Moosehead Lake region ice fishing report
By Jeff Bagley, fisheries resource biologist
Places to go — Brassua Lake (Brassua Township, Rockwood Strip, Sandwich Academy Grant, Taunton-Raynham Academy Grant, Tomhegan Township):
Located approximately five miles west of Moosehead Lake, Brassua Lake is often overshadowed by its nearby neighbor to the east. Access to Brassua is at the boat launch, directly off Route 15 and is maintained by Brookfield Power throughout the winter, providing anglers a safe location to load and off-load their gear. This 8,979-acre lake offers ice anglers the opportunity to fish for brook trout, landlocked salmon, and at times a decent hook and line smelt fishery. Although not many have been reported being caught through the ice, smallmouth bass are now present in Brassua. Smallmouth were illegally introduced in the upper part of the Moose River Drainage approximately 15 years ago and have made their way downstream and are now well established in the lake. This water is regulated under General Law, with special regulations: S-2 (S-2: Closed to the taking of smelts, except by hook and line, S-11 (the use or possession of live baitfish/live smelts is permitted), S-16 (daily bag limit on brook trout (includes splake and Arctic charr): two fish; minimum length limit: 12 inches, only one may exceed 14 inches), and S-22 (daily bag limit on landlocked salmon: one fish) and is open to ice fishing from Jan. 1 to April 30. Closed to ice fishing is that portion southwest of a line between two red markers set on opposite shores at the entrance to Misery Cove so-called.
Mountain View (Fitzgerald) Pond (Big Moose Township):
Looking to introduce a youngster to brook trout fishing? Then Mountain View Pond in Big Moose Township is a great place to start. This 550-acre stocked trout pond provides some good trout fishing as well as a great view of Big Moose Mountain. Early season fishing tends to be a bit faster but can still provide a fun day of fishing as the days get warmer and the sun stays up a bit later.Access to the pond is at the public boat launch off Route 15, approximately seven miles northwest of Greenville. This water is regulated under General Law, with special regulations: S-11 (the use or possession of live baitfish/live smelts is permitted) and S-19 (daily limit on brook trout (includes splake and Arctic charr): two fish) and is open to ice fishing from Dec. 1 to April 30.
Sebec Lake (Bowerbank, Dover-Foxcroft, Sebec, Willimantic):
Sebec Lake is situated in the southeast portion of the Moosehead Lake region. This 6,803-acre lake is rich with history. So historic, that it’s one of the four original waters to contain native landlocked salmon resulting from when the glacier receded about 10,000 years ago. The lake contains multiple fish species that winter anglers often pursue, such as landlocked salmon, white perch, chain pickerel, and on occasion a brook trout, but it’s the lake trout that seems to cause the biggest stir. Sebec is best known for its quality lake trout fishery. It seems that every year we hear about a big laker, in the 20 pound category, being caught. If folks can find them, white perch can make for a fun day on the ice as well. Anglers can access the lake at Greeley’s Landing, or through Peaks Kenny State Park. There is an access point on the west end of the lake near Packard’s Landing as well. This access is on private land, so please be courteous when using this facility. This water is regulated under General Law, with special regulations S-2 (closed to the taking of smelts, except by hook and line), S-3 (direct tributaries closed to the taking of smelts), S-11 (the use or possession of live baitfish/live smelts is permitted), and S-22 (daily bag limit on landlocked salmon: one fish). Daily bag limit on bass: two fish only one may exceed 14 inches. Sebec Lake is open to ice fishing from Jan. 15 to March 15.
Update on the ice fishing season: Although it started out slow, the ice fishing season is in full swing here in the Moosehead region. The second half of the extended 14th annual Moosehead Lake Togue Derby put on by the Natural Resources Education Center at Moosehead was held recently. Greenville was buzzing with activity and there were plenty of anglers out looking for that ever elusive winning catch. Ice conditions were much improved from three weeks earlier and anglers were able to safely travel the lake to reach their secret “togue hole.”
Ice fishing tip: When taking someone (young or old) ice fishing for the first time, I’d recommend taking them to a water where they have a higher chance of being successful. Take them to one of our “put and take” stocked brook trout waters. These can be very productive early in the season. Another option is to target a warm water pond that is likely to result in plenty of pickerel, bass or perch. Put them onto fish and they’ll be hooked!
Ice fishing tip: Speaking from experience, whether working or playing, nothing spoils a day on the ice faster than to have cold feet. If folks travel any distance by vehicle prior to reaching their fishing destination I recommend wearing a separate set of footwear, along with a light pair of socks. A damp pair of socks and boots will likely result in cold feet before the end of the day. Before heading onto the ice, change into a pair of dry wool socks (smart wool works great) and a warm pair of waterproof boots. It’s also good to keep a few packets of disposable toe warmers in the pack basket. They are relatively cheap and work wonders when placed in the boots.