‘Forbes’ Pit’ water access site now owned by IF&W

    CARIBOU — A once-privately owned water access site known by locals as “Forbes’ Pit” in Caribou now is owned by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.     The eight-acre site was owned by Kent and Kathie Forbes, who granted permission for anglers and others to use it for water access and bank fishing. Mr. and Mrs. Forbes approached the Department with their desire to have the property available as a public access site, and the Department purchased the property in September 2009.
    The property is located on the Fort Fairfield Road in Caribou, and has been used for the start of the annual Fort Fairfield Potato Blossom Festival raft race.
    The site allows boaters to launch watercraft from trailers at all water levels. Parking spaces for several vehicles are available.
    “This will provide anglers with access to one of the best wild riverine brook trout fisheries in the state,” according to Peter Bourque, IF&W director of fisheries program development. “The Aroostook River produces quality-size brookies.”
    Anglers should refer to the “State of Maine Open Water & Ice Fishing Laws and Rules” book for regulations governing the sport fishery from this site.