fishing

It rained heavily again last night and today we have drizzle and fog. This June is the wettest on record and I would guess that the number of sunny days is pretty low. The tidal portion of the Saint George looks like a chocolate milkshake and the freshwater section is out of its banks. Not very conducive weather for the sort of outdoor activities that Maine Outdoors offers in the summer.

The past week I have been near eagle nests on Damariscotta Lake, Megunticook Lake and the Saint George River. As the season has progressed it has been interesting to watch the young birds grow. Last week I first noticed that one of the adults was not always right around the nest. Indicating that the chicks had gotten big enough to lessen the worry of them being eaten by a crow or other bird had diminished. Then the young birds heads appeared over the edge of the nest and it was possible to see the them checking out the world below or begging for a fish from a nearby adult.

All of the rain lately has lots of freshwater flowing into the Saint George discoloring the water and putting the stripers off. I had cancelled my morning trip and decided to try the Weskeag River in South Thomaston because it is a very small watershed and I reasoned less likely to suffer the freshwater stain. The morning was overcast with a little fog as I tried spots in the river. I had not been on the water there for at least ten years and had forgotten what a pretty place it is.

The rain on Friday fell heavily and I knew that it made the Saint George rise quickly but got quite a surprise this morning on arrival at the boat launch on Megunticook Lake in Camden. The parking lot was almost completely covered with water! I had arranged to meet my client at his rental cottage on the lake so I had to launch. I was able to pull into the parking area and launch the boat into the flooded parking lot.

I was striper fishing this morning in the cold wind and wet. When I decided that I had enough and started for the harbor. I came around a bend in the river and saw a seal coming up out of the water. I shut off the outboard and drifted to watch as it was joined by a second small seal as they porpoised right past the boat about fifteen feet away. Seemingly not bothered by the boat they kept right on going even when I had to start the outboard to keep from crashing in to the riverbank.

In our fast paced world, fishing gives us a chance to slow down, enjoy an adventure outdoors, and spend time with those we love. May I suggest a gift certificate for a Maine Outdoors fishing trip for your father or grandfather? The big day has already been reserved by a thoughtful son but lots of other days are available throughout the summer.

Yesterday morning dawned foggy, drizzly and cold. Just like most of June. In fact I was quite cold on the morning striper fishing trip. But by the time I had driven from the harbor to home the clouds had broken up and we were treated to a perfect blue sky afternoon.

Striper fishing in the Saint George River has gotten off to a slow start this year. This week though there have been a few fish to make things interesting. Not the blitz of fish of years gone by but enough to keep me fishing the river.

I am often asked when the bass spawn takes place and always have a smart remark for an answer. Something about not being able to see the future very well. This year though the right answer is this coming week. I fished on a local lake this morning and had some very enjoyable smallmouth fishing.

I have been helping my neighbors put on a kids fishing event held at Ayer Park in Union for several years. The next one is scheduled for Saturday, June 6th from 10 AM to 2 PM in memory of Mike Sabins. Ayer Park is on the shore of Seven Tree Pond located about a mile south of the Union Common on Route 235 and was chosen because it is easy to find and is well suited to a children's event. The event is sanctioned by the Hooked on Fishing program. The public is welcome and no pre-registration is required. Fishing equipment and bait will be provided, along with refreshments.