Hearing to address Penobscot salmon

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When the Maine Atlantic Salmon Commission meets in Augusta today, chances are pretty good they’ll take another step toward reopening the Penobscot River to fishing.

In front of the commission is a rule-making proposal to create a permanent fall fishing season that would run from Sept. 15 until Oct. 15.

The Penobscot, along with the state’s other salmon rivers, was closed to salmon fishing in 1999.

Only the Penobscot has reopened since then: A limited experimental season was staged last fall, when few fish are in the river. One fish was reported caught during that monthlong season.

It’s important to note, however, that even if the commission decides to pass the new rule and open the river each autumn, there are certain conditions that could put the season in jeopardy.

At a hearing earlier this month, ASC commissioner Dick Ruhlin pointed out that the long-term recovery of salmon was the top priority and warmer than expected water conditions – among other factors – could prompt the ASC to shut the season down.

One telling statistic to keep in mind: The number of adult salmon returning to the Veazie Dam is closely monitored as fish are collected, tagged, and either released above the dam or taken to the Craig Brook National Fish Hatchery in Orland.

And this year, that total has lagged behind the totals posted in recent years.

The ASC has made it clear that providing brood stock for Craig Brook is vitally important, and when the number of returning salmon decreases, it’s tough to reach predetermined targets.

According to Gayland Hachey’s Web site (www.mainelyreelseats.com), as of June 26 only 489 salmon had reached the Veazie fish trap.

A year ago, 786 salmon had returned to the Veazie Dam by the same date. In 2005, the total was 643, and in 2004, 770 adult salmon had returned to the Veazie Dam by June 26.

Legere focusing on caddis

Most of the time, we anglers don’t get to fish with guides. If we ever do have the opportunity, it’s generally because we’re splurging on a trip to an unfamiliar locale.

Luckily, guide Dan Legere checks in regularly with a few tips for those who enjoy fly fishing.

Legere, proprietor of the Maine Guide Fly Shop in Greenville, is on the water nearly every day, and the information he passes along is always worthwhile.

A few days ago Legere sent an e-mail report with good news for fly fishers everywhere: The caddis are hatching.

Legere said that early last week, bright green-bodied caddis began hatching in earnest on the East Outlet of the Kennebec, and the West Branch of the Penobscot followed suit with brown caddis.

Legere’s advice for fishing with caddis imitations:

“Unlike the drag-free drift required for all mayfly presentations, caddis quite often [dart] around on the surface, begging fish to chase after them,” Legere wrote. “Try tying on another dry caddis as a dropper. Use at least two feet of 4X tippet, connecting it to the first fly using a clinch knot [at] the bend of the hook.

“Cast upstream with the usual drag-free drift, then as the flies start to drag, lift the rod and drag the pair of flies upstream four to six feet and drop the tip of the rod to the water so the flies will dead drift back. You can usually do this a couple of times before the swing ends. The strike will usually come on the dead drift back.”

And Legere pointed out that the arrival of caddis also means that the eagerly awaited green drake hatch isn’t far off.

“It’s time to polish off those big mayflies and start sitting on your favorite trout pond, patiently waiting for the green drakes to show,” Legere wrote. “Until they do, try using your sinking line and a green drake nymph, working the coves where you know the hatch will be. Brookies will start cruising these areas, patiently looking for what they know will be showing any day.”

Coming up …

On Wednesday I headed out to Pickerel Pond, home of Maine Youth Fish & Game Association, to check in on the youth day camp that’s well under way.

Water safety, fishing, GPS work, and map and compass were the tasks of the day, and I had the chance to sit down and talk with camp director Kevin McPhee about this year’s program.

McPhee is an enthusiastic mentor for the campers, and his staff is top-notch. On Saturday, I’ll tell you more about MYFGA’s vision for the camp, and how counselors are using the outdoors as a template for a variety of life lessons.

BDN photographer Gabor Degre also headed to Pickerel Pond, and he undoubtedly came up with some great shots that we’ll share with you Saturday.

John Holyoke can be reached at jholyoke@bangordailynews.net or by calling 990-8214 or 1-800-310-8600.