Ice Fishing Laws – Frequently Asked Questions
Ice fishing season is upon us! This favorite winter pastime is an exciting way to get outside with friends and family, create lasting memories, enjoy Maine’s prized natural resources, and reconnect with nature.
Illegal fish importation case provides insight into why you should care
In late 2019 the Maine Warden Service was contacted by fish and wildlife authorities from Oregon requesting assistance with an investigation of the Green Hill Garden Fish Hatchery in Eugene Oregon. The fish and wildlife officials from Oregon were looking into illegal fish purchases and sales and had identified several shipments from the Oregon hatchery to residents in Maine. Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW) Game Wardens and Fisheries Biologists conducted a series of interviews to determine the origin, species, and the current whereabouts of any imported fish and whether or not proper permits were obtained from MDIFW prior to the importation or stocking of the fish.
Fishing Responsibly for Trout during Warm Weather
As we emerge from the challenges brought on by the pandemic, with a renewed and growing interest in outdoor recreation, including fishing, we find ourselves in another year of low flows and water levels due to the very early onset of a drought; the second year in a row. Most areas of Maine are suffering from below-average rainfall and lower than normal water conditions. Anglers are reminded to consider these conditions and take some personal responsibility when fishing for coldwater fish species such as trout and landlocked salmon.
Maine River Trips
Paddling along Maine’s many water ways is a favorite pastime for anglers and anyone who enjoys the serenity of being on the water, turning around bends only to share the river with wildlife and the splash of a rising fish. Here are a few trip ideas throughout the state, with varying lengths and difficulty levels. Before you go, always do you research and plan ahead. You may need to consult a gazetteer and other resources before making the trip. And always tell someone where you are going, and when you plan to return.
Fishing Responsibly with Live Baitfish
With an estimated 90% of baitfish sales occurring during winter, it’s important for anglers to be aware of Maine’s live-bait regulations. Because of the importance of our freshwater ecosystems, we walk a fine line trying to prevent the illegal introduction of harmful fish species while allowing anglers to continue Maine’s cultural tradition of using live baitfish where appropriate.
Fisheries Biologists Encourage Anglers to Harvest their Catch
If you have ever been fishing, either open water or ice fishing, it is likely you have heard someone say, “let them go and watch them grow.” While this catch and release message was important several decades ago when we saw more fishing pressure and higher harvest rates by anglers (and may still help some fisheries), other present day fisheries (and in Maine’s case, many fisheries) rely on harvest by anglers to maintain healthy fish populations and to achieve size quality management goals.
What are Maine’s fisheries biologists doing on the ice?
When you see the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife patch on the ice, it isn’t always a Maine Game Warden. Fisheries biologists spend the winter collecting important fisheries data by conducting winter creel surveys on the ice.
New 2021 Fishing Regulations for Moosehead Lake
We will be operating under new regulations when the ice fishing season opens on January 1st, 2021 on Moosehead Lake. Recently, the brook trout population in Maine’s largest lake has seen significant improvement with many fish in the three to six-pound range caught both summer and winter. It’s truly been an incredible few years. I don’t think anyone can remember a time when we have seen this many quality/trophy wild brook trout come from one lake in Maine.
Is Your Catch Stocked or Wild?
The crisp morning air fills your lungs with oxygen and your soul with serenity and anticipation all at once. The water is flat and calm, depicting a perfect mirror image of the brilliantly colored foliage intermixed with deep evergreen that skirts the lake and makes you feel like you just fell into a watercolor painting. Each time you cast the line your heart jumps a little with anticipation of a bite and a sense of wonder surrounding what you might pull in from the depths.
A New Fishing Tool: FLOAT
I’m sure many of you have hit the road at the crack of dawn to start a fishing trip and realized you didn’t have your fishing lawbook. Did you go out of your way to stop by a gas station or town office hoping they’d be open and have a copy? Or turn around to head home and waste even more of your precious fishing time? To me, neither of those options are ideal, and I’d rather not worry about remembering the lawbook along with my fishing gear, life jackets, snacks, sunscreen, bug spray…the list seems endless. I guess I could put a copy in my boat that never leaves the boat and remains in pristine condition? Yeah right!
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