PRESQUE ISLE, Maine – Participants in the fishing derby planned for June 2 at Mantle Lake have an ample supply of fish to catch, following the recent release of hundreds of trout at the lake.
“We stocked 300 brook trout at Mantle Lake on May 8. Those fish were eight to 10 inches long and came from a state hatchery in Enfield,” said Dave Basley, regional fishery biologist with the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, based in Ashland.
Due to the poor water condition and algae problem, fish had all but disappeared from the lake prior to last year’s dredging.
“After the pond was drained and dredged last summer, it has refilled over winter and these fish are being stocked to provide immediate fishing for kids under 16 and complimentary license holders,” said Basley.
More fish were scheduled to be put into the lake prior to the derby.
“Plans are to stock about 250 more the Thursday before the derby,” said Curtis Lewin, president of the Presque Isle Fish & Game Club.
Registration for the June 2 event begins at the lake at 8 a.m.
“This is the sixth annual derby here at Mantle,” said Lewin. “There are plenty of chances to fish along the shore, now that the lake’s been dredged and much of the overgrowth is gone. That definitely wasn’t a possibility before.”
With cleaner water, officials believe the fish will do well in their new home.
“Fish thrive on insects found in Maine lakes. The water condition at Mantle Lake is great for trout,” said Allan Collamore, a fish culturalist with the DIFW in Enfield, who helped with the restocking project.
According to Basley, George Howe, developmental specialist for the city of Presque Isle, is coordinating all of the agencies and civic organizations that assisted in this project.
In addition to stocking fish at the lake, other work is planned at the park.
“As part of Phase 3, we’ve applied for a couple grants. We want to resurface the walking trails around the lake – use bark mulch or something along that line just to hold the soil in place,” said Howe.
Howe said he’s looking into an Outdoor Heritage Grant for that project.
“That grant would be primarily be for surfaces,” he continued.
Work is also being planned for upgrades to make it a handicap-accessible park.
“We want to make it wheelchair-accessible, with maybe a floating dock. Several foot bridges need replacement,” said Howe.
Howe indicated upgrades are necessary to prevent accidents or injuries.
“The city is libel for injuries. We’re working to create a safe environment for all to enjoy. We’re looking for funding options to make that possible,” said Howe.
“We stocked 300 brook trout at Mantle Lake on May 8. Those fish were eight to 10 inches long and came from a state hatchery in Enfield,” said Dave Basley, regional fishery biologist with the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, based in Ashland.
Due to the poor water condition and algae problem, fish had all but disappeared from the lake prior to last year’s dredging.
“After the pond was drained and dredged last summer, it has refilled over winter and these fish are being stocked to provide immediate fishing for kids under 16 and complimentary license holders,” said Basley.
More fish were scheduled to be put into the lake prior to the derby.
“Plans are to stock about 250 more the Thursday before the derby,” said Curtis Lewin, president of the Presque Isle Fish & Game Club.
Registration for the June 2 event begins at the lake at 8 a.m.
“This is the sixth annual derby here at Mantle,” said Lewin. “There are plenty of chances to fish along the shore, now that the lake’s been dredged and much of the overgrowth is gone. That definitely wasn’t a possibility before.”
With cleaner water, officials believe the fish will do well in their new home.
“Fish thrive on insects found in Maine lakes. The water condition at Mantle Lake is great for trout,” said Allan Collamore, a fish culturalist with the DIFW in Enfield, who helped with the restocking project.
According to Basley, George Howe, developmental specialist for the city of Presque Isle, is coordinating all of the agencies and civic organizations that assisted in this project.
In addition to stocking fish at the lake, other work is planned at the park.
“As part of Phase 3, we’ve applied for a couple grants. We want to resurface the walking trails around the lake – use bark mulch or something along that line just to hold the soil in place,” said Howe.
Howe said he’s looking into an Outdoor Heritage Grant for that project.
“That grant would be primarily be for surfaces,” he continued.
Work is also being planned for upgrades to make it a handicap-accessible park.
“We want to make it wheelchair-accessible, with maybe a floating dock. Several foot bridges need replacement,” said Howe.
Howe indicated upgrades are necessary to prevent accidents or injuries.
“The city is libel for injuries. We’re working to create a safe environment for all to enjoy. We’re looking for funding options to make that possible,” said Howe.
