The fact that Aroostook County was blanketed with more snow during December than we endured all last winter is just the first clue of how mediocre this winter’s ice fishing has been. For the first two months of hard-water fishing season, slush on top of the ice and under the snow cover was a major hindrance. It was impossible to plow paths for vehicles on most waterways, snowmobiles spent as much time stuck as traveling and walking between tip-ups was a chore.
To make matters more frustrating, day-to-day success was unlikely. During one weekend visit to a lake the fish cooperated with gusto, while on a second visit a few days later results were disappointing.
It was as if every species had lockjaw, or perhaps had changed zip codes. On the theory that you certainly won’t catch anything by staying home, regional ice drillers remain persistent in their efforts and a few area waterways remain semi-dependable.
Drew’s Lake, also called Meduxnekeag Lake, a few miles out of Houlton offers a variety of game fish, raising the odds that at least one species will be cooperative on any given day. Brown trout are Drew’s big draw, and while the average length runs 12- to 16-inches, brutes in the 3- to 5-pound class are caught occasionally.
There are also plenty of good-sized white perch, a tasty fish fry ingredient, and on slow days the yellow perch and pickerel will still provide a few flags. Drew’s is a likely location to assure youngsters and novice ice anglers semi-steady fishing.
Arnold Brook Lake, a man-made reservoir just off the Chapman Road five minutes or so from Main Street in Presque Isle, is a convenient spot for a quick foray.
There are often paths plowed onto the lake, and even if there aren’t, it’s possible to sit in a warm truck in the large parking area and be within 50 yards of your tip-ups. Brook trout are regularly stocked in Arnold Brook whose small, shallow confines render it simple to fish, even by neophytes.
A handful of local sportsmen use their lunch hour to set a couple of traps and fish while having a sandwich thanks to the lake’s proximity to town.
Long Lake, in Sinclair and St. Agatha, is of course the prime Crown of Maine spot for the salmon of a lifetime. Even during last month’s fishing derby results were spotty considering how many holes were drilled, but every week someone manages to ice a 5-pound or better landlock. Along with some fairly dependable hand-lining for smelt and night fishing for big cusk, a great chowder fish, a visit to Long Lake is worth the effort.
A month ago, if sportsmen were seeking a top-rate togue water, I’d have placed First and Second Musquacook at the top of the list. There’s a six fish daily limit this winter and those making the long, bumpy drive were enjoying steady success.
The lake trout might only be in the 2- to 4-pound class but they’re plentiful. Eagle Lake would be a second option; fewer togue, slower fishing, but the chance to catch a trophy specimen over 10-pounds.
Squa Pan Lake offers smelt, salmon and some bragging size splake. It’s a short drive for most Central Aroostook anglers, the approach roads are in good condition, and crowding is seldom a problem. For those who enjoy jigging while waiting for a flag, smelt and yellow perch will generally keep a person busy.
March is the last month for hard water anglers, and thanks to longer hours of daylight and higher temperatures the most pleasant days of the season.
Visit a nearby frozen gem and set out a few traps, or enjoy some jigging while there’s still time.
Contributed photo/Bill Graves
PULLING UP THE FISH. Darren Bailey and Tom Tardiff work together to land a 2-pound splake from Cochrane Lake. They had just put on a new bait and reset the trap when the flag went up before they could work to the next tip-up. 
