In four short days, the state’s turkeys will again have the chance to prove they’re smarter than I am. Until then (when we unsuccessful Season A hunters are allowed to head back into the woods after two weeks practicing our calls and camouflaging ourselves), I’ve got a bit of time on my hands.
Luckily, there’s plenty going on outdoors … and I’ve got all kinds of information to share. Hold on tight … we’ve got a lot to cover and not nearly enough space.
Here we go …
. No salmon fishing on tap, but the breakfast will be fantastic. While there isn’t an actual “opening day” of Atlantic salmon fishing on the Penobscot any more, that won’t stop veteran anglers from getting together and casting a few stories on Saturday morning.
The Penobscot Salmon Club will host its annual breakfast from 6-10 a.m. at its Brewer facility, and anyone with even a passing interest in salmon fishing or the river’s rich history will be sure to have a great time.
Members are understandably proud of the club’s history and are more than willing to share their wealth of knowledge with newcomers. Come early. Stay late. You’re sure to run into a few old friends … or make some new ones.
. Where can I take my kids fishing? I’m glad you asked, because this is your lucky weekend. There are plenty of off-the-beaten-path streams you can hit, but if you’re looking for a more organized event, two may fit the bill.
In Dover-Foxcroft, the Piscataquis County Sheriff’s annual Hooked on Fishing day will be held at Kiwanis Park on Saturday. Registration begins at 8 a.m., while fishing for stocked trout will take place from 9 until noon.
A bit farther up the road, young anglers from the Greenville area can head to Gravel Pit Pond Family Fishing Area on Saturday for a kids derby.
Last year, the trout weren’t too cooperative, but organizers are hoping for good weather and hungry fish this time around.
. What about the prime rib? If you were planning to head to Bucks Mills Rod and Gun Club on Friday, I’ve got some bad news. The annual warden’s appreciation dinner has been postponed.
If you’ve ever been to the event (and sampled the fantastic prime rib that has become a tradition), you’ll undoubtedly be saddened. The good news: You’ll only have to wait a week for the feast.
According to organizers, many of the boys (and girls) in green wouldn’t have been able to attend on that date.
On May 27, they will … and the prime rib will be ready.
I can’t wait.
. Where to fish, Vol. 2: Folks looking for a couple of new spots to fish in the state’s coastal region will get some options in the near future.
According to Ron Brokaw of the Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife, several Hancock County waters will be stocked for the first time in order to respond to a directive to increase fishing opportunity in “urban” areas.
In the most recent DIF&W fisheries report, Brokaw says that beginning next week the Union River in Ellsworth and the Orland River in Bucksport will be stocked with 8- to 10-inch brook trout. More fish will be stocked in June.
The Union River fish will be stocked at the head end of Leonard Lake near Shore Road and Infant Street, while the Orland River fish will be put in the reach between Alamoosook Lake and the first bridge downstream.
The hope, according to Brokaw: “Neighborhood kids will take advantage of these opportunities.”
. How about that weather? While this May hasn’t been our balmiest ever, the weather hasn’t been that bad … has it?
Maybe it has. But Tuesday and Wednesday were (while gray) wind-free, which makes fly-flingers like myself happy … and keeps us from puncturing ourselves with our errant wind-blown offerings.
And the cool temps seem to have grounded the mosquitoes and black flies … for now.
. Is this my lucky year in the moose lottery? Probably not. (Sorry, but the math just isn’t in your favor.) But there is something you can do to increase your moose hunting odds a bit.
Apply for the Vermont hunt.
I know, I know. You’re not very likely to be drawn in the Green Mountain State, either.
But if you’re interested, the deadline is July 1, the hunt runs between Oct. 15 and Oct. 27, and it’ll cost you $25 to apply as a nonresident. If you’re drawn, you’ll have to pony up another $350.
If you’re like me, you can just cross your fingers and wait anxiously for the Maine moose lottery.
This year’s big event is taking place on June 16 in Rumford … which, I suppose, gives you the option of waiting until after the Maine drawing before deciding to apply elsewhere.
. Coming up … On Tuesday I promised you more information on Maine’s Classic Salmon Initiative, and on Saturday, that’s what you’ll get.
The aforementioned Brokaw will tell us all about a proposal for his region that seems to make a lot of sense.
John Holyoke can be reached at jholyoke@bangordailynews.net or by calling 990-8214 or 1-800-310-8600.
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