Invasive Species Fishing Derby at Moosehead Lake

Contributed Article

 GREENVILLE – The Moosehead Lake Fisheries Coalition is hosting a fishing derby on Moosehead Lake Sunday, June 14.

 But it’s not just an ordinary derby. The purpose is to catch as much of the invasive species as possible in the pristine lake.

 The derby will offer cash prices in three classes for first, second and third place, based on total pounds entered by the individual fisherman. There will also be a door prize of a new kayak for everyone, even non-anglers.

 The coalition has been working to restore, improve and enhance the cold water sport fisheries in Moosehead since 1992.

 In order for the salmon, brook trout and lake trout to grow at an acceptable rate, an adequate forage base must be maintained. This forage issue has been addressed for several years by the coalition providing millions of rainbow smelts.

 The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife has approved both the transfer of roe laden adult smelt into Moosehead tributaries as well as the introduction of smelt larvae grown at Harmon Brook Farm in Canaan.

 Tributaries have also been cleared to provide better access for the spawning of the cold water species as well as their main forage choice the rainbow smelt, according to coalition president Larry Farrington.

 “We have had coalition members in the water up to their chest in brooks, operating chainsaws to clear debris,” said Farrington in a recent press release. “We have driven thousands of miles of dirt roads with our own personal trucks, transporting adult smelt, larvae and even a brief period of gathering smelt eggs on burlap to transfer into Moosehead Lake.”

 But even with all the man hours, equipment and funds – “most of which has been provided through the strong support of our membership,” the MLFC has not maintained “an acceptable growth rate for any duration. There have been a few years of good growth.”

 The management of a lake which covers more than 75,000 acres is a very complex issue, Farrington added. “There is no easy fix, but the one known factor is the number of mouths being fed directly impact the growth rate,” he said.

 Members, some of whom have been around Moosehead Lake for up to 50 years, agree on one issue. The numbers of bait fish beside the rainbow smelt has drastically decreased. For years, fishermen could throw a bait trap on their dock and have plenty of ‘Moosehead shiners,’ which is actually in the chub family but they work really well for sewn bait.

 In recent years, the proliferation of invasive species illegally introduced into Moosehead Lake has become a large concern. The smallmouth bass roam the coves and shallow water consuming large numbers of our native baitfish. The yellow perch are in direct competition for food with the brook trout as are the white perch.

 The coalition clearly understands the total eradication of these species is not possible. However, to know of this invasion of these illegally introduced species and do nothing is not acceptable.

 For more information, derby rules and a complete list of door prizes, visit www. mooseheadlakecoalition.org or call 695-2017.

 Tickets may be purchased at Northwoods Outfitters, Indian Hill Trading Post or Moosehead Bait and Tackle.

 Tickets will also be available during registration up until 9 a.m. the day of the derby.

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