Recreation

Moosehead Lake fishing report

By Tim Obrey
Regional fisheries biologist

    This month marks the seventh annual Moosehead Lake Togue Derby on Maine’s largest lake. The event will be held from Jan. 24-26. The derby was initiated in 2008 by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife as a strategy to help control the burgeoning togue population. In 2008, small togue were so plentiful that there was not enough food in the lake to support the fishery. The derby has brought thousands of anglers to the lake  and now the togue population is in check.

    The derby provides a boost to the local businesses, not to mention all proceeds go to non-profits. The Fisheries Internship/Enhancement program sponsored by the Natural Resource Education Center at Moosehead is the primary beneficiary. This program provides support for college students to perform various projects that will enhance fisheries management. For example, each spring under the supervision of regional fisheries biologist,  students conduct netting on trout ponds to remove competing species which, in turn, improves the brook trout fishery. Funds from this program have also been used to purchase vital equipment.
    We encourage anglers to come to Moosehead Lake and enjoy a great weekend of fun and have a chance to land a big fish and great prizes. We will once again have fish pool prizes so catching a small fish could still pay off. Of course, you don’t even have to fish to win the grand door prize.
    Tickets are at Indian Hill Trading Post, Lucky’s Bait and Tackle, Northwoods Outfitters, the Moosehead Lake Region Chamber of Commerce and in Rockwood at Moosehead Bait and Tackle. The weigh stations will be in the basement of the Masonic Hall  and at Moosehead Bait and Tackle.

Get the Rest of the Story

Thank you for reading your4 free articles this month. To continue reading, and support local, rural journalism, please subscribe.