Open Water Fishing Season Opens Early
March 25, 2010
MAINE DEPARTMENT OF INLAND FISHERIES & WILDLIFE
284 State St., SHS 41, Augusta, ME 04333
www.mefishwildlife.com Main Number: 287-8000
MEDIA: For more information, call IF&W Spokeswoman Deborah
Turcotte at (207) 592-1164
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MARCH 25, 2010
Open Water Fishing Season Now Open
AUGUSTA – Open water fishing season is now open under an emergency
law signed by Gov. John E. Baldacci today, Thursday, March 25, 2010.
All lakes, ponds and brooks are open except those with specific
opening-day regulations that start after April 1 as listed in the
2008-2009 Open Water Fishing Law Book.
Bag and size limit rules contained in the 2008-2009 Open Water
Fishing Law Book also apply.
The emergency law is in effect until April 1, 2010.
A new fishing law book that combines ice fishing and open water
fishing rules, including several new regulations, will become effective
on April 1, 2010. Distribution of this law book began a couple of weeks
ago and is available where fishing licenses are sold.
“People have been anxious to drop their lines given that ice fishing
season ended too soon in some parts of the state, with many lakes and
ponds experiencing early ice out conditions,” Commissioner Roland
“Danny” Martin said. “We’re happy to provide this opportunity to
anglers, and remind them to be mindful of early spring cold-water
conditions by being safe.”
Open water fishing season historically begins on April 1 on most
waters of the state. Because of unseasonably warm weather opening up
waterways in many counties and strong public interest in wanting to
fish, Maine Sen. Bruce Bryant, D-Oxford County, sponsored emergency
legislation to start the season early.
“Let’s go fishing!” exclaimed Sen. Bryant, upon the Governor’s
signature of the bill.
Emergency law opens season today (March 25), but 2008-2009
rules apply until April 1