Fishing Report

From Fisheries Resource Biologist Nick Kalejs, 12/6/2024

December and January

Where to Fish: As we transition to the ice fishing season, many anglers start by targeting waters that typically freeze early. This often means smaller ponds, many of which have trout stocking programs. Otter Ponds #2 and #4 (Standish), Chaffin Pond (Windham), and Knight Pond (South Berwick) all receive multiple stockings of brook trout in the fall, with the bonus that all of these ponds are open to harvest in December. Once January rolls around and larger waters typically have better ice, many of our lakes offer the chance to catch multiple trout species in one trip. Try Bryant Pond (Woodstock) for brook trout, splake, and landlocked salmon or Upper and Middle Range Ponds (Poland) for brook trout, rainbow trout, brown trout, and lake trout.

Fishing Tips: Dust off the jig rod and stay active! Jigging can be highly effective, particularly on many put-and-take trout waters. Plus, the movement can help keep you warm on those blustery days. During the early ice fishing season, near-shore areas may be the first accessible places—these shallow zones are often some of the best jigging spots.

Reminders: It cannot be repeated enough in early winter: check ice thickness every time you go out! Conditions often change rapidly in December. It is also a good idea to check the lawbook and refresh yourself on ice fishing regulations. While most waters will not have new fishing regulations each January, be sure before you go. For any given water, fish populations can change over time—sometimes, the regulations need to change as well to keep up.

From Fisheries Resource Supervisor Jason Seiders, 12/12/2024

December

Small Brook Trout Ponds: These smaller trout ponds are well-stocked with brook trout, and can offer a great fishing opportunity whether you're on the ice or casting from shore. Several of these ponds are stocked with brook trout of multiple sizes; with fish ranging from 8-18+ inches.

• Ross Pond (Bristol)
• Tolman Pond (Rockport)
• Levenseller Pond (Searsmont)
• Pinkham Pond (Alna)
• Charles Pond (Georgetown)
• Knight Pond (Northport) – Brand new stocking program!
• Bartlett Pond (Livermore)
• Dutton Pond (Knox)

Messalonskee Stream (Oakland, Waterville): If the weather isn't cooperating and we're still lacking ice, central Maine anglers should give Messalonskee Stream a try. It's open to year-round fishing, gets well stocked, and we see occasional larger fish drop down from Messalonskee Lake. You're likely to catch various sizes of brook trout, splake, and brown trout. We've heard of some really nice brown trout caught in Messo Stream the last few years!

Fishing tip: Remember to fish shallow for brook trout when you're ice fishing. They really prefer that shallow, near-shore habitat. If you're fishing open water this time of year, slow down your retrieve a bit. The water is really cold and most fish will be a little lethargic. Use small bait for brook trout because they typically eat very small prey items.

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January Fishing Report

Upper and Lower Narrows (Winthrop): If you're looking for a chance to catch some nice salmon and trout and not travel far from Augusta, you should try Upper and Lower Narrows. In addition to being well-stocked with brook trout, you have a chance to catch some beautiful lake trout and landlocked salmon. We surveyed the salmon population here this fall and they look great with several fish over 20 inches and 4+ pounds! If you're looking for panfish, the white perch are huge and gorgeous here.

Wassookeag Lake (Dexter): Wassookeag Lake continues to grow really nice landlocked salmon, and it has a robust population of wild lake trout. There are good numbers of salmon between 17-20 inches, and the occasional 20+ incher. It's always possible to catch a big lake trout here as well as the occasional cusk. Our staff will be conducting a winter survey on Wassookeag this winter, so you'll likely see us out there. We are a bit concerned with the number of black crappie that we've encountered on Wassookeag, and the potential negative impacts this invasive species could have on the salmon and trout fishery. Several that we've collected had stomachs full of smelt, which may be causing additional competition for important forage for salmon and lake trout. If you happen to fish Wassookeag, please feel free to keep any black crappie that you catch. We're trying to collect a robust sample of these fish to better understand their age, growth, and food habits. If you're willing to part with those fish, we'll take them to our lab for further analysis.

Some quick tips to make a successful ice fishing trip:

• If you're fishing for brook trout, stay shallow and use small bait!
• Try to fish low-light times (early morning or late afternoon).
• Dress in layers and be prepared for changing conditions.

Good luck and be careful!

From Fisheries Resource Biologist Jake Scoville, 12/5/24

December

December has started off promisingly. Cold, still nights have locked up some of the small ponds Downeast, especially in the interior part of the region and away from the coast. But, with that being said, weather can change quickly, and those same small ponds can be ice-free if the cold doesn't persist. Early ice anglers need to be vigilant and check ice conditions before attempting to fish.

Where to Fish:
Keenes Lake in Calais and Lower Springy Pond in Otis are two ponds worth trying if they have enough ice in December. Both ponds are stocked annually with brook trout and can provide fast fishing for the first lucky anglers.

Early Ice Fishing Tip:
I think jigging is the way to fish for early-season brookies. Not only is it practical and effective, but using artificial lures in December is the only way to legally fish for those trout in some waters (Lower Springy Pond, for example). Tipping jigs with dead bait or worms is also a great call if legal. Sight fishing for trout can be some of the most fun you'll have on the ice. Cut a few holes next to each other in shallow water if possible. I like five feet deep (or less), giving you a more significant sight of view, and you'll be able to watch the trout come into your jigs.

Reminder:
Safety is the most critical part of early ice fishing. Not to sound redundant but check the ice conditions thoroughly before heading out. Once on the ice, don't be caught without the proper gear. Having creepers, ice picks, and a flotation device is a smart idea.

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January

I know January has not been ideal for ice anglers in the Downeast region for the past few seasons. But we are going to be positive and have good vibes going into the new year. Once the calendar flips to 2025, let's cross our fingers that there will be fishable ice throughout the region and state.

Where to Fish:
If you are itching to catch lake trout through the ice this January (I know I am!), choosing a lake in the interior part of the Downeast Region is a safer bet for the early part of January. Although access can be tricky, West Musquash Lake in Talmadge has been producing reasonable catch rates and fat lake trout for anglers who make the trip. The lake's salmon population is thriving, so setting some salmon traps would be advisable.

Over in Hancock County, recent trapnetting efforts have confirmed that the lake trout population at Hopkins Pond in Clifton is thriving. The relatively small water has a healthy population of lakers, averaging 18 to 25 inches. Respectable-sized fish that will be around for anglers to catch. Also, don't forget about setting a trap for brook trout in Hopkins Pond! Most trout caught in the winter are 12-15 inches.

Fishing tip:
If targeting lake trout, don't be afraid to move around to find the fish. If you have any sonar (flasher or even live scope), bouncing around to different depths and locations can be effective if the lakers are not actively moving as much as we'd like, and you can tell right away if fish are "on the screen." Just don't leave fish to find fish!

Reminder:
January 1st will bring a new year and a fresh set of fishing regulations for 2025 here in Maine. The Downeast region has several waters with changes, so check the lawbook before fishing. One change that may be of interest is that Six Mile Lake in Marshfield is now OPEN to ice fishing. This popular lake has been open-water fishing only for years, and starting in 2025, Six Mile will be general law (South Zone), and the brook trout fishing should be hot... Something to consider if you are in the area!

From Fisheries Resource Biologist Dylan Whitaker, 12/10/2024

It's beginning to feel like winter in the Rangeley Lakes Region. A few of our smaller ponds have started to freeze over, and we've already spotted several anglers taking advantage of early ice conditions. December weather can change quickly so be cautious and always check ice conditions.

Where to Fish:

December

If you're itching to get on the ice before January 1st, there are a few small lakes and ponds in the Rangeley Lakes Region open to year-round fishing. Norcross and Crowell Ponds in Chesterville, Ellis Pond in Roxbury, Pepperpot Pond in Adamstown TWP, and Toothaker Pond in Madrid are all excellent options. These waters were stocked in the fall with brook trout, and several received retired brood fish often exceeding 18 inches in length. Norcross Pond is additionally stocked with brown trout. Be sure to check the fishing lawbook for details on specific waters.

Most rivers in the Rangeley Region close to fishing at the end of September, a few remain open until late October or November, even fewer stay open through December. One notable exception is the Swift River. The stretch of the Swift River from the Rt. 17 bridge south of Coos Canyon to its confluence with the Androscoggin River remains open until December 31st. Only artificial lures are allowed, and all trout and salmon caught must be released alive. This section is stocked annually with brook trout and rainbow trout, and easy access along Rt. 17 provides several pools where fish tend to congregate.

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January

Wilson Pond in Wilton and Webb Lake in Weld are local favorites, both waters are open to ice fishing January 1st – April 30th. Wilson Pond is stocked annually with brook trout and salmon and supports a wild lake trout population. Webb Lake is stocked with brook trout, salmon, and brown trout.

Fisheries biologists are currently studying the brook trout populations in both lakes using Floy tags. These small fluorescent tags are inserted behind the dorsal fin, each tag has a unique identification number that allows biologists to track individual fish through angler reports. If you catch a tagged fish, we encourage you to take a photo of the tag ID# and report your catch online. Each tag provides a web address for easy reporting. Please note that Floy tags are not GPS-enabled or transmitters, so the data collected relies entirely on public participation. All information is confidential and used solely to support fish population management, which helps enhance the fishing experience for everyone.

If Wilson and Webb aren't near you there are plenty of other great ice fishing opportunities in the region. Try Hancock Pond in Embden, it supports healthy populations of salmon, lake trout, and brook trout. Access to the pond is easy from the state boat launch off the Embden Pond Rd. The road to the boat launch is gated during the winter and mud season but can be traveled by foot or snowmobile.

Fishing Tips:
We've encountered a few anglers having success fishing shallow for brook trout. Ice fishing close to shore is a safe bet this time of year, brook trout typically like to cruise the shallows to feed and are more readily available to anglers in these areas. Jigging in shallow water can be a lot of fun too, often times you can watch a brook trout take your jig or bait right under the ice.

Reminders:
Remember to always check ice conditions before venturing on a lake to fish. Check out MDIFW safety tips to learn more about what factors can impact ice conditions.

From Stephen Seeback, Fisheries Resource Technician, 12/13/24

December

Where to fish: The following are a few early hardwater offerings available in the Moosehead Lake Region during the month of December. For those anglers looking to get a little more use out of their 2024 fishing license before the beginning of the New Year:

• Mountain View (Fitzgerald) Pond, Big Moose Twp.
• Prong Pond, Beaver Cove, Greenville
• Sawyer Pond, Greenville
• Branns Mill Pond, Dover-Foxcroft, Garland
• Snow's Pond, Dover-Foxcroft

Early season ice fishing tips: The ponds listed above are managed as "Put and Take" fisheries. "Put and Take" fisheries are created solely by stocking fish of legal size to provide instant fishing opportunities. All these ponds were stocked in the fall of this year. Anglers should expect to see fall yearling brook trout in the 12–14-inch range. Additionally, a few lucky anglers may also encounter larger retired brood stock fish that are often mixed in during these fall stockings. Fishing pressure on these waters is usually high the first couple weeks after safe ice conditions set in. So, to have the best chance of a successful trip try fishing these waters shortly after the ice is safe to get out on.

Reminders: There should be a high level of vigilance during these early season excursions onto frozen water bodies. Ice conditions are unpredictable this time of year! Anglers need to be cautious and check ice conditions often as they venture out to set up. These early season outings are a great opportunity to make sure your hardwater fishing gear is ready to go for the "January 1st Opener". Good luck for the remainder of 2024 season!

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January

Where to fish: The past few years we have seen a slow start to the season on our large hardwater fisheries that open on January 1st. Not due to the lack of fish, but the lack of ice! Last year was the first time in my 24 years of conducting winter creel census on Moosehead Lake that I did not venture north of the back side of Mt. Kineo due to bad ice conditions. It was also the first time during my tenure the snowmobile trail that transverses the ice from the Rockwood parking lot over to Mt. Kineo, then to the Birches Resort, so to divert snowmobile traffic north of the inlet of the Moose River in Rockwood, was not marked due to poor ice. The ice conditions seen the last few years should be of concern to those anglers enjoying the improvements in the fishery we have experienced the last decade on Moosehead Lake. Bad ice conditions reduce the winter use and in turn results in a lower harvest rate of lake trout during the winter. To compound these recent shortened seasons due to bad ice conditions, during the 2024 ice fishing season we estimated that anglers released 70% or 4,100 small lake trout less than 18 inches that they caught. Based on decades of creel census surveys and harvest estimates, we need anglers to harvest 3,000- 4,000 of these lake trout less than 18-inches during the ice fishing season so we can continue, at a minimum, to see stable growth rates on our landlocked salmon and brook trout and to maintain an adequate forage base (a.k.a. smelt) that will maintain this growth. Even with a 5-fish daily bag limit on lake trout under 18-inches, anglers only harvested an estimated 1,800 fish under 18-inches during the 2024 ice fishing season on Moosehead Lake. The bottom line is Moosehead Lake needs help from the "Angling Public".  If anglers want to continue to see quality landlocked salmon and those monster brook trout, then anglers need to harvest more lake trout from Moosehead Lake!

Fishing tips: The hardwater season is the best time for anglers to help achieve this request by Regional Fisheries Biologists to harvest more lake trout from Moosehead Lake. The average winter lake trout harvest on Moosehead Lake is roughly 72% of the total annual harvest. Lake trout are most susceptible to angler harvest during the ice fishing season. The novice hardwater angler can have relatively good success at catching lake trout on Moosehead Lake. With easy public access points located around the lake at Greenville Junction, Rockwood Landing, and Lily Bay State Park anglers have secure starting points to start their hardwater journey on Moosehead Lake.

Reminders: The Natural Resource Education Center at Moosehead (NREC) will be holding its 18th Moosehead Lake Togue Derby on January 31- February 2, 2025. This is a great opportunity for anglers to come visit Moosehead Lake, support NREC's mission of providing resource-based programming to visitors and residents of the region and to support the local community. While at the same time aiding in the request to harvest more lake trout. Who knows, maybe you could walk away with a nice door prize or that winning check for the largest togue of the weekend. More details for this event can be found at : https://www.facebook.com/people/Moosehead-Lake-Togue-Derby/100085294253192/ Hope to see you on the ice!

Now that you have harvested a limit of Moosehead Lake togue what's next? The following options are a few ideas to deal with your harvest. In Maine, an angler's daily bag limit is their possession limit. So, once an angler reaches their possession limit, they will need to decrease their possession limit before any additional harvest of lake trout is allowed. One option is to consume your catch. Need some recipe ideas? The Moosehead Lake Fisheries Coalition and their members have comprised a lake trout cookbook with numerous recipes that will make your mouth water, https://mooseheadlakecoalition.org/mlfc-lake-trout-cookbook/ . Another legal option would be to gift your catch to a family member, friend, or neighbor that doesn't possess a valid fishing license but might enjoy some fresh fish. If you pick this option, make sure to plainly label the lake trout with the name of the person who gifted the fish and the year, month, and day the lake trout was caught by that person.  Lastly, you might check with your local food pantries to see if they would be interested in some donated lake trout. Whichever option you decide on you will be making a positive contribution to the Moosehead Lake Fishery, while allowing yourself more time to get back out on the ice and harvest another limit of lake trout from Maine's largest lake.

From Fisheries Resource Supervisor Kevin Dunham, 12/16/24

Maine's weather in the month of December can often wreak havoc on the psyche of ice anglers. While convention calls for dreams of a white Christmas, ice anglers wish nothing more than a full month of bone-chilling, teeth-chattering temperatures.  For them, a thick layer of solid ice formed in December equates to a safe, traditional January 1 opening day of ice fishing season.  Although we've had relatively mild winter weather so far this season, colder temperatures are certain to arrive soon.

There are a few smaller waters in the Penobscot Region that historically freeze over with sufficient ice early in the season, though caution is urged, and are also open to ice fishing in December.  Brave anglers might want to try Wiley Pond in Patten.  This 32-acre pond was stocked in November with fall-yearling brook trout averaging 13" in length as well as some retired brood stock brook trout averaging 18".  Hay Lake in T6 R8 WELS got a fall stocking of brook trout as well as landlocked salmon and is a good early season destination.  A couple other waters to target in December (if conditions allow) and early January are Middle Oxhead Pond in T40 MD which is also stocked with fall yearling brook trout, and the perennial Bangor-area early season favorite, Perch (Mud) Pond in Old Town.  Much like Wiley Pond, Perch Pond is also stocked with both fall yearling brook trout and some larger retired brood stock brook trout.  Anxious anglers won't need to wait until January 1 as all the above-mentioned ponds are open to ice fishing in December, however, keep in mind all have a two trout bag limit to help spread the catch to as many anglers as possible. In 2023 we removed all Special Regulations on Little Round Pond in Lincoln and changed it to General Law. Little Round was formerly open to only children under 16 during the ice fishing season, but since the regulation change in 2023 the pond is now open to any licensed angler and 5 lines may be used and a 5 trout bag limit observed.

For those thinking about more traditional ice fishing starting January 1st, you should look to Deering Lake for early season salmon and brook trout fishing.  Cold Stream Pond in Enfield is another good early season water with lake trout, brook trout and landlocked salmon all present.  East Musquash Lake (Topsfield) and Duck Lake (T4 ND) both provide quality landlocked salmon and brook trout fishing. 

Fishing tip: We tend to put away our ice fishing gear hastily at the end of the season, now is a good time to go over your tip-ups and respool old, weak fishing line so you don't lose the fish of a lifetime.  Also, pack more than one (non-lead) depth sounder as these are easily misplaced or lost on the bottom of the lake.

Reminder: As always, be safe and check the ice thickness as you venture further from shore; especially during this early time of the season. 

From Fisheries Resource Supervisor Frank Frost, 12/11/24

December weather in Northern Maine has been warm so far but enough cold, calm nights have produced some ice on smaller, shallower waters.  However, a mid-December rain storm with near 50 degree temperatures may wipe out any progress we've made on having our lakes and ponds ice over.  Very few rule changes will be in effect for northern Maine this coming winter.  Rule changes will be available soon in the new rulebook.

December waters to fish:

Scopan Lake, Masardis etc.; splake, brook trout, landlocked salmon but this fishery is mostly splake; this is an excellent water to fish for smelt during early season
Trafton Lake, Limestone; brook trout; this water was recently open to ice fishing and has both wild and stocked trout

Arnold Brook Lake, Presque Isle; brook trout; this water is popular for ice fishing with easy access
Umcolcus Lake, T7R5 WElS; brook trout; this water is more remote and has both wild and stocked trout

Tips: For early season brook trout, focus on shallow (2-4 ft), rocky areas with either worms/crawlers or live fish as bait (if rules allow)

Reminders: Early season bait availability is oftentimes an issue in December; anglers should contact their local dealer and plan ahead to either purchase from a dealer or trap their own.

January waters to fish where there is normally safe ice by January 1st:

• Portage Lake, Portage; brook trout, landlocked salmon, smelt  and several species of warmwater fish
• Drews Lake, Linneus;  brown trout, splake and several species of warmwater fish
• Cross Lake, T17R5; brook trout, salmon, smelt and several species of warmwater fish