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Due to warmer than usual temperatures, many lakes and ponds across the state have experience early ice out. These mild winter conditions have also impacted fish activity, which is highlighted in this year's April Fishing Report.
Ice-out fishing is a good time to find lake trout, brook trout, and landlocked salmon cruising the shoreline shallows and the mouths of tributaries in search of smelt, as smelt begin to congregate in preparation of their annual spawning runs. Water temperatures are still very cold, and fish are still fairly lethargic, so try slowing down the presentation of your bait or lure. Stream fishing is generally a bit slow in the early season, but will pick up as the water temperatures warm to around 50oF and are stocked around April or May. If you're looking for stream dwelling trout, allow your bait to sink toward the bottom where they are more likely to be this time of year.
Remember that with early spring comes mud season. Roads are often soft and muddy making it crucial to be mindful of roads, where you park, and respect private landowners. You may have to wait a few weeks before being able to access one of your fishing spots.?
In spite of the warmer weather, the water is still extremely cold this time of year. Water levels are often high and fast, so ALWAYS wear a lifejacket!?This could help save your life if you end up unexpectedly in the water. Accidents can happen to even the most experienced of anglers, and it's harder to put a life jacket on once you're in the water.
For more fishing tips and reminders across the state, be sure to check out the April Fishing Report!
Reminder: Ice fishing season dates
Remember that most of Maine's lakes and ponds open to ice fishing, remain open through the month of April. Always use extreme caution on the ice?when venturing on Maine's frozen waterways and check the ice for yourself.
South Zone:?Under General Law in the South Zone, lakes and ponds are open to ice fishing and open water fishing year-round (unless otherwise stated in the special fishing laws section).
North Zone:?In the North Zone, lakes and ponds with special season code "A" are open to ice fishing and open water fishing year-round; lakes and ponds with season code??B? are open to ice fishing through April 30.?Click here to search Maine's special fishing laws?(Search "A (Open" or "B (Open" in the regulation column to find which waters are open to ice fishing) or use the map-based?Fishing Laws Online Angling Tool (FLOAT).?After April 1, once the ice disappears, you can open water fish on most lakes and ponds in the North Zone.
Ice fishing shacks:?A person who owns any shack or temporary structure used for ice fishing must remove the shack or structure?(1) In any area of the State in which there is a closed ice fishing season, by ice out or 3 days after the close of the ice fishing season, whichever is earlier; and (2) In any area of the State in which there is no close of the ice fishing season, by ice out or March 31st, whichever is earlier.
Enjoy your time on the water, and remember:
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Leave no trace ? Carry out all that you carry in.
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Park in public or designated areas ??Don't block paths or other roads. Be mindful of muddy and soft roads.
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Respect private property ? Utilize public access sites or areas where you have permission to park or access.
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Be prepared ? Check the weather, bring what you need for the day, and let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.
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Take care of your catch ? If you are practicing catch and release, do so quickly and responsibly. If you harvest your catch, please bring it home with you.?If you harvest your catch, please bring it home with you.
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