Meeting to discuss togue, salmon Wassookeag Lake concerns biologist

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Fisheries biologist Jim Stahlnecker oversees central Maine inland waters from Topsham to Dexter. Because there are so few cold-water fisheries in his region, he pays special attention to those under his charge, like Wassookeag Lake in Dexter.

At the 1,000-acre lake off Route 7, the head fisheries biologist is keeping a watch on the health of the salmon and smelt population, and he’s wondering about the lack of brook trout being caught this winter.

Stahlnecker and his team of biologists have talked to hundreds of ice fishermen on Wassookeag this winter. And they are going to have a public meeting in Dexter on Thursday to discuss the salmon and brook trout fisheries there.

The meeting is at the Dexter Fish and Game Clubhouse at 7 p.m.

The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife has stocked smelt eggs in the lake’s tributaries the past two years. The positive news, Stahlnecker said, is the smelt – always a volatile group – are doing well in the lake this year, which is good news for the salmon that feed on them.

Still, Stahlnecker is wondering if the togue are crowding out the salmon. After having reduced the size of keepers from 20 inches to 18 inches this year, Stahlnecker is still wondering if the togue population needs to be kept in better check to help the salmon population.

Stahlnecker is also wondering what’s to be done about brook trout, which are abundant in the spring, when they are stocked in the lake, but don’t seem to be caught in large numbers during the ice fishing season.

At Wassookeag, togue and salmon survive year-round, but the brook trout that are stocked in the spring appear to be gone by winter, he said. Stahlnecker wants input from fishermen on whether to stock brook trout in the fall.

Moosehead may get more exposure

The group of local fishermen who serve on the Moosehead Lake Focus Group want anglers to understand the reasons for the fishing regulations there.

They also want tourists unfamiliar with the lake to know you don’t go to Moosehead to fish for bass, but for salmon and brook trout.

“People who have never fished here looking for information will ask [the Chamber of Commerce] ‘So where are the bass? Where are the walleyes?’ They don’t have a clue,” said Jim Glavine, the Focus Group chair.

To help educate fishermen about what the lake offers and why it’s important to protect the fishery, the group is considering creating a Web site that would be linked to the Moosehead Lake Region Chamber of Commerce site at http://www.mooseheadlake.org.

That Web site tells what fish can be found and what access sites there are at different lakes and ponds. But it doesn’t discuss the fishing regulations and the reasons behind them.

Anglers, even those who consider Moosehead their fishing spot, should keep a look out for the new site.

Fly tying encouraged in Dexter

The Dexter Fish & Game Association is holding fly tying meetings that will offer novices the chance to learn the hobby. The meetings are not classes as such, but they will offer insight on what flies are needed. Materials will be available through cash donations.

The meetings will be held the second, third and fourth Tuesday of every month from February through May.

The organization offers to help interested fly tiers organize car pools. If you or your child need a ride to the clubhouse at Number 10 Road in Dexter, call Ron McKusick at 924-3886.

The fish and game club also raffles off flies to help raise money to buy a child a lifetime fishing license. The new licenses cost $150 if the child is age 5 or under, and $300 for youth 6-15.

The “Fishing for Life” project has already given two children lifetime fishing licenses.

The flies being raffled off are now being donated from around the world, according to McKusick. A ticket costs $1 or $8 for a book of 8. For information, call McKusick.

Hancock County derby on tap

According to derby director Dennis Smith, the ice conditions for this Sunday’s Hancock County ice fishing derby suggest the lakes there are safe for foot traffic. But fishermen need to use caution, especially in the following areas:

. On Tunk Lake there is still open water in the middle.

. On Long Pond and Jordan Pond on Mount Desert Island, there is open water in the deepest parts. But there are places to fish around the edges.

. Green Lake, Beech Hill Pond, and Phillips Lake have thin ice in the middle, but ATVs have been traveling on all of them.

. Motor vehicle traffic is not recommended on any of the lakes.

No fishing license is required for the derby as it is free fishing weekend statewide.

The weigh-in will be held at the Trenton Legion Hall from 3:30-5 p.m. For information, call 288-2767, 288-9572, or 288-2767.

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