400 935 350 200 550 550 616 850 1100 1300 1300 5600 105 100 400 400 360 900 900 150 250 250 250 275 250 275 175 175 350 200 25 450 600 250 250 225

SIZE (inch) 8 7 17 13 14 10 10 10 10 6 13 10 10 8 10 8 7 10 7 7 6 10 10 6 10 10 9 10 10 12 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 18 13 7 7 7 7

DATE 9/28/23 5/10/23 11/2/23 10/5/23 11/2/23 4/20/23 5/15/23 5/15/23 5/30/23 9/28/23 9/22/23 4/27/23 5/30/23 11/1/23 5/16/23 11/7/23 11/11/23 4/24/23 11/2/23 5/8/23 9/28/23 5/9/23 5/23/23 9/28/23 4/24/23 5/16/23 5/15/23 5/3/23 5/18/23 9/22/23 6/8/23 5/16/23 6/8/23 5/3/23 5/16/23 5/4/23 5/10/23 11/17/23 10/5/23 10/2/23 10/2/23 10/2/23 10/2/23

TOWN Rainbow Twp Rainbow Twp Rainbow Twp 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 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 R13 WELS T3 R13 WELS

WATER DEBSCONEAG L (5TH) HOLBROOK P MURPHY P (BIG) BLACK STREAM BLACK STREAM 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 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 DEER P PINE P (BIG)

SPECIES BROOK TROUT SPLAKE 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 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 SPLAKE BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT SPLAKE BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT SPLAKE BROOK TROUT

QTY 1600 500 525 250 250 1000 1000 1200 75 1150 250 250 500 500 300 400 200 330 600 600 500 350 100 1000 750 275 400 500 150 450 1800 750 200 250 300 250 350 500 700 400 800 500 1600

SIZE (inch) 7 7 7 10 10 10 13 12 18 13 10 13 10 10 7 10 9 13 10 7 7 7 13 13 10 7 10 7 7 8 10 7 7 7 10 7 7 7 7 8 7 10 7

DATE 10/2/23 10/2/23 10/2/23 5/8/23 5/23/23 5/1/23 10/4/23 10/13/23 11/28/23 9/28/23 5/8/23 10/17/23 5/15/23 5/25/23 10/2/23 5/22/23 5/23/23 10/20/23 4/24/23 10/2/23 10/2/23 10/2/23 10/24/23 10/3/23 5/18/23 10/10/23 5/18/23 10/2/23 10/2/23 9/29/23 5/22/23 9/21/23 9/21/23 9/21/23 5/9/23 10/2/23 10/2/23 9/29/23 10/2/23 10/2/23 10/2/23 5/22/23 10/2/23

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44 • April 2024 • The Maine Sportsman ——————————————————————————————————————————————— TOWN T4 R13 WELS T4 R9 NWP T4 R9 NWP T7 R10 WELS 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

WATER SALMON P SEBOEIS L SEBOEIS L CARIBOU P (BIG) 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 HORSESHOE P

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

QTY 900 500 500 200 100 1500 1400 1000 500 100 300 200 1600 100 1800 800 100 300 300 350 775 1300

SIZE (inch) 8 7 10 10 10 8 6 6 10 13 7 7 8 7 10 7 7 7 7 7 6 6

DATE 9/29/23 5/9/23 5/9/23 5/18/23 5/18/23 10/10/23 9/28/23 9/28/23 5/18/23 10/13/23 10/13/23 10/10/23 10/25/23 10/10/23 5/3/23 5/3/23 10/2/23 10/17/23 10/10/23 10/10/23 9/28/23 9/28/23

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

SEWALL P SEWALL P CAESAR P CHARLES P CHARLES P CHARLES P CENTER P CENTER P CENTER P SILVER L SILVER L SILVER L SPRAGUE P 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 BROWN TROUT RAINBOW TROUT

25 250 200 20 75 150 15 100 100 10 50 600 200 10 75 500 300 150

20 13 13 20 13 7 20 13 15 20 13 9 8 20 13 9 8 19

12/7/23 10/23/23 11/3/23 12/7/23 10/20/23 10/20/23 12/1/23 10/20/23 2/8/23 12/1/23 12/1/23 12/1/23 10/10/23 12/1/23 11/3/23 11/3/23 5/2/23 12/5/23

Alder Brook Twp Alder Brook Twp Anson Anson Anson Athens Attean Twp Attean Twp Attean Twp Attean Twp Attean Twp Attean Twp Attean Twp Bald Mountain Twp T2 R3 Bald Mountain Twp T2 R3 Bald Mountain Twp T2 R3 Bowtown Twp Bowtown Twp Bowtown Twp Bowtown Twp Brighton Plt Brighton Plt Brighton Plt Canaan Canaan Canaan Caratunk Caratunk Caratunk Caratunk Caratunk Concord Twp Concord Twp Concord Twp Concord Twp Concord Twp Dennistown Plt Dennistown Plt Dennistown Plt Dennistown Plt Dennistown Plt Embden Embden Embden Embden Embden Embden Embden

HALE P TRICKEY P KENNEBEC R KENNEBEC R KENNEBEC R WESSERUNSETT STREAM ATTEAN P CLEARWATER P LOON P WOOD P (BIG) WOOD P (BIG) WOOD P (BIG) WOOD P (BIG) AUSTIN P AUSTIN P AUSTIN P (LITTLE) KING P MOOSE P OTTER P OTTER P (NORTH) SMITH (WEEKS) P SMITH (WEEKS) P SMITH (WEEKS) P CARRABASSETT STREAM LAKE GEORGE LAKE GEORGE DIMMICK P (BIG) DIMMICK P (LITTLE) MACDOUGALL P MACDOUGALL P MOUNTAIN DIMMICK P TIBBETTS P TIBBETTS P TIBBETTS P TIBBETTS P TIBBETTS P CROCKER P CROCKER P RANCOURT P SUGAR BERTH P WOOD P (LITTLE BIG) BLACK HILL P EMBDEN P EMBDEN P EMBDEN P EMBDEN P EMBDEN P EMBDEN P

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

760 425 550 2050 2200 400 1116 330 710 100 2150 500 1000 150 1200 3800 450 620 4500 2850 300 20 300 300 400 500 2460 2380 100 100 2400 100 100 100 100 100 1100 1100 425 900 500 950 200 250 880 2200 200 450

7 7 12 8 8 8 7 7 7 17 10 7 13 12 9 7 6 6 6 6 12 18 12 9 12 13 6 6 10 12 3 7 10 10 10 12 9 9 7 7 9 7 10 9 12 10 8 13

10/2/23 10/2/23 10/26/23 5/15/23 5/12/23 5/10/23 5/22/23 10/2/23 10/2/23 11/18/23 4/26/23 5/15/23 11/3/23 10/6/23 5/19/23 10/6/23 10/4/23 10/4/23 10/4/23 10/4/23 10/17/23 11/30/23 10/6/23 5/16/23 10/18/23 10/4/23 10/4/23 10/4/23 4/26/23 10/5/23 5/24/23 10/6/23 4/21/23 5/4/23 6/2/23 10/6/23 5/24/23 6/6/23 10/2/23 10/2/23 5/22/23 10/4/23 6/2/23 6/21/23 10/31/23 4/28/23 6/12/23 10/23/23

SAGADAHOC

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SOMERSET

TOWN WATER Embden FAHI P Embden FAHI 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 FAIRFIELD REC (PAL) P 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 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 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 Skowhegan HIGHT P Skowhegan HIGHT P Skowhegan KENNEBEC R Solon BAKER P Solon BAKER P Solon KENNEBEC R Solon KENNEBEC R Solon WENTWORTH P Solon WENTWORTH P

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

QTY 20 385 150 250 250 350 100 650 70 70 70 100 150 200 250 450 20 50 250 300 300 1000 1000 140 1000 300 100 200 800 250 250 200 150 250 350 1000 390 500 1000 500 500 1600 3000 2000 70 500 1500 650 575 190 400 600 1500 570 150 150 250 300 200 200 800 2700 615 1700 110 525 250 600 150 750 750 710 1500 1500 3800 450 500 300 450 190 800 1500 100 100 800 100 100 200 1750 400 500

SIZE (inch) 20 12 9 10 10 12 13 8 10 10 10 9 12 7 9 13 18 12 7 10 10 8 8 6 7 7 10 10 8 9 12 8 9 10 8 10 7 9 7 9 10 7 10 12 18 12 8 9 7 7 10 9 13 6 9 10 12 10 11 11 8 9 7 6 9 9 6 7 3 9 7 6 10 7 7 7 12 9 7 7 13 9 10 10 8 12 12 10 8 12 10

DATE 11/21/23 10/27/23 6/21/23 5/15/23 6/2/23 9/26/23 10/23/23 5/12/23 4/21/23 5/10/23 5/20/23 6/21/23 10/23/23 10/23/23 5/25/23 10/20/23 11/30/23 10/17/23 10/17/23 4/20/23 5/4/23 5/12/23 5/16/23 10/2/23 10/13/23 10/2/23 5/10/23 5/10/23 5/3/23 5/16/23 10/18/23 5/3/23 5/17/23 6/5/23 6/5/23 5/22/23 5/22/23 5/22/23 10/13/23 5/24/23 5/24/23 10/4/23 5/15/23 10/10/23 12/6/23 10/6/23 5/1/23 5/19/23 10/10/23 10/2/23 5/22/23 5/26/23 9/28/23 10/4/23 5/11/23 5/24/23 9/21/23 6/6/23 5/24/23 6/7/23 5/10/23 4/27/23 10/2/23 10/4/23 5/23/23 5/23/23 10/4/23 5/23/23 5/30/23 5/17/23 10/4/23 10/4/23 5/11/23 5/10/23 10/2/23 10/2/23 10/6/23 4/20/23 10/2/23 10/2/23 9/22/23 5/16/23 4/20/23 5/4/23 5/12/23 10/6/23 10/6/23 6/26/23 5/12/23 10/17/23 4/24/23

���������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • April 2024 • 45 TOWN WATER 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 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 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) The Forks Plt LONG (MARTIN) P The Forks Plt MOSQUITO P The Forks Plt MOXIE P The Forks Plt MOXIE P Thorndike Twp FISH P Thorndike Twp LUTHER P

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

QTY 30 200 360 1250 300 250 500 500 100 105 150 650 1400 75 500 500 1800 100 400 400 600 600 600 524 500 500 800 2200 3050 1500

SIZE (inch) 18 8 13 7 9 12 9 9 13 7 12 12 9 13 6 7 10 7 10 13 10 10 10 7 10 9 9 9 7 7

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

Belfast Belfast Brooks Brooks Brooks Burnham Knox Knox Knox Knox Liberty Liberty Liberty 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 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 MOODY P MOODY 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 QUANTABACOOK L SAINT GEORGE R SAINT GEORGE R SAINT GEORGE R SAINT GEORGE R SAINT GEORGE R SAINT GEORGE R GOOSE RIVER GOOSE RIVER 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 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 BROWN TROUT BROWN TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT

100 200 200 250 100 250 100 200 350 50 500 2000 1000 200 1000 200 250 250 100 150 300 500 500 500 250 350 150 200 400 400 150 250 550 900 150 200 200 300 400 1000 500

9 7 13 9 12 9 9 13 7 12 9 7 8 12 13 13 7 13 12 13 9 9 9 13 9 13 13 13 7 13 14 7 9 9 13 13 7 9 9 7 9

4/26/23 10/27/23 10/30/23 4/26/23 10/30/23 5/17/23 4/26/23 10/30/23 10/30/23 10/30/23 4/19/23 10/17/23 6/5/23 10/6/23 10/11/23 10/23/23 10/23/23 11/1/23 11/1/23 11/28/23 4/28/23 4/19/23 5/1/23 10/26/23 4/26/23 11/7/23 11/28/23 10/23/23 10/23/23 10/27/23 4/18/23 10/23/23 6/1/23 5/9/23 11/29/23 4/18/23 10/27/23 4/26/23 4/26/23 10/27/23 5/16/23

Alexander Baileyville Beddington Beddington Beddington Beddington Calais Calais Calais Calais Calais Calais Calais Charlotte Charlotte Charlotte Charlotte

PLEASANT L MEDDYBEMPS L PLEASANT RIVER L PLEASANT RIVER L 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

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

175 600 700 25 350 25 150 25 150 3000 400 35 300 1250 800 1200 525

7 7 13 11 13 13 9 18 14 8 14 19 11 8 8 12 12

5/16/23 5/16/23 11/2/23 10/19/23 11/2/23 10/12/23 5/1/23 11/30/23 10/11/23 10/11/23 10/5/23 11/28/23 10/5/23 10/4/23 10/4/23 10/3/23 10/5/23

WALDO

WASHINGTON

TOWN Cherryfield Columbia Columbia Columbia Cooper Cooper Cutler Cutler Danforth Danforth Danforth Danforth Deblois Deblois Deblois Deblois Deblois Deblois Deblois Deblois Deblois Devereaux Twp Devereaux Twp Devereaux Twp East Machias Edmunds Twp Forest City 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 Grand Lake Stream Plt Grand Lake Stream Plt Kossuth Twp Kossuth Twp Lambert Lake Twp Lambert Lake Twp Marion 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 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 T6 ND BPP T6 R1 NBPP Topsfield Topsfield Topsfield Trescott Twp Trescott Twp Vanceboro Whiting Whiting

WATER 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 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 SPEDNIC L TOMAH L BIG L GRAND LAKE STREAM GRAND LAKE STREAM 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 PLEASANT L PLEASANT L LAMBERT L LAMBERT L LONG L PATRICK 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) 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) POCUMCUS L PORK BARREL L FARROW L MUSQUASH L (EAST) MUSQUASH L (EAST) LILY L LILY L SPEDNIC L INDIAN L INDIAN L

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

QTY 200 150 300 100 50 850 400 350 600 1300 2100 150 55 150 150 250 100 1000 50 100 850 55 300 400 1500 400 700 1500 500 1500 100 150 150 150 150 200 100 100 100 100 1000 700 1000 300 250 100 450 60 300 1000 800 50 600 50 300 250 400 75 1100 600 400 50 300 75 1200 200 800 175 2500 150 15 1300 50 400 25 150 350 3150 600 500 9475 500 500 750 800 400 150 1100 1000 25 200

SIZE (inch) 7 9 8 9 14 8 8 8 13 10 7 10 13 10 10 8 13 7 13 7 8 19 11 13 7 9 7 7 8 7 9 9 9 12 16 16 9 9 9 10 9 7 8 7 13 13 9 14 9 8 7 14 14 16 11 13 11 14 8 8 9 12 8 13 8 11 9 14 8 10 18 8 14 8 14 8 10 8 8 8 7 7 8 10 10 7 9 8 7 18 14

DATE 5/19/23 6/6/23 10/27/23 6/6/23 10/5/23 10/4/23 10/4/23 10/4/23 10/12/23 4/21/23 5/26/23 5/22/23 10/16/23 4/19/23 5/8/23 10/16/23 10/24/23 10/24/23 10/24/23 10/24/23 10/27/23 11/29/23 10/19/23 10/12/23 5/16/23 6/13/23 6/14/23 5/24/23 9/28/23 5/30/23 5/8/23 4/20/23 6/23/23 4/20/23 5/8/23 6/23/23 5/8/23 5/18/23 6/23/23 4/19/23 5/23/23 5/23/23 9/28/23 5/24/23 11/2/23 9/27/23 5/1/23 10/24/23 5/1/23 10/24/23 5/16/23 10/31/23 10/24/23 11/28/23 10/24/23 11/2/23 10/5/23 10/5/23 10/5/23 10/5/23 5/1/23 10/5/23 10/27/23 10/24/23 10/27/23 10/19/23 6/2/23 10/27/23 10/27/23 5/16/23 11/30/23 10/19/23 10/19/23 10/19/23 10/19/23 10/19/23 5/16/23 10/12/23 10/4/23 10/12/23 5/30/23 5/30/23 10/4/23 4/20/23 4/21/23 5/22/23 5/1/23 10/11/23 5/24/23 11/30/23 10/17/23

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46 • April 2024 • The Maine Sportsman ——————————————————————————————————————————————— TOWN Whiting Whiting

WATER INDIAN L INDIAN L

Acton Acton Acton Acton Acton Berwick Berwick Berwick Berwick Berwick Berwick Berwick Berwick Biddeford Biddeford Biddeford Biddeford Buxton 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 Lebanon Limerick Limerick Limerick Limerick Limerick Limerick Limerick 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 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 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 LITTLE R BROWN B LEAVITT B LEAVITT B OSSIPEE R (LITTLE) OSSIPEE R (LITTLE) OSSIPEE R (LITTLE) OSSIPEE R (LITTLE) HORNE (PEQUAWKET) P HORNE (PEQUAWKET) P HORNE (PEQUAWKET) P HORNE (PEQUAWKET) P HORNE (PEQUAWKET) P OSSIPEE R (LITTLE) SACO R

SPECIES BROOK TROUT BROOK TROUT

QTY 600 4000

SIZE (inch) 9 8

DATE 5/1/23 10/17/23

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 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 BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT BROWN 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 BROWN TROUT

50 15 250 25 300 200 200 300 300 400 200 200 200 100 100 100 200 950 50 150 200 500 350 400 200 200 150 200 200 500 350 350 200 200 100 600 100 100 100 10 50 500 500 800 100 300 50 500 1200 150 150 200 300 100 100 100 100 150 200 700 200 100 100 125 150 475 600 50 100 400 50 150 200 300

13 20 13 18 8 10 10 10 10 8 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 13 13 10 10 8 8 10 10 13 10 10 12 10 10 13 10 13 9 12 10 10 20 13 10 10 8 13 10 18 8 12 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 8 8 10 10 10 10 10 8 13 15 10 18 12 10 8

10/18/23 11/20/23 10/18/23 11/20/23 5/2/23 4/19/23 4/26/23 4/19/23 5/16/23 5/5/23 4/19/23 4/19/23 5/16/23 4/14/23 5/5/23 5/17/23 4/14/23 4/26/23 11/2/23 10/19/23 5/17/23 4/27/23 5/9/23 5/16/23 4/14/23 5/17/23 10/19/23 4/14/23 5/17/23 10/5/23 4/14/23 5/17/23 11/3/23 4/20/23 10/20/23 10/20/23 10/11/23 4/14/23 5/17/23 11/6/23 10/20/23 4/20/23 5/17/23 5/8/23 10/20/23 4/26/23 11/30/23 5/8/23 10/3/23 4/20/23 5/17/23 4/20/23 4/20/23 5/11/23 4/19/23 5/16/23 4/19/23 5/16/23 4/26/23 5/5/23 5/5/23 4/14/23 5/17/23 4/17/23 5/17/23 4/27/23 5/8/23 10/18/23 2/9/23 4/20/23 11/20/23 10/20/23 4/27/23 5/9/23

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 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 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 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 15 300 500 150 25 200 15 100 750 50 200 300 250 100 100 350 15 100 150 400 400 800 250 300 200 15 250 300 150 150 150 200 100 200 200 75 320 550 150 300 350 40 900 20 375 1170 40 200 50 100 150 20 300 100 100 700 500 100 100 300 15 150 200 750 350 200 25 400 20 200 50 3080 300 100 300 300 1150 300 300 20 400 600 800 150 200 225 100 100

SIZE (inch) 20 13 10 12 19 13 20 13 9 13 10 9 13 10 10 8 20 13 10 10 10 8 10 10 10 20 13 12 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 13 10 9 13 10 10 18 8 20 13 12 18 12 13 10 10 18 8 10 10 8 12 10 10 8 20 10 13 8 11 10 20 13 18 12 19 11 13 10 10 10 8 10 10 18 12 8 12 10 10 10 10 10

DATE 11/20/23 10/20/23 4/20/23 10/17/23 12/2/23 10/31/23 11/20/23 10/20/23 10/20/23 10/20/23 4/20/23 10/20/23 10/18/23 4/27/23 5/17/23 5/8/23 11/20/23 10/18/23 6/2/23 4/19/23 5/16/23 5/8/23 4/19/23 5/16/23 4/20/23 11/14/23 10/13/23 10/20/23 4/27/23 4/27/23 5/17/23 4/20/23 4/20/23 4/19/23 5/16/23 10/18/23 4/19/23 10/18/23 10/20/23 5/16/23 4/19/23 11/30/23 5/5/23 11/20/23 10/18/23 10/17/23 12/1/23 10/21/23 10/20/23 5/16/23 4/19/23 11/30/23 5/5/23 4/27/23 5/17/23 5/5/23 10/10/23 4/19/23 5/11/23 5/8/23 11/20/23 4/19/23 10/26/23 10/26/23 5/19/23 4/20/23 11/20/23 10/18/23 12/1/23 10/21/23 12/2/23 6/5/23 10/22/23 4/20/23 4/20/23 5/11/23 5/8/23 4/20/23 5/11/23 11/20/23 10/20/23 5/8/23 10/5/23 4/20/23 4/20/23 4/20/23 4/20/23 4/20/23

���������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • April 2024 • 47

Brush-Busting Anglers Lighten the Load I finished a good morning of angling along a remote section of a little babbling brook in Western Maine, fishing for the beautifully-colored brook trout that lived there. When I stepped out of the brook, I immediately snipped the fly off, reeled the excess line back to the reel, and broke the four-piece rod down to two pieces.

I knew I’d be taking a direct path back to the truck, so I wouldn’t be fishing along the way. I had the butt of the rod and the second half of the rod in my right hand and a wading staff in my left hand as I tromped through the thick brush by the riverbank.

While walking toward the truck, I felt a slight tug on the fly rod as it followed behind me. It was a quick little tap that I hardly gave a notice to until I got back to the truck and found that the tip section of the rod was missing. My first thought was, “I’ll never find the skinny brown rod tip … it looks too much like a skinny brown tip of a tree branch.”

As luck would have it, I found the rod tip, and I realized it had been that slight tap I’d felt that had pulled the rod tip right off the second half of the rod.

I never carried my fly rod through the woods in this manner before,

Fishing small trout streams requires anglers to carry everything they’ll need with them, and then push through thick brush, all without losing or breaking any gear. Here’s how the author manages that task. and never will again … it’s just too easy to snag the rod and have a section fall away without the angler ever knowing it.

A Better Way One way of avoiding this problem is to keep the rod strung up so that if there is a snag, the attached fly line keeps each section of the rod connected.

The rod sections might come apart, but the fixed line won’t allow any of the rod sections to drop to the forest floor.

I use this method, but I’ve also added a rod sock to the mix, to completely avoid any snagging. Some folks like to leave the whole rod in place and cover it with a rod sock, but I prefer to leave the line on the rod, put the hook on the holder, but then

break the rod down in half by loosening the line and then reeling in a little to keep the whole rig tight. I place a rod sock over the broken-down rod, resulting in a shorter version that allows me to easily weave my way through the thick brush.

I also cover the reel with a neoprene reel case to avoid damage to the reel. If an angler drops the rod, the butt end is heavier and usually smashes the reel into rocks and mud on the ground. The neoprene reel-cover protects the reel, avoids snags, and doesn’t weigh much at all.

As I walk, I hold the butt of the rod in my hand with the rod tip pointing behind me. This way, if I trip

and fall forward, the rod tip won’t jam into the dirt and snap in two.

The Next Bend Most anglers are explorers, and if they are like me, they believe that just around the next bend in the river will be the best place to fish. We are the most optimistic thinkers I know, always believing the next bend in the river will produce the biggest fish of the day.

(Freshwater Fly Fishing continued on page 49)

A rod sock and neoprene reel cover protect the author’s fly rod while he navigates narrow paths through the puckerbrush to access trout streams William Clunie photo

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48 • April 2024 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————

Early Seasons Tactics Take More Trout Tom believes restrictions on lead-head jigs may cause anglers to return to natural bait, including small shiners and worms. Here, he reveals the secrets for productive bait fishing.

Too many hopeful anglers simply grab their rod and reel from last year and head out in early April for some trout action, but come home empty-handed because, unfortunately, that setup from last summer probably isn’t the best choice now.

What’s worse, some people use the same rod, reel, line and hooks for early season trout fishing that they use in summer for bass, perch and crappie. The heavier, thicker, terminal tackle doesn’t allow that worm or lure to act in a natural manner.

I have seen people attempting to cast to the other side of a pool and fail to reach their goal

because of stiff, coiled line, the result of being left on the reel for several years.

Lighter, more responsive gear is needed now for finicky trout. And new thinner line is a must.

I traditionally used 3-pound test for brook and stream fishing, but I’ve now switched to 4-pound test line because it’s easier to tie in low-light conditions. You would be amazed at the tensile strength of modern 4-pound test line. It is the equivalent of the 6-pound test of 25 or 30 years ago, yet is considerably thinner than the 4-pound test of the same era.

The reasons for

thinner line are several. First, thin line allows your ultralight lure or bait to act naturally, with no telltale drag. Also, fish don’t feel it as much when, if fishing with bait, they take your worm or shiner.

But most of all, thin line allows for far longer casts. My friend who couldn’t reach the other side of the pool with his thick, kinky line could easily have placed his bait exactly where he wanted it to go had he used newer, thinner line.

Bait Choices This year stands as the final one for the use or possession of lead-head jigs such

The author took this brook trout on a warm April day.

as Trout Magnets.

The company offers non-lead jigheads, but they probably won’t be available for some time, except for direct shipping from the

manufacturer. This, I believe, will cause more anglers to return to the use of natural bait. With that in mind, let me offer (Continued on next page)

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���������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • April 2024 • 49

Garden Hackle The ubiquitous earthworm remains an effective trout bait.

When I say “earthworm,” that’s just what I mean – those squirming worms that inhabit garden soil.

Stay away from night crawlers, if possible.

The reason for eschewing night crawlers is that they are just too large for the generally smaller trout found in brooks and streams. Sure, we all know someone who took a massive brown trout by casting a nightcrawler from shore and letting it

(Continued from page 47)

This kind of positive thinking can lead anglers far from the truck, so I have learned to make sure my vest is large enough to carry all that I’ll need, in case the trip turns into a marathon hike.

Each vest I own has a large rear pocket that, like a backpack, holds all my gear. I can carry an extra rod (broken down in its tube), additional spools, a lunch, water, bug dope, a head net and a rain jacket.

I also carry Thomas Ames bug ID book, securely stashed in a waterproof bag. I am always finding some bug that I’ve never seen be-

¶

fore, and the book sure helps.

I leave a little room in the back pocket in case I need to remove an article of clothing as temperatures rise in the morning. What a pleasure it is to remove a hot sweatshirt, and fish the rest of the morning in comfort. It’s also nice to make the long trek back to the truck more comfortable with the sweatshirt stowed in the back pocket.

I have trimmed down the gear I carry in the vests, so that I’m not too weighed down. To the extent possible, I avoid heavy metal tools, and my heavy wooden net has been exchanged for a modern synthetic net that’s a little lighter.

Every ounce counts.

¶

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crawl on bottom. But everything has its place, and nightcrawlers have no place on small streams, with the exception that some naïve brook trout will take a tiny bit of nightcrawler on occasion.

So stick to earthworms. However, don’t clump them up into a ball. Instead, try to make them appear as natural as possible.

This means using one earthworm, hooked once-through at the collar found near the head end. This will allow the worm to float, crawl and wiggle in as natural a mode as possible.

And now for my special, killer method for hooking earthworms.

Hook one earthworm at the end of the large (head) end and thread it on the hook, so the point exits at the collar. Then, with another earthworm, insert the hook at the collar so it sticks out from the head. This imitates two earthworms stuck together, mating. Trout can’t resist it.

DE

some suggestions on bait types and how to fish them.

Shiners, those almost-forgotten trout killers from yesteryear, still possess considerable trout appeal.

Sure, it’s a nuisance to lug a bait bucket along while fishing a stream, but the results are well-worth the effort.

Use small shiners, no more than 1-½ inches long. It seems counter-intuitive, but small shiners take big trout.

Hook your shiner through the thin membrane just behind the lips, the hook going from bottom to top. This does no perceivable harm to the shiner, and allows it to swim freely, as if it were not attached to a line (another reason for using very thin line).

Use only as much weight as needed to keep your shiner from swimming to the surface. Start with one b.b.-size non-lead split shot, and if that isn’t enough, use two shot.

Place the shot at least 8 inches up from the

hook. Any less, and it may spook trout; any more, and it will cause the line to wrap around your rod tip when casting.

Cast the shiner upstream, and allow it to slowly ride downstream with the current. And hold on, because any trout that sees it will probably lunge for it. Remember, as the late Art Flick said when discussing minnow imitations, “Trout don’t get big by eating insects.”

PROU

(Continued from page 48)

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50 • April 2024 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————

Go Take a Nap “Bud” Gifun was one of the mountain men. He was my father’s and grandfather’s friend in Old Orchard Beach, and he was one of their hunting and fishing crowd.

I called all those old guys the Mountain Men, and I wanted very much to be just like them.

Bud had been in the Marines, and he fought his way through the South Pacific.

But the thing was, you see, Bud could nod off at the drop of hat.

He’d sleep in the back seat of a car, or in the big Morris chair at the camp.

The guys learned this, much to their regret. Back in those days, it was legal to drive deer, so they’d send Bud off to a stand where the deer were likely to cross a dirt road.

But if it was a warmish November morning and the sun filtered through the colored leaves at just the right angle, Bud would cozy up to a stump or boulder, lay his rifle across his lap, and go to sleep.

The Mountain Men would be disgusted when they’d break through the dense pines out onto the road and find Bud rubbing his eyes and wondering where the deer were.

Early in Life, and Late If you think about it, taking a nap is part of our early life and our late life. Chilwww.MaineSportsman.com

Napping at camp is more than a pastime – it’s an art form.

Photo credit: Life Science

dren in kindergarten spread out their sleeping mats and take a nice restful nap after lunch. Oldsters in assisted living have no problem curling up for a quiet afternoon nap.

When Dad was living at the Veterans Home, he took a nap in the morning, and again in the afternoon – an outward sign he was slowing down.

I remember how Grandfather slept in the afternoon in the living room. Mom prepared meals for him and I carried them up the street to the old farmhouse. I’d go inside and find Grandfather laid out on his back like an Egyptian mummy with his arms crossed over his chest.

I knew he was okay, because he snored. I left the meal on the table and was careful not to slam the screen door on my way out.

When we teenagers were invited to deer camp, I remember the old guys taking

it easy in the morning.

They might go out and walk a tote road or sit on a favorite stump for a while, but as the morning wore on, they’d wander back to the camp, arriving in time for lunch.

After a big luncheon, they were ready for a long nap.

The plan was to wake up all refreshed and ready to go out for the afternoon hunt and walkabout.

Author Likes His Naps, Too Nowadays, I’m not averse to a little nap in the afternoon, myself.

Taking a good long nap seems to be a natural part of camp life. We have a hammock hung between two trees down by the lake shore, and that’s a very inviting place to lay back and catch forty winks, as they say. The gentle breeze off the water and the sound of the waves slapping against the shore will lull you to sleep in no time.

Another likely venue is the screened-in porch. There’s an old futon out there where you can scrunch up and close your eyes and be safe from the marauding mosquitoes.

Workplace Naps You can read anecdotes about high-powered businessmen catching quick power naps in their opulent offices to prepare for the next multi-million-dollar deals.

When I worked at Old Orchard Beach, our boss Jon napped in the afternoon. He had an air-conditioned office out behind the walkin freezers and pizza ovens, and when he hid inside that room to take a nap, we all knew the Earth would have to be blowing up before any of us would dare disturb him.

Guys out on Jeffrey’s Ledge waiting for the fish finder to sound off, drop down inside the cabin and let the gentle rocking

of the boat sooth their minds and bring on a restful nap – that is, until the alarm rings and a tuna reel begins to scream.

Hand Damp?

Turn On the Pumps When we launched Dad’s old Marblehead Cruiser, she had to sit in the water on the cradle for a couple of tides, so the planks would make up tight.

I’d stay on the boat overnight, napping in the cabin with a hand or foot dangling over the edge of the bunk.

When the rising water reached my hand, I’d rouse up and run the pumps until they sucked dry.

The South Vietnamese practiced a sort of siesta in the hot tropical afternoon.

They knocked off work and took a nap. We foolish GIs used the free time to play volleyball out in the blazing sunlight.

Lounge Chair These days, I’m of the mind that there’s nothing quite like a good nap, and the place to have it is at the cabin at the lake.

I have an old lounge chair my wife has declared to be junk and fit for the dump.

That could be, but I have a corner in mind inside the cabin where it would fit nicely, and when the afternoons grow long, it would be an ideal place to lie back and indulge in a long nap.

We’ll see if that happens.

¶

���������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • April 2024 • 51

Aroostook’s Slush Season Spring? Perhaps somewhere in Maine’s southern climes, but the ice-covered ponds and snow on the lawns here in Aroostook tell a different story. I’m pretty sure whoever established April Fool’s Day had Crown of Maine fishermen on the first day of open water season in mind!

Nonetheless, scanty as they may be, a few casting options are available on regional streams for hardy of body and weak of mind who’ll brave the cold conditions of slush and mud month. See you out there!

Slow fishing is better than no fishing, says the author. At the same time, he admits that he, and others who join him trout fishing in the frigid opening-day spring temperatures, are “hardy of body and weak of mind.”

AMP BU W S E

The hobby of tying flies helps pass winter evenings. These Mickey Finns and Magog Smelt patterns are perfect for casting in the few open runs on local brooks. All photos by the author

better than no fishing.

On Prestile Stream are two pools that annually offer open wa-

ter; one in Mars Hill and the other in Robinson between the local dams and bridge

in each village. Each measures roughly 30 x 50 yards, and will accommodate three cast-

Browns & Brookies Travel a bit south to the main branch of (Continued on next page)

Aroostook County The Crown of Maine

CK

TH

Possible Pools Wading conditions are frigid and a bit treacherous due to high water, snowedged riverbanks and icy shorelines. And yes trout are lethargic, but after a long winter, slow fishing is

ers at a time – a rare occurrence this month.

Plenty of parking is available less than a hundred feet from the water, and access can be achieved with a bit of slipping and sliding on either sloped shoreline at both sites.

Worms are the most productive bait, and slowly bottom-bouncing with a non-lead sinker is essential in the swifter water. A couple of friends swear by a silver or pearl spinner in the murky spring run-off. A full sinking or sinking tip line will help a little Mickey Finn or Black and White bucktail streamer hug bottom.

A weighted black or purple Marabou Leech is another good choice.

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52 • April 2024 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————

Open water to float a small boat on a stream or thoroughfare is scarce this month. This beautiful brookie came from Presque Isle Stream outlet into the Aroostook River.

There are a couple of spots on Fish River that offer shoreline casting and some canoe trolling in early April, and the salmon are anxious to feed.

April in The County is cool, wet and windy on any open water available so Roger Shaw of Mars Hill wears several warm layers. Trout like this help keep the blood flowing.

The County (Continued from page 51)

Spring run-off water is often high and cloudy, so a bright streamer pattern like this little brook trout fly will might attract a much larger brook trout. The secret is to fish low and slow.

Meduxnekeag River to fish an open stretch near Littleton and a second below the old Houlton Starch Factory. Smith Brook inlet upriver and Pearce Brook inlet above Cary’s Mills on Route 2A tend to help move ice and open pools that offer wade casting with bait or flies.

Despite the expected slow opening action, the Meduxnekeag is the only flowing water with a healthy population of big brown trout to complement lots of brookies. Worms work well, as do bright size 3X 6 or 4 streamers in the high, roily water, and don’t overlook

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productive for at least three weeks.

Fish River If you don’t mind a bit of a drive, or live near Fort Kent, visit a couple of early ice-out spots on the Fish River for casting and perhaps even a bit of trolling for salmon and trout.

Both may be reached via Route 11 or Route 161 and a short drive on secondary roads.

Soldier Pond offers a good-size boat launch and parking area with lots of space for shoreline casting bait and lures. Day by day the ice will clear, offering small boat trolling in the pond and then up and down river as the ice flow diminishes.

Farther north is the village of Fort Kent Mills and the old bridge closed to traffic for over a decade.

Above and below the bridge are huge boulders, small islands, swift runs and eddies where bragging-size salmon hang out during spring runoff.

Large canoes and 14to 16-foot boats can be launched from an unmaintained site near South Perley Brook inlet. Have a long sturdy rope and heavy anchor to hold the boat for casting; orange Rapalas, Mirror Minnows, and small Sutton (Continued on next page)

���������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • April 2024 • 53

Prestile Stream in Robinson is one of a very few open water locations available to cast for trout in early April. It’s simple to reach and to fish.

(Continued from page 52)

Spoons are sure bets.

Bright attractor patterns work better than bait imitators for trolling streamers in the high, coffee-colored water this month.

Hunting Options Like fishing, shooting sports throughout “The County” are pretty much controlled by weather conditions, and every April is different. Snow melt, rain, sun and wind control access to forest and fields via farm roads and two-tracks this month. Usually not agreeable for shooting clay targets or even punching holes in paper, there are a couple of seasons open for a bit of hunting, as access to certain locations improve.

Sight, stalk, and shoot groundhog gunning will improve each week as more and more of these crafty burrowers appear from their winter dens. Long range rifle sniping is the most prevalent and productive method, but for more of a challenge try shotgun, handgun, bow or even air rifle sneak-andpeek hunting.

Crow hunting season is still open here in the north zone for part of the month, and flock size grows as many of the wily black scaven-

Aroostook often still has snow in April, and sometimes that makes scouting for turkey hunting later in the month fairly simplecheck the backyard!

gers migrate back to the Crown of Maine.

Crows are territorial and aggressive, so fast and furious wing shooting can be instigated with an owl decoy, a couple of crow decoys, and a mouth blown call or electronic call. A bit of scouting will pinpoint spots where crows tend to congregate daily, and hunters can take advantage of this habit.

Locate a small copse of trees or woodlot edge along a field or pasture a quarter-mile or so away and out of sight of the flocking area. Set out decoys on the tree limbs along the wood’s edge, use camo clothing or even a portable ground blind to hide in plain sight, and begin calling. Don’t shoot the first bird or two – they

are scouts, and they’ll make a raucous outcry over the owl and draw dozens of more black denizens. Like ground hogs, crows inundate local farm country and offer dozens of different shooting opportunities close to home every day.

If neither of these shooting options work out, spend some time getting your turkey guns and gear in order and fit in some pre-season scouting.

Youth Turkey Day is April 27th, and open spring gobbler gunning runs from April 29th through June 1st.

It’s best to bag a bird early so as not to interfere with spring trolling in mid-May!

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54 • April 2024 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————

Are the State’s Plans for Six New Buildings and a 250-hp Boat Consistent with the Allagash Waterway’s Founding Principles?

In 1966, the Maine Legislature created the Allagash Wilderness Waterway. Thanks to overwhelming approval

by Maine voters, a $1.5 million bond was issued “to develop the maximum wilderness character of the waterway.”

From there, Maine’s Parks and Recreation Commission promulgated rules and regulations with the stated purpose of “enhancing and protecting the wild character of the area.”

To ensure lasting protection, in 1970 Senator Edmund Muskie proclaimed that the Allagash had been incorporated into our nation’s Wild and Scenic River system. This declaration meant the famed waterway had state and federal protection.

Or did it?

ter refused for Baxter Park. In 1957, the Governor opposed a development plan by the State Parks Commission to provide more roads, nature trails, information centers and other facilities.

He wrote: “These [other] state parks are picnic grounds, with all the confusion of trailers and soda pop and all that. Baxter State Park was created for an entirely different purpose.” Pg. 117, “Legacy of a Lifetime,” by Dr. John Hakola, ©1981,

by Baxter Park Authority.

I spoke with [current Allagash Supervisor] Mark [Deroche] a couple of weeks ago about the concerns I have with proposed structures and equipment purchases. Mark listened, but I did not get any commitment from him to scale back any of the pending development.

My primary concerns are as follows: • The planned construction of three separate office structures. Wouldn’t it be less development to just add ADA ramps to existing offices?

• The construction of pole barns. The one at Chamberlain could be built on Public Lands outside the restricted zone.

And one at Churchill is unnecessary, because a new one was built there my last year on the AWW.

Then and Now Gov. Baxter on the Allagash, 1927.

Dean Bennet photo

Ed Muskie at Churchill Dam.

“The people of Maine realized they needed a State policy to save their own wilderness areas. They petitioned their elected representatives to protect the last great wild river in the eastern United States, and the Maine legislature responded by creating the Allagash Wilderness Waterway, so that the people could own and administer those acres of forest and the waters which give them life. The people of Maine overwhelmingly approved a proposal for the State to raise the money to buy the land in a cooperative venture with the Federal Department of the Interior. The dream of preserving the Allagash came true when we dedicated that waterway in July,1970. ~U.S. Senator Edmund S. Muskie, 1971 Even so, in the 58 years since Maine voters shielded the Allagash, the Maine Park Service has made several attempts to reduce the area’s wild significance.

Matt LaRoche and I witnessed these efforts during our combined 31 years of overseeing the Allagash.

Years ago, Maine State Parks tried similar deviations that Governor Baxwww.MaineSportsman.com

Today, the Department of Conservation and Bureau of Parks is planning to construct six new buildings, complete with heat pumps and solar panels, along Maine’s protected watercourse. They are also proposing to purchase a 23-foot landing craft, powered by a 200+ hp outboard motor, for patrolling Chamberlain Lake.

Matt LaRoche and I oppose both of these proposals.

Retired Allagash Supervisor Responds On January 17th, 2024, former Superintendent LaRoche wrote to Maine Park director Andy Cutko: Dear Andy, Several of us who are close to the Waterway and have an interest in seeing that it is not developed more than necessary to accomplish the goals for the AWW, are concerned about the pending development by BPL. The last I knew, the primary goal for the Waterway was to enhance the wilderness character of the restricted zone.

I believe a fundamental question that management needs to ask itself when considering any type of improvement is, “Is this enhancing the wilderness character of the AWW?” If not, the improvement needs to be justified.

Landing craft, for Chamberlain Lake.

The planned purchase of a 23-foot landing craft type of boat with a 250hp motor. I believe this boat is overkill.

Does BPL really want rangers going wide open, up Chamberlain Lake with a 250-hp outboard motor? Why not just purchase a boat of like kind; the existing boat has served well for over 30 years?

I believe the AWW can replace equipment, meet ADA requirements, and store equipment and materials under cover while having the least impact on the wilderness character of the restricted zone, if careful consideration is given to proposed construction and equipment purchases, and how to minimize impact to the restricted zone.

If you want to discuss any of the proposals above, you can call me. Thanks for considering these concerns.

— Matt •

In May, I’ll report on the Allagash being named an endangered American river.

Tim Caverly spent eighteen years as Allagash Supervisor, and he has authored twelve books about Maine’s northern forest.

¶

���������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • April 2024 • 55

Hit the Woods for Spring Scouting

by Hal Blood Why Spring?

For many reasons, spring is the best time to scout for deer. The main reason I like spring scouting is that the woods looks the same as it did the previous fall. Before the leaves pop out and the green-up begins, the stark gray hues of the woods and cool spring temperatures make it feel like fall.

I begin spring scouting as soon as the snow melts off. Scrapes will still be visible before the leaves dry up and the wind blows them around. Rubs will still have most of their color, since they were covered with snow all winter. That color will fade quickly from the sun as the days get longer in the spring.

Stream crossings and travel corridors will still be beaten down with old tracks, and probably new ones as well.

Basically, everything that happened the previous fall will be written down for you to interpret.

How to Scout I scout the same way as I hunt. There is a chapter in my original book titled “Still-Hunt But Travel” that explains everything in detail. When I strike off for the day, whether I’m scouting or hunting, I plan on making a big circle.

How big that circle is, or whether I even complete the circle, will be determined by the sign I see along the way.

Whether I’m scouting or hunting, my main focus is finding signpost rubs.

These rubs are key to figuring out how and where bucks travel throughout their territory.

Since signpost rubs are a communication point marked with scent, all bucks will frequent certain ones. In the old days, I would always wonder how many bucks might be coming to a certain signpost. Now, with the use of trail cameras, that question can be answered in one fall season.

I’ve had as many as nine different bucks visit a signpost, but three or four seems to be the average. This tells you that with the low deer densities in the Big Woods, they are key places to hunt – whether you’re a still-hunter, a sitter, or a tracker.

The best time to start your whitetail deer scouting is right after the snow melts, says the author. That way, if you have only a limited amount of time to hunt in the fall, you can head right to those places that featured signpost rubs, common rubs, and annual scrapes.

Signpost rubs like this are clearly visible during springtime scouting. Photo: Hal Blood

Not Just Signposts Other than signposts, I am looking for common rubs and scrapes, especially annual scrapes. My circle is going to have plenty of zigzags in it, as I follow the wet runs and trickles where the brown ash trees grow.

Brown ash is the favored tree for the bucks to make into signposts.

I’ll also follow the base of mountains to look for places the bucks travel the mountains. I don’t spend very much time in the hardwoods, as they are too open for a buck to spend much time in. Instead, I follow the transition zones, where the hardwood and softwoods merge. Bucks like to travel just inside the softwoods, where there is more cover. These areas are where it is more likely to be wet, and where brown ash will grow.

If I make a big circle for a day and don’t find signposts or other sign, I scratch the spot off my hunting list.

Save Your Hunting Time That’s why it’s important to do your scouting in the spring. If you scout in the fall, like the majority of folks do, most of the sign has not yet been made.

Finding a few good places in the spring will save you a lot of hunting time come fall.

Deer hunting time is precious, and for most hunters, that time is limited to a week or maybe even just weekends.

In the Big Woods, there are places with a pretty good deer population, and other places that hold very few deer. You want to be hunting the most productive places you can find.

If you only have a week to hunt and it takes you a few days to locate some good buck sign, you don’t have many days to hunt. A much better plan is to go directly to several places that you scouted and found good in the spring, so from day one you are in the game.

Deer hunting in the Big Woods is hard enough without handicapping yourself by starting off blind.

If you want more specific info on scouting for bucks and hunting them in general, it’s all available in my books that you can find at bigwoodsbucks.com.

You could also attend one of my deer hunting clinics, that are held in May every year. I and the rest of the team also look forward to talking with you at the State of Maine Sportsman’s Show at the Augusta Civic Center, April 19 – 21.

¶

www.MaineSportsman.com

56 • April 2024 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————

Turkey Scouting Time is Deer Scouting Time For turkey hunters fortunate enough to live and hunt in farm country, scouting isn’t difficult. Farm scouting for turkeys consists mainly of walks at first light, and again an hour before sunset.

My objectives are to listen for the gobbles of a mature tom at sunrise, to glass fields to verify the presence of mature birds, and to identify favorite roosting sites.

If birds are discovered on a property I don’t have permission to hunt, locating the owner and ask-

When walking the woods to scout for turkeys, the author also takes careful note of deer sign, “connecting the dots” of rubs on his electronic mapping tools, and looking for natural game funnels and good tree-stand trees. ing permission is my next goal. With the OnX Hunt app on my phone, finding an owner has never been easier.

If a town hasn’t provided tax information to OnX, a trip to the town office is in order. While at the town office, I’ll gather information on surrounding landowners, as well. If

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one landowner denies access, an abutting landowner will often grant it. Giving myself multiple options is always the goal.

Once good birds are identified and permission has been secured, try to get a feel for the routine of those flocks. Starting with long distance observation in fields, look for repetitive patterns. As an example – a flock will often roost in the same trees, or fly down to a specific spot in a field or the woods. If

you identify a specific pattern, formulate a plan to get into that area before sunrise or late afternoon for a hunt. Notes should be made and spots should be marked on an OnX app or other map.

Not All Birds are Field Birds Often, when I am hunting away from farms, I’ll locate birds and discover they spend most of their time in the woods, away from open areas where they’re highly

visible. During times of heavy hunting pressure, these are the flocks I target. Rarely do I have to worry about hunting competition when I am pursuing forest birds.

It’s been my experience that most turkey hunters look for the easy hunt, and only encounter woods birds if they stumble upon them.

Woods birds often provide a more exciting hunt than field birds. There’s more strategic calling and subtle adjustments involved with woods birds. Decoys can be highly effective in the early season; however, when hunting late sea(Continued on next page)

���������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • April 2024 • 57 (Continued from page 56)

son, field birds are often decoy-shy, whereas woods birds may decoy well the entire season.

A favorite aspect about scouting for woods birds is the hiking and exploring of the forest that’s required.

Walking through the woods and looking for turkey sign often brings me into good winter deer cover.

When I come across an obvious deer wintering area, covered in deer droppings, my turkey scouting often turns into a shed-hunting adventure. In fact, two of the better sheds I’ve found in the last five years were discovered on turkey-scouting trips instead of shedhunts.

If I do find a good

fresh shed on a property, excitement is always the reaction.

However, the reality is, the buck might not live on that property during deer season.

Also, the buck may not have made it through the winter. Often, I’ll spend extra time looking for large tracks in the area. If big tracks are located, I’ll search for big rubs that were made the previous season. If I find large rubs, the property and general area will be on my list of places to hunt during the upcoming deer season.

Looking for natural pinch points, benches, natural terraces on hill sides, breaks in rock walls, and hard cover changes, should be the goals of these scouting missions.

These natural – or in

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the case of rock wall breaks, man-made – funnels, often govern the movement of wildlife. Marking these spots, along with entrance and exit routes, will increase the odds of crossing paths with a big tom in the spring or a big buck in the fall. Locating good trees for stands should also be done now.

When large rubs are located, spring is a great time to search for a rub line. On my OnX Hunt app, I mark the rubs too. I’m often shocked at the picture my screen shows me at the end of a long scouting trip. Even if the pattern isn’t immediately visible from the ground, it often shows up later when examining what was marked. Using the line tool, rubs can lit-

erally be connected to show a travel route. In going back to that area later, a marked route can be walked. In the past, when doing this, more large rubs have been discovered and marked.

When a serious deer hunter hits the woods and fields to scout for turkey, it’s easy to get distracted by deer and deer sign.

Use this month to locate those big toms

and secure access to private lands. However, while afield, don’t forget to maximize time by looking for deer and deer sign. Efficiency can be fun and lead to more than just a couple of big-beards on the wall. Who knows, maybe that next trophy buck story will have its origins in a turkey scouting trip?

¶

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58 • April 2024 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————

Look to Savage Arms for Fun This Spring Never as wellknown with the general public as Remington or Winchester, Savage Arms Corporation – founded in 1894 in Utica, New York

by Arthur Savage – has carried a well-deserved reputation with hunters and shooters for innovation and cutting-edge technology.

For a time, it was the largest arms manufacturer in North America. It grew through acquisitions of other firearms companies: J. Stevens Arms Company of Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts (1920),

SS

Chamber a quality rifle in .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (WMR), and you get “the most potent rimfire cartridge currently available.” and A. H. Fox Company of Philadelphia (1929).

Throughout its long history, Savage Arms has produced – and continues to produce – rifles, pistols, and shotguns. However, Savage’s first home run came in the form of the Model 1899, later shortened to just Model 99. Its internal rotary magazine with a tang-set round counter was unlike

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anything that preceded it and allowed the use of spire-point bullets, something almost unheard of in other lever action rifles. Only Winchester’s Model 1895 and box-magazine Model 88 also handle spire-pointed bullets.

The second home run came from the development of the .250 Savage cartridge. Formulated by Charles F. Newton in 1915 for the Savage Company, it was the first commercially available round to reach a velocity of 3,000 feet per second.

Its success as a hunting cartridge for game up to and including deer, soon had other makers building rifles to use the .250 round.

The Savage Company hit its third metaphoric home run in 1939 with the release of the Model 24, FRIENDS OF

a combination of rifle barrel on top and shotgun barrel on the bottom, fondly recalled by thousands of young shooters now turned senior citizens. Combination guns are rare in the annals of American gun making, and successful combination guns are even rarer. Over one million Model 24s came off the assembly benches before production of the last variant ceased in 2007.

Arthur Savage died in 1938. World War II brought boom times for his company, and the 1950s and 60s saw good times as well, but by 1988 the company was in bankruptcy, as the old designs grew ever more expensive to make and market. 1996 saw company leadership under Ronald Coburn, and a group of savvy

investors focused on cost-effective production. Today the Savage catalog includes an astounding array of rifles, handguns and shotguns under the Savage and Stevens brands.

New Era Just one of the many rim and centerfire rifles offered by Savage is their Model 93-G, a bolt-action chambered in .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire. This is April in Maine, and big-game seasons remain a good ways off, so that seems to make consideration of the 93-G timely.

No “youth gun,” the 93-G is a full-size bolt rifle appropriate for small game and varmint hunting, as well as protection of the farmstead. Built from blue steel mated to a checkered walnut Monte Carlo stock, the 93-G action incorporates a five-shot detachable box magazine, and mounts (Continued on next page)

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The deceptively powerful Savage Model 93-G in .22 WMR combines the best of traditional design and modern manufacturing, making it a low-cost firearm for the whole family to shoot and enjoy. Photo: Savage Arms (Continued from page 58)

open sights. Weighing five and three-quarter pounds out of the box, the 93-G is light and agile enough for all-day carry, or quick action. Unlike most other rifles in its class, the 93-G is available in either left or right-handed versions at the same price.

The 93-G utilizes Savage’s AccuTrigger, an operator-adjustable trigger for increased precision. Capitalizing on the success of this innovation, Savage now places the AccuTrigger on a majority of their rifles and variations. They turned a crowd-pleaser into a defining feature of modern Savage firearms, and now have something distinctive to separate them from the competition.

The MSRP for the unadorned 93-G comes in at $329, an almost-unheard-of price in today’s world.

Couple that price with the reasonable cost of .22 WMR ammunition, and the end result is a combination that’s extremely difficult to beat for anyone rifle-shopping in these economic times.

Around since 1959, the .22 WMR with a 40-grain jacketed bullet moving at 1,900 feet per second is what Cartridges of the World calls “the most potent rimfire cartridge cur-

rently available.” As such, some may want to rethink investing in the trendy and more expensive .17 calibers, although there is a lot to be said for choice when it comes to the shooting sports.

Abundant Choice And Savage offers no small number of choices. At present, Savage produces 180 variations of rimfire

rifles available in .22 Long Rifle, .17 HMR, .17 Mach 2, .17 WSM, and .22 WMR. That is 180 different rimfire rifles from a single maker – a feat Arthur Savage could hardly have imagined.

Thinking through the plethora of choices, it still seems easy to settle on the 93-G. As a rifle the whole family can shoot, enjoy, and

maintain, the 93-G is at least the equal of any other gun. Many shooters get started with a .22 of some sort, and will do so for many years to come, but that bit of extra power provided by the .22 WMR gives a lot more versatility to a rifle’s utility

compared to lighter loads, be they .22 or .17.

A Savage 93-G bought today will become an heirloom passed to many generations – providing endless realms of fun.

¶

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60 • April 2024 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————

Simple Sets take Otter, Beaver, Muskrat and Mink The following sets are simple, require the least amount of equipment, and are fast to make. The more knowledge one has of the furbearer and its habits, the more proficient one becomes at trapping a desired species of furbearer. Many of the better otter and mink trappers use only blind sets utilizing foothold or body grip traps. The majority of today’s trappers utilize the body grip trap.

The easiest sets to make that will take these furbearers are simple blind sets of one type or another. This may be accomplished by the placement of a body grip trap size 330, 280 or the 220 conibear (the smallest of the three) for beaver and otter in narrow places that will force them into the trap.

Under current Maine law, the size 330, 280 and 220 traps must be completely submerged under water at all times. Make sure you understand the trap tending laws in the Summary of Maine Trapping Laws which address this. Make sure you understand this, as this requirement has been an issue on occasion between trappers and wardens when waters are rising or falling which is very common during the spring trapping seasons.

Blind sets are also very effective for taking muskrat and mink. For these smaller furbearers, the most commonly-used body grip traps are the size 110, 120 or the 155. These size traps (inside jaw spread of 5 inches or less) do not always have to be completely set under water, just partially in water when used as a blind set.

These smaller traps are commonly used in small spring runs that feed into larger bodies of water. Mink love to hunt up these runs, and even a few muskrats are taken in them. Size 110, 120 or 155 body grip traps may be used on land under certain conditions as long as there is no bait involved. They may be set “under overhanging stream banks” or when used without any type of bait, lure or visible attractor. They may be legally used with animal scat or urine. Muskrat sets may be legally baited with “vegetable or fruit.” Make sure you read and fully understand the killer-type (conibear) trap rules in the Trapping Laws Summary book, and make certain to review and understand the definition of “bait” in the www.MaineSportsman.com

Blind sets rely on strategic placement, rather than on lures or bait. They are fast and easy to make, and are effective on many small furbearers.

However, you still need to carefully follow many rules to remain in compliance with trapping laws and regulations. current lawbooks, as well as the general regulations for what is considered a “visible bait.”

There are also regulations for specific species in the Summary of Laws that apply. In addition, when set on land, these traps must be set inside of an exclusion device. If you’re not sure, contact your local warden.

Set for beaver or otter.

Illustrations by the author

Two additional types of blind sets.

As I have said in past articles, sometimes it seems you need to be a lawyer to trap in Maine.

Smaller body grip traps are available but not as well known, such as the size 55 conibear and several other small square or round body shaped body grip traps such as the RBG. These are generally used in very narrow openings that mink utilize to enter or pass through such as in rock or wood debris piles along streams.

Another type of blind set is the bottom edge set. This is where the trap is set in deeper water on the bottom up tight against a steep wall, point of land, large log, rock or ledge. All size body grip traps may be used for these effective sets, as they are completely underwater.

The bottom edge sets take otter, mink and muskrat and on occasion beaver.

The use of the smaller traps is specific for mink and muskrat, while the larger size 280 and 330 are for otter and beaver.

The use of body grip trap stabilizer stands will make setting the trap faster and easier than stabilizing in place with other items found on site. The manufactured stabilizer stands are available in various sizes to accommodate all body grip traps, from the size 110 up to the 330. An advantage of traps set as bottom edge sets is that they are not openly visible, so they are less likely to attract the attention of people passing by, especially those who steals fur or traps.

Blind sets may be used in conjunction with many natural or manmade features. Mink love to hunt in root masses along the water’s edge or to enter any type of tunnel. Old rotten hollow logs, smaller 6- or 8-inch black plastic drainage tubes set in place, natural or manmade tunnels under rocks, or even holes dug into a stream bank or ones that angle up from the water’s edge to the surface of the ground above, are all effective.

These can be easily made for use. Many may be used for years if placed where they won’t be washed away during times of high water.

Blind sets are easy and fast to make, require the use of less equipment, and do not require the use of bait or costly lures.

¶

���������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • April 2024 • 61

Four Reasons to Wear Wild Fur I think people should wear more wild fur. The comfort, style, and warmth of fur is unmatched. Wild fur is biodegradable, and comes from a renewable resource (animals).

1. Wild fur is environmentallyfriendly Wild fur is an environmentally-friendly resource. Synthetic materials are made using non-renewable resources like petroleum, and are not biodegradable. Polyester and nylon are essentially plastic. They will end up in a landfill and become microplastics, which harm wildlife and the environment.

Wild fur is biodegradable, comes from a renewable resource, and is warmer than synthetic materials.

Wild fur garments from the United States are often made here.

They do not require complicated supply

Rather than viewing furs as a luxury, the author believes they should be considered as earthfriendly alternatives to the widespread use of synthetic, petroleum-based materials.

Beaver shawl, beaver neck gaiter, and raccoon hat.

All photos provided by the author

chains, where raw materials are sourced from around the world, then processed and manufactured in another country.

2. Wild fur is ethical Fur harvesting is done in a sustainable and humane manner.

Beaver tail jewelry.

It comes from species that are abundant, and helps keep populations in check. Many fur-bearing species, such as beavers and coyotes, become pests when overpopulation occurs, leading to increases in nuisance animal complaints.

Beaver blanket.

Overpopulation can lead to disease. Some diseases can be spread to domestic animals, such as rabies, canine distemper from raccoons, and mange from coyotes and fox.

Each state places limits to prevent overharvesting. All states

are bound by federal CITES law to follow best management practices for the humane and ethical harvest of fur.

You don’t have to become a trapper or coyote hunter to ethically source your own furs. You can utilize roadkill, or repurpose furs you find at thrift shops or yard sales.

Buying furs from invasive animals, like the nutria located in Louisiana, is another ethical way to utilize and honor animals that are being killed regardless.

3. Wild fur is high quality Fur is not fast fashion; it is long lasting – that’s why your grandmother still has her fur coat. Fur is luxurious. My fur garments are treasured heirlooms. They are warm, soft, beautiful and great in all types (Maine Sportswoman continued on page 63)

Beaver hat and mittens. www.MaineSportsman.com

62 • April 2024 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————

“Blue Line” Spring Fishing Starts Now! Called blue-line tributaries because they are shown as blue lines on the topo and Atlas maps, various brooks and streams are now as big and full of fish as they are ever going to be. The trick is not to ask other anglers which ones are productive – they won’t tell you, anyway – but rather to head out with your pack rod and a selection of flies, and find your own honey holes.

It’s finally here.

My fly rods sport new lines. A winter’s worth of tied and purchased flies overfill multiple fly boxes. New leaders get the stretch treatment.

The stretch treatment?

It’s something I learned decades ago while fly fishing the salt. Leaders roll out better without the curlicues. A stretching board holds my leaders on those sad days when making a living requires my attention. No leaving them curled up for me!

It’s just a 12-foot pine board with a bunch of thumb tacks on each end. I’m not fighting with line memory. Two trees 85 feet apart serve to stretch the running fly line. Usually, I do this a day or so before each use. All these little tricks serve to upgrade my casting. For the record, that’s from “lousy” to “poor.” Every little bit helps.

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the weather. Melting ice and snow can fill rivers and streams chock full and make them un-wadable, and worse, un-fishable.

I clearly recall fishing with my grandfather when I was a young lad. Opening day was opening day, regardless of the weather. That was my first introduction to ice forming in the guides.

Waiting for iceout on big lakes can test anglers who are locked, loaded and ready to cast. Moving water serves more of a viable option for early season die-hards.

Rainbow smelt make their annual spawning run by vacating lakes and migrating into streams and tributaries. This seasonal event gathers the attention of salmonids, and kickstarts the fun.

Blue Lines Some of the best brookie fishing this time of year occurs in nameless “blue line” tributaries.

They are nicknamed “blue lines” after the blue lines indicating small streams and brooks on topographical maps. Fishermen of-

Brian Vandal displays a colorful native brook trout caught before the leaves on an alder match a mouse’s ear. Small, nameless tributaries, nicknamed “blue lines” after the blue lines showing their location on topo maps, often give up brookies in the opening days of Maine’s fishing season. Photo: Bill Sheldon

ten access these gems where they cross under roads. Others note where they connect to larger lakes or ponds.

Don’t expect much information on which of the many “blue lines” harbor copious amounts of native brook trout. Fishermen work hard to access and locate these overlooked honey holes. They’re historically tight-lipped on the when and where.

It’s strictly embracing the challenge, and forging your own adventure.

Go-To Locations As the flows moderate and the temperatures cooperate, the larger-name rivers see a steady dose of attention. The East Branch of the Penobscot River has good access from below the Lake Matagamon Dam south to Hay Brook (DeLorme’s Atlas, Map 51). Anglers here target Maine’s signature fish – the native brook trout.

The cold water from Matagamon Dam to Grand Pitch also (Continued on next page)

���������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • April 2024 • 63 (Continued from page 62)

holds the hard-fighting landlocked salmon.

Smelt-imitating streamers such as the Gray Ghost or Ballou Special should each get a turn at the business end of the fly line.

The Seboeis River (Map 51, A-4) rates as an early season option.

A parking area along the Grand Lake Road offers easy access.

It’s about a mile walk downstream to access the well-oxygenated water below Grand Pitch.

A few years back, Steve Carter and I packed our rods and

some camping gear and hiked to a delightful primitive campsite just below Grand Pitch. We spent the day wading downstream, and found two textbook “blue line” tributaries feeding into the Seboeis.

It was a picture-perfect day, but fish to hand were few and far between. We determined that we arrived too late in the season. We made a mental note for future trips to arrive here as soon as the season and weather allow.

Another, more popular destination, Millinocket Stream

Maine Sportswoman (Continued from page 61)

of weather. Unlike deer hunting, for example, where the hunter keeps the meat and might have a head on the wall, trappers get meat as well as a soft fur to wear.

4. Wild fur supports local businesses Buying furs, having pelts tanned into fur, and buying fur garments, supports local businesses. Trappers commonly sell their catch to local fur buyers who sell to the international fur market, but many trappers elect to keep their pelts and send them to small tanneries here in the United States to have them tanned into a usable fur.

Then the trapper sends the furs to a local furrier to have their fur made into hats or mittens.

(Map 43, B-3), offers easy access and stocked brook trout.

The lure here stems from hooking one of the larger holdover stockers that can easily bend a rod deep into the handle.

Baxter State Park Fishermen looking to combine some hiking to go along with pursuing native brook trout need look no further than Baxter State Park (BSP). An estimated 400 miles of brooks and streams move tons of springfed water through the park.

Yes, BSP has an impressive network of

“blue lines” ready for exploring. The park has 41 waters identified as State Heritage Fish Waters. That means the water supports naturally-reproducing eastern native brook trout. A further stipulation states the water must not have received a supplemental stocking for 25 years or more.

Two years ago, a group of us camped at Little East (the northern-most campsite in BSP) and fished Webster Stream from Lake Matagamon to Webster Lake (Map 56, E-5). It’s a seven-mile trip by water or a five-

mile hike by land.

Either way, it’s well worth the extra effort.

As with all backcountry adventures, especially in the spring when winter can take one last bite, be prepared for anything and everything.

I’ve seen whitecaps on Lake Matagamon one day, and experienced it glass-smooth the next.

The “blue line” season starts now for serious anglers willing to monitor the weather and water levels.

Good luck, and may you experience tight (stretched) lines.

¶

Here in Maine, we are lucky to have Glacier Wear, a very large fur dealer and furrier, located right in Greenville. In addition to selling furs and garments, they will make hats, mittens and other items if you send them your tanned furs.

Personally, I do only a small amount of trapping per year and keep most of my furs. I love having things made from them. I have hats, mittens, earmuffs, a neck gaiter, and shawls.

I make earrings and bracelets out of beaver tails. It’s such a special way to honor the animal, and it’s fun to say, “I trapped this!” ***** I hope to see many of you at the State of Maine Sportsman Show at the Augusta Civic Center, April 19-April 21. I will be there all weekend at the Maine Women Hunters booth, so stop by and say hi!

¶

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64 • April 2024 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————

Ollie’s Grand Slam at Age 92 Oliver “Ollie” Nunes started his storied hunting career when he was 12 years old. The 28-gauge Harrington and Richardson single shot folding shotgun he first took afield still rests front and center in his gun cabinet. The rare folding firearm is as special as the man who still owns and cherishes it.

He has gone on to log another 80 years harvesting game in the great outdoors, and he’s still going strong.

After eight decades of hunting, Ollie Nunes set a goal in 2023 of completing his first-ever Grand Slam. With the determination and skill be brought to the challenge, perhaps there are more Grand Slam patches in his future?

Ollie, a Massachusetts native, has put boots on the ground in Vermont, Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

Thirty-two years ago, at age 60, Ollie decided he wanted something more.

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but never a “big” one.

He needed a change of venue. He wanted to chase trophy deer.

The Maine Sportsman Perusing through an early copy of The Maine Sportsman, he saw an advertisement for King and Bartlett Lodge in Eustis, Maine. Ollie made a call to Fred Thurston that changed his hunting trajectory.

Ollie and Thurston became fast friends.

Ollie would spend the next three-plus decades hunting the Eustis area with the Thurston family. Ollie went from customer status to valued member of the family.

Judging by the “Biggest Bucks in Maine” patch on his hunting jacket, it’s safe to say the Thurstons pointed Ollie in the right direction.

When he reached the age of 92 last year, Ollie realized he had one accomplishment that remained unfulfilled – why not add a Maine Grand Slam Patch to that hunting coat of his? Of course, that would require getting a Maine moose permit.

Veterans Moose Permit Nunes was selected to participate in a moose hunt sponsored by the Veterans Afield Foundation and host-

ed by Smoldering Lake Outfitters. Nunes had served honorably in the Korean War conflict from 1951-1954.

This hunt is a special “crop damage” permit, in which moose populations are reduced in areas where the animals are causing economic harm to farmers by eating excessive amounts of their produce and crops.

Dave Hentosh from Smoldering Lake Outfitters explained that the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (DIF&W), the Bureau of Veterans Affairs, and the Veterans Afield Foundation all work together to get our American service heroes in the field.

The various agency websites have more detailed information.

Bear Ollie’s 80th year afield started with a (Continued on next page)

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���������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • April 2024 • 65 (Continued from page 64)

bear hunt out of King and Bartlett in Eustis. August 29th would kick off a busy fall season for the 92-yearold. A 125-pound black bear would intersect with another one of Nunes’ favorite firearms.

Back in 1960, Ollie purchased a Remington Gamemaster Pump Carbine Model 760 in 30-’06, brand new for $89. This was before the Benoit family made that gun famous, and in those days, $89 could buy something. He eventually topped it with a Leopold variable-powered scope. It sits proudly in his gun cabinet next to his prized folding 28-gauge.

Turkey Next up, with the help of Matt Thurston (Fred Thurston’s son) Ollie went to New Gloucester with designs on harvesting a turkey. By now, Ollie’s friendship with the Thurstons had spilled over to the next generation.

Ollie was quick to point out that September turkeys are harder to come by than spring

gobblers. Fall gobblers tend to ignore turkey calls. But with Thurston’s help, they persevered and put a turkey in the freezer, allowing Ollie to check off Box #2 on the way to a Grand Slam.

Moose Setting his sights north, Ollie made the trip to Aroostook County to spend some time with Smoldering Lake Outfitters. The rules of this special hunt dictate that veterans must shoot the first moose sighted.

When a 700-pound cow moose stepped into the edge of a broccoli field at 200 yards, Ollie put the crosshairs of his $89 investment on the target, and checked off Box #3 on his Grand Slam adventure.

Mission Complete At this point, the well-traveled Nunes headed back to Eustis.

He enlisted the help of his son Steve and long-time friend Matt Thurston. All that was left to put an exclamation point on a storied life afield was to come back where his Maine adventures had started 32 years earlier,

At age 92, Oliver “Ollie” Nunes completed the Maine Grand Slam, including this nice buck in Eustis. Nunes has hunted in the Pine Tree State yearly for 32 years. He plans to continue his life afield well into the foreseeable future. Congratulations Ollie!

and harvest a buck.

On November 1st, Ollie’s Model 760 echoed through the woods of Eustis. Mission complete. The final piece of the puzzle for a Maine Grand Slam lay at his feet.

When Ollie first talked to Fred Thurston at King and Bartlett 32 years ago, Fred

told Ollie he couldn’t guarantee him a big buck. However, Fred did promise that before the week was done, Ollie would see a couple of big whitetails on the game pole at camp.

With no guarantees, Ollie signed up.

Both Ollie and the Thurston family got so much more. They’ve

forged friendships that now span two generations. In a way, this Grand Slam started more than three decades ago.

Now 93, Ollie is busy oiling up his Model 760 and planning his next Maine hunting expedition.

¶

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66 • April 2024 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————

Hearken to the Judge’s Instructions It was the first week of moose season in 1985, and I was working as a Sergeant out of the Greenville Fish & Game headquarters.

About 7:30 one morning, I decided to take a trip out the Gales Road and up around onto the Monument Road, which would bring me out into Abbot Village.

I had been out around there a couple of days previously and had seen a bull moose in a field on the north side of the Monument Road, which could mean that some other people had also been seeing the same moose and may have some interest in shooting it that day.

As I approached the aforementioned field, I observed a stationary vehicle up near the very back of the field. I came to a stop, and just as I did, the vehicle – a large sedan – quickly repositioned to a spot in the field that was obscured to me by a deep dip that I could not see over. The car did not reappear out of this dip, so I turned into the field and hastily made my way in that direction.

Upon cresting a knoll, I found a stationary Lincoln Town Car with two men sitting in it. I pulled up adjacent to the driver’s side, and got out to speak with the occupants. I recognized the driver, Marlin, and the vehicle, as a couple of years earlier I had dealt with one of this guy’s friends who had been standing up through the sunroof and shooting at sea gulls that were on the ice at Lake Wassookeag in Dexter.

I could see a Remington model 7400 rifle lying up on the dashboard with the action open.

Not Hunting Nothing I asked what they may be hunting, and Marlin replied “Nothing.” I asked if they had any type of game with them, and Merlin said, “No, you can look if you want.” I said, “Well then, let’s have a look in your trunk.” Marlin said that was no problem, and proceeded to open the trunk.

The only thing in there was an empty burlap bag. I examined the bag, and spotted some apple leaves in it. I inquired about that, and Marlin responded snidely, “Ain’t no law against having apple leaves.”

I then moved on to the area of hunting licenses, to which the passenger inwww.MaineSportsman.com

In a small town, everyone’s related to someone.

The pile of apples was in the field; the burlap bag with apple leaves was in the sedan’s trunk; and the full 30-’06 clip was in the driver’s pocket. Would that evidence be enough for a conviction?

Photo: FoodUnfolded

formed me he was a felon, could not have a firearm, and did not have a license.

Marlin informed me that his license had been revoked due to a conviction of night hunting and that he was not hunting anyway. Marlin stated that he did own the rifle, and a subsequent search of his person found the loaded magazine for the 30-’06 rifle in a blaze orange pocket of his jacket.

At any rate, I determined that Marlin was in fact hunting, and proceeded to issue him a court summons for hunting after his license had been revoked.

Off to Court I seized the rifle and magazine, and released them to leave. Marlin was detailing how he would be seeing me in court, and suing me.

After they left, I followed their tire tracks back down to the east end of the

field and found that a large pile of apples had been dumped there. I deduced they had dumped them, due to the fact that two of the apples were lying in a tire track and were not crushed.

Ultimately, the court case progressed to the date set for a jury trial in Piscataquis Superior Court. The prospective jurors were all assembled in the courtroom for the selection process as I took a seat next to the court security officer, who happened to be Arthur Hitchcock, a retired game warden, who knew just about everyone in Piscataquis County.

He pointed out a juror in the second row and said quietly, “She would be a good one to get on your jury.” I asked why, and he stated that she was the daughter of Hank Garvin, another retired warden from Greenville. I replied to Arthur that she would never get on this jury, and he pretty much agreed with me. However, at the end of the selection process, lo and behold, she was seated on the jury panel.

Standard Warning The trial began with District Attorney R. Christopher Almy prosecuting, and at such a point that the state rested, the Presiding Justice declared it was a good time for the lunch break.

The Justice then gave all the jurors the standard warning instructing them not to speak to anyone about the case while they were on lunch break.

In the Town of Dover-Foxcroft, it so happened that McDonald’s had just opened up their dining facility, and it was quite popular. I headed there, went in, and got in the line to order. I could see that many of the jurors were in line ahead of me.

In a very short time, the juror whom Arthur had pointed out to me came back along the line, carrying her tray. She spied me, stopped up short and blurted out, “It didn’t take long to figure that case out!” I quickly replied “Oh, don’t talk to me.” She winked and continued on with her lunch tray, while the other jurors looked on.

Well, so much for the Judge’s instructions. You will all have to guess how that case turned out.

¶

���������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • April 2024 • 67

Remote Pond Fishing with Float Tubes Fly fishing is exceptional in the spring, especially for native brook trout.

In an effort to expand our adventures, my husband and I decided that we would fish at least one or two new remote ponds each year.

That sounds easy enough, but finding and accessing remote ponds is half the battle. Using our trusted copy of The Maine Gazetteer, our time is spent driving a lot of dirt roads, asking a lot of questions, and searching for those special trails rarely ever marked, so when you finally do find one, you want to be able to fish it.

Boats Locked? Bring Your Own. Many of the bodies of water we’ve found have an honor system of using unlocked boats left for whomever may want to use them. It’s bring-your-ownoars and anchor, which works for me; however, many of the ponds we found have no canoes at all, or they’re chained.

To be able to fish when we get there, and not worry about the boat situation, we decided to give float tubes a try.

Float tubes come in a variety of sizes, colors, and materials. Prices range between $100 and $400 for a standard blow-up fishing tube. Ours cost $225, including swim-fins that fit over wading boots.

Most models hold up to 300-350 pounds. Our model has backpack straps so we can carry it either inflated or folded. Other accessories you need or may want: a pump, oars, and an anchor.

Don’t count on a motor. I don’t think they make one, nor would I want to carry it.

The author’s husband John, on the couple’s first float tube trip.

It’s disappointing to get to a remote pond only to find that all the canoes are padlocked up.

So what do you do next time? Why, carry your own boat through the woods on your back, of course!

The author’s first brookie while fishing from a float tube. All photos: Staci Warren

Buy a Better Pump We bought the standard hand pump, which proved to be a waste of money – it was slow, and physically exhausting to use. After searching online, I was able to find a battery-operated miniature air pump that inflates our tubes in less than two minutes. It uses AA batteries, and can also deflate the tubes at the end of the day. Best of all, it’s lightweight and fits in the palm of my hand.

I keep it with extra batteries inside a Ziploc baggie, and store it in one of the raft’s compartments, so I don’t have to worry about leaving it behind.

I’ve also learned to have a bottle of water, a fish rope, and a small tube of sunscreen in my tube. Each of us has an oar, which we have yet to use, so I’m not sure if that, too, was a waste of money.

Despite the tube having backpack straps, it’s not easy, and still requires some finesse to carry everything if you’re hiking a half mile or more and if you don’t have a pack frame. In addition to the tube, you still need to be able to carry waders, boots, fly rod, anchor, net, fishing vest/pouch, life jacket, insect repellent, and let’s not forget, light snacks and water. Even in early spring it can get hot, and if you wear all that gear it

could get uncomfortable. Many of the trails we’ve hiked are muddy with a lot of sticks, so we wear our rubber boots or hiking boots in, and then change into our wading gear.

Words of Advice The first few trips are trial and error, so don’t get discouraged. While float fishing is physical activity, it doesn’t have to be strenuous if you take your time, but make no mistake, your legs will get a workout if you want.

For your first time out, try fishing on a small pond with a short hike to the water, so you don’t have to carry as much.

This also limits the distance you need to propel yourself the first time out, since even using flippers can feel awkward.

Before you launch, take a moment to see if any fish are rising, and don’t forget you need to learn how to launch yourself from shore after putting on the flippers.

If you don’t have an anchor, I highly recommend starting early when the water is calmest, since even a small wind can make you drift. Be vigilant of the weather and changes that can occur, especially lightning.

This year, we’ll be venturing to more remote ponds, so our pack frames are set to carry all our gear. The best thing is that no matter where we end up, there will be nothing more enjoyable than listening to sounds of nature while the fish jump, with no sound of motor vehicles, and having a pond to ourselves for hours. It doesn’t get much better than that.

¶

John finds success in the trout pond. www.MaineSportsman.com

68 • April 2024 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————

Finding Fun Without Fossil Fuels My first Maine Sportsman column appeared in October 2013, as the “Southern Maine Report.” I covered various topics in that area for a year or so before shifting to two alternating columns: “Danger in the Outdoors” one month, and “Sporting Environment” the next. I continued both columns until 2018, when I shifted entirely to “Sporting Environment.”

For almost ten years, I have written about environmental issues and ecological topics that are relevant to the people who enjoy outdoor recreation in northern New England. As a scientist and seasoned policy expert, I tried to explore some fairly complicated topics and share information with our readers so they could better understand how environmental issues affect us all in our everyday lives and favorite outdoor activities.

I’ve covered everything from water quality to mercury in fish, invasive species to native dragonflies, eel grass to electric vehicles, and ferns to forestry.

Biggest Issue by Far I have also spent a considerable number of columns discussing why human-caused climate change is the biggest environmental issue we face, by far. The implications www.MaineSportsman.com

The author traces his history with The Maine Sportsman, and addresses the issue of humancaused climate change. He then asks readers to make informed choices. of climate change are everywhere, and they will affect all plants, animals, rivers, streams and coastal waters for generations to come.

The focus of my professional life for 40 years has been on the environment and energy. I’ve tracked very closely the data on fossil fuel consumption and global emissions of carbon dioxide. We’ve seen the evidence and effects of climate change become more apparent every decade.

I recall when the 1990s were the warmest decade on record.

And then the 2000s were warmer than the 1990s, and the 2010s were warmer still. And

now every year in the 2020s has pushed to new extremes, not just in far-away places, but here in New England.

And we see the consequences close to home.

Primary Cause We know the primary cause: humans have burned a trillion barrels of oil, hundreds of billions of tons of coal, and many trillions of cubic feet of natural gas, releasing enormous amounts of carbon dioxide into our atmosphere. A trillion barrels of oil is about one-third the size of Lake Erie, and 300 billion tons of coal would make a pile larger than Mt. Katahdin. All that natural gas we have burned would fill more than 30 Grand

Canyons. By burning all that stuff, we have increased the concentration of CO2 in tiny Earth’s atmosphere by over 30 percent compared to pre-industrial levels. We’ve changed things.

We also know that the primary way to stop the climate from changing further would be to stop producing more CO2 and methane. We need to use less energy, and stop burning fossil fuels as fast as possible.

Unfortunately, we aren’t making enough progress. We have slowed the rate of increase, but we haven’t actually reduced greenhouse gas emissions globally.

In short, we need

This graph, showing global average temperature anomalies, draws a causal connection between industrial activity and climate change, since higher temperatures correlate almost exactly to levels of CO2 emissions and concentrations. Sources: World Bank, NASA, NOAA

to stop making the problem worse. Quickly. The longer it takes, the more the climate will continue to change. If you think the extreme weather events of this winter were bad, wait until we see what happens ten or twenty years from now. I’m not trying to be alarmist; I’m just doing the math.

Every gallon of gas or heating oil we can stop burning will matter. Everything we do to reduce greenhouse gases will mean the climate will change less – maybe a tenth of a degree less on average. Or a whole degree less. Whatever we do today will help the next generation.

Fun Without Fossil Fuels So that is why I am urging everyone to figure out how to have fun without fossil fuels. It is our responsibility to the next generation to minimize the disruption to our planet’s climate and environment that our children will inherit.

I’m certain we could enjoy the outdoors by paddling instead of motoring, snowshoeing or skiing instead of snowmobiling, hiking and biking instead of riding an ATV. Or, we can enjoy travel, boating and motorsports using electric vehicles (powered by the sun and wind, hopefully sooner (Sporting Environment continued on page 70)

���������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • April 2024 • 69

To Avoid the Crowds, Get Farther Back in the Woods The COVID pandemic created a huge influx of new anglers who invaded the wild parts of our State of Maine. In running from the pandemic that had become rampant in the crowded cities where they lived, these masked individuals sought refuge in our sparsely-populated state.

When trying to fish at places my buddies and I normally fished, we often found crowds of out-of-state anglers hovering at “our” fishing holes. Some of them even camped

The need to escape to more remote areas resulted in a reawakening of the author’s spirit of travel and adventure, and he says he is looking to the upcoming fishing season with great anticipation. overnight, to assure their places on the stream in the morning.

Most of these parttime anglers went back home as soon as things got better with the pandemic, but a few still returned to claim “their” favorite holes on streams and rivers throughout the state. I met the challenge by renewing my traveling spirit, head-

ing farther into the wild to get away from these crowds.

It’s not really a problem anymore – tourism is a huge industry and a welcome boost for our economy.

Most of these folks from away are kindly outdoors folks anyway, but they’re just a little too familiar with big-city living. By the time they start to get accustomed to living

up here, they go back home.

Pandemic Learning So the big lesson for me in all of this crowded fishing was about getting back farther into the woods.

Where once there was a day trip to a familiar fishing hole, I suddenly had to revert to my old ways of searching out new areas.

Not that I have ever stopped the searching,

but it sure intensified the past few years.

Overnight trips became the norm, and I have found a resurgence in my love of efficient, lightweight, dependable camping gear. I’ve discovered that I prefer my trifold memory-foam sleeping pad over all other pads. I’ve even taken to bringing it indoors at various camps to use instead of the worn-out mattresses, to ensure a good night’s sleep.

If I can get a restful night of sleep, I am (Continued on next page)

www.MaineSportsman.com

70 • April 2024 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————

Off-Road Traveler (Continued from page 69)

Recovery gear is now stored in two plastic tubs in the bed of the truck, instead of taking up space in the cab. William Clunie photo

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ready to take on the world the next morning. I can’t tolerate a poor night’s sleep anymore – I just won’t stand for it. I can get by with eating sandwiches, MREs, and freeze-dried meals, but don’t mess with my sleep.

This is also kind of funny … I don’t do much hiking anymore, but I still fill my largest backpack with all the gear necessary for living in the backwoods, and I throw the pack in the truck when I head out for a few days of fishing remote locations. I guess I just know where everything is in the pack, and know that I won’t misplace something by starting a new storage system.

I have started a new system of hauling and storing all the recovery gear necessary for backwoods truck travel. I used to cram everything behind the front seats, below the dog hammock on

the jump seat in the cab. It got crowded in there, so I now have two plastic containers, low and long tubs, that easily hold everything I need. I can stack them to make more space in the bed of the truck if necessary, and I can slide them out conveniently for more space if I need to haul the trash to the dump, help move furniture for someone, or complete any number of other chores.

Best Outcome The best outcome has been the revival of my wandering spirit … I’ve been forced to move beyond the normal scope of my fishing world. I’m finding a new love for my little fiberglass threeweight rod … the rod I use for crawling into the smallest brooks to fish for gorgeous little brook trout.

The pandemic angling craze has taught me to go a little farther, dig a little deep-

Sporting Environment (Continued from page 68)

than later). And think about how much quieter it will be, with no smell of gasoline, leaks, spills or exhaust fumes.

Even with electric vehicles, we should find our fun closer to home, driving fewer miles. We can put up solar panels, and teach our kids to sail and kayak.

No Excuses There are plenty of excuses for why this is someone else’s responsibility, or it’s not an urgent problem. “But the Chinese .…” “But what about lithium mining .…?”

“But climate change is cyclical ….”

Yet, 30% more carbon dioxide in the atmosphere in two hundred years hasn’t happened before –

er, and search a little harder, to find those places less inhabited.

In doing so, my creative searching mode has elevated to a new level. Places where I might usually pull over and fish, I now drive on by and go another few miles to get farther away. It happens in your head too … you begin to crave the unfamiliar, and shy far away from anything typical. I want new things, new places, new experiences.

I guess I got too comfortable in my old ways. This new thinking is good for me. I needed it more than I thought I did. The upcoming fishing season has a new excitement for me, one that I can hardly wait to experience. I’m heading back into the wild even farther this fishing season, to mark new places on my onX hunt map app.

My little fiberglass 3-weight fly rod and I are ready to roam wide and far.

¶

what humans have done is pretty simple math, and pretty basic science.

I am not looking for an argument. I know I won’t change some people’s minds. But I thought I would close out my time with a request. Think about the consequences of what you do. And please be part of the solution rather than perpetuating and compounding the problem.

This will be my last column for The Maine Sportsman. I want to thank the publishers and editors for giving me this opportunity and forum. And I’d like to thank the readers who have reached out with kind comments over the years.

I hope we all find plenty of fun without fossil fuels.

¶

���������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • April 2024 • 71

Preparing For Spring Fishing Every April, folks living in the Moosehead Region begin preparing for spring fishing. This includes getting boats ready, checking motors and batteries, and securing permits and tags for the upcoming season.

Ice-out typically occurs sometime in mid-May, but given the recent string of early-arriving springs, that date gets moved ahead a bit with each successive year. So for the astute angler, it pays to get everything ready now for when the ice finally does leave area lakes and ponds.

Here’s something I have noticed over the years. Salmon, and even brook trout, will bite as soon as the ice goes out. This early-season action lasts for a time, then the lakes shut down for a short period before gradually warming water stimulates salmonids’ metabolisms and prompts them to resume feeding.

I have my own theory as to why this happens. You can agree or disagree with it, since it is only my best guess. Fish feed regularly beneath the ice, and when the ice cover melts, the fish remain in that same mode for a while, feeding as usual. But when the water first begins warming, it upsets their balance, at least at first, and it takes more warming

Sometimes, a minor change or modification to an established lure will make a big difference in the lure’s ability to catch big fish.

Common stickbaits may become far more effective when modified by the addition of spinner blades. Photos: Rich Russo

to stimulate them to the point that they embrace their open-water feeding habits. So if you can hit the water as soon as possible after ice-out, you have every chance of taking a few early season fish to break winter’s spell and welcome the new season.

Fish Shallow Early ice-out fishing requires fishing only a few feet beneath the surface. Sure, fish

locators will show lots of fish hugging the bottom, but you could fish for them all day and not get a bite. In fact, many of these might not even be salmonids, but rather cusk or even suckers.

While smelt runs have not yet begun in earnest, some smelt will still follow shorelines, preparatory to spawning. That ‘s why it pays to concentrate upon points and coves, and around brook and

stream mouths.

You may take salmon quite close to shore. I once took my first salmon of the year while fishing so close to shoreline boulders that I could touch them with the tip of my rod. I clearly recall that that fish struck so hard that it gave me

line-burn on my right hand. I was holding the line in my hand so that I could set the hook faster when a fish hit. The fly that day was a Gray Ghost streamer that I had tied a few days before.

Also, as opposed to trolling fast during the height of the smelt runs, fishing immediately after ice-out requires only going at a snail’s pace. Fish are lethargic now, and won’t go far out of their way to chase a bait, fly or lure. And when they do bite, they lack vigor. This means setting the hook fast and hard, which explains why I held the fly line in my hand when that first salmon struck.

Innovative Lures Togue bite early too, and in early spring I have taken them in around 10 feet of water. That sounds like a perfect situation to try our Maine Sportsman reader Rich Russo’s innovations. Along with (Continued on next page)

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72 • April 2024 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————

Moosehead Region (Continued from page 71)

two photographs, Rich sent this letter, which I use with his permission.

Tom: Read your article in The Sportsman’s January issue about why fish strike different items. These are my modified stick baits that I have had some successes with on togue.

Also, the curved ones are from a west coast company that filmed underwater strikes from what they labeled “The Ultimate Lure.” I caught a few togue on them as well.

It has a rolling action in addition to the spinner.

Regards, Rich Russo Rich’s lures would likely take more than

togue. I’d wager that salmon would eagerly hit them. As you can see from the photos, Rich has used various configurations of spinner blades to make the lures more attractive to fish.

As Rich’s experiments show, anglers can benefit by being innovative. A new twist on an old method or lure can bring good results. And why not?

It costs little to modify any lure, and the cost is negligible.

I plan on trying out something like Rich’s lures this season in the Moosehead Region. You never know how some little thing such as adding a spinner or spinner blades to an established lure may make a big differ-

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Curved lures with small spinners attached take togue for Maine Sportsman reader Rich Russo.

ence.

Big Togue During last winter’s annual Moosehead Lake togue derby, Chris Parent of Gorham caught the winning fish, a

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¶

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Seasonal Brooks Hold Springtime Surprises You’ll have to work hard to get to them, but it’s the season of small streams and trout, including the sea-run variety. And don’t forget pickerel, pike and even hornpout.

We’ve all seen them – seasonal brooks that look like perfect trout waters in March and April, but which in summer become reduced to trickles. Places such as these rate high on my list of waters to visit in April.

Often, while landing a trout from one of these small streams, I’ll watch cars passing by, many of them likely headed to high-profile waters. This makes me smile, because I know that my little secret streams are safe from fishing pressure, since no one bothers to try such insignificant-looking waters.

In addition to that, these early season streams have a timetable. Some are only productive during the high water of very early April. Others aren’t worth visiting until mid-month, while still others – those that lead to saltwater environs – depend upon runs of seagoing trout, mostly iridescent, pugnacious brook trout.

One stream I know – a medium-size stream – flows from an upstream pond that gets stocked with both brook and brown trout each fall. Some of these fish immediately make the trek to the sea, only to return the following spring. I recall catching a 15-inch

brown trout from this stream, and marveling at its shimmering beauty, as well as its fighting ability. Searun brown trout don’t come along every day, making them all the more special.

Reading Water In addition to knowing the best time to visit small streams, something best accomplished by frequent visits over the years, it is important to know how best to fish them.

Places that we would naturally skip later in spring may harbor trout now.

Look for little pockets made by water flowing through and under obstructions such as fallen trees and limbs. These are maddeningly-difficult to fish, and are best approached with light spin rods under 6 feet in length. You may lose some hooks or lures while fishing such places, but such losses come with the territory.

I recall one such place. The stream, not so wide that you couldn’t cast across it in most locations, had one-foot banks of sand and clay – a mess to walk in. Also, alders prohibited movement, or at least they made it difficult. To fish here required pointing the rod through a hole

in the branches, and then pushing yourself through the tangle.

Once at water’s edge, it was necessary to place one foot on the bank, and the other on a low-lying alder.

Only then could you make an underhand cast to waiting trout.

These trout became extra-dear because of the extreme effort required just to fish them. This stream was only productive for the first few weeks in April. After that, the trout made their ways back downstream and entered a larger river.

Other Species Trout aren’t the only game in town during April. Pickerel, a seldom-appreciated gamefish, bite well now, and the biggest fish of the year usually bite in April. As long as aquatic weeds haven’t yet begun to put on new growth, pickerel, including very large pickerel, prowl the shallows in warmwater lakes and ponds.

You needn’t have a watercraft to enjoy this specialized fishing. Just casting from shore brings good results. Try using a silver Mooselook Wobbler, casting as far as possible, and letting it flutter down toward bottom before reeling it back in. When reeling, try to impart a

Trout always lie under tangled piles of sticks and branches. Photo: Tom Seymour

jerky action, raising and lowering the rod, in order that the lure may appear to skip along the bottom. This drives fish crazy.

This fishing method should work as well on pike. While we may discount the use of wire leaders for pickerel fishing, they are a must for pike. As an example of the need for wire leaders, or at least a short section of heavy line on the terminal end, a huge pike once grabbed my crappie jig, tearing line from the reel with a powerful lunge. Then, suddenly, the line went slack. The pike’s sharp teeth severed the line as neatly as if someone had taken a pair of scissors to it.

the hornpout, also bites in April, beginning early in the season. For these, all you need for bait is a can of worms.

Hornpout bite best in early spring, often in the same areas where you catch those outsized pickerel. Most lakes and ponds in the Midcoast Region hold hornpout, but here’s an interesting observation about that. Some ponds hold only small hornpout, others medium-sized fish, and some, very large fish. So if you are only taking 6- to 7-inch hornpout from a pond, there’s no sense in waiting for larger fish to pass by, because they probably won’t. ***** April offers great fishing. Try it!

Hornpout Active Another sporty but underappreciated fish,

¶

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74 • April 2024 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————

Area Anglers Ready to Hit the Water For the second year in a row, Sebago Lake (DeLorme Atlas, Map 5, B-1) did not freeze over the winter. What spelled a disappointing ice fishing season will hopefully translate into a good spring and summer season for anglers on Maine’s second-largest lake.

Last year, when we saw an unprecedented scarcity of ice on Jordan Bay, I predicted that the lack of pressure on the fish would spell an increased catch. Well, as it turned out, I experienced one of my best seasons ever guiding and fishing on the big lake. We started out fishing in early April, and quickly got into plenty of big lake trout and a few salmon here and there. The good fishing continued through the summer, and never seemed to slow.

Early angling on Sebago typically followed the smelt run up the Songo River.

The smelt population is down, but old

The author hopes a disappointing winter for ice anglers will give way to an energetic bite for open-water trollers, once the smelt start to run. habits die hard. I and my fellow anglers are drawn to the mouth of the Songo River in early April, because even though the smelt population is not what it was, there is still a run, and hungry lakers and salmon wait at the mouth of the river for an easy meal.

Traditional techniques work for me and many of my fellow guides and angling friends. Starting out as the sun makes its way up, I troll fly rods with sinking fly line made just for trolling, capped off with a 30foot section of 8-pound fluorocarbon leader.

To that, I typically attach a swivel with a sliding bait harness, baited with a fresh or frozen smelt. I set my course parallel to the shore just after the buoys, and troll in anywhere from 8 to 30 feet of water.

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Nolan Murphy of Cumberland shows off a nice lake trout taken while fishing with the author last April on Sebago Lake. Tom Roth photo

Courtesy on the Water Back in the 1980s, the mouth of the Songo River resembled a parade of new and used boats. Now it is not that crowded, but you still need to watch for boat traffic.

One of the more congested spots is where the buoys end and the lake begins.

Boats exiting the buoys should yield to boats trolling by, already on the lake, but common sense is not always that common.

Many a skirmish has resulted when one angler trolls over another’s lines.

Vintage Fly Patterns Prove their Worth On windy days

when it is hard to troll bait, I like to keep with tradition and troll streamer flies. A sparsely tied Carrie Steven’s Gray Ghost is typically my first fly in the water, but Herb Welch’s Black Ghost is a strong second favorite. If I am trying to summon the luck from old-time Sebago anglers, I will tie on a Miss Sharon, the creation of Sebago’s most famous guide, Art Libby. I tie mine just like he did – sparse, and with a treble hook trailer. Other flies that work well for me are the Joe’s Smelt, NineThree, and Red Ghost.

I did well fishing from Cub Point to Inner and Outer Islands last spring into the summer. While the small smelt run came and went, the alewife population hung around and held the fish. It seems when they are balled up in one spot, the fishing is great at sun-up until about 9 a.m., when they disperse.

We chased them all around the lake last year, but they seemed to hold for a few weeks in a particular spot, making it easy for us to target the fish that were seeking smelt as food.

I switched from smelt to large shiners, hoping to imitate their shape, and my meth-

ods seemed to work. I also kept my fly rods, and most all the lakers and salmon I caught when trolling through schools of alewife were taken on the fly rod with the bait between 15 and 25 feet of depth.

Lures, Too Lures work well on the fly rod, too, and I find anything orange, copper or nickel works well. Mooselook Wobblers and Northeast Troller’s spoons are my go-to lure choices. Last summer the Northeast Troller in green also worked well.

For the past five or so years, I have been adding a wobbler or flasher above my lures and bait when using my downrigger to give more action and attention, and I am convinced they work.

I like the small, lightweight Lake Clear “Wabbler,” as they do not create a lot of drag but impart some great side-to-side action on the bait or lure. Just put them about two to three feet in front of your offering, and use swivels at each point of attachment. They come with split rings, but I add a small barrel swivel to each end to prevent line twist.

Ice-out may not be what it was in your father’s time, but it still gets us out after a winter of waiting.

Fortunately, the fish are as eager as we are, and they provide sport aplenty.

¶

���������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • April 2024 • 75

Will Atlantic Salmon Migrations up the Saco Help the Rural Economy?

After gathering fly line in my left hand, I took a few false casts, and as I felt the line build tension on the last back-cast, I snapped the rod forward. Not many of my casts are good, but this was a good one.

My green line laid out over the rapids and gently landed on the water, the leader and fly continued forward landing in a straight line – darn, it felt good. That’s why I enjoy fly fishing; even if you don’t catch fish, making a well-executed cast is fun. Regardless, good or bad, some casts have rewards.

When my fly hit the water, a 6-inch Atlantic salmon slammed the size-12 Gray Ghost streamer. The fish jumped, flipped and did somersaults as I brought it to shore.

Seeing that it was a salmon smolt, I gently released it back into the Big Ossipee River, in Cornish. After releasing the salmon, I grabbed the pliers hanging on my fishing vest, and pinched the barb on the hook, so if I hooked another one, it would be easier to release the fish.

I’ve caught 20-pound wild Atlantic salmon while fishing in Quebec with Harry Vanderweide, previous editor of The Sportsman. However, I was using a 10-weight fly rod on those large silver torpedoes; today, I was fishing for brown trout with my 5-weight L.L. Bean rod, and just happened

to catch these immature salmon.

Juvenile Delinquents These little guys defiantly showed their DNA; never giving up, they fought hard right to my waders, and when released, they quickly darted off, still full of energy, and ready to continue fighting upstream.

You will never experience a true fighting fish until you hook an Atlantic salmon; the only fish that equals their tenacity is a salt-water tarpon.

Wild Atlantic salmon migrations up the Saco stopped many years ago due to human destruction of spawning habitat and construction of dams without fish passageway systems along the watershed. So how did Atlantics get to the upper sections of the Saco and Ossipee rivers? Strangely, it was due to a mechanical failure on a fish-stocking truck.

In 1975, a stocking truck full of salmon smolts traveled along I-95 from the Green Lake National Fish Hatchery in Ellsworth, to the Connecticut River in New Hampshire.

In Scarborough, the tank’s aeration system broke down. A frantic call was made, and the driver was instructed to dump the tank full of Atlantic salmon smolts into the lower section of the Saco River.

Three years later, these salmon were seen jumping

The author’s 20-pound Atlantic salmon medallion award, from a trip to Canada. Some time in the future, will guides be able to hand these out to anglers who catch huge salmon along the Saco River watershed? Photo by Val Marquez

upstream at Factory Falls on the Saco, instinctively trying to migrate upstream.

This caused excitement within the angling community.

Long story short, a group of local fishermen formed the “Saco River Salmon Club.”

Later, it was re-chartered as the “Saco River Restoration Alliance and Hatchery.”

Trap and Truck Salmon One restoration project was to “trap and truck” returning salmon that were bottlenecked downstream at the Skelton Dam, in Buxton. The salmon were trapped and then trucked to the Big Ossipee River in the Cornish area, and released. This section of river has good spawning habitat, and it’s the location where I caught the salmon mentioned above.

Before anglers start fishing for Atlantics, they need to know

that Atlantic salmon were placed on the federal “Endangered Species Act” list in 2000; this is the reason I pinched the barbs on my hooks. I suggest you do the same.

Also, be aware that many sections of the Big Ossipee River are designated as artificial lures only – read the law book carefully before fishing. This includes the Little Ossipee River, in Waterboro, which has some restrictions, as well.

Atlantic salmon have been found in lower sections there. When fishing, you also must know how to identify salmon; DIF&W has clear details on salmon and how to identify them on their website.

The “Big O” flows from Ossipee Lake in Freedom and Effingham, New Hampshire to the Saco River in Cornish. This river has good fishing for brown and brook trout, along with warm-water fish in the slower, deep areas of the river.

The Big has excellent salmon and trout habitat, and according to DIF&W, salmon have migrated downstream into the main stem of the Saco. With time, the salmon run will increase when all dams on the Saco have fish passage systems in place on all its dams. Work on this goal is ongoing.

Economy Boost Unlike the Mousam River, which is congested with useless, antiquated dams without fish passage

systems in place, the Saco has passageways on most of its dams, and the ones that don’t, have plans in place to construct them. When the watershed has free-range migrations of Atlantic salmon, and as their numbers increase to fishable populations, then anglers will come to the area from around the world.

Communities along the northern sections of the waterway will thrive, new businesses will open, guides will be busy with their drift boats, and mom-and-pop stores will be crowded with customers; the money trail will travel throughout the area, changing bedroom communities into towns where people can earn a living without traveling to Portland.

To avoid aggressive salmon smolts, I decided to move downstream and fished a large pool at a bend in the river. This pool forms a large eddy, and then the water flows downstream into a long run of rapids. I generally catch trout and smallmouth bass just downstream, and also in the slow-swirling currents in the pool itself.

Someday I hope to catch large, silver offspring from the smolts that I released that day. I can’t wait.

Thank you to the anglers who worked so hard to restore salmon in the Saco!

¶

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76 • April 2024 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————

Western Trip Provides Self-Propelled Options I think every American should drive across their country at least once in their lifetime. I’ve done it three times now, and the most recent trip only confirmed that conviction. I also hope to do it on a bicycle someday, but that’s a different column.

It’s impossible to grasp the immensity of the nation’s landscape from the window seat of an airliner. From the ground level, the wealth of land and water and the country’s vast beauty are overwhelming to those who have only read about it or seen it on a small screen.

Driving through it will make you a better American. Stopping to spend time in that landscape will make you a better outdoorsperson.

Going West on the Great Northern Route U.S. Route 2 snakes its way from Acadia National Park in Maine all the way west to the State of Washington.

No divided highways. No major urban areas. We chose to detour north of the Great Lakes and travel part of the Trans-Canadian highway to Northern Michigan for a taste of the north country, instead of the Rust Belt.

The route gets its name from the Great Northern Railway, formed in 1889, which stretched west from Lake Superior to Seattle along the northern tier of states – not far south of the Canadian border. Cross-continental rail tracks were never far from our route of travel. It was easy to imagine how towns grew up near the tracks, and Route 2 came along later to connect the towns for automobile travel.

This was only the first of many ways that the landscape revealed the history of its people – both before and after

Yearling grizzly on the park road in Glacier National Park. www.MaineSportsman.com

This month, the author becomes the “Traveling Sportsman,” providing a glimpse of the stunning outdoors beyond our state borders.

Glacier National Park, a short hike from the Going-to-the-Sun Road.

Photos provided by the author

the settlement of white pioneers. On the northern plains, the sharp contour of buttes that served as ancient buffalo leaps were apparent from a distance, and were explained by roadside historical markers as we drew close.

Truly, America’s Best Idea It was all amazing, but two gems stood out on the trip and provided the best opportunity for boots on the ground.

As Route 2 bisects the Rocky Mountains, it carves a sinuous line through Marias Pass along the southern edge of Glacier National Park. We stopped for a few days to experience some of the most stunning mountain terrain in the world. Glacier is designated as a U.N. Biosphere Preserve and a World Heritage site.

The Park covers more than a million

A red-band rainbow trout on Klamath Lake, Oregon.

acres, and has over 700 miles of trails. Of course, the few short day hikes we took never scratched the surface of available terrain. I suggested to my wife that it would take years of full-time exploration to properly see the park.

We resorted to a car trip along the 53-mile Going-to-the-Sun Road which bisects the park and crosses the continental divide over Logan Pass at 6,650 feet in elevation. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corp and opened in 1932, the road is an engineering marvel. But the surrounding mountains gather all the attention. That is, until a young grizzly bear crosses the road in front of you.

Or you realize a distant white speck you thought was snow is a mountain goat on a sheer cliff.

A Lake Inside a Mountain We continued west, detouring to drive along the Snake River through Hell’s Canyon and the Painted Hills of eastern Washington – all of it mind-bending. But our hearts were set on seeing the other national park on our agenda – Crater Lake, in the High Cascades of southern Oregon.

Crater Lake N.P. is more Baxter-sized than the mammoth-sized Glacier. The park surrounds what remains of an ancient mountain decimated by a titanic volcanic explosion more than 7,000 years ago. Volcanic ash dust from that explosion almost certainly fell on soil that would one day become the State of Maine.

Fresh water filled the caldera of the volcano, and today it is one of the deepest and clearest lakes in the world. The lake elevation is around 6,000 feet, but the surrounding caldera is 1,000 feet (Self-Propelled continued on page 78)

The author’s swim in Crater Lake.

���������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • April 2024 • 77

Catching Big Fish Requires Focus and Self-Discipline For too many years, I remember hearing a television commercial where the narrator claimed, “When E.F. Hutton talks, people listen.”

Well, I’m tired of that, and I’m changing the motto to, “When folks who catch huge fish talk, anglers listen.”

My fishing buddy, whose name I won’t disclose to avoid unwanted attention, catches huge fish, so I’m listening whenever he’s talking. He’s a very quiet guy, so I must listen closely.

Now don’t get me wrong – this friend enjoys catching eightinch brookies as much as the next guy, but his forte is catching big brook trout and landlocked salmon … routinely. There’s something he’s doing right, so I am always throwing questions at him and then keeping my ears tuned to his answers.

To say I’m “hanging on his every word” would be an understatement. I don’t

The author’s friend specializes in catching big fish.

So the author studied his fellow angler’s habits and lifestyle, to learn the secrets of his success. Here are the results of that research. know why he is such a wealth of information; he seems just like a regular guy. So, I have paid close attention to him, and I’ve discovered a few things that might help other anglers.

Big Fly, Big Fish When observing my fishing buddy, I have witnessed the truth of the old adage about using big flies to catch big fish. He ties very big flies. One time I tied a big fly pattern that he showed me and mentioned that it might catch a brookie if it was a little smaller. His response was, “Or it might just catch bigger brookies if it was even bigger.”

So, the first lesson is easy and familiar – use bigger flies to catch bigger fish. Even if you are fishing a little stream, throw some big stuff out there to

trigger the predatory instinct in bigger fish.

If you are fishing in big water, toss some huge articulated flies out there, and see what happens. Big fish don’t want to expend the energy it takes to sip dinky flies all day, when they can simply chomp down on a huge offering that they believe is a five-inch bait fish.

The second tip comes from watching this fellow wade a river … it’s like he’s walking on a paved sidewalk. This skill and confidence has

been honed by years of cautiously walking on slippery rocks. Get out and gain as much fishing experience as possible.

The next tip? Have all your gear ready, so you can grab it and begin fishing at a moment’s notice. If a big fish makes an appearance on the surface, you’ve got to be ready to heed the call.

This next one might sound simple, but here goes: Start tying flies like a fanatic, so you can move to the next level in your (Continued on next page)

Catching big fish takes dedication and perseverance. Is today your day to dog-sit?

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Rangeley Region (Continued from page 77)

angling career. My fishing buddy ties flies all year long, and has done so for many years. His knowledge of various flies goes way beyond what I’ve ever even thought of. The lesson?

Search out new patterns, and start tying more flies.

Invest Yourself Routinely hooking up with bigger fish takes more than simply giving it a part-time attempt. To learn how to catch bigger fish, im-

merse yourself in the lifestyle of a big fish angler. Get out more often. Don’t let anything get in the way of your fishing enjoyment. You might just have to get used to letting the lawn grow a little longer, letting the car remain unpolished, and taking the trash to the dump less often.

Plan fishing trips well in advance. If it’s inked in on the calendar, it’s much easier to say, “Sorry, I’d like to

Self-Propelled Sportsman (Continued from page 76)

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join you and Fred for a day on the golf course, but I’ve had this fishing trip planned for months now.”

When possible, get chores finished well ahead of schedule, to prevent there being anything in the way of angling adventures.

Some folks forget to take care of simple maintenance issues, until the necessity of the task prevents you from participating in a prime fishing opportunity. I’ve been guilty of this one – “Sorry, I can’t go fishing. I’ve put off changing the oil on my

truck for months now, so I can’t even think of fishing until I take care of the oil change.”

I’ve felt so stupid sometimes … nowadays, I am always thinking of ways that improve and increase my fishing opportunities. It’s a matter of staying on top of things that might get in the way of your fishing.

You must always be thinking ahead to what might impede good fishing … and then take care of it well before those fishing opportunities arise.

Remember, some

My daughter and I made the hike early one morning. A swim surrounded by the ragged snow-capped edges of the caldera seemed to be in order. Trekking poles eased the steep descent, and made the return climb much easier.

Later, we fly-fished for trout on the glacier-fed inlet to Klamath Lake, in water as cold as our swim.

chances to get out fishing are spur-of-the-moment, so be ready for fishing action by finishing up chores well ahead of time. Don’t wait for all the trash cans to get filled before going to the dump. If I see some great weather coming up, I’ll go so far as to take one full trash can to the dump just to get it out of the way and off my mind. Remember, nothing can stop you from getting on the water.

Forge ahead – life is short.

¶

Go Now The trip is etched in my memory, and my only regret is that I didn’t see this all as a younger man. Glacier National Park’s namesake icefields are diminishing in number and size every year from climate change, and Crater Lake’s surface temperature is on a slow annual upward creep.

Go now.

¶

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Fishing the Western Maine Mountains’ Androscoggin River My wife and I own a home right on the banks of the Androscoggin River in Dixfield, so I’ve had the opportunity to fish this river often in the nearly thirty years I’ve lived here. In the section of the river where I live, there are an abundance of smallmouth bass, fall fish, rainbow trout, brown trout, a few brook trout, and even the occasional landlocked salmon.

Over the years, I’ve seen one chain pickerel caught, and two northern pike taken between Gilead and Canton. That was

When the author catches a fish, he says to himself, “I could survive in the wilderness on fish!”

And when he gets skunked, he thinks, “Wow, if I had to depend on catching fish to eat, I might just starve!” a good twenty years ago … I’ve never seen those species around again.

I have written in these pages about how much I enjoy fishing on the river year after year. I remain amazed at the lack of folks on the river. I had one fellow tell me about how I was probably going to ruin the river by telling readers to fish

there. I can count on one hand the number of other anglers I’ve seen fishing on the river when I’m out there.

The truth is, there are so many other places to fish for gorgeous brook trout and landlocked salmon in this region that anglers don’t really need to fish the big Androscoggin River. Most locals also remember

when the river was completely polluted, or they have at least heard about it. Even though the river has been cleaned up amazingly well, the local anglers still harbor those bad thoughts about a formerly-polluted piece of water.

How to Fish It Another possible problem is how to fish

in the big river. An angler can wade in a few places, but you really need to get out on some kind of a watercraft to fish in the river properly. A regular motorboat doesn’t cut it either … too many big rocks, deadheads and fast currents to make it worth the effort.

I used to fish the river – locals refer to it as the “Andro” – in a canoe, but found that I could never hold the canoe in the current very easily. I got tired of being swept by (Western Maine continued on page 81)

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80 • April 2024 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————

Grim News for Reapers Last spring, I wrote about new and exciting trends and tactics in turkey hunting in Northern New England. Those highlights included increased bag limits, expanded fall shotgun opportunities, turkey hunting in the “Big Woods,” hunters using small-bore shotguns, and the practice of “fanning” or “reaping.”

Even though turkey hunting traditionally hasn’t fired me up a whole lot, I was enthused by the presumed trajectory of things when I wrote that article last year.

Less Regulation, Not More This year, though, my bubble has been deflated. An expected continuation of regulation relaxing has not occurred. NH still highly regulates the ammunition it consid-

On the subject of turkey hunting in NH, the author is upset that state law now prohibits “fanning” or “reaping,” in which a hunter aggressively approaches tom turkeys in a field, while hiding behind a 2-dimentional, oversize photo of a bird. So much for the lack of government restraint promised by the “Live Free or Die” slogan on every license plate! ers legal to use to take turkeys. Even though more conventional high brass #6 ammunition is plenty lethal to kill a turkey at close range with a tight patterning choke, the state has continued to outlaw its use.

This may not be a big deal for those who shoot 12 and 20 gauges, as #4 and #5 magnum lead loads are widely available and relatively affordable.

But it has made 410-, 28-, and 16-gauge hunters unable to use their favorite shotguns, unless they can

locate scarce and super-expensive TSS shot.

Additionally, NH has not expanded the bag limits or the fall shotgun units in the northern part of the state, where there continues to be a thriving and ever-expanding turkey population.

No Fun Allowed Furthermore, New Hampshire, the supposed “Live Free or Die” state, has outlawed the practice of “fanning” or “reaping,” since my article highlighted it as a growing trend last year.

For those who aren’t familiar, fanning or reaping is a more aggressive and involved way to pursue gobblers.

Typically, a hunter will locate a turkey from a distance and use a decoy to cover his own silhouette as he advances toward the gobbler.

The decoy is usually two-dimensional, and depicts a gobbler in full strut, or it can even consist solely of an oversized tail-feather “fan.” Sometimes there are screens or holes in the fan to let the hunter see or shoot

Northern New Hampshire No matter where your travels take you, you’re never more than a stone’s throw away from the perfect adventure in Northern New Hampshire!

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through a window.

The idea is to challenge a gobbler that may be protective of its territory or hens.

If everything goes as planned, the turkey being approached will get ticked off enough to charge at the decoy.

The hunter is then able to shoot the bird at close range.

I’ve never participated in the tactic.

Mostly because I don’t have the proper decoy, and I am too much of a cheapskate to buy one.

But it sure sounds a lot more up my alley (given my enjoyment in tracking deer and calling/challenging bull moose to within close range). It sounds like actual “hunting.”

But, alas, like most exhilarating things in life, some finger-waggers came along and ruined all the fun. And (Continued on next page)

���������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • April 2024 • 81 (Continued from page 80)

in this case, like in many others, it is the long arm of the politicians, and their enforcers in uniform.

For Your Own Good Now, from what I can discern, the instigation of the anti-fanning, anti-reaping law stems not from a biological management perspective, or even from an ethical harvest perspective.

It stems from a safety perspective. But not the reasonable, albeit annoying “For the safety of others” perspective. Rather, it comes from the patronizing and totalitarian perspective of “For your own safety.”

Ah, yes, the same line utilized by all great historical despots.

You see, the argument is that by crawling along behind a decoy, one is just asking

to get blasted by pellets – as if sane and reasonably responsible hunters would mistake a 2-dimensional screenprint of a legless turkey with a peep hole in the middle of its fan, awkwardly sliding/wobbling its way in front of three large limbs and a protruding buttocks, for the real thing at 20 yards ….

Oh, the irony, though, of the law coming from the great libertarian Live Free or Die state. The state where seatbelts are optional, concealed constitutional carry is the norm – and where hunter orange isn’t required.

A 1776 Moment Humor my incredulity for a moment.

Most don’t know the second half of the iconic John Stark quote.

In 1809, in a writ-

Fanning or reaping is now illegal in New Hampshire, much to the chagrin of the author. Photo: S.C. Dept. of Natural Resources

ten toast to celebrate the anniversary of the Battle of Bennington, Stark said, “Live free or die: for death is not the worst of evils.”

The meaning is clear – that living under the bondage of an oppressive and authoritarian government is worse than death itself.

When he penned this memorable senti-

ment, I believe Stark must have had a predilection of what would become of turkey hunting in New Hampshire.

I, for one, stand for the rights of turkey fanners and reapers everywhere who cannot stand for themselves (because their backs are so screwed up from being hunched over, crawling across

Western Maine (Continued from page 79)

good-looking water, so I got an inflatable raft with a great anchor system that worked perfectly for years.

I sold the raft and went to a drift boat … I guided out of both boats, and found the drift boat a little more comfortable for my clients. After retiring from my guide service, I started fishing from a sit-on-top pedal kayak from Old Town Canoe (a “Saltwater” PDL 120) and really enjoyed the ease of transporting it in the bed of the truck. I have an anchor system that works great for holding in a moderate current, and I can easily stop and get out to fish wherever I want on the river.

I still use the drift boat when I fish with family or friends, but opt for the kayak if it’s just me. The kayak has a great pedal system that moves the craft at a fast rate if I get on some flat water without current. Pond and lake fishing is another place where the kayak shines.

Big River Andro I’ve never directed readers to exact fishing locations on the river, because

The mighty Androscoggin River gives up another smallmouth bass for Rangeley resident Steve Marsters. William Clunie photo

I believe it is their job to find the spots for themselves. I usually would reference it like this: “Fishing is great from the Mexico launch, all the way down to the Rt. 140 take-out near Canton.”

Half of the fun of fishing comes when an angler searches out and discovers great fishing holes on their own … it just makes it more personal, and I truly believe the angler appreciates it more than if someone showed him exactly where and how to fish a certain piece of water. It makes the fishing

furrowed fields), and implore the New Hampshire legislature to reverse course of this fundamentally unconstitutional and autocratic measure.

Let freedom ring! And let the fanners’ and reapers’ ears ring after blasting a charging tom at 10 yards!

Who’s with me?

¶

hole “theirs,” and kind of special. These anglers watch out for a spot like this, holding it almost sacred, taking special care of their place on the river – this is where real grassroots conservation starts.

Every time I catch a fish, I say to myself, “Man, if I was lost out here and hungry, I could throw this fish in the pan and survive.” Just as often, when I go home empty-handed, I whisper to myself, “Wow, if I had to depend on catching fish to eat, I just might starve.”

The Andro is so big, there are loads of places to fish. In one location I have had clients catch rainbow trout, brook trout, a brown trout, smallmouth bass, fall fish, and a landlocked salmon … all while anchored in the same spot. After about an hour of this, one of my clients laughed and said, “We could just take out right now, call it a great day, and be totally happy; what an awesome spot.”

I’m tired of the over-used mantra, “Tight lines,” so I’m changing it to, “Keep your line wet and your waders dry.”

On second thought, maybe I don’t need a mantra.

¶

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82 • April 2024 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————

Ice-Out Togue on the Fly A year ago, I wrote about how I had been chasing ice-edge lake trout in the spring as a filler after hare hunting and sugaring, but before river trout fishing and turkey hunting really take off. Well, I found out that it can be done. After feeling foolish for a while, I managed to hook into a laker and land it while wading in shallow water from shore with my flyrod. I managed a couple of landlocked salmon, as well.

This approach might strike a few people as a silly pursuit. After all, just a few weeks ago, there were people standing on the ice with flashers and livescopes, getting tech-driven intel about when their quarry was working a lure, the depth, and when a fish might strike.

And in a couple more weeks, boats outfitted with all the latest fish-finding technology will be trolling for hours to really land some fish.

However, more and more often, I’m against adding technology in my hunting and fishing pursuits, especially when it comes to finding game. I find that every step I take with tech gear seems to lessen my satisfaction, and take some of the magic out of the equation.

Understanding Lake Trout I am far from an expert, but I find that understanding as much as I can about my target species helps me in any pursuit. Lake trout are a native char species, Salvelinus namaycush, that call deep and cold lakes their home. In VT, they mostly inhabit lakes of the north, with our state record of 35 pounds, 3.2 oz coming out of Lake Willoughby in 2003.

Knowing what, when, where and how lakers live helps in the decision-making process of how to pursue them. As a pelagic fish, lake trout like water in the 40- to 50-degree Fahrenheit range. In the summer, this will put them down in deeper water, usually between 50 and 70 feet down.

In the winter, these fish can inhabit water of all depths, chasing their prey throughout the water column.

Lakers generally spawn over boulder beds located near shore during the fall months. In early spring, as the ice lets out of our northern lakes, togue follow their prey as the baitfish migrate toward slightly warmer water with more plankton activity. They prefer to have some www.MaineSportsman.com

What kind of a fool puts on wool clothing under his waders, and wades into the water that was frozen just a few weeks ago? Let us introduce you to the author, and to his quixotic quest to catch an lake trout in April on a fly rod!

The author’s Uncle Ron brings a fish to the net during April rain showers.

depth for cover, coming up toward that open water, usually near an inlet. This is where and when these lakers are vulnerable to a foolish fella with a fly rod!

Last April, Uncle Ron let me know that fish were biting at just such a spot.

I geared up with my wool long johns and socks under my waders, and set out to join him. He ties flies and had several options on hand, including some patterns

The author with his first fly rod togue.

I’ve been sworn to secrecy about. I can tell you that good sized streamers with a fair amount of white, and sometimes a little flash, work well. He prefers to cast bead head flies on a floating line with a long leader, where I prefer a short piece of 1x tippet, maybe 12-18 inches, affixed to a sinking leader on a sinking tip fly line. I use a poly leader from 7 to 9 feet, with a sink rate of 3-6 inches per second.

I think the specifics aren’t that important – you just need to get the fly down near the bottom. Overall, I find that sinking lines cast more smoothly than a bead or cone head streamer, and are equally effective in a flat-water setting.

Fish On! As the day dawned, we waded out from shore, and then walked along a bit of a sand bar that had formed from the inlet. This put us in an area where we could cast out toward deeper water reaching between 10-15 feet deep.

It was overcast and rainy, which probably kept the fish active later into the morning. Standing hip deep in the frigid lake, we cast out, let the fly sink, and then stripped in. We varied where we cast since there was no visible structure for fish to hold near. We also changed the angle and speed of our stripping retrieves.

Hitting it right, we were into fish early, and landed a few landlocked salmon.

Then, it finally happened. On one of my retrieves there was a good take, and I set the hook with a subtle lift of the rod.

Rather than heading to the surface, this fish turned and attempted to go deep. I stripped line in when I could, angling the fish without forcing it, and kept the pressure on. I finally got the line on the reel so I could utilize my drag and eventually worked the fish into the net. A 19inch lake trout on my fly rod!

There’s some magic in chasing the unknown out there and having to work for success. The satisfaction of that first togue on a flyrod will stay with me. I was able to do some pre-ice fishing in late December, and caught another laker on the fly, so I might be getting the hang of it, as long as Uncle Ron keeps me supplied with secret flies. With the strange winter we’ve had so far, I’m already anticipating an early start this spring.

¶

Smilin’ Sportsman

���������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • April 2024 • 83

Luke: You seem angry.

Zeke: Yes, I just found my wife’s Tinder profile online, and I am very upset about her dishonesty.

Luke: Well, I don’t blame you!

Zeke: For starters, she’s not “Fun to be around”!

— Zeke was brought in for questioning in the case of a warden who was shoved during a nighttime confrontation. At the sheriff’s office, Zeke was put in a line-up.

When the warden was brought in to identify the suspect, Zeke pointed at the warden and shouted, “That’s him!”

— Question: What’s the difference between playing golf and climbing into a high tree stand?

Answer: In golf, it’s Whack! “Whoops!”

Climbing a tree stand, it’s “Whoops!”

Whack!

—

Zeke: Hey, Luke – you should get thicker curtains for the front windows on your camp. My buddies and I were out fishing Saturday night, and we could clearly see the shadows of you and your wife, kissing! All my friends were laughing at you.

Luke: Well, I guess the joke’s on you and your dumb friends, ’cause I wasn’t even home Saturday night!

“Please be assured,” the doctor replied, “that whatever you tell me in my medical capacity will be kept in the strictest confidence.”

“Okay,” the patient confided in a whisper. “It was at Marden’s.”

¶

— You know you’re a real Mainer when the Blue Book value of your pickup truck goes up and down, depending on how much gas is in the tank.

— A woman went to the doctor’s office.

When she walked into the exam room to talk with the doctor, she was dressed to the nines – wearing Gucci heels and a Versace dress, and carrying a Prada purse.

“I was stung by a horsefly,” the patient explained, “but I’m too embarrassed to tell you where I was stung.”

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84 • April 2024 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————

Springtime’s a Blooming Mess Contrary to popular opinion, I don’t hate Maine springs.

It’s impossible to hate something that doesn’t exist.

The period between the end of winter (late June) and the beginning of summer (early August, if the rain stops by then) bears little resemblance to the poetic version of spring.

Flowers aren’t blooming. Woodland creatures aren’t frolicking.

Nobody is sunbathing in the nude. This desolate time offers little in the way of outdoor entertainment, unless you count clearing the yard of all the debris winter deposited on it (probably not going to bother, since there’ll be more next winter), and discovering the hard way that the canister of DEET bug spray left over from last year has lost its potency.

It’s a time without the warm embrace of summer ticks, the lively colors of autumn leaves piling up, or the invigorating frostbite of winter. Everything that isn’t gray is brown. Everything that isn’t dead looks as if it is. Everything that might tempt one to engage in some healthful and refreshing outdoor recreation is nonexistent (not that I’m all that likely to be tempted).

The only distraction from this grim landscape is that this www.MaineSportsman.com

If ankle-deep mud isn’t enough to send you into a deep depression, there’s always golf, and the Boston Red Sox

year the sun will be shut down on April 8 for routine maintenance. During this brief outage, tourists will flock to Maine to view the sun’s corona, which is the technical term for a weak Mexican beer the sun drinks.

Apparently, these visitors, known as “eclipse weirdos,” are unaware of the fact that if it’s darkness they’re seeking, the sun vanishes every night, and is barely in evidence on all the cloudy days we experience each ersatz spring. This temporary absence of light may be a big deal to tourists, but neither it nor they do anything to make the season more enjoyable.

To be fair, there are activities available during this alleged spring that aren’t offered by any other season.

For instance: mud.

Nothing complements

a dark and dismal season like a healthy portion of wet slop, particularly as it oozes into your shoes and splatters your pant legs.

Mud is also useful for constructing buildings out of adobe, although adobe is not useful as a building material in a climate such as Maine’s, which tends to dissolve it. I’m told that mud is used in beauty-treatment facials, but given how ugly everyone looks this time of year, it’s advisable to regard such claims as fiction concocted by sun-deprived cosmetologists.

There’s also mud slinging. This being an election year, that activity shifts into high gear. As a result, political campaigns will be sending minions out into the wild to gather as much of the stuff as possible. This harvest will be carefully rationed to make sure plenty is available in the drier weeks lead-

ing up to the June and November elections, at which time it will be slung either wildly (losing candidates) or precisely (winners).

When the mud starts flying, it will only be fair to give a little credit to the springtime that spawned it.

Another product of this miserable season is sap. I don’t mean some mud-encrusted politico running for office, but rather the substance that oozes out of maple trees and in an excruciating process is turned into adobe. Oops, sorry. I seem to have mud on my brain. The sap in question is boiled down to make maple syrup.

(There’s also birch sap, but the less said about that foul excuse for creating a condiment, the better.)

I don’t dispute that spring is the season for many sports, such as fishing, hunting, weird mutant pro-football leagues and, for those

who are not already miserable enough, golf and the Boston Red Sox. The only explanation for engaging in the first three of these is that some people enjoy torturing themselves above and beyond the general nastiness provided by the weather.

There is no excuse for the last two.

Let’s see – what else does spring offer?

How about disc golf, paintball, goat yoga, yogurt, yodeling. No. No. No. No. And a thousand times no.

Gardening? Did you not see the above dire warnings about mud?

Are you not aware that the growing season in Maine has, thanks to climate change, been reduced to three hours and 37 minutes a year?

Do you not possess a strong enough sense of self-preservation to avoid bare patches of ground that may harbor quicksand, carnivorous plants or the hastily buried remains of the previous owner of your property (the guy that disappeared after joking about how the Russian mob would never catch up with him)?

And so it is that spring leaves us with a dismal void to fill with adobe or oblivion. Bottoms up.

Al Diamon writes the monthly column Politics & Other Mistakes for The Bollard magazine.

¶

���������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • April 2024 • 85

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We’ll see you at the State of Maine Sportsman’s Show April 19–21, 2024!

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CANAAN – 7.39 surveyed acres on a quiet country road in Canaan. This property has a small clearing at the road. Property is very private and wooded. Road becomes discontinued a short distance beyond this parcel. This is a great spot for to build your home or camp in the woods. MLS #1582988 – $36,000 CORNVILLE – Large lot on a paved, public maintained road with many possibilities. This could be the location of your dream home, your vacation getaway, or your private woodlot. This lot contains a nice landing area with easy access right off Beckwith Road. There is power at the road and approximately 400 feet of frontage on Route 150. This is a great area for deer and other wildlife. This is a rural location, but it is only minutes to downtown Skowhegan. Currently in Tree Growth for tax purposes. MLS #1537634 – $88,000 EMBDEN – Approximately 68.8 acres of land with about 750 feet of frontage on the East Shore Road. Paved, public road and electricity is available at the road. There is a gravel driveway. Short distance to the public boat landing. Currently in tree growth for tax purposes. (23025Hb0152). MLS #1543663 – $107,500 EMBDEN – 5+ acres of surveyed land in the Embden countryside. This is a perfect lot in the country for your dream home or camp. Recreation opportunities are endless here. Parcel is walking distance to public boat launch on Fahi Pond. Enjoy close access to Sandy Pond and Embden Pond. Enjoy easy access to snowmobile trails. Whether you like to hunt, fish, hike, kayak, canoe, or ride your toys, this property offers something for everyone. Power is at the road. Taxes have not yet been determined.

This is part of a large parcel. See Fahi Pond Subdivision for more info. MLS #1557784 – $44,000 RIPLEY – Well wooded 30 acres in the heart of the Maine countryside! Property would make a great spot to build a year round home or camp. Power is available at the street. Currently in tree growth for tax purposes. MLS #1555092 – $58,000 WATERVILLE – Nice 2.81 acre surveyed lot in the beautiful Fieldstone Meadows subdivision being offered to build your new home. Power, water & sewer are all available. There is plenty of fill located on the property to be used as needed. Restrictive covenants are in place. Stick built and modular homes are allowed. Meadow Drive is located a short drive to I95, several restaurants, shopping, hospitals and colleges. Fieldstone Meadows is an ‘over 55’ neighborhood which 20% of the residents can be 54 or younger so, this lot can be sold to a buyer of any age. Bring your plans and take advantage of this opportunity. MLS #1581229 – $139,000 HARTLAND – Approximately 112 acres of surveyed land on a town maintained gravel road, with power available at the road. Nice spot to build your home or camp. The ROW from Huff Hill Rd. offers a nice gravel road for more access to this property and is also the ATV and snowmobile trail.

The property features beautiful views as well. Currently in tree growth for tax purposes. Tax figure is estimated only. (23025Sa1002) MLS# 1537236 – $142,000 4/24

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T3 R1 – Remote. Private. Wooded and beautiful. With deeded access to Bill Green Pond, this would be a wonderful place to build your seasonal cabin right off Engstrom Road. POSSIBLE OWNER FINANCING. The driveway is shared with lot 17 and is partially installed. $24,900

Lee – Year round road with electric available on Thomas Hill Road. Well wooded. Near ATV and snowsled trails, with dozens of lakes all within an hour’s drive and being a wonderful place for your getaway cabin, home or the RV. $24,900

Lincoln – Views of Mt. Katahdin and only 5 minutes from downtown Lincoln.

Surveyed and completely open right on Enfield Road. A wonderful location for your new home or a great spot to use seasonally and enjoy all that this area has to offer. $37,500

Lee – Looking for some privacy but still need year round access and electricity? This lot is well wooded, fairly level and ready for you to take a peek at on Old Steamboat Road. It could be the property you have been looking for. $37,500 T3 R1 – Brand spanking new cabin with detached woodshed/privy. Deeded across to Bill Green Pond (across the road). Partially furnished and cute as a button. Possible owner financing. $89,900 Danforth – Lot offers relaxing sunset’s views, has electricity available at the road and is level and well wooded right on Lower Hot Brook Lake. This is a beautiful, quiet part of northern Maine- ready for you. $99,000 Lakeville – Large cabin is unfinished on the inside and sits on a half acre of land. End of road privacy in quiet, rural location on Duck Lake. It has a one car, drive in full foundation with a 400amp underground electrical feed. $229,000

207-794-2460 • 1-800-675-2460 cwa@cwalakestreet.com R E A L

E S T A T E

5 Lake Street, P.O. Box 66 LINCOLN, ME

— Call any of our brokers to work for you! — “Tate” Aylward 207-794-2460 Peter Phinney (207) 794-5466 • Kirk Ritchie (207) 290-1554

Visit www.cwalakestreet.com for more listings!

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