What’s the Hype about Muskellunge? #3

In the early 60’s, a species of fish know as Muskellunge or “Muskie” was introduced into Lac Frontier in Quebec, Canada. The fish eventually made its way down to the St. John watershed and continued to be found in other lakes and rivers. Many sportsmen were devastated by this and were concerned that the trout population would suffer by this so called alligator like predator. Others eventually saw it as an opportunity to create a sport fish program that could bring anglers and money to northern Maine.

But just what is a “Muskie.”

The Muskie is one of Maine’s largest freshwater fish. Some weigh in in excess of 26 lbs. They come from the Esocidae family which includes Pike and Pickerel. They are now prevalent in the St. John River and the Fish River and reports are that they have made it into other lakes in Northern Maine. Muskie feed on other fish and word has it that they destroy the trout population where they are. They also feed on frogs, waterfowl and small rodents.

For all of the negativity that surrounds the fish, one community has harnessed its energy and created a derby that not only helps the local economy, but also helps to somewhat manage the fish population in that area. Annually, Fort Kent has a Muskie tournament which brings in anglers from all over to their community. The Derby will be in its 9^th year in 2012 and the number of people who pay to take part in it continues to grow. Money prizes are awarded for the biggest fish overall and the biggest fish daily. The 2011 derby was a great success with its winner landing a 27 lb. 43 3/8 inch Muskie.

On the other side, if you are a trout fisherman, you are watching, with concern, the track the Muskie are taking. Should they find their way up the Fish River falls and into the tributaries behind that, fishing as we know it could be destroyed? The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife does not limit the size or the amount of Muskie you can catch which is a testament to trying to keep them under control.

As a trout fisherman, I have concerns about them and the impact they will have on fishing in general. I believe we need to do something to ensure they do not find their way into our lakes, ponds and streams. Failure to do so will surely have a profound affect on the state and fishing in general.

So, What do you think should be done?

Vacation Where? #2

When you think about where you want to take your next vacation, what comes to mind? Florida, Arizona, maybe the Bahamas. Well why not the North Maine Woods? Crazy, you say? Not so fast. The North Maine Woods has a number of sporting camps that offer wonderful vacations, whether it is fishing, hunting or just sitting on the porch next to a lake or pond reading a good book.  I have had the great fortune of staying at a couple of them, and for my money, pristine quiet beautiful views will always outweigh Florida or Arizona any day.

One of the sporting camps that I have enjoyed staying at is Chandler Lake Camps. Just west of Ashland and 26 miles from the 6 mile gate up the Pinkham Road lies one of the most beautiful spots in the North Maine Woods. Chandler Lake camps on Chandler Lake. It is the only set of camps on that lake, which makes it a very nice quiet destination place. The property was constructed in 1907 by V.E Lynch. It was eventually owned by the Hartts from Hartt Seed Company until it was purchased by its current owner, Jason Bouchard.  Jason has rebuilt many of the cabins to the point that it is the perfect getaway for any type of vacationer. The camp offers all the amenities of home and the home cooking is out of this world. Jason and his staff wait on you hand and foot only requiring you to show up and enjoy. If you are looking for good fishing spots, Jason will point you in the right direction with many of the ponds and lakes only being a short distance from the camps.  Fishing in the North Maine Woods is exceptional with brook trout abound. Some streams and lakes also have salmon and togue. If it is hunting or you just want to ride the roads and take photos, the North Maine Woods has it all.  Roughed Grouse, Deer, Bear and Moose, and you don’t have to ride far from the camps to see them.  

So, if you are laboring over where to take that next vacation, The North Maine Woods and Chandler Lake Camps is the perfect destination to just get away and enjoy the calm quiet beautiful sunsets. Once hooked, I know you will be back again and again.

www.chandlerlakecamps.com

www.northmainewoods.org

Northern Maine mud season #1

Northern Maine is a very beautiful place. I have lived here all my life and have learned to adapt to the season changes. However, the hardest change comes in between the winter and spring season. We call that " mud season." Our winter season has had a very noticeable change from when I was young until today. We could always gauge the winter by the amount of snow that fell. The actual gauge was how close the snow was to the power line on the telephone pole. I recall many a time when the snow came close to reaching that mark. I can remember older folks telling us that you haven't experienced a good old fashion northern Maine winter until you can stand on the top of the snow mountain and reach the top of the telephone poles. There has been a profound change in that measurement over the years as I cannot recall in the last 40 years when the snow reached the wires on the poles. Having said that, we have adapted to the transition in snow coverage and the timeframe when we receive snow and when it leaves us. Other that a couple of heavy snow fall years, we have had snow late in the year and it leaves early. This year is no exception. While southern Maine struggled to get any amount of measurable snow, we had several snowfalls that resulted in amounts sufficient to partake in our winter activities. Skiing and snowmobiling are the mainstay of our winter season. The white gold brings many a winter sports enthusiast to our little corner of the state, and brings much needed revenue to our hotels, restaurants and shops. The problem is that over the past couple of years, our winter window has been getting smaller and smaller. Here we are on March 12, and the recent warmup has caused the snowpack to get smaller. The long range forecast gives us little hope of replenishing our white gold, although there is hope. The result is what we call here, mud season which is the change from winter to spring and the transition from white to brown and then eventually green. That transition causes us to stop and pause waiting for the time when we can move from winter sports to spring and fishing season. Due to the shorter winters, the wait is longer and longer. Spring melting causes the woods roads to become wet and muddy and also causes some of the roads in the Northern Maine Woods to be impassable. Many of those roads take you to some of the best fishing spots in Maine. The fact that fishing season does not start until April 1, makes for a long time between the transition. Often times, you can not even fish in the North Maine woods due to muddy roads and ice still settling firmly on the ponds. However, those of us that have lived here all our lives know that the time will come when the snow will be gone and the road crews will begin their work of grading the woods roads so we can make that transition from winter to spring. For me, there is much anticipation for the day I can cast my first fly of the year on that peaceful pond. When that occurs, you know that we have successfully weathered another "mud season."