Fire up your snowmobile and hook on your tote sled, the latest snowstorm delivered a present to areas that were cheated out of all the white stuff in the previous storm. This winter is shaping up to be one when the dusty cross-country skies and snowshoes get to pay for the space they’ve been occupying in the garage for several winters.

Ol’ Man Winter has been downright stingy along the coast and to the south, sending just enough snow to the coast to get kids scrambling to the garage for their toboggan. But by the time Dad delivered them to their favorite hill for a ride, on came the rain machine and out came the umbrellas.

Lately the Snow Grinch has even short-changed the northern part of the state.

Maybe this year he’ll continue to dance around the Christmas tree in Whoville and leave his hot-air machine back in his cave on the mountain.

This past storm was good news to Grand Lake Stream, according to Kurt Cressey, owner of The Pine Tree Store. About 8 inches of fresh snow accompanied the previous 8 inches, making for the beginning of some pretty smooth sailing into the season.

West Grand Lake is holding onto as much as 9 inches of ice in places, but use caution when you travel to the main part of the lake. Ice conditions change without warning. As of Monday, Cressey reported as little as 3 inches of ice when approaching the main part of the lake.

Just a short ride from town to the east is Big Lake, with as much as 11 inches of ice in spots. But take heed, the latest reports have revealed some slush conditions forming on the ice.

If for some reason a day on the lake leaves you hungry and your snowmobile gasping for fuel, point your skis back to town. The Pine Tree Store can satisfy your appetite with hot food and tables where you may rest your weary bones. They’ll also put your machine back on the trail with gas and oil, and fill your bait bucket with worms and crawlers, or fresh shiners and smelts. They’re open between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.

To the west, Carrol Cutting, owner of Jordan’s Store in East Sebago, reports ice conditions on Sebago Lake remain sparse. Although Jordan and Lower Bay are hidden beneath as much as 4 inches of ice in places, most of the lake is open.

As my phone conversation with Cutting came to a close Monday afternoon, his store scales were visited by a fishermen holding a togue that measured 371/2 inches and weighing just over 15 pounds. It was caught from the water of Sebago by an avid fisherman using a Stinger jig. This has become an effective lure on this lake, giving the ever poplar Airplane jig a run for its money. You may find this Stinger jig hard to locate, but, have no fear, Jordan’s Store has a fresh shipment of them, backed up with a variety of many lures that have consistently proved themselves.

Jordan’s is on Route 114, at the water’s edge in East Sebago.

The Indian Hill Trading Post in Greenville reports that ice conditions continue to improve on Moosehead Lake. Junction Cove has accumulated as much as 18 inches of ice in places, but stay alert because ice conditions change dramatically across the lake.

The lake produced a 31/2-pound brookie for one angler over the weekend, and a few small togue for another party. The weekend snowstorm wasn’t so pleasant for Greenville, leaving only a dusting, but there’s still enough to meet your needs.

The Trading Post can no doubt satisfy your empty bait pail with smelts and shiners on hand. It’s located on Route 15, overlooking Moosehead Lake.

It’s almost time for the third annual East Grand Area Ice Fishing Derby on Jan. 27-28. All fish must be caught in East Grand, Brackett, Deering and North lakes.

Tickets can be purchased at the following locations: First Settler’s Lodge, Grand Lake Variety, Weston; Bragdon’s General Store, Danforth; Irving truck stop; Princeton; Johnson’s True Value, Calais; Brown’s Trading Post, Houlton; Linneus Convenience Store, Linneus; The Sled Shop, Presque Isle; Van Raymond Outfitters, Brewer; and Old Town Trading Post.

Last week’s question: How many species of deer live in North America?

Answer: White-tailed, mule, key, coues and black tailed.

Question: What animal do many consider to be the most difficult to hunt in Maine?

– NEWS staffer Terry Farren, outdoor_report@bangor

dailynews.net