PORTLAND — Ice fishing in downtown Portland might seem a bit improbable, but on Thursday and Friday it will become a reality as instructors use a giant water tank stocked with brook trout to teach people about the sport of fishing an ice-covered lake or pond.
Ice fishing demonstrations will be take place in Tommy’s Park at Spring and Exchange streets on both days between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
The event is part of Portland on Ice, a new winter festival sponsored by Portland’s Downtown District.
Instructors from the Kittery Trading Post and the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife will be on hand to teach kids and adults how to rig a tip-up – the device that fishermen set up over a hole that must be drilled through the ice.
The demonstrations, which are free, will include hints on where to fish as well as how to stay warm and be safe on ice. The tank will also feature an underwater fish viewing system.
“It will be catch and release so don’t plan on bringing your grill,” said Will Etheridge, Events and Marketing Manager for Portland’s Downtown District.
Etheridge said the event is aimed at not only getting people into Portland’s downtown area, but will try to stir up some interest in getting people outdoors in the middle of winter.
Jon Morrill, Vice President of the Kittery Trading Post, will be one of the fishing instructors.
Morrill said the city of Portland will erect a 535-gallon water tank at Tommy’s Park. The tank, which will be covered with snow is made of high density plastic.
The state will stock the tank with brook trout from its Gray hatchery. Live bait will be provided. Morrill said live bait is better than artificial lures.
“The fish like movement. When they see something moving, they go after it,” he said.
A children’s ice fishing clinic will be held each day between 11 a.m. and noon, while there will be a session devoted to women each day between 1 and 3 p.m.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
