Maine Fish and Wildlife Magazine, Spring 1977 by Maine State Library

MAINE

FISH AND WILDLIFE

. SPRING

1977 75e ISSN : 0360-005X

MAINE Governor James B. Longley

FISH AND "\VILDLIFE

Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Maynard F . Marsh

Commissioner

J. William Peppard

Deputy Commissioner

Kenneth H. Anderson

Director, Planning and Co -ordination Supt. of Hatcheries

David 0. Locke

Vol. 19, No. 2

Spring 1977

Chief Warden

Charles S. Allen Lyndon H. Bond

STATE OF MAINE

Chief, Fishery Division Business Manager

Ralph C. Will Robert W. Boettger

Chief, Wildlife Division

William C. Mincher

Director, Information and Education

Fishing Season 197 6

Chief, Engineering Division

KID-BITS

Water Chemistry

SPECIAL SECTION: Fish Species Plans

Clayton G. Grant

Chief, Realty Division

Richard B. Parks Lorenzo J. Gaudreau Alfred L. Meister

Director, Recreational Safety and Registration Chief Biologist, Atlantic Salmon Commission

Tom Chamberlain

Peter G. Walker

Advisory Council Dr. Alonzo H. Garcelon, Chairman Augusta, Maine

Deer and Snowmobiles: Are They Compatible?

Glenn H. Manuel Littleton

Asa 0. Holmes Belfast

Letters, Notes, Comment

Rober t D. Steele Scarborough

George Prentiss Rumford

Turkey Transplant

Ralph L. Noel Auburn

Rodney W. Ross Brownville

Gerald R . Lavigne and Voit B . Richens

Maine Fish and Wildlife is published quarterly by the Maine Dept. of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife , 284 State St., Augusta, Maine 04333, under appropriation 4550. No advertising accepted. William C. Mincher, Editor W. Thomas Shoener, Managing Editor Thomas J. Chamberlain, Features Editor William W. Cross, Photo Editor Thomas L. Carbone, Photographer

ÂŠ Maine Dept. of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, 1977. Written permission must be secured from the Department before reproducing any part of this copyrighted material. Subscription rates: $2.50 for one year, $4.00 for two years, $5.50 for three years. No stamps, please. Second class postage paid at Augusta, Maine 04330. Publication Number 326280 .

Maine Fish and Wildlife -

Spring 19 7 7

THE COVERS Front: "Bass Fishing on Long Pond " is the title of this watercolor lent us by artist S. Scott Zuckerman of Southwest Harbor. The New York State native , a former commercial artist, is an avid duck hunter and fisherman, and this is reflected in the subjects he paints. Scott's work was on display in the Maine State Museum during the month of February, and evoked many good comments. Our thanks to him for the use of this painting. Inside Front: What could be more suggestive of the coming of spring? Baby robins nesting in a forest of apple blossoms - two omens of fine weather on the way . And Photo Editor Bill Cross was in the right place at the right time to catch this scene.

this may help boost Maine 's trophy fisheries but what will you do if you catch one of these lunkers? Why not obtain an application card, fill it out and have it signed by a warden or biologist, and send it in to " The One That Didn't Get Away" Club? It just might be the biggest one of the year - and maybe a state record!

possibly some restrictions on the type of gear used. A "fish-for-fun " restriction is also being considered catch and release. These waters will be carefully monitored, both by creel censuses and by trap netting, and the end result will hopefully be development of larger populations of bigger fish of these three species.

THE ONE THAT DIDN'T GET AWAY CLUB FOR 1976

A LL

..t\..

-6; CU :II C

a.O The Fish

Brook Trout (Minimum 5 pounds)

Brown Trout (Minimum 8 pounds)

Salmon (Minimum 8 pounds)

Gene Spofford, So. Portland, Me. Eino Laakso, Rochester, N. Y. Skip Black, So. Thomaston, Me.

Skip Black, So. Thomaston, Me. John T. Dayhoof, Greene, Me. John C. Nickerson, Dover-Foxcroft, Me. Garvin E. Graves, Milo, Me. William Canfield, Nutley, N. J.

Frank Kacsmar, Lisbon Falls, Me.

Lure

5-8 5-5112 5-5

11-6 8-8 8-1

23 1/ 2 23 24

6/4 6/7 5/8

Moosehead Lake Chamberlain Lake Eagle Lake

Chev Chase Mooselook Wobbler Dardevle

28 25 281h

4 /17 6/29 5/24

Raymond Pond Hancock Pond China Lake

sewed smelt

sewed bait

21-6 1h 20 18-12 18-1 17-12

38 361h 35 36 311h

5/ 31 8/21 6/6 8/4 7/28

Tunk Lake Embden Lake Onawa Lake Schoodic Lake Big Benson Pond

sewed bait sewed bait lure live bait sewed bait

8-4

26 1.4

6/5

Lobster Lake

bait

NONE ENTERED IN 1976

(Minimum 15 pounds)

(Minimum 5 pounds)

TOP FISH IN EACH CATEGORY

NONE ENTERED IN 1976

Atlantic Salmon

Black Bass

a o ....4' _ au

.. :I

Where Caught

Raymond H. Corey, So. Portland, Me. Jon A. Thornton, Guilford, Me. Stuart Smith, Fort Kent, Me.

Rainbow Trout

(Minimum 15 pounds)

.I: 4' a,

The Angler

(Minimum 8 pounds)

Lake Trout (Tague)

.c Ill .. 4' "'.c CU

George Krapovicky, Brunswick, Me. Rick Makowski, Nashua, N. H. Norman W. Nadeau, W. Kennebunk, Me. Bud Hill, Westford, Mass. John Mullen, Auburn, Me. Al Shell, Oakland, Me. Robert Whitlock, Tenafly, N. J. D. Elford McAllister, No. Waterford, Me.

8-8 7-12 7-12 7-11 7-8 7-8 7-8 7-2

22 23 22 1h 231h 24 23 221h 231h

8/4 6/30 9/18 7/9 3/13 6/10 8/26 5/17

Wayne Pond East Pond Cobbosseecontee Lake North Pond (Smithfield) Pleasant Pond (Gardiner) Little North Pond (Rome) East Pond (Smithfield) Moose Pond (Denmark)

Hula-Popper spinner bait plastic worm plastic worm shiner night walker spinner bait Rebel

White Perch

NONE ENTERED IN 1976

(Minimum 4 pounds)

Pickerel (Minimum 4 pounds)

Wendell L. Millett, E. Stoneham, Me. James F. McLaughlin, E. Machias, Me. Roger Hicks, Raymond, Me. Frank Spencer, Mamaroneck, N. Y. Anthony M. Jans, Machias, Me. Robert J . Smith, Skowhegan, Me.

Maine Fish and Wildlife - Spring 1977

5-13 4-8 4-4 4-3 4-1 4-1h

28 261h 26 26 1..4 241h 25 1h

2/8 9/6 12/12 8/16 6/27 5/11

Kezar Lake Rocky Lake Brandy Pond Snow Pond Crawford Lake North Pond (Smithfield)

shiner Dardevle live bait plastic worm Johnson minnow Rebel

What makes a plant decide where to grow? How does a seed get where it is so it can sprout and push upwards through the warm spring earth? Seeds travel from place to place in many different ways. Some FLY, some FLOAT, some HITCHHIKE, some are DELIVERED - some even EXPLODE!! Most seeds travel by FL YING . Some like the fluffy dandelions which you blow from the stem, or the tiny cottonwood seeds which are covered with fine hairs - are so light that they float in the air, sometimes for miles. Others - like maple, oak, and some pine seeds - are like tiny helicopters which spin along in the wind. Some of the "flying" seeds, like orchid and grass seeds - are so small and light that they travel in the air like dust particles, sometimes ending up hundreds of miles from where they start. And others, while not really flying, are blown along the ground by the wind, especially when ice and snow cover the ground. Then, when the ice melts in the springtime, they sink into the ground below and sprout.

FLOATING seeds are not too common~ But some plants, like the water lily or the coconut tree, do send their seeds on water trips to new places, where they finally lodge against the bank and take root. HITCHHIKING seeds are interesting ones. Some of them you would recognize, like the cockleburs and nettles which cling to your clothes and skin until they are picked or brushed off to sprout in a new place. The muddy feet of birds and animals are good ways for some seeds to migrate from place to place. Others are even eaten by birds or animals, but pass through undigested to sprout and grow. SPECIAL DELIVERY might be a good way to describe what the squirrels, and often blue jays, do to the nuts they bury in the fall to prepare for winter. They forget where some of them are buried, and the forgotten ones have been "planted."

Maine Fish and Wildlife - Spring 1977

EXPLODING plants, such as the touch-menot, send their seeds shooting out in all directions. As a matter of fact, the touch-menot got its name because if you just touch the seed pod at the right time of year, the pod will burst open with a loud SNAP! scattering its seeds all around. Milkweed is another plant which "explodes" when it's time for the seeds to find a home.

What kind of animals are we? Fill in the missing letters, then unscramble them and find out!

PRAIRIE _ OG MU_ KRAT G_ PHER R

SQUIR_ EL GROU_ DHOG B_ AVER

----------

You help the seeds travel - by letting the cockle burs cling to your socks, by picking up other seeds on your muddy feet - and even by spitting out watermelon and orange seeds, in climates where they can grow. Nature's ways of helping plants travel and multi ply are truly marvelous. And the nice thing is that you're part of the process! Maine Fish and Wildlife - Spring 1977

In case you haven't figured out who we are, here are some more facts. We are mammals, which means we bear live babies. We represent nearly one-third of all the mammals in the world. We have two large chisel-shaped teeth in each jaw. The smallest of us weighs only two-fifths of an ounce, while the largest weighs nearly 150 pounds! Most of us have several babies at once, and we have them often, so there are more and more of us all the time. And while some of us are valuable to man because of our fur, others are pests and carriers of disease. We are._ _ _ _ __ 5

FISHERY BIOLOGIST must consider three basic factors before deciding what kind of game fish to introduce to a lake or pond. First of all, he must survey the ex isting biological community; the types of food animals and forage fishes as well as any potent ial game fish competitors or predators must be determined . Second, he must consider the physical nature of a body of water; such things as average depth, proportion of deep water to shallow water, and total acreage must be measured. Third and perhaps least underst ood by the average fisherman, are the chemical and thermal characteristics of a body of water. This article will attempt to explain water chemistry and how it is used as a management tool by fishery biologists. In order to appreciate the problems of water chemistry, one must understand pond stratification.

As temperatures rise in the spring, surface waters on lakes and ponds warm accordingly. In shallow ponds, the entire water column from surface to bottom warms up equally and remains at roughly the same temperature throughout the season. In deeper bodies of water, however, warming does not penetrate to the bottom. As the surface water warms, a layering takes place. Gradually, two distinct layers are formed. The warm upper layer, known as the epilimnion, separates very abruptly from the cold, deep hypolimnion. The narrow interface between these two layers is called the thermocline. Because of the difference in densities between these two layers, almost no physical or chemical exchange takes place between them once stratification has occurred. Thus, the supply of dissolved oxygen in the hypolimnion must last through the entire season if fish are to live in it. Since salmon, togue, and most kinds of trout must have deep, cold, well-oxygenated water to survive through the summer months, it is extremely important to measure the water chemistry of the hypolimnion. (For a more detailed explanation of pond stratification, see "What's happening down below?" by Roger A. Marin, Maine Fish and Game, Summer, 1969.) Deep, cold, well-oxygenated lakes are called oligotrophic (pronounced oh-lig-oh-tr6-fik). On the other end of the scale, those lakes which are warm, shallow, and very rich are called eutrophic (you-tr6-fik). In Maine, we have both oligotrophic and eutrophic waters. Most, however, fit somewhere on the scale between the two extremes. The amount of natural or man-made nutrients in a lake determines its level of eutrophication. The richer or more eutrophic a.

The author lowers an electric thermometer to determine water temperature at various levels in a lake.

Maine Fish and Wildlife - Spring 1977

Viewing tube and Secchi disc are used to determine depth of light penetration into water.

lake becomes, the more dissolved oxygen is used in the decomposition of organic material. Since most of this material settles into the hypolimnion or lower layer, the oxygen demand is greatest on this part of the lake. This is where fishery management comes on the scene. If the nutrient load on a lake is too high, insufficient oxygen will be left to support coldwater game fish. FISHERY BIOLOGIST employs several modern instruments when measuring water quality. The deepest area of a lake is located by the use of electronic sonar machines identical to those used by many anglers as fish locators. Once the boat is anchored over the deep area, a temperature profile of the water column is made by using an electric thermometer. As the probe of the thermometer is lowered through the depths, the thermocline shows up as a very abrupt drop in temperature. When this profile is completed, chemical tests are begun on water samples obtained from desired depths by means of a special brass sampling bottle. Dissolved oxygen is measured by a process employing several chemical reactions. The level of acidity, or pH, of each water sample is measured with chemicals and a special pH meter. Finally, the distance that light penetrates into the lake is measured with a viewing tube and a device called a Secchi disc. Since aquatic plants must have

sunlight to function, the extent of light penetration into a lake is a partial measure of its productivity. What does a fishery biologist learn from all this? As mentioned earlier, most cold-water game fish depend on the water quality of the hypolimnion to sustain them through the summer months. Through water quality measurement, a biologist can determine which species of game fish a body of water is most suited for. For instance, togue (lake trout) must have large areas of cold, deep, well-oxygenated water to thrive. On the other hand, a lake with good water quality in its hypolimnion but a relatively small area of deep water may be ideal for landlocked salmon or rainbow trout.

A special, brass sampling bottle enables biologists to obtain water from any desired depth; the water 's chemica l properties are then determined .

Unfortunately, many of our lakes which are deep enough to stratify suffer oxygen deficiencies in the summer. Stocking these lakes with salmon, togue, or most kinds of trout would be a waste of time and money. Many of these lakes, however, will sustain the hardy brown trout. In fact, brown trout frequently thrive in such situations. As the water quality deteriorates in the deeper parts of these lakes during early summer, the brown trout simply move up into the narrow thermocline area. The brown trout's survival is further enhanced by its competitiveness and ability to utilize many sources of food . to water quality measurement during initial lake and pond surveys, fishery biologists monitor summer water quality in many lakes on a regular basis. In recent years, much of this monitoring has been taken over by the Department of Environmental Protection's Division of Lakes. Monitoring is especially necessary on lakes with good water quality which have extensive shoreline development or are threatened by enrichment from other sources. Continuous monitoring may provide sufficient warning to act in time to save a fishery should a problem arise. All too often, though, it is too late. Cobbosseecontee Lake in the Winthrop area is a sad example of a lost cold-water fishery. Cobbossee's

N ADDITION

deep, cold waters yielded catches of togue and salmon through the 1960's. But by the 1970's, nutrients flowing into Cobbossee from Winthrop via polluted Annabessacook Lake had caused a drop in water quality sufficient to put an end to the lake's salmon and togue fishery. Although nothing could be done to save the fishery, water quality monitoring did enable biologists to disc on tin ue stocking before valuable hatchery fish were wasted. in the fall, its 0 supply of dissolved oxygen must last until spring. In most Maine lakes and ponds, this supply is sufficient NCE

A POND

FREEZES OVER

to sustain fish throughout the winter. Occasionally, "winter kills" occur when oxygen levels drop too low due to consumption by a pond's inhabitants, coupled with organic decomposition. Winter kills have caused problems in some small trout ponds. When problems of this sort are suspected, a biologist is able to perform chemistry tests on samples obtained through holes in the ice. Testing a lake's water quality is a valuable fishery management tool. Through the use of modern equipment, water chemistry tests can be performed quickly and accurately. Unfortunately, water quality degradation is easy to measure but difficult to stop. That's where you can help! â&#x20AC;˘

REDFIN PICKEREL DISCOVERED IN MAINE

HE TINY, redfin pickerel (Esox americanus americanus) has

been added to the list offish species found in Maine. Sharp-eyed Mike Hogan, an employee at the Boothbay Laboratory of the Maine Department of Marine Resources, turned in a redfin pickerel specimen to us in early April. Hogan found the 7-inch fish while looking for bait shiners

in the marsh near the golf course in Bath. An investigation by Regional Biologist Roger Marin and myself yielded a second tiny redfin and confirmed their presence. Redfin pickerel, so-named for their bright, orange-red fins, seldom attain more than 12 inches in length. Previously, they have been reported from the central Atlantic states as far north as southern New England. A similar form , the grass

pickerel, is found in the north central states and the Great Lakes. Further investigations will be initiated this year to determine if the redfin pickerel inhabits other waters in the Bath area. Confirmation of its existence elsewhere may indicate whether the little pickerel has been introduced to Maine or has been here all along but overlooked. -Pete Walker Fishery Biologist

Maine Fish and Wildlife - Spring 19 7 7

IN A CHANGING MAINE., THE FUTURE OF YOUR FISH AND WILDLIFE RESOURCES WILL NOT BE LEFT TO CHANCE

FOREWORD

MAINE'S

INLAND FISHERIES MANAGEMENT PROGRAM 0

DEPARTMENT OF INLAND FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE 284 STATE ST., AUGUSTA, ME 04333

Whether we like it or not, conditions throughout the State of Maine are changing, and these changes can be expected to affect the abundance of fish and wildlife and the amount of hunting, fishing, and trapping which they can support. In an effort to keep abreast of these changes and to increase our responsiveness to activities on current and developing problems, the Department embarked on a long range planning program. Basically, this involves the development and maintenance of fish and wildlife species assessments. These assessments are based upon the latest information available and are used as a basis for the selection of species management goals and objectives and the development of species management program proposals. The selected species management

programs are designed to provide specific information needed to understand a species more fully and to focus regulations and other management work on the most pressing needs at hand. This booklet presents a condensed version of the Department's recently completed five year management plan for the state's inland fishery resources. We publish it in this form for several reasons: (1) It is relatively nontechnical; (2) It is short enough to be easy reading; (3) It highlights the Department's assessment of the major inland fish and wildlife species and outlines management activities which will be undertaken during the next four years; and ( 4) It is brief enough so we can reprint it without great cost for the benefit of citizens who do not happen to see it in Maine Fish and Wildlife Magazine. The long range plan at present (1976) occupies seven volumes which altogether are nearly 12 inches thick. It is based on the best information available, but it is not a plan which has been made to be followed without question. Instead, we consider this a living plan, and a living plan must be updated constantly and changed as new information becomes available and when conditions change materially. We in tend to keep it a live plan, and a live plan must reflect change. The schedule for presentation in Maine Fish and Wildlife Magazine provides for two parts: the wildlife-other-than-fish in the Fall 197 6 issue and the fish species in the Spring 1977 issue. The pages are numbered so as to make a continuing publication: the Fisheries section picks up where the Wildlife section ends. In the Fall 197 5 issue of Maine Fish and Wildlife, Planning and Co-ordination Director Kenneth Anderson described how the Department decided to develop a formal plan for fish and wildlife management. After much time and work, the plan has taken shape so it can be presented as it exists today. We should emphasize that it will not remain as it is today - as the subtitle of Ken's article said, "In a changing Maine, the future of your fish and wildlife resources will not be left to chance: YOU'VE GOT A PLAN."

We hope you will find this condensed presentation interesting and educational. We intend it to show some of the problems of today and some we anticipate for tomorrow. How these problems should be approached is another aspect of planning which will We don't change as conditions change. intend to stand still.

Commissioner

CONTENTS Foreword Introduction: Maine's Inland Fisheries ... Cold-water Game Fish .. .. ..... . ... . . Brook Trout .................... Landlocked Salmon ......... . ..... Brown Trout .................... Rain bow Trout .................. Blueback and Sunapee Trout ........ Lake Trout ......... . ........... Rainbow Smelt .................. Lake Whitefish .................. Warm-water Game Fish .......... .. ... Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass ... Chain Pickerel ................... White Perch .....................

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cover S-37 S-38 S-40 S-42 S-43 S-45 S-47 S-48 S-50 S-51 S-53 S-54 S-55 S-57

This booklet was financed through Federal Aid in Fish and Wildlife Restoration Funds under Project FWA-2-Series. Species Management Plans written by the Fishery, Wildlife, and Planning divisions. Text condensation by Henry Hilton. Sketches by Warden John A. Ford and Fish Technician Scott Roy. Design, production, and photographs not otherwise credited, by the Information and Education Division.

Maine has an abundance of fresh-water fish habitat - nearly one million acres of lakes ( one acre or more in size) and approximately 43,000 miles of significant streams. Much of this habitat supports recreational fisheries for one or more of the 14 fish species that the Department classifies as "major" game fish. The total social value of this resource may be incalculable, but in monetary terms it has been conservatively estimated that Maine citizens and out-of-state visitors currently spend roughly 26 million dollars annually in pursuit of the sport of fresh-water fishing. Results of a statewide questionnaire conducted by the Department in 1973-74 indicates that anglers take about 4,393,300 fishing trips each year, 3,982,100 trips during the summer season and about 411,200 trips during the winter ice-fishing season. These estimates do not include fishing effort expended by young anglers who are not required to buy licenses until age 16 (residents) or 12 (nonresidents) and thus were not

sampled by our survey. Recent field studies indicate that juvenile anglers may contribute as much as 15 to 20 per cent of the total angler-days spent on Maine's lakes, and it may even be higher on streams. Nonresidents make up about 35 per cent of Maine's angler population; this ratio has varied little since 1950. Nonresidents do most (99 per cent) of their fishing in the summer months, so Maine residents have the winter sport fishery pretty much to themselves. The major part of the winter effort is concentrated on lakes because few streams are legally open. Lake fishing also predominates during the summer, with about 3,058,500 angler-days expended on lakes and 923,600 on streams. Traditionally, Maine residents have favored the cold-water fishes, principally the landlocked salmon and trout species, and the Department's management programs have placed priority on these species. However, the warm-water species (consisting principally of

TREND IN MAINE FISHING LICENSE SALES, 1949 to 1975 (3-YEAR AVERAGES)

WHERE MAINE ANGLERS COME FROM

(percent of total license sales)

z 260

V'J

250

5:c

240 t: 230 ~ 220 V'J z 210 w u 200 ...J

c.:,

190

180

170 ..__......__ ___._______.__ _____,...___.....__ ___.,,__ _......__ ___.__. 49-51 52-54 55-57 58-60 61-63 64-66 67-69 70-72 73-75

Other states and Canada

YEARS

Maine Fish and Wildlife - Spring 1977

S-37

bass, perch, and pickerel) make a significant contribution to Maine's total sport fishery. An insight to what Maine anglers prefer to fish for came from the 197 4 questionnaire in which they were asked to rank the various game species in order of preference. The following summary table shows their ranking of the top 10 species for the two fishing seasons: Summer Rank 1 2 3 4 5 6

7 8

Residents Brook trout Landlocked salmon Lake trout ( togue) Brown trout Rainbow trout White perch Largemouth bass Smallmou th bass Smelt Pickerel

Nonresidents Landlocked salmon Brook trout Smallmou th bass Largemouth bass Pickerel Rainbow trout Lake trout ( togue) Brown trout White perch Yell ow perch

neighboring states, where most of Maine's nonresident sportsmen reside. Whether this trend toward increased fishing pressure continues will undoubtedly depend on such factors as population growth, inflationary costs that will influence willingness to pay for recreational fishing, and the quality of the fishing experience provided the Maine angler. It is this last factor that most concerns the Department: how to maintain high fishing quality for more people. To help insure that our goal of maintaining high fishing quality is accomplished, we are developing plans for the management of the various sport fishes. Plans for 13 sport fishes have been completed and are presented in summary form in the following pages. Future reports on our planning effort will include long-range plans for the Atlantic salmon, the fresh-water cusk, some minor game species such as the hornpout, and non-game species.

Winter Rank 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Residents Landlocked salmon Lake trout ( togue) Brook trout Brown trout Pickerel Rainbow trout White perch Smelt Smallmou th bass Largemouth bass

Nonresidents Landlocked salmon Lake trout ( togue) Brook trout Pickerel Brown trout Rainbow trout White perch Smelt Smallmou th bass Largemouth bass

These preferences, however, do not necessarily reflect the status of each species in terms of fishing activity devoted to it. For example, the pickerel actually outranks all the other game species in terms of total angler-days of use during the ice-fishing season. Surprisingly, the rainbow trout was rated more highly than one would guess on the basis of its very limited distribution and availability to anglers. Perhaps this is because of its appeal as a physically attractive species and exotic game fish Âˇ as far as Maine waters are concerned. Another reason may be misidentification of colorful native brook trout as rainbows. Maine residents rank the four dominant cold-water species - brook trout, landlocked salmon, lake trout, and brown trout - as tops during both fishing seasons. Not surprisingly, nonresidents place the basses and pickerel pretty high on their preference list for summer fishing, but they are still below landlocked salmon and brook trout. After a leveling-off period during the 1960s, it is now apparent that the Department's sale of licenses that permit fishing on Maine's inland waters is once again increasing. This increase of anglers afield is probably directly associated with the increase in Maine's population since the 1970 federal census, as well as a general increase in the population within S-38

Maine's cold-water sport fishery resource is composed of six kinds of trout, landlocked salmon, smelt, whitefish, and cusk. Species in the "trout" group include brook trout, lake trout (togue), brown trout, rainbow trout, and the chars (blueback and Sunapee trouts). All may be found in either lakes, brooks, rivers, or streams; but togue, whitefish, smelts, and the chars occur most commonly in lake habitat. All have two habitat requirements in common; they require cold water and abundant dissolved oxygen to thrive. Specific habitat requirements and life histories, however, vary among the species. Maine Fish and Wildlife - Spring 1977

Brook trout, salmon, and togue are the "big three" most popular with Maine anglers. The native brook trout is the most abundant and widespread, and it is the species most frequently sought by open-water anglers. Landlocked salmon, the official "State Fish," was originally distributed in only four river basins, but it has become widespread as a result of early fish cultural activity and recent management introductions. Salmon are the most sought-after fish by resident ice fishermen arid the second most popular with open-water anglers. Lake trout (togue) were native to northern Maine, but their range has recently been extended considerably by management introductions. Tague are the third preferred species by resident openwater anglers and the second preference of winter anglers. Neither brown trout nor rainbow trout are natives of Maine, but they have proven a valuable addition to our sport fishery resource when used to fill a definite management need in selected waters where effects on native cold-water species are negligible. Both species are somewhat less stringent in habitat requirements than our native brook trout, and they are more able to withstand competition from coarse fishes. Both species are also less selective of food fishes than our native salmon, which primarily eat smelts. Blueback trout and Sunapee trout, both Maine natives, are closely related to the Arctic char. Once believed to be extinct, bluebacks were "rediscovered" in the late 1940s. Smelt, cusk, and whitefish add variety to angler catches of cold-water fishes, particularly in the winter time. Smelts also play a dominant role as a forage fish for the larger cold-water game species. The Department's stocking program will continue to be an essential part of management strategies for perpetuation of cold-water fisheries, especially if angler demand increases significantly beyond current levels. At the present time, more than two million salmon and trout are being released annually to provide fishing in waters where none could otherwise exist. These fish are propagated at nine Department facilities, all of which are operating at or close to maximum capacity with an annual cost of about $585,000. According to results from angler questionnaires (1973-7 4), 37,480 anglers spent 292,560 days ice fishing for cold-water game fish. Open-water anglers, numbering 199,215, fished more than 2,757,390 days in lakes. The combined estimate for open-water and ice fishing in lakes resulted in an annual total of 3,049,950 angler-days fishing for cold-water fish. Open-water anglers accounted for 88 per cent of the effort in lakes, while ice fishermen exerted 12 per cent. Open-water stream fishermen accounted for an additional 641,500 days of effort. Present supplies of most cold-water fish are more than adequate to fulfill present demands by anglers. Maine Fish and Wildlife - Spring 197 7

FISHING STATISTICS FOR MOOSEHEAD LAKE (9-year averages, 1967 - 1975) Angler trips in winter Angler trips in summer

3,233 29,406

Total angler trips annually Angler trips per acre per year Hours fished per angler trip Salmon harvested Lake trout harvested

32,639 0.44 5.3 11,815 5,994

Brook trout harvested Total salmonids harvested Salmonids per angler trip

3,642 21,451 0.66

Average length of a salmon (inches) Average Average Average Average Average

weight of a salmon (pounds) length of a lake trout (inches) weight of a lake trout (pounds) length of a brook trout (inches) weight of a brook trout (pounds)

15.8 1.2 18.4 2.2 12.1

0.8

Opportunities to fish for these species, even with minor local limitations, are still adequate to permit desired use by anglers. With current management levels, angler-use of most species could be increased within the next 15 years without adversely affecting fishing quality. These projections, however, are dependent upon maintenance of fishery management and research programs to solve problems common to cold-water game fishes. Specific problems and management strategies are discussed in individual species plans. Vital manage-ment strategies common to cold-water game fish include the following: 1. Because a significant part of our cold-water fisheries are maintained by stocking hatchery fish, it will be necessary to maintain and improve adequate hatchery and rearing facilities and to strive to improve quality of the hatchery product. 2. Fishing regulations must be tailored to fit management objectives, rather than divergent personal opm10ns. As angler-use increases and angler preferences change toward larger fish, decreased bag limits and increased length limits will become more common. 3. It will be necessary to provide and maintain an adequate supply of food fish for cold-water fish that require them for optimum growth and survival. 4. Spread of coarse fishes that compete with coldwater fish for food and space should be discouraged and actively curtailed where possible. 5. Protection of cold-water habitat from degradation should be continued through education and stringent enforcement of environmental laws.

S-39

Introduction. The brook trout has always been the most abundant and commonly sought cold-water game fish in Maine. Because of the popularity of this species and its particular vulnerability to the most common causes of habitat destruction, intensive management is necessary to provide adequate quality and quantity of fisheries to meet the demand by sportsmen. The basic habitat requirements for brook trout are cool, well-oxygenated water and suitable spawning sites with clean gravel and flowing water. Few historical records are available, but it is likely that abundant populations of "brookies" inhabited most of the state's inland waters before 1800. In the last 100 years, this natural abundance has declined with the general increase and growth of human populations, the timber industry, industrialization, and agriculture. Certain forestry and agricultural practices have degraded the water, shore, and stream bed environments. Sport fishing pressure has altered the size and composition of the populations, but one of the greatest detrimental factors has been the widespread introduction of fishes which compete with or prey on brook trout. Chain pickerel, white and yellow perch, and smallmouth bass remain an active threat in many large lakes. Suckers and competitive minnows and other bait fishes are often inadvertently introduced. While small trout ponds and some streams can be chemically "reclaimed" for brook trout, the larger fisheries present a more serious problem when unwanted species are present.

Fishery biologi sts conduct co nti nuing age and growt h stu dies to produce management informati on for b rook tro ut and other species arou nd th e state.

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Maine waters still provide high quality brook trout fishing (1976). Depending on many factors, such quality is generally reflected in size or abundance of the fish but not both. In a good, healthy, aquatic environment, it is unlikely that a wild trout population can l:)e completely extinguished by sport fishing. However, the quality of trout fisheries in terms of size or numbers of fish can easily be degraded by overfishing. The principal means of preventing overfishing is to control harvest through regulations and stocking of hatchery fish. Hatchery fish are normally stocked on a "put-grow-take" basis to provide a fishery where natural reproduction cannot occur but where all other conditions are satisfactory for survival. Currently more than one million fish are stocked annually, usually as "fingerlings" which become wild and grow to catchable size, providing essentially a natural sport fishery. Present Status. Maine has a total of nearly 1,100 lakes and ponds, covering about 739,000 acres, which contain brook trout. About 52 per cent of the trout waters support populations in moderate to high abundance, and most of these are less than 200 acres in size. Some waters contain self-sustaining populations of trout, while others are wholly or partially supplemented by stocking hatchery fish. In addition there are about 32,000 miles of streams considered good trout habitat. The allowable harvest of "wild" or natural populations is about 50 per cent of the number available for angling (trout greater than 6 inches in length). In hatchery-supplemented or -sustained populations,

The management goal for brook trout is to provi de for an expect ed increase in use wh ile mainta in ing adequate abundance levels statewi de.

70 per cent may be harvested. Together, these fisheries in Maine may yield an allowable harvest of an estimated 1.6 million trout annually. Currently (1976), the estimated demand on these fisheries is 116,000 and 872,000 angler-days for winter and summer respectively, with harvests of about 22,000 and 529,000 trout. These represent 1 7 per cent of the legal-sized trout available for harvest and 33 per cent of the safe "allowable" harvest. Estimated harvest by stream fishermen - including an expected high number of juveniles fishing legally without licenses is well below an allowable limit of 2.5 million 6-inch or larger trout. Certain streams, as well as ponds, receive especially high pressure and thereby do not consistently provide their potential high quality angling. Difficulty in gaining access to many trout ponds absence of roads, restricted access - often prevent high use, resulting in high quality fishing for a few anglers. But the opportunity to fish for brook trout is not severely limited. A total of 151 ponds are protected from permanent road construction by the Land Use Regulation Commission through designation and zoning of "wilderness" ponds. Temporary closure of some waters, and special regulations such as "fly fishing only," catch limits, and "no-live-fish-as-bait" are intended to maintain or improve the quality of fishing; these regulations, therefore, do not effectively reduce the opportunity for quality angling. Recent liberalized regulations for stream fishing that removed the 6-inch limit have increased fishing opportunities for trout, and it is recommended that the current (1976) August 15 closure schedule be lengthened to coincide with that of lakes and ponds. Excessive fishing pressure and over-harvest of some trout waters is a problem of distribution of angling use, rather than one of high use statewide. For that reason, measures must be taken to attempt to equalize use by imposing special regulations to control or redistribute fishing pressure and by stocking hatchery fish where there is the most need. Projected Trends. The amount of pond and lake habitat is not expected to decline significantly between now (1976) and the year 1990. Some loss due to over-development and continued introductions of competing species may occur; however, under the Maine Fish and Wildlife - Spring 1977

current level of management, these losses should be offset by continued pond reclamation programs. Stream habitat is expected to decline somewhat despite environmental protection laws. This will occur primarily in areas of Maine that are being developed and where the resource is already poorly distributed and subject to high use. More efficient management will likely result from increased knowledge and expertise derived from current programs. Increases in use, projected to be 10 to 15 per cent by 1990, would bring the harvest up to about 38 per cent of the safe harvest limits for lakes and ponds. Stream harvests are likewise expected to remain below the safe limits statewide. Restrictions on angler catch - reduced bags, higher length limits, more constraining angling methods - may be instigated to improve the quality of the fishery; this will not effectively reduce the opportunity for most anglers. Management Goal. The management goal for brook trout is to provide for an expected increase in use while maintaining current, adequate, abundance levels statewide. This will require a sustained harvestable crop of 3.2 million trout in lakes and ponds and 7 4 million in streams, with an exploitation rate of 28 per cent and 24 per cent respectively. Success rates should be maintained at or above 0.6 fish per angler on ponds and 1.2 fish per angler on streams, with an average fish size in the angler's creel of 11 inches on ponds and a minimum of 6 inches on streams. An additional objective is to establish several "trophy" trout fisheries on suitable waters distributed throughout the state, where, through carefully-planned regulations and habitat quality control, the discerning angler may have the opportunity to experience especially high quality brook trout fishing. Elsewhere, normal quality will be maintained or restored through various procedures to compensate for actual or potential damaging influences on brook trout fisheries. S-41

COLD-WATER GAME FISH

LANDLOCKED SALMON Introduction. The landlocked salmon is one of Maine 's most highly-prized sport fishes. This form originated from sea-run Atlantic salmon through a gradual adaptation to fresh water - not through "land-locking" by physical barriers. The original distribution of salmon was restricted to four major river basins in Maine; but by 1900, various introductions had spread the fish through most of the suitable lakes and streams statewide . Since then , through the use of hatchery facilit ies, salmon fisheries in many "marginal" waters have been maintained by periodic stocking. Ideal salmon habitat is generally considered to be large, deep, clear lakes with rocky shores, high oxygen content, an abundance of smelts, and fed by a swift stream with gravelly bottom. Over the years, however, research has shown that salmon will tolerate less than ideal conditions; and with hatchery supplements and careful management, a number of marginal waters now produce fine salmon fishing . Many of the early salmon fisheries were of ex ceptionally high quality , producing either "fast action" or trophy-sized fish. For example , Sebago Lake was known for its 3 to 10 pound fish, while salmon in West Grand Lake averaged only 1.4 pounds. The catch in West Grand, however, averaged almost one salmon every 1 1h hours. The opportunity for individuals to use the salmon resource in Maine has been restricted by increased numbers of anglers, limited public access to salmon

waters, and reduced harvest allowances. More drast ic restriction of fishing has resulted from concern that overexploiting a salmon population would destroy the fishery. The impact of several fishing regulations passed by legislature is still not known. Through intensive management, which includes stocking, habitat protection, and sound regulations, a fine salmon fishery can be maintained. This requires accurate use of data, much of which must come from anglers through creel censuses, questionnaires, and other sources of information. Present Status (1976). There are a total of 313 salmon lakes in Maine; about one-half of these have moderate to high salmon populations (average 2.36 fish per acre), and one-half have low numbers (average 0.23 fish/acre). In general, the best-known salmon lakes are well distributed for fishermen. The most significant salmon rivers are located in northern, central, and western Maine; but a notable exception - Grand Lake Stream in eastern Maine - is known around the country for its salmon fishing. These Maine waters together support a dynamic salmon fishery ; and as new management techniques are developed, mostly through applied research , they are put to use as quickly as feasible to improve the quality and quantity of the resource. Currently, the average angler catches about one 16.5 inch-long salmon weighing 1.5 pounds for every 5 days of fishing, open water and ice fishing combined. Expert salmon anglers (generally those who by preference concentrate on salmon fishing) may average 2 to 3 fish per day during open water fishing, and 1 to 2 fish per day ice fishing. Projected Trends. It is not anticipated that types of lake or river habitat will change much during the planning period (to 1990). Environmental protection laws should help to minimize accelerated degradation of salmon habitat in the future, and the distribution of habitat is not likely to change as a result. At current management levels, the size of salmon populations will not change overall; but opportunity to use the fishery may be restricted by bag limits, length limits, and regulated harvest techniques. Overall,

Edward Blakeley took the world record landlocked salmon from Sebago Lake in 1907. It was 36 " long and weighed 22Y2 pounds.

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Maine Fish and Wildlife - Spring 1977

however, the supply of Âˇsalmon in Maine waters is expected to continue to e~ceed the demand by fishermen. Management Goal. The management goal for the landlocked salmon in Maine is to maintain the current, adequate, harvestable crop of salmon; to maintain the angler success rate and the average salmon size; and to increase the salmon harvest and exploitation rate to optimum levels, which is about 40 per cent of legal-size fish available. This will effectively maintain the quality of the salmon fishery while increasing the opportunity for anglers to use it.

Earliest Known Distribution of Landlocked Salmon in Maine

Areas With Salmon Lakes of Moderate to High Populations

Maine Fish and Wildlife - Spring 1977

Introduction. An exotic species to most of the world, the brown trout originated some seventy million years ago in the oceans of the arctic regions. As glacial sheets advanced southward, this species became established in fjords of the Scandinavian Peninsula and gradually adapted to fresh-water environs. Later, browns became established naturally throughout most of the European continent and have since been transferred by man to nearly every part of the world. Today, they exist on every continent except Antarctica. The first shipment of brown trout to the Western Hemisphere arrived in 1883. Maine received a shipment .of 10,000 eggs at the federal hatchery in Bucksport in 1885, and the first introduction took place in Branch Lake near Ellsworth. The introduction of brown trout to Maine was prompted by a general decline in landlocked salmon and brook trout fisheries. It was believed that the newly discovered brown could be a solution to the declining fisheries within the state. However, many of the early introductions were unsuccessful because of a general lack of technical knowledge about this species. As a result of these early failures, interest in the brown dwindled considerably in the early 1900s. A continued decline in salmon and trout fisheries within the state prompted a renewed effort in the '30s and '40s. Intensive stocking efforts led to careless introductions in many trout and salmon waters, the most notable being Sebago Lake, world famous for its landlocked salmon fishery. In many instances - fortunately - these efforts also were not successful in establishing any significant populations. Fishery scientists who then began to study the behavior and habits of the brown trout discovered that their life history was very similar to the salmon and that the brown, being more adaptable, was a serious competitor to many trout and salmon populations. These discoveries led to a great deal of controversy, and stocking programs were drastically curtailed. Some anglers believed the brown trout was too hard to catch and was a poor investment of the sportsman's dollar. Others said these fish were voracious cannibals 8-43

that preyed on everything, including salmon and trout. Much of the controversy resulted, however, from misinformation and a lack of general understanding of the habits and behavior of the brown trout. But these controversies did not preclude further experimentation with the species. Habitat evaluations revealed that many lakes, ponds, rivers and streams were not capable of supporting the native salmon or brook trout. Many of these marginal waters were also not suitable for any other cold-water game fish that were native to the area. The brown seemed to be a likely candidate for these marginal environments. This marked the beginning of the present management program for brown trout in Maine.

The popularity of brown trout as a sport fish has increased in recent years, and brown trout are an accepted part of Maine fishery management programs. Their attractiveness as a game fish and their adaptability to a wide range of habitats have made them invaluable in providing a sports fishery and increasing angler opportunities in many waters which otherwise would have little to offer. As a result of refined management efforts, many Maine waters now support excellent brown trout populations with individuals ranging up to 15 pounds in larger bodies of water. Present Status. Fishable populations of brown trout are currently (1976) found in 110 Maine lakes and 77 streams. Of these, 91 lakes are managed purposefully for brown trout. These 91 lakes represent 3.8 per cent of the lake water surface in Maine and are mostly "mesotrophic" waters lacking in large volumes of cold water and sufficient spawning habitat to produce self-sustaining populations. Thus, nearly all of the significant brown trout lake fisheries in the state S-44

are maintained by the Department's stocking program. There are 19 lakes supporting small but self-sustaining populations of brown trout; these are not being managed specifically for this species since brown trout management was abandoned in preference of another game fish or because of a conflict in management with other species. A few other lakes contain relic populations resulting from early stockings, but these waters have no potential for providing even marginal fisheries. All were once stocked with hatchery browns. Brown trout have a limited distribution in Maine, and the majority of brown trout lake fisheries occur in the southern half of the state. Many of the brown trout populations in streams are cohabitants with brook trout, but the two species tend to be segregated, with brookies located in upper reaches and browns in downstream areas where warm water tends to exclude brook trout. The total supply of brown trout in all the lakes with significant fisheries is estimated at 92,000, with an annual harvest of about 11,000 in winter and 22,000 in summer. Fisheries in southern counties are being exploited at a much higher rate than any other region, with a removal of 39 per cent of the supply each year, in contrast to eastern areas (Hancock and Washington counties) where the exploitation rate averages 16 per cent. There is no data available to estimate the demand on the stream fishery, but it is believed to be low in most areas. Nearly 98 per cent of the brown trout lakes are readily accessible by vehicle, without fees for launching boats. Existing regulations allow a high exploita-

Areas With Brown Trout Lakes of Moderate to High Populations

Maine Fish and Wildlife - Spring 1977

tion rate, and the stocking program is largely one of "put-and-take." The present fishery (1976) is providing high quantity but inadequate fish-size for most anglers. Projected Trends. The amount and distribution of habitat for brown trout is not expected to change significantly in the planning period between now and the year 1990. However, with an expected 10 per cent increase in angler participation, the overall exploitation rate may increase to a critical level, making it unfeasible to maintain a quality fishery without more restrictive regulations and a change in management priorities. A recent questionnaire survey of brown trout fishermen indicated that 80 per cent desired a larger fish than the current fishery provides. If current trends continue, the demand for quality brown trout fishing will continue to exceed the supply. Seven coastal Maine rivers support small or relic populations of naturally reproducing sea-run browns resulting from stockings in years past. No effort has been made to develop these fisheries, partly because of the primary emphasis on restoration of Atlantic salmon. Judging from results in other New England states and from existing habitat in Maine, some potential exists for establishing sea-run brown trout. Management Goal. The management goal for brown trout is to increase use opportunities and improve fishing quality where compatible with other coldwater fisheries. Specific objectives have been established for lakes, inland streams, and sea-run populations. For lakes, management objectives emphasize more intensive management of existing populations to effect an overall reduction in the harvest rate from 39 per cent to 30 per cent and to increase average fish size in the creel from 0.75 pounds to 1.5 pounds, providing a harvestable crop of about 102,000 brown trout and angler-days of use of about 134,000. In inland streams, management efforts will be directed toward diversifying fishing opportunities. This will be done by designating certain streams as general management areas where management policies will yield an average fish of about 8 inches. Other areas will be designated as special management areas where take-home catches will be quite low but average fish sizes will be greater thaÂˇn 12 inches. In a third group of streams, management will be directed toward providing a smaller fish size but allowing higher take-home catches and higher success rates. This objective will provide approximately 58,000 angler days of use and a harvest of 65,000 fish by the year 1990. Feasibility studies will be implemented for sea-run brown trout with an objective of providing populations in three southern coastal streams sufficient to allow an annual rod catch of 100 fish. Maine Fish and Wildlife - Spring 19 7 7

Introduction. The rainbow trout, introduced into Maine from the west coast, is now (1976) established in portions of six major river drainages. Selfsustaining stream populations occur in the Kennebec, Androscoggin, Aroostook, and Saco River drainages, but the species has not reproduced successfully in lakes or ponds. Sea-run strains, called "steelheads," are not found in this state. Rainbows generally prefer fast moving sections of streams but will tolerate warmer waters than brook trout if the water is well-oxygenated. Spawning time depends on the particular strain; in Maine, they are all spring spawners. Because Maine rainbows have a relatively short life span (oldest recorded age is six years) and often spawn on alternate years, few fish spawn more than once. Before 1968, rainbow trout management was limited to protection of spawning fish in the Kennebec

S-45

River tributaries. Introduction to other waters was discouraged because of the reported migratory tendencies of the species and possible competition with native cold-water fishes. Beginning in 1968, rainbows were stocked in six selected ponds and one river so that their growth, survival, fishing quality, and competitiveness could be compared with brook trout. The evaluation of these stockings, completed in 197 3, indicated that rainbows grew well and provided good fishing well into the summer. That they provided summer fishing, a common deficiency of brook trout fisheries, was encouraging. In addition, the rainbows appeared to utilize a variety of food organisms. This is a favorable trait that might be advantageous in waters having unreliable supplies of smelts, on which salmon are so dependent. As a result of these findings, 50,000 rainbows are now produced annually in Maine hatcheries and stocked in other waters for further evaluation. As a precautionary measure, the new waters chosen are in drainages where the species is already established, drain directly to the ocean, or are isolated by having no tributaries. Present Status. Currently (1976), rainbow trout may be found in 16 lakes and ponds and 6 major rivers; only those populations in the rivers are self-sustaining. The present Department policy is to limit introductions of rainbows into waters where there is sufficient angler interest and where there would be no conflict with the management of existing native species.

Management of rainbows is not being considered for waters with good populations of salmon and other trout species. Even with annual stocking, the present fishing success for rainbows is considered low on lakes and ponds at . 32 fish per angler-day. The average fish caught is about 10 inches long and weighs 0.6 pounds. On streams, fisherman catch is 0.84 fish per anglerday, still somewhat below the management goal of 1.0. The average fish is 9 inches long and weighs 0.6 pound. The supply meets or exceeds the demand only in the all-wild populations, where fishing pressure is heaviest during the spring spawning season. It is believed that other mortality factors in addition to fishing are responsible for the low rate of return in stocked populations. Projected Trends. At present management levels, rainbow trout populations will remain stable. Although rainbows may be phased out of some waters and introduced into others, the number of fish available to anglers is expected to remain relatively constant. Natural reproduction will likely account for only a small portion of the fishery; thus, the supply will be dependent on hatchery-raised fish. An increase in the opportunity to angle for rainbows will occur only if they prove out well in waters currently being evaluated. Management Goal. The management goal for rainbow trout is to maintain present use opportunities for this species and to improve fishing quality. No major expansion in its distribution is contemplated for this planning period. For lakes, management objectives provide for 15,000 man-days of use - permitting a harvest of approximately 3,700 fish, with a success rate of 1.0 fish per angler-day for rainbows averaging approximately 14 inches in length. For streams, a harvest of about 9,000 rainbows caught at the rate of 1.0 fish per angler-day is set as the desired level of achievement for management. This will provide approximately 9,000 man-days of fishing. If management is successful, the average rainbow in the angler's creel will measure 10 inches. Management strategies include further evaluation of the species to determine its potential and desirability as a game fish in Maine waters by measuring its abundance, survival, growth, and fishing qualities in the waters it now inhabits.

RainhowTrout Distribution = Areas With Stream Populations 0 = Lake Populations

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Rainbow trout may be found in 16 lakes and ponds and 6 major rivers, but only the river populations are self-sustaining.

Maine Fish and Wildlife - Spring 19 77

COLD-WATER GAME FISH

BLUEBACI( AND SUNAPEE TROUT Introduction. The blueback and Sunapee trout are landlocked relatives of the Arctic char and are noted for their brilliant spawning colors. The blueback is found only in Maine and was originally described from the Rangeley Lakes in 187 4. It was stocked in several additional waters in Maine and New Hampshire, but none survived except possibly in Wadleigh Pond where it still can be found in abundance. The Sunapee trout was originally discovered in Sunapee Lake and Big Dan Hole Pond in New Hampshire, Averill Pond in Vermont, and Floods Pond in Maine. It was first described from Sunapee Lake in 1881 and was subject to considerable controversy regarding its identity and relationship with the Maine blueback which had been stocked there a few years earlier. Floods Pond was the source of stocked Sunapee introduction into several other Maine ponds. Only two of these stockings were successful: Green Lake in Dedham and Jordan Pond in Mt. Desert. Both lakes now support lake trout, and Sunapees are no longer found there, leaving Floods Pond as our only self-sustaining population. Both fish are deep-dwelling, preferring cold, oligotrophic waters with abundant dissolved oxygen. Forage fish are apparently necessary for maximum growth, and the absence of lake trout (with which the Sunapee hybridizes) is necessary for their survival. The blueback trout disappeared from the Rangeley Lakes shortly after the introduction of salmon and rainbow smelt, and there is evidence to suggest that

The blueback trout is found only in Maine. It very closely resembles the Sunapee.

Maine Fish and Wildlife - Spring 1977

these introductions caused their demise. Where they exist, bluebacks are abundant and provide an unusual trophy for anglers. They are normally small in size, but studies have shown that they have the potential to attain 5 pounds or more; and since the "re-discovery" of the blueback in remote areas of Maine, angler interest in this species has increased. The Sunapee trout has requirements similar to those of lake trout, and as it will hybridize with the lake trout, genetic integrity cannot be maintained where the two species co-exist. The State of New Hampshire attempted to extend the range of Sunapees when lake trout were introduced into their natural waters. These attempts failed, and, except for Floods Pond in Maine, it has now been eliminated from all of its original habitat. Present Status. Self-sustaining populations of blueback trout now occur (1976) in 10 Maine waters. One additional water, Basin Pond, apparently does not provide the necessary spawning habitat, and stocking has been discontinued. Most of the waters are oligotrophic, all are more than 50 feet deep, and they average about 460 acres. These waters are all in the remote north and northwest sections of Maine in the headwaters of the Penobscot and St. John rivers. Some of these populations were just recently discovered, and it is possible that more will be found. There is little angling demand for bluebacks, largely because of the small size of the fish and the remoteness of the ponds. The opportunity to fish for bluebacks is somewhat limited by regulated access or absence of roads. All waters are open to fishing in summer and closed to ice fishing. Sunapee trout are found in eight ponds in Maine, but only in Floods Pond do they naturally reproduce. The other ponds are stocked annually with fingerling Sunapee trout from Floods Pond stock. Fishing pressure is light, but in Coffee Pond, interest seems to be growing. In most ponds, there are few legalsize fish, but it is expected that growth will improve and more interest will develop after anglers begin taking larger fish. Projected Trends. There is no reason to anticipate any change in the distribution or abundance of blueback trout within the foreseeable future, and the perpetuation of the Sunapee now seems assured. Life history studies will continue on both species, and angling interest will be monitored. Management Goal. The management goal for the blueback trout is to maintain abundance at present levels and encourage increased angler-use by providing higher quality fish in both size and abundance and by promoting unrestricted access to their waters. The goal for Sunapee trout is to establish and maintain a minimum of five self-sustaining populations. Life history and ecological studies will continue.

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Introduction. The lake trout, or togue, lacks the brilliant coloration of its close relative, the brook trout, and generally grows to a larger size. There is still some debate regarding its origin and identity, but most Maine fisheries scientists consider it a true char and member of the trout family. It is the second largest fish in that family with a record weight of 102 pounds in Canada and 33 pounds in Maine, with 10-pound fish not uncommon. Lake trout have a wide distribution in Canada, but in the United States they are restricted to states in the most northern latitudes. They are found naturally in Maine but were originally restricted to the deep lakes of the northern sections. Hatchery stocking has greatly increased their distribution, but the togue's biological requirements limit the fishery to those lakes which are relatively deep and have abundant volumes of cold, well-oxygenated water. As lake trout have gained popularity as game fish, management of the species has improved with accrued knowledge and expertise in hatchery stocking, habitat evaluation, and angling regulations. It is now known, for example, that "spring yearlings" rather than "fry" should be stocked; that lake trout will thrive in the presence of many other game fish species without harming existing fisheries; and that too short a length limit may severely limit reproductive success of a population. The togue is quite adaptable, however, and in many lakes can provide a fishery superior to that of other cold-water species. Sexual maturity is generally not reached until 4 to 6 years (males and females respectively) when they are 16 to 26 inches long, depending on habitat conditions and growth. But they live up to 25 years, making lake trout the longestlived salmonoid. They spawn in the fall when water temperatures approach 55Â° F. Eggs are broadcast over rocks, boulders, and rubble areas where they become lodged in the crevices. During this life stage, they are vulnerable to predators; but unstable water levels and absence of suitable spawning rubble may be more important limitations on togue populations than early predation. S-48

During the first three years, togue feed on insects and crustaceans; and growth is relatively constant. Adults feed on smelts, perch, and other prey; and the ultimate growth and maximum size of togue is dependent on the supply of those foods. The fish are adaptable, however, and will eat almost anything from plankton to the larger fish. Special fishing techniques are required to catch lake trout; but once the method is learned, these fish provide angling of high quality comparable to any coldwater, lake-dwelling game fish. The excellent eating qualities, freedom from diseases and parasites, adaptability, and responsiveness to management make the lake trout Âˇa valuable fishery resource. Present Status. Lake trout are being managed (1976) in 138 lakes widely distributed throughout the state. There are at least 46 additional lakes that can support lake trout with no conflict of management with other species. In order to produce a fishery in those waters, Maine's hatchery facilities would have to be greatly expanded, for they would not sustain natural reproduction. Currently, the demand for togue does not warrant an expanded hatchery program for lake trout. Creel censuses of selected waters indicate that approximately 203,000 togue are taken in Maine in the summer and 125,000 in winter. The average size is 2.5 pounds. This represents a harvest of about 30 per cent of the adult lake trout population. While the overall fishing pressure is low, the demand varies widely over the state.

Lake Trout Distribution Areas With Lakes Having Moderate to High Populations

Maine Fish and Wildlife - Spring 1977

Maine's largest togue of record was taken by Hollis Grindle in 1958. It was 41" long and weighed 311h pounds.

Fishing for lake trout requires deep-running equipment most of the time, as these fish prefer the cold, lower areas when lakes stratify.

Distribution of the species, fishing regulations, road access, and presence or absence of boat launching facilities affect fishing opportunities for lake trout. However, most lake trout waters are acce~sible by vehicle, and accessibility for boat launching is high. No lake trout waters are closed to summer fishing at the present time, but many are closed to ice fishing, generally by public demand. Statewide, the supply far exceeds the demand on lake trout fisheries. This varies by region, however; and where the highest use exists (western section) there are potential, additional lake trout waters which could be managed in the future if the need arose. Projected Trends. Little change in lake trout habitat is expected during the remainder of .the planning period (to 1990). Current fishery programs (1976) will likely enhance fisheries in Sebago Lake and the Fish River lakes; this may be offset by loss of quality in cold-water habitat in certain southern lakes where human development is extensive and where there are already signs of advanced eutrophication. Careful monitoring of these waters for trends in water quality is essential. Under a new, 18-inch length limit, Moosehead Lake is now showing recovery of its lake trout populations. The current trend towards larger length limits and smaller bag limits is a result of (a) increasing emphasis on "quality" fisheries in terms of larger-sized fish and (b) concern that fishing pressure is increasing. Management Goal. The goal of lake trout management is to maintain the present adequate abundance, success rate, and average fish size, and to provide for increased angler use. The rate of exploitation will be allowed to increase to 42 per cent with an increased harvest of 454,700 fish annually. Certain waters would be managed for trophy-sized fish. Regulations and stocking practices will be designed to promote high quality, selfsustaining populations where possible, and to encourage fisheries where natural reproduction is absent but where angler demand is high. Investigations will continue in the areas of habitat suitability, interspecies relationships, and angling regulations. Maine Fish and Wildlife - Spring 1977

WARMER WATER LAYER

.................................................... COOLER LAYER

...................................................

COLDEST LAYER

S-49

Introduction. Although it is the smallest of our sportfish , the rainbow smelt is important to Maine fishermen in several ways. When "dipped" in suitable quantities, smelts provide a culinary reward difficult to match. They are an important food source for salmon, trout, and other large game species and are widely used by anglers as bait fish. Smelts are distributed extensively in Maine today, largely because of accidental introductions and intentional transplants since the mid-1800s. They became extremely abundant in deep, cold-water lakes having suitable spawning streams; but recent oxygen depletions in some lakes and siltation of spawning streams have somewhat reduced their distribution in the last two decades. The decline of sÂˇmelts in Sebasticook Lake, Cobbosseecontee Lake, and Sabattus Pond illustrates their susceptability to advanced eutrophication. Pesticide contamination of Sebago Lake in the 1960s caused a reduction in that smelt population ; and siltation , fertilizers, and pesticides draining into brooks from Aroostook County's agricultural land

may be responsible for the decline of spawning runs in that region. Fortunately, these are not widespread problems at present (1976), and as smelts have become more widely distributed through transplants, anglers have had an increasing opportunity to utilize the species. A number of streams subject to high use have been closed to smelt dipping because of vandalism, trespass violations, littering, and concern that they may be over-fished. Present Status. The smelt occurs in at least 380 Maine lakes distributed over the entire state. It has proven to be a much more adaptable species than was once thought, allowing fisheries managers to establish populations as forage for larger game species in a variety of habitats. It has the ability to maintain itself by shore spawning in a number of lakes where suitable tributaries are lacking and does well in some warmer, eutrophic lakes. About 86 per cent (by acreage) of Maine smelt habitat was judged in 1972 to be supporting populations of moderate to high abundance. Eleven per cent of the acreage was rated as having low populations. Because of the fluctuating nature of smelt populations, these figures may change annually. Lake tributaries used for spawning range from large rivers to the smallest streams with almost every type of water and stream bed characteristic. Although there are 380 smelt-inhabited lakes, only one-half have tributary spawning, for a total of 344 known runs. Of these, 56 per cent were rated nil or low runs in terms of abundance during the 1972 survey, and 39 per cent were rated moderate to high. The status of the remaining runs is unknown . The annual fluctuations result in only one-half of the smelt runs being productive in a given year. The abundance or availability of smelts to the angler cannot be quantified in precise numbers and must be estimated on the basis of value judgments by biologists and wardens. Demand, as indicated by annual fishing pressure, is low overall but is high on about 30 per cent of the waters where abundant smelts and easily accessible dipping sites provide high interest and use. The closure of waters to smelting restricts use on about 29 per cent of the spawning streams. However,

Smelt Distribution Are.as With Lake Population

S-50

Wide ly distributed in Maine, the sme lt is important as a forage f ish, especia ll y for landlocked sa lmo n.

Maine Fish and Wildlife - Spring 1977

this changes annually, usually in an "on-again-offagain" fashion based largely on public opinion. The supply statewide probably exceeds demand, and a liberal, four-quart bag limit allows smelters ample opportunity to pursue their sport. The erratic nature of smelt abundance creates controversy and dissatisfaction among local sportsmen - a problem that fisheries biologists strive to solve by obtaining more precise measurements of abundance and greater understanding of smelt population dynamics which will provide a basis for regulation of the fishery. A unique problem affecting the management of this species is the conflict of smelt fishermen with landowners. Trespass, littering, and general land abuse are frequently associated with the activities of smelt fishermen, indirectly affecting their own useopportunity as a result of adverse public opinion, landowner resistance to trespass, and legislative closures aimed at controlling the smelt fisherman. Projected Trends. Present management plans call for introducing the smelt to 10 new waters. This will likely offset loss of populations by pollution or other destruction which may occur. Statewide, the availability of smelts for harvest will remain stable; however, conflicts in use will probably intensify, causing more stream closures and posted land, especially in the organized towns. Management Goal. The management goal for the rainbow smelt is to maintain the species in sufficient abundance to sustain optimum growth of other coldwater game species in those waters where the principal role of the smelt is as a forage fish, and to sustain commercial and sport smelt fisheries where those interests are considered to be the best use. Among the objectives are the development of use-priorities, development of better measures of abundance, and investigations of their population dynamics. Ultimately, it is hoped, fishery managers will be able to establish sound biological criteria for regulating the state's inland smelt fishery.

Maine Fish and Wildlife - Spring 1977

Introduction. The lake whitefish has only recently received some popularity among sport fishermen, largely because of the increased interest in snowmobiling and ice fishing in the last decade. The whitefish is closely associated with salmon and lake trout in the popular ice-fishing ponds and lakes in central and northern Maine. Because it is scrappy, physically attractive, and delicious to eat, it provides an additional trophy for ice fishermen seeking other preferred species. The lake whitefish is not to be confused with the smaller round whitefish which lacks these qualities and is rarely taken by anglers. In the late 1800s, the whitefish was commercially harvested in Maine for markets throughout New England; and in the Great Lakes, Scandinavia, and Canada, such commercial fisheries are still important. Of all Maine cold-water game fish, the whitefish is probably the most prolific. In late fall, spawning occurs in inlet tributaries where the paired males and females display in a frenzieq ritual of darting and splashing at the water surface. Eggs are fertilized and broadcast in mid-water where they settle into protective crevices on the bottom to hatch in the spring. The whitefish has no teeth. Initially, they eat small food items such as plankton, insects, and crustaceans; but as they grow larger, they may eat minnows and other small fish and are often caught on live bait. Normally, this fish species matures at 3 to 5 years, lives about 10 years and weighs 1 to 3 pounds. However, several Maine lakes harbor "dwarfed" populations of this species which have individuals maturing at 1 or 2 years, living only 5 years, and weighing a few ounces. Biologists are now experimenting with dwarf whitefish to determine their potential as a forage for lake trout, which are known to utilize young whitefish as food. Historically, whitefish were used as a food supplement in some northern towns and in the early logging communities. They were caught and shipped in quantity, either frozen or pickled in salt, to the back country. Moosehead Lake apparently was a major source for whitefish although the species is now S-51

almost extinct in that lake. Frontier families in Ashland also made annual trips to the Musquacook Lakes to net, spear, and snare whitefish ascending spawning streams. The fish were taken in such quantities from this region that they were pickled, smoked, and stored in barrels. The popularity of whitefish waned when harvest techniques were restricted, and not until snowmobiling and icefishing gained popularity in the 1960s did the whitefish become a significant sport fish. Present Status. Lake whitefish inhabit 76 lakes distributed primarily throughout north-central and northern Maine, with the greatest abundance and frequency in northern Piscataquis County. Exceptions to this are large populations existing in Sebago Lake, Kezar Pond, and South Pond in southern Maine. Where whitefish are abundant, they outnumber lake trout and salmon by a wide margin. However, about 11 per cent of the estimated 3 million fish are of the dwarfed form. From creel census information, it appears that the small form is not generally vulnerable to angling. During the third to fifth year, at about 10 inches (depending on growth rate) "normal" lake whitefish become vulnerable to angling. These catchable size classes make up 40 per cent of the population, or approximately one million fish. Almost all angler activity occurs in winter, and the total harvest is estimated at 14,000, which is only 1.3 per cent of the available supply. Projected Trends. Because of the whitefish's distribution away from human population centers, its habitat is not expected to decline significantly during the planning period. Because of the relatively low demand and probable increase in distribution through planned introductions, the numbers of whitefish may , in fact, increase in the future. Some further increase in use of lake whitefish is expected as more anglers learn about the species.

A l most all f ishing for w hitefish is done in t he wintertime. Some further increase in the use of t his species is expected as more anglers learn about the species.

Management Goal. The goal for whitefish management is to increase angler utilization of the species and to increase its distribution and abundance on an experimental basis during the next 15 years. Specific objectives allow for maintenance of approximately 1,156,000 harvestable-sized whitefish, providing for 540,000 angler-days of use and a total annual harvest of about 345,600 fish.

Lake whitefish inhabit 76 lakes, primarily t hroughout northce ntra l and northern Mai ne, with t he greatest abun dance and frequency in northern Piscataquis County.

S-52

Maine Fish and Wildlife - Spring 1977

The pickerel, white perch, smallmouth bass, and largemouth bass are the dominant species represented in Maine's warm-water sport fishery, and they offer some of the best fishing opportunities in the Northeast. Although widely distributed and abundant, the brown bullhead, more commonly known as the hornpout, is considered a minor game species and is fished by relatively few anglers who specialize in savoring its excellent eating qualities. Another abundant species, the yellow perch, has game fish status in some parts of the country, but in Maine it is generally regarded by the "serious" angler as a nuisance species and by the fisheries biologists as an unwanted competitor with salmon and trout. However, the easily caught yellow perch undoubtedly provides many hours of enjoyment for youngsters, and probably some adults are loath to admit that they have occasional fun fishing for yellow perch when nothing else is bite'n. The black crappie, a major "panfish" in other states, occurs in a few lakes in southern Maine counties as a result of some unauthorized introductions. It has become plentiful and does not rate as a significant game fish in Maine. Our latest estimates on total angler use of the warm-water species again come from the 1973-74 statewide questionnaire. In the winter of 1973-7 4, about 29,660 licensed anglers fished a total of 213,170 angler days for warm-water species. During the 1974 summer season, 162,780 anglers fished 2,518,640 days. This brings the annual total to 2,731,810 angler-days of use, or about 90 per cent of that estimated for the cold-water species. The fact Maine Fish and Wildlife - Spring 1977

that use of warm-water species nearly equals that of cold-water species is not surprising, even though the cold-water species are more widely distributed and tend to be the first choice of anglers. Up to the present, anglers have been permitted by regulation to fish a longer winter season for warm-water species, and bag limits have been more liberal than for coldwater species. Also, during the open-water season, warm-water species often provide action right into the warm summer months when many cold-water fisheries tend to fade. Thus, the warm-water species are generally more available in relation to their occurrence compared to cold-water species, adding variety and continuity to Maine's fishing opportunities from one season to the next. Strategies for future management of the warmwater game fish will consist primarily of habitat protection and the promotion of higher use. Because many of the important warm-water fisheries are in southern waters where human development is most advanced, excesses of shoreland development and alteration are a constant threat to habitat of the warm-water fishes. However, as long as development is controlled so that a minimum of damage to habitat occurs, present stocks of all the warm-water species will be more than adequate to satisfy angler demand well into the future. Although in some waters fishing pressure may be reaching critical levels and will have to be regulated more strictly than in the past, the majority of warm-water fish populations are underutilized, and they represent a valuable reserve of fishing opportunities for Maine anglers in the years ahead. S-53

WARM-WATER GAME FISH

SMALLMOUTH AND LARGEMOUTH BASS Introduction. Neither the smallmouth nor largemouth bass is native to Maine, but together, they now comprise an important part of the warm-water fishery in the state. Smallmouth bass were first introduced to Maine from New York waters about 1869. The earliest largemouth introductions occurred coincidentally with plantings of smallmouths. Planned introductions of largemouth bass commenced in 1897, with Cochnewagon Pond, Phillips Lake, Cobbosseecontee Lake, Great Pond, and Messalonskee Lake among the first waters to receive bass. Many people group the two species together by referring to them as "black bass." They are in fact two distinct species, different in appearance and habits. For example, smallmouths prefer breeding areas with rocky bottoms in which to spawn; largemouths prefer shallow, weedy areas with higher water temperatures. Females of both species are very prolific, producing an average of 2,000 to 8,000 eggs per pound of body weight. The males of both species protect and defend the eggs and fry, insuringÂˇ a high rate of survival of young. These and other survival characteristics permit self-sustaining populations of bass in Maine. Thus, there has been no need for a hatchery program, and management of these two species consists essentially of protection of their habitat and manipulation of harvest through fishing regulations.

Present Status. Maine contains 372 smallmouth and 182 largemouth bass waters. Most of these waters are eutrophic or mesotrophic types with relatively shallow, warm-water environments. Population numbers have been determined for only a few ponds, and estimates of overall abundance are based on relative indices obtained by netting and creel censuses, combined with value judgments by biologists and wardens. The total number of smallmouth and largemouth bass caught annually is estimated to be 122,000 and 196,000 respectively. However, a large percentage perhaps as high as 45 per cent - are released after being caught. Thus, the actual exploitation rate of these two species is relatively low, even when it may be assumed that some bass are lost by hooking mortality. Projected Trends. Overall abundance of bass is not expected to change significantly in the foreseeable future. Fishing opportunity for bass should continue to exceed demand by a large margin, even with expected increases in use. While some land filling and other shoreline modifications will undoubtedly occur, destroying bass habitat, this may be offset by "cultural effluents" which will increase the fertility of some waters to a level more productive for bass. Such has occurred in Lake Cobbosseecontee where, of course, cold-water species have suffered. In some cases, for example Sebasticook Lake in Newport and Sabattus Pond in Sabattus - smallmouth bass waters - became better largemouth bass waters as a result of changing water quality and enhancement of plant growth. However, the degradation of our waters cannot be justified on the basis of "improved" bass habitat, and maintenance of clean waters should continue to be of the highest priority for management of all fishery resources.

Though they are often grouped as simply "bla ck bass," the small mouth (top) and the largemouth are two different species. Together, they make up an important part of the warm-water fishery in Maine.

8-54

Maine Fish and Wildlife - Spring 1977

Management Goal. The goal for both smallmouth and largemouth bass is to increase utilization by encouraging anglers to fish for and keep more bass. Management objectives for smallmouth bass will be aimed at achieving a harvest of 1,300,000 bass per year by the year 1990; providing 372,000 man-days of fishing, at a success rate of 3. 5 bass per angler trip. The optimum average size of bass in the creel has been set at 12 inches. For largemouth bass, the objective is to achieve an annual harvest of about 196,000 to 351,000 fish and 334,100 man-days of fishing. The desired success rate is 0.8 to 1.1 fish per angler trip, with bass averaging a minimum of 13 inches in length. Introduction. As with many of Maine's warmwater fisheries, the range and distribution of the chain pickerel is largely the result of transplants undertaken by man. Written accounts of accidental and deliberate introductions go back to 1817, when pickerel were first stocked in Annabessacook Lake from Great Androscoggin Pond. By 1865, pickerel were widely established throughout the lower Penobscot drainage, and since there were no dams to restrict their migratory movements, it is likely that this voracious predator contributed to early declines in Atlantic salmon and trout fisheries. Introductions of pickerel were probably routinely accomplished in large sections of southern, central, and eastern Maine during the 19th century, but northern Maine apparently escaped.

Smallmouth Bass Distribution in Lakes

Largemouth Ba s Distribution in Lakes

Maine Fish and Wildlife - Spring 1977

Scientific fishery investigations in Maine began in the period between 1850 and 1860. Pickerel were held in low esteem by the first researchers. However, during this period, pickerel began to be utilized as a winter food source for logging camps, and commercial fisheries were established in eastern Maine. At the turn of the century, it was not unusual for groups of several men to catch 200 to 600 pounds of pickerel in a three-day period. S-55

The chain pickerel tolerates many water habitats, frorri the deepest oligotrophic lakes to shallow warmwater bogs. The highly fertile females outnumber males and may lay 10,000 to 12,000 eggs per pound of body weight. Most of the scientific studies of pickerel have concerned their predatory habits, specifically their effect on prized cold-water species such as salmon and trout. Such studies have shown that a high number of newlystocked salmon may be lost if planted in areas where pickerel are well established. There is little doubt that pickerel exert a severe detrimental effect on a trout fishery once they gain a foothold in a pond. In such a case, reclamation to eliminate the predator is the only way to re-establish the trout population. Present Status. The chain pickerel is one of the most widespread warm-water game fish in Maine, and all populations are maintained by natural reproduction. The eastern and southern regions contain the highest relative abundance, but estimates of standing crops are, unfortunately, lacking. Information based on creel censuses suggests that anglers spend from 63,000 to 125,000 man-days ice fishing for pickerel, with a success rate of 1 to 2 fish per angler per day. Openwater angler success rates are about one-half of the ice fishing rates. The opportunity to fish for pickerel in winter is high, and there are few problems of access or availability. Summer access is somewhat more restricted, especially in Knox, Waldo, and Lincoln counties due to lakeshore development. Regulations pertaining to pickerel fishing are liberal, with no minimum size or weight limits, and a daily bag limit of 10 fish in most waters. All waters in Washington County and a few other waters in the state have no daily limits (1976). S-56

Ice fi shing fo r pi ckere l is on e of Maine's popular w inter act ivit ies. Pi ckere l are fou nd in more t han 700 Maine lakes surveyed to date.

Projected Trends. Pickerel are found in more than 700 Maine lakes surveyed to date, and additional waters supporting pickerel populations will be discovered as surveys continue. A small reduction in pickerel populations may result from continued reclamations of potential trout ponds. Deteriorating shorelines and water quality, in development areas, will not likely affect the pickerel fishery to a large degree due to present restrictions on lake filling and improved shoreline development regulations. A small number of quality pickerel ponds located near large population centers will receive higher than usual fishing pressure. However, it is virtually impossible to "fish out" such ponds although the number and average size of fish in the creel may be reduced. Most pickerel waters in Maine will continue to be under-utilized by anglers during the next 15year period. Management Goal. Management efforts will fo cus on encouraging increased angler use of the state's pickerel resource. The goal is to maintain a harvestable crop of approximately 1.6 million pickerel and increase the current exploitation rate. Trapping operations will be conducted to obtain population estimates in lakes and streams, and regulations will be re-evaluated and changed if necessary to allow increased use. Maine Fish and Wildlife - Spring 1977

Introduction. The white perch is a member of the bass family and is not closely related to the yellow perch, although commonly associated with it. Because of its great abundance, fine eating qualities, and catchability, this fish has long been regarded as an important fresh-water game fish. South of New England, white perch are found principally in marine estuaries, but in Maine they are found in fresh-water lakes and streams. While the original distribution is unknown, it is likely that white perch were present in all the major river drainages as far as the first set of falls. Because there were no

length (about 4 years old). This number is computed on normal (expected) age class proportions and is approximately 32 per cent of the total standing crop, or 18.7 million white perch. Approximately 9.3 million ( 50 per cent) could be harvested by anglers. Information from creel censuses and questionnaires indicate that the average fisherman catches about 4 perch per day in summer and 2 in winter, with a total harvest of 774,000 fish . There are very few physical or geographical restrictions on the opportunity to fish for this species, and there are no size or bag limits. Thus, on a statewide basis, Maine fishermen are utilizing only a small fraction (8 per cent) of the available resource. Projected Trends. Some ponds inhabited by white perch may be reclaimed for the exclusive management of trout or salmon. Generally, warm-water species are not introduced to new waters where competition with cold-water species may occur. Thus, the distribution of white perch is not likely to increase much during the planning period. Under

Moderat e to h ig h popu lat ions of whi t e perch are known to exist in 398 Maine lakes , an d t he ma nagement goa l is to increase th eir use as a sport fish .

dams in the early days, perch had access to waters now cut off from former migration routes. Transplants by man were also common. Perch can survive in lakes and ponds as small as 50 acres in area and 25 feet deep. They eat most small creatures that other fish eat, including their own kind. The reproductive capacity of the white perch is so great that spawning conditions are the major limiting factor in their life cycle. Since they commonly live more than ten years, missing year classes are not critical. In fact, the management problem often is one of "too many and too small"; but this does not affect the perch, which mature regardless of size. In attempts to increase their size, early regulations often protected white perch. resulting in more fish with smaller size. Thus, it is now considered good management to have an unlimited harvest under present conditions of low fishing pressure. Present Status. Moderate to high white perch populations are known to exist in 398 Maine lakes covering nearly 450,000 acres. All populations are wild and self-perpetuating. Supply is based on the estimated number of white perch eight or more inches in Maine Fish and Wildlife - Spring 1977

present management policies, white perch populations may fluctuate in size over the years; but abundance statewide is not likely to change significantly. Fishing opportunity will probably remain high, and even a doubling of the fishing pressure would not approach the allowable harvest limits. Management Goal. The management goal for white perch is to increase the utilization of the species as a sport and food fish. The present annual harvest of 774,000 fish could be increased to more than 9,000,000, an increase in the exploitation rate from 4 per cent to 50 per cent of the harvestable crop.

S-57

By Gerald R. Lavigne Acting Assistant Big Game Project Leader and

Voit B. Richens Assistant Leader, Maine Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit Editor's note: As the authors of this article have indicated in their opening and concluding paragraphs, there have been many claims and counter-claims regarding the compatibility of snowmoÂˇ biles and deer. Most of the arguments to date have generated considerable heat but precious little light. The study at hand answers but a few of the many questions that people on both sides of the issue might ask. Until such time that unbiased research provides many more answers, the Department agrees with the authors when they note that "it would be best to play it safe and avoid snowmobiling in [and establishing permanent trails through and near - ed.] deer yards whenever possible. A little caution now may prevent as yet unÂˇ known problems in the future."

Deer and Snowmobiles: Are

They Compatible?

DEER AND SNOWMOBILES compatible? Do

deer really benefit from snowmobile trails made in deer yards, or do snowmobiles simply subject them to more stress at a time when winter weather is already weakening them? These are some of the questions for which we are seeking answers. Ever since snowmobiling became popular in the 1960's, there has been much speculation about the effects of this sport on wildlife. Some people have claimed that snowmobiling in deer yards re-

Maine Fish and Wildlife - Spring 1977

duced the survival of deer, whereas others have claimed it enhanced survival. Each year, game wardens have received reports of deer being harassed by snowmobilers; although probably infrequently, it has happened. Deep snow and low availability of browse in winter weaken deer, thus making them vulnerable to such harassment. However, there have also been reports of deer using snowmo bile trails for travel and for feeding. Feeding from such trails during severe winter conditions would reduce the energy expended by deer while moving from place to place in search of food, and this could improve their survival. During the winters of 1972-73, 1973-74, and 1974-75 the authors

studied the response of deer to snowmobile trails under varying snow and weather conditions, and noted the behavior of the deer we encountered on or near these trails. We also investigated the potential use of snowmobile trails in deer management, by altering deer mobility. This winter study was conducted in the Hayden Brook deer yard in Somerset County, near the outlet to Flagstaff Lake. This yard is rather remote, being eight miles from the nearest snow-plowed road. Week-day use of the area by snowmobilers tended to be light, but several groups of five or more were not uncommon on weekends. Dense stands of conifers and brush in numerous cut-over

DEEP. SOFT SNOW ; NON - SU,,OITING CIUST

Jan. 28

PARTLY SUPPOR TI NG CRUST ON SNOW

10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 percentage

Per cent of a 10-mile snowmobile trail used by deer under several different snow conditions at Hayden Brook deer yard, winter 1972-73.

Deer tracks in a snowmobile trail. Study showed that deer sank only one to six inches on a well-packed trail.

Deer use of snowmobile trails increased as the ir sinking depth off the trail increased.

Jan. 13

areas restricted most snowmobile travel to logging roads. From early December to late April of each winter , we created and maintained more than 10 miles of snowmobile trails in the 2,000-acre Hayden Brook deer yard. We spent three weeks of each winter month riding these trails and observing deer and their sign under a variety of snow and weather conditions. After three years and more than 4,000 miles of snowmobiling, we can sum-

Maine Fish and Wildlife - Spring 19 77

Under deep snow co nditions, deer will use snowmobile trails for feeding and to reach new browse areas.

marize our findings about deer and snowmobiles as follows: When deer sank 18 inches or more into undisturbed snow, they used trails. Such use of trails by deer may have developed from the habit of following each other, and from choosing the route with the least obstructions. By using trails, deer could go from bedding to feeding areas with relative ease. Deer expended considerable energy in making and maintaining their trails, but this was much less than required to travel through deep, trailless snow. Trails were used and maintained by many deer, so the work of keeping them open was much reduced for individuals, thus valuable energy was conserved. A well-packed snowmobile trail was similar to a deer trail, in that it allowed the deer to travel easily. A snowmobile trail had the added advantages, to deer, of providing a continuous packed surface, and of being maintained with mechanical energy instead of deer energy. We found that deer DID use snowmobile trails. At certain intervals throughout the winter, we tallied the number of miles of snowmobile trail used by deer. Use of these trails varied considerably. When snow was deep and soft, deer relied heavily on snowmo bile trails for travel. At such times, we also noticed that many deer trails connected with a snowmobile trail and formed an intricate system of natural and manmade travel routes for deer. Individual deer walked as much as three miles, or as little as a few feet, along a snowmobile trail. When deer were confined to their trails by deep, soft snow, they took advantage of snowmobile trails for feeding. Browse along these man-made routes was heavily used, as deer deliberately followed Maine Fish and Wildlife - Spring 19 7 7

loops and dead-end snowmobile trails into feeding areas otherwise inaccessible to them. When snow was shallow or crusted enough to support the weight of a deer, the snowmobile trail was hardly used. Hungry deer then travelled widely in nontrail areas and used the scattered available browse without excessive energy expenditure. In the course of our work, we found that deer sank only one to six inches on a well-packed snowmo bile trail. Off the trail, deer sometimes sank up to their chest, or more than 20 inches. Deer use of snowmobile trails generally increased as their sinking depth off the trail increased. We were able to entice deer from areas with depleted browse to new, unbrowsed locations using snowmobile trails and various other inducements. White-cedar foliage

placed along a new snowmobile trail at 25-foot intervals successfully attracted groups of deer to new areas where they used available browse. A combination of cedar foliage and chain aw noise proved to be much more effective for attracting deer to new areas than providing a no\\ mobile trail alone. Deer responded best when their mobility was restricted by deep, soft snow. After a few days of feeding, they u ually made their own trails in the new location in addition to the man-made trails provided. Using this technique, we were able to temporarily re-locate deer as much as 1. 3 miles from their original center of activity.

ow DID DEER REACT to the presence of snowmobilers? The outward appearance and behavior of a deer when hearing or seeing a snowmobile depended on

SNOWMOBILERS: • If you are riding in a deer yard, drive lowly.

• Do not stop to observe deer. • Stop your snowmobile only when ) ou see a deer in the trail ahead, or in areas free of deer. A deer should be gi en a chance to move away at it own peed. • Under no ci.Tcumstances should deer (or any wildlife) be chased with a nowmobile.

no,\" condition condition of the deer. time of winter the type of co er, and perhap other factors. During the three winters of study we recorded more than 380 encounters with deer in the Hayden Brook yard. Again snow conditions appeared to be one of the most important factors which influenced deer response. When a deer was encountered on or near a snowmobile trail in deep, soft snow, it generally tried to run directly away from the snowmob~ler, through the snow. This seemed to be exhausting, especially for fawns. If chased, a weak deer could easily die of exhaustion in a short time. The tendency to avoid plunging into soft snow was so great in some deer that they actually ran toward the snowmobiler to the snowmobile trail· this trail was followed until the deer could exit on a deer trail. However, when a 36

deer had access to a side trail, or could easily travel over the snow, it quickly left the snowmobile trail at the first sight or sound of an approaching machine. Sometimes deer remained hidden in dense cover some distance off the snowmobile trail as a machine and rider passed by. This reaction was observed most often when they were screened by conifers. Of the deer sighted away from the snowmobile trail, almost a third of them chose to remain in place. This was more frequent toward the end of the winter than earlier, suggesting that they became more accustomed to the presence of snowmo bilers. Deer tended to panic when approached by a fast-moving snowmobile but not a slow moving one. Obviously, they needed time to locate a plausible escape route, especially when they were confined to trails during periods of

deep, soft snow. Stopping the snowmobile to look at deer also ~ndedtospookthem. From our observations of deer behavior in the presence of snowmo bilers, we make the following suggestions to participants in the sport: 1. If you are riding in a deer yard, drive slowly. 2. Do not stop to observe deer. 3. Stop your snowmobile only when you see a deer in the trail ahead, or in areas free of deer. A deer should be given a chance to move away at its own speed. 4. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD DEER (OR ANY WILDLIFE) BE CHASED WITH A SNOWMOBILE. it is not U good enough to simply know how deer react when confronted NFORTUNATELY,

by a snowmobiler. We must learn if disturbance by snowmobilers in our once silent deer wintering areas is affecting deer health in a more subtle way . For instance, does this added stress cause deer to use up their energy reserves of body fat more quickly than deer not subjected to snowmobile disturbance? Do more deer die in yards with snowmobile use than in yards without snowmobile use? How would deer respond to daily disturbance by large numbers of snowmobilers? Do free-ranging dogs use snowmobile trails as a convenient access route into deer yards where they can kill deer? All of these questions, and more, must be answered by unbiased research before we can decide if deer and snowmobiles are really compatible. Until biologists determine if the benefits of making snowmobile trails in deer yards outweigh the potential detrimental effects of the stress on the deer, we feel that it would be best to play it safe and avoid snowmobiling in deer yards whenever possible. A little caution now may prevent as yet unknown problems in the

fu~re. Maine Fish and Wildlife -

• pring 1977

DEER DATES TO BE SET

As has been customary in recent years Maine's deer hunting season dates will not be set until after post-winter field checks have been completed. This is not expected to be until late May to early June, too late to be included in this issue. Season dates are set annually after the Fish and Wildlife Commissioner and the Department's Advisory Council hear reports from field personnel on the status of the deer herd in their regions. These reports include evaluations of how the herd fared through the critical winter period. Having this flexibility to adjust hunting seasons as deer population levels fluctuate is especially important after a bad winter. Although the winter of 1976-77 was one of the worst on record throughout much of the eastern United States, in Maine only the month of January averaged out as severe statewide for deer. Severe conditions persisted through February in northern and northwestern Maine; but elsewhere , more normal winter conditions prevailed. Both December and March were su bstan ti ally less severe than normal statewide. Both the severity and the duration of adverse weather conditions take their toll of deer energy reserves. The winter just ended was Maine Fish and Wildlife - Spring 19 7 7

at times very severe, but fortunately, throughout much of the state, conditions adverse to deer survival were of relatively short duration. Month-to-month and year-toyear comparisons and measurements of weather factors that are critical to deer survival are compiled by the Department's Wildlife Division through weekly readings taken at 48 locations throughout the state. DEER SEASON REPORT

The official deer kill figure for Maine's 197 6 hunting season is 29,965, down about 15 per cent from the 197 5 figure but about 4 per cent higher than the 1971-75 average. By counties, the 1976 tally of deer registrations was as follows: Androscoggin (529), Aroostook (3,302), Cumberland (1,009), Franklin (1,339), Hancock (1,833), Kennebec (1,537), Knox (752), Lincoln (1,134), Oxford (1,922), Penobscot (3,807), Piscataquis (2,126), Sagadahoc ( 480), Somerset (3,019), Waldo (2,214), Washington (2,042), York (2,914), Unknown (6). The 197 6 deer kill was lower than the 19 7 5 figure in all counties except Aroostook, where it showed an increase of more than 500. York County had the highest deer

kill per square mile - 3. 92 - with Waldo County second at 3.61. Incomplete license sale figures available at press time indicate that the number of licensed deer hunters in 1976 was lower than in 197 5 in both the resident and nonresident categories. Resident hunting and combination license sales appear likely to be down about 3,000 from the all-time high of more than 185,000, set in 1975. Final nonresident big game license sales for 197 6 will likely be in the range of 30-31,000, down 5-6,000 from the previous year. Archers killed 4 7 deer in 197 6 - 39 during the special archery season and eight during the firearms season. Resident archers killed all but one of the deer taken in Maine by bow and arrow in 1976.

Puzzled Fishermen For a number of years my fishing partner and I have noticed a phenomenon at a small lake that has us puzzled. We first noticed this while trout fishing in a certain section of the lake. We had been catching fish in this area, but on later trips we noticed that the water seemed to be getting shallower and shallower although the water level in the rest of the lake had risen, due to beaver activity. Finally, the lake bottom at this place was high and dry, and birds of all kinds were feeding where we had once caught trout. There are several similar places in the lake, representing a total area of at least 50 yards. When high and dry, the center is raised, indicating the possibility of this being caused by methane gas. These places rise and then settle back down in August and September. My questions: Is this a common thing? What causes it? Raymond E. Brown Madawaska, Maine

â&#x20AC;˘ According to Lyndon Bond, chief of our Fishery Division, this phenomenon is a rather common occurrence on natural ponds and streams when the water level is raised. This is because of the vegetation that has grown as part of the natural aging of the body of water. The sedges, grasses, and woody plants trap air and pull loose from mineral soil, then float up and down with the water level. Locally, these mats of vegetation are called floating islands. There are often methane gases associated with the islands, but the islands are not as a rule buoyed up by the gases.

FEDERAL FUNDS TO MAINE More than $1 million in federal aid funds for fish and wildlife restoration has been apportioned to Maine for fiscal year 1977. The total of $1,192,955 includes $248,500 for fish restoration, $839,455 for wildlife restoration, and $105,000 for hunter safety programs. The fed8ral aid funds must be matched three-toone by state funds for approved projects. Funds for wildlife restoration and hunter safety programs come from an 11 per cent excise tax on sporting arms and equipment, a 10 per cent tax on pistols and revolvers, and an 11 per cent tax on certain archery equipment. Fish restoration funds come from a 10 per cent excise tax on fishing rods, reels, creels, artificial baits, lures, and flies. Hunting and fishing license fees and federal aid funds combine to provide nearly all of the financial support for the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and its programs that benefit Maine's citizens and nonresident visitors.

Buoyant Cushion Use On the inside back cover of your Summer 197 6 issue you show a young lady demonstrating what you describe as a proper way to use a buoyant cushion lifesaving device - held against the chest with clasped hands, with arms through the straps. While I agree that it should not be worn like a knapsack, I think you will find the preferred method for using a buoyant cushion - and one that does not require constant use of the hands is to put diagonally opposite arm and leg through the straps; i.e., left arm and right leg. I think this method is a better way of using what is basically a pretty inadequate lifesaving device. Jon A. Lund Augusta, Maine

â&#x20AC;˘ The consensus of several water safety authorities is that the way we showed in the magazine is third on a list of three acceptable ways to use the buoyant cushion. First choice is to put one leg through one loop and the head and neck through the other.

PERSONNEL NOTES

George R. Ed wards The Warden of the Year selection, retirements, promotions, and new assignments are among recent personnel news from the Department's Warden Service. Named Maine's Warden of the Year was George R. Edwards of Mt. Vernon, a 14-year veteran game warden. In naming Edwards for the honor, Chief Warden Charles Allen said that he is "of high moral character and extremely efficient in carrying out his warden duties. His willingness to assist others, and the respect he has gained from the public, fellow wardens, and other law enforcement agencies are outstanding." Retiring from the Warden Service recently were Chief Warden Pilot Andrew B. Stinson and Warden Inspector Robert S. Thomas . Stinson, of Enfield, has been a pilot for the Department more than 20 years, chief pilot since 197 3. Thomas, a Manchester resident, had more than 25 years of service as a district game warden and since 1962 had been a warden inspector. Recently promoted to warden inspector and transferred to Greenville was Skowhegan district war-

den Michael D. Collins. Collins has been with the Warden Service since 1962. Eight new game wardens recently graduated from warden training school at the University of Maine at Orono. Their names, hometowns, and assigned warden districts are as follows: Stephen K. Chick of Eliot, to East Corinth; Terrence A. Hunter of Macwahoc, to Allagash; Howard W. Gautreau of Augusta, to Round Pond; Thomas F. Jacobs of Hallowell, to Rangeley; Frederick W. Jackson of Caribou, to Daaquam; James F. Ross of Troy, to Skowhegan; Peter W. McPheters of Millinocket, to Pittston Farm; and William F. Hanrahan of Alfred, to Farmington. Also graduating from warden school were wardens Terrence A. Glatt, Patrick M. Dorian, and Parker K. Tripp. Glatt had most recently been warden dispatcher at the Orono State Police barracks and is now district warden in Bangor. Dorian and Tripp have returned to their districts, the Ripogenus area and Calais, respectively. ANSWER TO PUZZLES ON PAGES 5 AND 40

PRAIRIE Q OG M U~ KRAT GQ PHER RA l SQ U IRE.EL GROU!!DHOG B!_AVER We a re RODENTS .

Maine Fish and Wildlife - Spring 1977

Photo by John Hall, Vermont Fish and Game Dept.

TURKEY TRANSPLANT WILD TURKEYS FROM VERMONT MIGHT HELP ANSWER OFTE -ASKED QUESTIO S

ILD TURKEYS: They've been extinct in Maine

since colonial times. Can they be reintroduced and survive here? Will they reproduce and their populations grow? In how much of the state will they be able to survive? Where might they flourish? These and other questions about wild turkeys have been asked again and again through the years. Answers - based on existing knowledge of the bird's habitat requirements and the failure of most reintroduction attempts elsewhere - were never optimistic, generally pessimistic. Yet there remained alive among some of Maine's sportsmens' groups the hope that some day the wild turkey - the magnificent game bird that Benjamin Franklin had preferred over the bald eagle as our national bird - would once again roam the Maine woodlands. In the mid-1960s, with Fish and Wildlife Department approval, sportsmen in the Bangor and Sebago. Lake areas raised and released game farm bred wild turkeys. Although survivors of these stockings are still occasionally seen and reported, success at establishing a wild breeding population was apparently not realized. What is known now is that pen-reared turkeys are not sufficiently adapted to survival in the wild to establish thriving flocks. With the advent of techniques for capturing sufficient numbers of turkeys from wild flocks came the first resounding successes in re-establishing turkeys in unoccupied habitats in other states. Wild birds, live-trapped and transplanted without delay,succeeded where pen-raised birds had failed. Encouraged by transplant results elsewhere, new thoughts were given to the possibilities of wild turkeys for Maine. These thoughts materialized during February 1977 when the Department's Wildlife Division released 19 wild turkeys in the southern Maine town of York. The 14 hens and 5 gobblers were captured and donated to Maine by the Vermont Fish and Game Department. This year's stocking was the first step of a pilot project designed to evaluate the potential for reestablishing turkey flocks in Maine. Whether the big birds can survive and propagate at this northern fringe of their former range depends to a large extent on the habitat and climate. In the winter, wild turkeys subsist largely on seeds and nuts that they find on the ground. They need extensive tracts of the hardwood Maine Fish and Wildlife - Spring 19 77

Wild Turkeys just before they were captured by a cannonpropelled net in Vermont. The birds were trucked in crates to Maine and were released immediately.

Wildlife Biologist Phil Bozenhard shows a hen turkey's wing streamer. All released birds were similarly marked for future identification.

trees and shrubs that produce these food items. In order that the turkeys can move about and find their food, the area must be relatively free of deep, powdery snow of long duration. Only portions of southern and coastal Maine meet these criteria. Extensive and rapid development of this part of the state further limits potential locations for turkey re-establishment. The area in York where the birds from Vermont were liberated represents about the best that Maine has to offer to a wild turkey. If the birds aren't able to survive and reproduce there, it will seem unlikely that wild turkeys could be re-established anywhere in Maine. Wildlife Biologist Phil Bozenhard, who is in charge of the wild turkey project, will continue to monitor 39

the progress of the York flock. Through personal visits to the release area and from sightings reported by the public, Bozenhard knows that at least some of the turkeys made it through the end of the winter and into their early spring breeding season. All of the Vermont turkeys were marked with wing streamers before they were released. Any future sightings of unmarked birds would indicate successful reproduction. Bozenhard hopes the public continues to support the project by reporting details of turkey sightings either to him at his office in Scarborough (phone 883-5107) or to the local game warden, Bruce Galeucia of North Berwick (phone 676-3101). Of particular interest are the date and exact location of

Wild turkeys from Vermont were released in York, Maine, in an experiment to determine the feasibility of re-establishing turkey flo cks in the limited suitable habitat in Maine.

the sighting, the number of birds, and the color of any wing markers seen. Public assistance is also urged in keeping domestic dogs from roaming in the turkey release area, especially during the spring nesting season, and by remembering that there is no open season on hunting turkeys in Maine. The Department plans to evaluate the progress of its wild turkey flock in York before making any decisions on further introductory stockings in other areas of the state. â&#x20AC;˘

ecologogriphs .....................................................test your outdoor knowledge ACROSS 1. Flesh-eating, idiotic-laughteremitting mammal. 6. Ammo for an air rifle. 8. Large, flightless, extinct bird. 11. Claws of birds of prey. 13. lnthefield. 16. Recreation Vehicles (abbrev.) 17. Fertile area in a desert. 19. Every one (abbrev.) 20. Bloodsucking insects similar to horsef Iies. 22. American muskrat. (abbrev.) 24. Ring-shaped coral island. 25. Caudal, anal, ventral or dorsal. 26. Outside diameter. (abbrev.) 28. Cold-blooded animal with gills. 29. Chase game from cover into traps or nets. 31. Carnivorous S.A. fish with massive jaws. 33. Perform. 34. A Yosemite Valley peak: _ Capitan. 35. An auk, also called black guillemot. 36. Unlike toads these amphibians stay near water. 38. Either. 39. Second largest antlered mammal in N.A. 41. Wind direction. 43. Social insect. 45. Initials of common names for:

Procyon /otor; Lynx canadensis; Alea torda.

46. A small, mountain lake. 50. A young hawk. 52. The edge of a canyon. 53. A grassy field or plain. 54. Smal I valleys. 56. Names of genera (Bot. suffix). 57. Laid by female bird, reptile, or fish. 58. Light anchor to free a vessel from shoals, etc. DOWN

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

7. 8. 9. 10.

12. 14. 15. 18. 21.

Height (abbrev.) Deer's winter pasturing ground. A young eel. This is best developed sense organ in opossum. Belonging to a class or order (suffix). American mountain mint. Overshoot a target. Overland Express (abbrev.) Shadlike fish with small patch of teeth on its tongue. Turtle with long snout and leathery shell. Clean game afield. Annual weed found in grain fields. Hawaiian salutation. Extinct volcano in Cascade Range: Mount _ _ __

28. Black bears build up this winter's supply from acorns.

30. Place where fowl spend the night. 32. The starboard side of a vessel. (abbrev.). 37. Hunting, fishing, or camping equipment. 40. The Eskimo hunting canoe. 42. To chart again. 44. There are more than 860 species of this plant in N.A. 4 7. Average number of eggs in the Brown Creeper's nest (Rom. Num.). 49. An old or inferior horse. 51. Malt beverage. 55. Specific Gravity (abbrev.).

ANSWER ON PAGE 38

23. Lightweight overcoat. 25. Falkland Islands (abbrev.) 27. Opens by day; closed at night, as some flowers. ÂŠ

D ot12: Jae ks on 1973

Maine Fish and Wildlife - Spring 1977

RETURN POSTAGE GUARANTEED Postmaster: If undeliverable, please return entire magazine with form 3579

Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife

284 State St.

Augusta, Maine 04333

Kathy Alexander of the Department's Division of Recreational Safety and Registration displays some of the many types of United States Coast Guard approved PFD's (Personal Flotation Devices) available today. Laws require at least one approved device in your boat for each occupant.