The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife Advisory Council has adopted changes in ice fishing dates on certain bodies of water in Aroostook County, including a section of the St. John River.

“This should please our anglers,” said DIF&W Commissioner Roland “Danny” Martin in a press release. “We’ve provided additional fishing opportunities for salmon and smelts, and in the process, changed some season dates to make our lawbook more consistent and easy to understand.”

According to the rules that were adopted, the St. John River will be open to ice fishing from Jan. 1 through March 31 from the International Bridge in Van Buren downstream to the Maine/New Brunswick border at the easternmost border of the town of Hamlin. General border regulations will apply.

In addition, four lakes have been opened to fishing for all fish from Jan. 1 to March 31: Cross Lake in T17 R5; Eagle Lake in Wallagrass and Eagle Lake; Long Lake in St. Agatha, Madawaska and T17 R4; and Square Lake in T15 R5 and T16 R5.

In addition, Madawaska Lake and Little Madawaska Lake will remain open to ice fishing from Feb. 15 through March 31.

The DIF&W reminds anglers that special regulations do apply on the listed lakes. Anglers should consult their ice fishing lawbook for more details.

Fly-tying symposium on tap

The Penobscot Fly Fishers are gearing up for their annual Fly Tying Symposium, which will be held at the Brewer Auditorium on Nov. 16.

The event will feature tiers demonstrating their skills and techniques and will run from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Admission is free.

Many tiers will have materials and equipment available for sale as well. Lunch will be available for purchase.

For more info, go to the Penobscot Fly Fishers Web site at www.penobscotflyfishers.com.

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