Moosehead region ice fishing preview

    Welcome to the 2015 ice fishing season. If you haven’t purchased your license yet, 2015 licenses are available online at www.mefishwildlife.com. Also, the new year’s fishing law book is available where you buy your licenses or at your favorite sporting goods store.

    While many waters are open for ice fishing, that does not always mean they are safe to travel on the ice. Please use caution and check the ice before fishing. For more information on ice safety, please visit these safety tips at www.mefishwildlife.com. As always, please consult the law book before fishing your favorite water, and stay safe while out on the ice.
    If you are looking for a good bet for early season ice fishing, Jackman is a popular destination. “One of the best places for the first week is Big Wood Pond in Jackman,” says IFW fisheries biologist Tim Obrey. “Anglers there have a chance at catching trout, splake and salmon.”
    Anglers may also want to try Fitzgerald Pond in Big Moose Township, where there have been reports of anglers already catching trout. The pond is stocked heavily in the fall and is located between Greenville and Rockwood.
    Other ponds anglers might want to try out include Brann’s Mill in Dover and Harlow in Parkman. While both these ponds have bass and perch, they are stocked in the fall to provide for some ice fishing opportunities for trout.
    If you have a younger angler, take a trip to Drummond Pond in Abbot, it’s a kid’s only pond that’s stocked not only with trout in the 12-14-inch range, but also some larger ones over 17 inches.