Black flies and ticks keep many Mainers inside this time of year.
But for fishermen, the bugs, the warmer weather and the green haze of budding trees all signal a great time to fish the streams and rivers for brook trout.
And, according to a study recently released by Trout Unlimited, “Maine is the last true stronghold for brook trout in the eastern United States.”
Good news, comparatively, for Maine but not so good for other areas that have historically supported large brookie populations. Trout Unlimited’s Eastern Brook Trout Campaign Coordinator explains.
“Brook trout are the canary in the coal mine when it comes to water quality,” he said.
If their population declines, it could be an early warning sign that the water’s health is declining as well.
Although water quality in Maine is generally stellar, another reason for the brookie’s decline in this state is the introduction of foreign species of fish to the brook trout’s habitat. According to Regional Fisheries Biologist Francis Brautigam of Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, in this state, the addition of large- and small-mouthed bass to streams and lakes has threatened to change the future of cold-water fishing.
While Brautigam admits there are plenty of people who like to fish for bass, he said good areas for bass fishing abound in many states, Maine included. But a number of people travel to Maine especially for the opportunity to fish for brook trout and Brautigam said the state “stands to lose a lot” if it loses its population of brookies.
The best location for brook trout is in coldwater streams and rivers. Although they used to reside in lakes as well, their numbers there have dwindled. They prefer shallow, rocky areas and have very specific water temperature requirements.
Since the brook trout’s survival depends upon cooler water, a temperature increase of only a few degrees can provide a haven for the more adaptable bass while annihilating the brookie.
Inland Fisheries’ Brook Trout Specialist Forrest Bonney says when an area is heavily developed, it tends to become warmer.
“One of the biggest factors is to have a sufficient riparian buffer to keep the temperature down, to filter out pollutants and to moderate flow,” he said.
In addition, these riparian buffers, or areas of growth along the banks of a stream or river, prevent the erosion of phosphorus-laden soil into the water and offer a habitat to some of the insects that supply food for the brook trout.
Maine’s Inland Fisheries, Trout Unlimited and others are trying to restore habitats conducive to the brookie. Don Grosset, brook trout coordinator for Trout Unlimited’s Maine Council says brook trout are “quick to respond to habitat improvements.” As they work to restore impaired streams and to regulate future development, these groups are hopeful that the population of wild brook trout will increase.
That’s good news for Windham fisherman and Trout Unlimited member Arthur Balcom, of Mount Hunger Shore Road. He estimates he fishes at least a hundred days a year, often for brook trout along the Presumpscot River.
Balcom enjoys the fishing but says there’s more to it than that.
“Catching fish is just a small part of the thing,” he said. “Fishing gives you a reason to walk around the river.”
Balcom, who is also an artist, generally ties his own flies.
“If you could use only one fly for the rest of your life,” he said, holding up a feathery hook, “the olive green wooly bugger is the one to pick.”
For all those like Balcom who enjoy being outside and for those who want to help renew and maintain healthy, brookie-filled rivers and streams, Brautigam says his best advice is to preserve riparian vegetation. If a stream- or river-bank has already been stripped, replant a buffer of shade trees and bushes.
And for anglers, Balcom warns never to sound too optimistic after a day of fishing:
“If you say you’ve had a great day fishing, you always know the next day won’t be good.”
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