Fishing statewide is as slow as expected. Nearly in every corner, biologists are hoping for a deluge of rain to increase the water temperatures in lakes, ponds and rivers to help boost fish activity.

A few tips and suggestions are offered this week for better fishing success — but mostly coming at you is a communal wish for rain.

REGION A: SOUTHERN MAINE

State biologist Francis Brautigam said last Sunday on Sebago Lake he checked 35 boats and on average each caught a legal fish.

“The minimum length on salmon is 16 inches, so that’s a lot of fish,” said Brautigam with the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

REGION B: CENTRAL MAINE

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IFW biologist Scott Davis said he is catching a lot of fish in this stretch of hot weather, but he’s looking in the pools in the big rivers, like the Sebasticook and the Kennebec rivers.

“Cobbosseecontee Lake is still fishing well at the outlet off the bridge,” Davis said. “I beat the heat and go in the mornings or the evenings.”

REGION C: DOWN EAST

It’s tough fishing Down East and IFW biologist Joe Overlock suggests a sinking line or down rigger.

“Until we get rain, it’s pretty challenging,” Overlock said.

REGION D: WESTERN MAINE

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Biologists in western Maine have little to report by way of fishing reports, only the desire for rain.

“It’s hot, dry and dusty in the region and looks like that will continue for a bit longer,” said IFW biologist Dave Boucher.

REGION E: MOOSEHEAD LAKE REGION

The fishing is slow around Moosehead Lake, too, but not so bad that a group of students in the Natural Resource Education Center at Moosehead didn’t catch fish on a recent outing with state biologists.

“The weather was hot and the fishing was slow, but everyone caught fish,” said IFW biologist Tim Obrey.

REGION G: NORTHERN MAINE

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The tip of the week from IFW biologist David Basley is to journey to Chase Ponds in T14, R9 in Aroostook County.

The three scenic ponds at the headwaters of the Fish River drainage are remote and access is tough, but the view of mountains from the ponds is well worth it, Basley said.

“The water is extremely clear and the ponds support brook trout and lake trout fisheries,” Basley said.

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

dfleming@pressherald.com

 


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