LANDLOCKED ATLANTIC SALOM

Landlocked Salmon Atlantic Salmon are know only in the State of Maine. Some of the other names are Sebago Salmon or Quananiche and the scientific name is Salmo Salar. The average size is 16-18 inches and 1-2 pounds, but 3-5 pound fish are not uncommon. Adults are generally silvery wiyh a slightly forked tail and small x-shaped marking on the back and iper sides. Juvenile salmon have a dark red spot between each pair of parr marks. Mature males develop a kype or hooked jaw, during the spawning season.

Landlocked salmon are a freshwater form of the sea run Atlantic Salmon. Prior to 1868, landlocked salmon populations occurred in only four river basins in Maine, St.Croix including West Grand Lake in Washington County, the union, including Green Lake in Hancock County, the Penobscot, including Sebec Lake in Piscataquis, County, and the Presumpscot, including Sebago Lake in Cumberland County.

Today, landlocked salmon provide the primary fishery in 176 lakes comprising nearly 500,000 acres. They are present and provide incideatal fisheries in an additional 127 waters comprising about 160,000 acres. Maine supports one of the larges sport fisheries for this species in the world. Landlocked salmon also provide good fisheries in 44 rivers and streams totaling about 290 miles.

Hatchery stockings are needed to maintain fisheries in 127 lakes. These lakes do not sufficient amounts of suitable spawning and nursery areas to produce wild salmon. Without regular stockings, salmon in these lakes would disappear entirely, or their numbers would be very, very low. About 123,000 salmon were stocked annually in Maine lakes from 1996 to 2000.

Natural reproduction supports salmon fisheries in 49 lakes. These are lakes that have sufficient spawning and nursery habitat to produce enough salmon to support good fisheries. Most of these waters are located in western and northern Maine. Salmon spawn in lake outlets or inlets during the period from mid October to late November. Eggs are buried in gravel from 4-12 inches deep and remain there until hatching early the following spring.

Young salmon spend from 1 to 4 years in a stream environment prior to migrating to a lake. Recent studies in Maine show most wild salmon spend 2 years as stream dweelers. In wild salmon populations, most males spawn first at ages 3 and 4, although a few spawn at ages 1 and 2. Females usually spawn first at ages 4 and 5. Spawning runs of wild salmon may be composed of fish ranging in age from 1 to 10 but 3, 4 and 5 year old individuals make up the bulk of most runs. Landlocked salmon may be repeat spawners, but most fish observed on spawning runs are spawning for the first time. Salmon may spawn in consecutive or alternate years, some may spawn in consecutive years then skip a year, and some may skip 2 or 3 years between spawning.

Salmon populations sustained by natural reproduction often more older age fish those supported by stocking, wild salmon usually exhibit slower growth do hatchery salmon, so they reach legal size and harvested 1 or 2 years later. The oldest landlocked salmon on record in Maine was years old.

Rainbow smelts are the principal forage species for salmon in Maine lakes. Without adequate numbers of smelt, salmon growth and body conition will be poor, markedly reducing value as a sportfish. Maintain adequate numbers of smelt for forage is the most important element of salmon management in Maine. Extensive studies conducted in Maine clearly show that salmon growth rates, and consequently the size of fish available to anglers, is best in lakes with excellent water that do not have large populations of other smelt predators, particularly lake trout.

From 1996 to 2000 Maine open water anglers voluntarily released over 60% of their catch of legal salmon, ice anglers released about 25% of their legal salmon catch. Catch and release of salmon has improved fishing in many lakes, but in others it has resulted in depressed smelt populations and smaller salmon, because there are too many salmon. Maine fishery biologists have responded by reducing stocking rates by implementing fishing regulations designed to restore a reasonable balance between numbers of smelts and salmon.

Hatchery salmon generally provide fisheries for larger fish than do wild salmon because the number of smelt predators can be strictly controlled. Therefore, precise management for particular types of fisheries, such as those emphasizing trophy fish, is usually best achieved with hatchery stocks rather than wild stocks.

From 1996 to 2000, the average size of salmon harvested from all Maine lakes was 17.4 inches and 1.7 pounds, the largest since department fishery biologists began conducting scientific creel surveys in the 1950’s.

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RAINBOW, BROWN, AND BROOK TROUT

Maine fishing has Rainbow, Brown, and Brook trout. Trout are an important part of fishing tradition. Maine trout fishermen and women are enthusiast about the pursuit of the trout. Some consider trout fishing to be the purest from fishing. The finesse that is required to entice a trout into striking a fly or lure is what appeals to the soul. But don’t worry, trout have endeared the imagination of the trout fishermen and women for years on end. Pure cold water is key to survival of the trout, but Rainbow trout are comfortable in slightly warmer waters.
Rainbow trout are known for their tasty pink flesh and beauty and gameness. The Rainbow trout is a favorite among most fishermen and women anglers. The Rainbow trout appeals to the properly presented flies, baits and lures. It feeds on small worms, minnows, insects, and crustaceans. The sport and dinning are two fun things for Rainbow trout anglers.
Originally the rainbow trout was found in the Rockies and west to the pacific ocean and has been distributed far and wide across the United States. Rainbow trout do better in the north and northeast, but in isolated areas in the south the Rainbow trout are found as well. In waters that allow such migration, the rainbow trout will remain in streams until it reaches 6 to 9 in length and then travel to lakes or oceans where it bulks up and then return to the streams or rivers to spawn.
Another trout native to the United States is the Brook trout. Originally found throughout areas with cold clean water, they like the water that does not exceed 68 degrees. As we humans invade the cool shady forest areas it causes the water to warm up and the Brook trout are diminishing in their population. Its primary food source is small crustaceans, mollusks, insects, and other small fish.
Of all trout, Brook trout are the easiest to catch. Amongst places to look for Brook trout fishing are gravel bottom streams with a moderate current, plenty of ponds and waterfalls which include rocks and cover. Over hanging trees for shade and attracting insects and offer protection from preying birds and also are places to look for when fishing for Brook trout.
The trout that can take slightly warmer water are the Brown trout. The brook trout do not like the warmer water and have taken over some of the fisheries formerly inhabited by the brookies. Brown trout are much more wary than other trout, which helps ensure their longevity in waters where other trout are fished out.
The best spots to look for when fishing for Brown trout are quiet water with logs, under cuts in the banks, over hanging trees and brush, rock shelves. These are Brown trout’s favorite hiding places. Brown trout get to be large in size and become more inclined to feed at night under the protection of darkness.
The food that the Brown trout likes are crustaceans, worms, insect and minnows. A popular way to fish for Brown trout is a dry fly. For pan size brown trout, this favorite technique rises well to the crafty presentation.

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THE THREE BEST KNOTS THAT ARE BEST

There seems to be as many knots out there as there are fish in the ocean. But this is the three that most us and found out with experience that they don’t fail if tied right. The three knots are the loop knot, the Bristol knot and the bimini twist. All these knots are solid performers that have an edge on other knots.

The loop knot often takes a back seat to the clinch for tying on a lure or hook. But experienced anglers know the difference a loop can make, adding action to the presentation.
This knot leaves a small open loop at the eye of the lure or hook, giving it more freedom to move. When a lure or bait is not constrained by the weight or stiffness of the leader, its inherent action really shines. Used with a buck tail, the loop knot lets the jig flutter as its eye moves freely along the loop’s perimeter. The loop also lets live bait do its thing, where a clinch can be restrictive. This knot retains 90 to 95 percent of the breaking strength of the line not a concern since the leader is usually heavier than the main line.
How to tie the loop knot: step 1 tie a simple overhand loop in the leader and press the tag end through the eye of the hook or lure. Step 2 bring the tag end back through the overhand loop. Then use the tag end to make a turn around the standing part of the line. Tying a half hitch above the overhand loop. Before snugging down the half hitch, gently pull on both the tag and standing line to form the size of finished loop you want. Tighten the knot by first pulling firmly on the standing line and then the tag end. Trim the tag end close to the knot.

The Bristol knot joins long leader to double main lines in spinning, bait casting and light conventional tackle. The little Bristol passes cleanly through rod guiges and line rollers on spinning reel bails. Because I can wind my lure to the rod tip, I can cast friction free with accuracy and distance.
I us the Bristol when casting artificial for stripers or using jigs. Even if a big fish gets tail wrapped or leaps and falls on the line, the long leader stays intact where the main line may not. The extra length lets me clip off any damaged leader and re rig quickly during a hot bite. How to tie the Bristol knot, step 1 pass the leader through the loop of the doubled main line. Step 2 put your index finger between the leader and doubled line. Wrap the leader around the doubled line five to eight times. Step 3 pass the tag end of the leader back through the loop of the doubled line from where it came. Moisten the connection and cinch down the knot by pulling slowly and firmly on the leader and the doubled line. Trim the tag end, which ought to stand at a 90 degree angle to the line.

Many anglers associate the bimini twist with offshore trolling, but the knot excels on all fishing fronts. Big game anglers have long relied on extended double lines to pressure fish near the boat, the double line, wound onto the reel, gives the angler the upper hand in close quarters. The Bimini retains nearly 100% of the fishing lin’s breaking strength, providing shock absorption with no stress spots or weak pounts.
These advantages translate well to casting for sea trout on four pound test, deep jigging for cod on 20 pound bait casting gear, live baiting for big game trolling with 80 pound test. I use a Bimini to create a short double line, often less than three feet long, I favor a short double line and a long wind on leader.
How to tie the Bimini twist Step 1 double back twist the length you’ll want your double line to end up. Hold the tag end and standing line firmly with one hand and make 18 to 20 twists by rotating the end of the loop with the other hand. Step 2 keep tension on the fishing line (its easiest to put the outfit in a rod holder) and spread the loop by placing it over your knee or foot. Tighten the twist by spreading the main line and tag 90 degrees. Step 3 keep the line tight. Pull the tag end out at a 90 degree angle to the twists. Maintain tension on the standing line and tag end, then slowly let off some preeure on the tag, allowing it to spiral tightly over the twists of the loop. Step 4 with the tag end, make a half hitch one leg of the loop, locking the wraps. Step 5 then, make a half hitch around both lehs of the loop. I make a couple more half hitches around both legs and trim the tag end close. Other anglers finish their Biminis with clinches or plaits none are incorrect if the knot does not slip.

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WHITE PERCH

White perch, otherwise known as perch or silver perch, are a species native to the freshwater regions of Maine. Originally, white perch tended to be found primarily in coastal ponds, streams and estuaries, though over the past century have been gradually introduced into rivers and lakes further inland. Their presence is now not uncommon, with thriving populations present throughout many of Maine’s many freshwater systems.
White perch are one of Maine’s premier game fish, favoured for their relative abundance and ease of angling. As a result, white perch are often recommended as a starting point for young anglers and beginners alike, who can land great catches with little or no previous experience.
The white perch is easily identifiable by its spiny fin and large scales. The back and upper side of the fish are typically dark-grey in colour, whilst its lower sides and belly exhibit silver and white colouring respectively. On average, a healthy six year old perch will be around a foot in length, though due to overpopulation in artificially stocked lakes, many perch experience stunted growth, and as a result the lengths of these fish vary greatly depending on their habitat. If you are looking for big perch, your best bet is to locate a coastal lake or stream that has a natural stock of the species rather than an artificially stocked lake further inland, though you are likely to have to work harder for your catch.
White perch can be caught in many ways, though by far the simplest is using minnows, worms or cut bait. Another advantage of this fish is its availability all year round, though the best catches can be made in early spring time. White perch also tend to feed near the bottom, so aiming for the deeper waters can yield even better results.
As mentioned already, white perch are one of the most common fish, and as a result can be found in most freshwater areas in Maine. Popular spots include the Sebago River, Lincoln Lakes Region, Belgrade Lakes and Grand Lake Region, though arguably wherever you decide to go, there are likely to be white perch nearby! Though white perch are not highly regarded by many seasoned veterans, there is no doubting that they are great for young and inexperienced anglers looking to make their first catch.

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