AUGUSTA – A proposal to extend fall fishing in Maine’s eight northern counties was approved by a 7-1 vote by the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife’s Advisory Council on Tuesday. The man who helped spearhead the effort to increase fishing opportunities wasn’t even around.

George Smith, executive director of the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine, only stayed for the morning session of the Advisory Council meeting, so he missed it when the council approved a version of SAM’s original proposal, making it a state regulation.

Gary Corson, the New Sharon guide who drafted SAM’s proposal, said he was shocked by the easy passage.

“The two members of the council who have supported it from day one, Dick Neal and Don Palmer, were absent. Without those two, I thought it would be close,” Corson said.

The public had expressed some concern about the effect of initial plans on wild fisheries. But the final proposal did not include those fisheries.

“I don’t see this being a major issue,” said Lee Perry, DIF&W commissioner.

As approved, the plan opens an additional 372 lakes and ponds that are stocked waters or warm waters, allowing fishing through October using artificial lures only and catch-and-release methods. The council elected to take five waters off the DIF&W’s proposed list, because members of the public had taken issue with them.

The 666 waters that support wild fisheries will not be opened, nor will the 114 that support both stocked and wild populations.

There already are 388 lakes and ponds in Maine’s eight northern counties that are open to fishing through Oct. 31.

Smith said after the meeting that because of the council’s decision, SAM won’t be pursuing its legislative bill that would extend fall fishing opportunities.

Deirdre Fleming covers outdoor sports and recreation for the NEWS. She can be reached at 990-8250 or at dfleming@bangordailynews.net.