Several years ago, the muskelunge entered the St. John River drainage in northern Maine due to flooding in Canada. There was little that could be done about it and in fact many are pleased with the resulting muskie fisheries in Baker and Glacier lakes.

It was felt by most people that the Allagash River and Fish River systems were safe due to their respective falls near their outlets on the St John. While this still appears to be true for the Allagash, the Fish River is in jeopardy. State biologists and engineers concluded last fall that at high water muskies could possibly navigate the falls and enter the Fish River chain of lakes. At this time there is no evidence that muskies have gotten beyond the falls, but state divers observed them in the pools below the falls. The barbarians are at the gate.

It is certain that if muskies get past the falls, the Fish River chain of lakes will never be the same. The Fish River Lakes, especially Eagle Lake, Square Lake and Long Lake have long been considered some of the best salmon and trout fisheries in northern Maine, if not the whole state. It would apparently be possible but costly to alter the Fish River Falls to make them impregnable.

The department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is aware of the problem, but is severely underfunded and can do little about it. Sadly, at least from my point of view, many people would be glad to see the Muskies take over. If that is the will of the people, then so be it. But there should be some public discussion. George Bragdon Madawaska