Van Buren angler battles vs. salmon at Long Lake

Aroostook County’s Long Lake has seen more than its share of tracks from anglers this fishing season. But the footprints that will probably be most remembered this winter will be the ones delivered by Donna Franck of Van Buren a day after the lake officially opened for salmon fishing.

Franck was called to the lake when a flag from one of her traps sprung toward the sky just a short jaunt offshore in Long Lake Cove. So with bait pail in hand, she struck out to answer the call like she had done on so many occasions. But as she set the hook, it was evident this was no routine caller. She had a connection that would last almost 15 minutes and require almost every inch of line available.

This fish was determined not to show his colors above the surface of the ice. But little did this fish know that on the other end of the line was an experienced angler who’s spent the last 10 winters skimming holes and tending traps anticipating such a moment.

As Franck’s moment played out, this fish fought to keep every inch of line he’d attained. On a couple of occasions, he left battle scars as the line cut through the skin of Franck’s cold, bare hands. But she wasn’t in the business of retreating, especially as the fish’s enormous outline passed by the hole. As the fish tired, Donna took charge. Using all the room the 8-inch hole in the ice had to offer, she carefully delivered a landlocked salmon that weighed 8 lbs., 9 oz. and measured 28 inches.

This trophy had no more than come to rest in the freezer of the local taxidermist when the generous waters of Long Lake delivered another trophy salmon. On the following Monday, Donna’s stepson Dick Franck, who lives on the west shore of Long Lake, had a similar scenario play out before his eyes. Although it didn’t carry the weight his stepmother’s did, it was definitely a close second, measuring 26.6 inches and tipping the scales at 8 lbs., 8 oz.

Fishing Grand, ice is not

To the east at Grand Lake Stream, Pine Tree Store owner Kurt Cressey reported the area is witnessing the best snow conditions in six years, and the good news keeps piling up as the month of February is ushered in with enough snow to keep snowmobilers smiling well into the season.

February also brings the opening of ice fishing on West Grand Lake and anglers have found the lake generous as they continue to ice their share of salmon, togue, and whitefish. Much of the success is coming in the area of Farm Cove, Munson Island, and Whitney Cove.

But don’t get so caught up in getting to your fishing grounds that you’re not aware of the conditions on the lake. West Grand Lake is holding an abundance of snow, but it’s also harboring heavy slush pockets in spots, and more than one fisherman has already been left with his snow machine buried, said Cressey. The best remedy to keep your snowmobile in motion is to break trail to your fishing grounds with your machine free from tote sleds or ice shacks.

If your aim is West Grand Lake but your bait pail is dry, don’t be discouraged. The Pine Tree Store is holding a fresh supply of bait anxious to prove themselves. I do recommend a call before striking out as bait has been a hot commodity this season.

Getting jiggy at Sebago

News from Carroll Cutting at Jordan’s General Store in East Sebago continues to delight the ears of fishermen charting a course for Sebago Lake. On Wednesday and Thursday of last week, the action peaked, giving a couple of fishing parties periods of continuous action from hungry togue.

“Although there were no heavy hitters reported this past week, a number of togue between 3 and 4 pounds have occupied fishing lines and much of the success is attributed to anglers working a jig pole with a Stinger Jig armed with cut bait,” said Cutting.

This jig is gathering fame among fishermen at Sebago Lake, leaving the ever-popular Swedish Pimple collecting dust on the shelves of local tackle shops. This new jig remains a secret between many fishermen, but as it continues bringing smiles to Sebago Lake anglers, I’m sure it will soon fill tackle boxes across the state.

At the present time, Jordan’s General Store in East Sebago stands as the only supplier I’ve spoken with that stocks the Stinger Jig.

On Sebago Lake the Big Bay has finally closed in, but caution is the word as ice thickness is only in the 5- to 8-inch range. Take extreme caution from North Sebago to Muddy River as reports continue to reveal open water in this area.

Remember, Sebago Lake has only iced over during the past week or more, and thin ice is very much a reality on this lake, especially with the heavy snow cover keeping icemaking to a minimum.

Smooth sledding to the Allagash

Plow crews continue to keep the Telos Road open to Macannamac Camps as Sharon McPhee hosts a fair number of vacationers taking advantage of the generous snowfall. Monday’s storm delivered between 8-10 inches to the Allagash, creating smooth sledding, said McPhee.

Q&A

Answer to last week’s question: What’s the difference between horns and antlers? Horns are permanent and antlers are shed.

Question: True or false, Maine has more landlocked salmon waters than any other state in the nation?

Terry Farren’s Outdoor Report is published each Friday in the NEWS sports section. He can be reached at 990-8067 or by e-mail at outdoorreport@bangordailynews.net