Fishing season coming to a close
Photo courtesy of Tom Ward
ICE FISHING is a fun activity to enjoy with family and friends, as pictured by this group during an outing on Scopan Lake recently. Pictured from left are: Amos Ward, of Masardis; and Ellie, Katie, Adrian and Anna Simmons of Morrill.
Ice fishing season is drawing to a close, with warmer temperatures creating slush-covered waterways, but there’s still a few days left for those hoping to get one last catch.
“Fishing has been good this winter. We’ve seen a lot of angling activity throughout Aroostook,” said Lt. Thomas Ward, Maine Warden Service.
A fisherman himself, Ward said his son, Amos, has been the lucky one this winter, catching several during a day of fishing on Scopan Lake. As for Ward, work has kept him too busy to enjoy much of the sport.
“I planned a day recently but other than that, I just haven’t had the time. Work keeps me busy,” he said.
Overall, this year’s fishermen and -women have had a pretty good go of it.
“We’ve seen some good fish. All water regions, including the Fish River chain, have seen some good activity,” said Ward.
Ward said as the weather warms, ice conditions will quickly change. He urges those venturing out on the waterways to use caution.
“As temperatures rise, the ice will be melting, creating thin spots and a lot of slush. Anyone heading out on the ice should be sure to check thickness before doing so. It’s also a good idea to bring a buddy, so in case an emergency arises, there’ll be someone there to help. It’s also a good idea to tell someone where you’ll be and when you’ll return, so if you don’t show up, they can notify authorities,” said Ward.
For more information on fishing rules and regulations, visit www.maine.gov/ifw/.
