Cougar

Mountain Lions in Maine, hogwash is what most folks report. Well Mike, Snook and I will tell you different. Over the years we have seen these large cats, from Burlington to Alligator. In fact on my web site, I have a place for folks to report seeing a large cat. There are reports of wardens seeing the cats. This time of year, what few lions we mostly likely have in Maine are either tending kittens or breeding. I doubt we have more than a hand full of cats roaming the state, but is nice to know they are here.

Gold Panning

It is time to bring out the gold equipment again. I have a sluice, pans, pots and gear ready to go. One thing is certain Zach and crew love panning for gold. While we haven't found any yet, they get to play in water and what kid doesn't want to play in water all day long. From time to time to do find special rocks or tid bits that are always lugged home for show. It is suggested to make sure you find a fast moving stream, some bedrock, quartz, black sand and then go in search of those few specks that might exist. It is highly unlikely you will find the mother lode, but who knows. Just think, back a 100 years, all the payroll monies that were sent up St. Croix, Machias, Penobscot and Union to name a few. This was done by foot, and then paid to the men at camp. As they came down stream, be sure a few pockets had holes or packs were lost. Who would tell you that the bottles those men drank from could now be worth thousands of dollars. There is so much history out there in our great state, that a day of exploring always pays off with something.

The Boys

What a crew cleaning the mess at camp, Chris, Brooke, Hunter, Zach and KK. Besides swimming a lot of time was spent fishing for walter (the monster trout). However it was not to happen this weekend no fish were taken at Jellison Hill.

Machias Issues

The Machias River is really the longest free flowing river in Maine. It travels through a wonderful semi wilderness setting and offers much to the traveler. From a class 3 section, to falls to great fishing. It is truly a jewel of Maine. The problem comes in the amount of funding that is directed toward maintaining campsites along the river and their care. The RIPS at Route 9 for example are in need of serious repair and upgrade. Everyone love the lean too's, but the one remaining is old and getting rough. It is time to do some serious fund raising, bring the issues forward and put funding into recreation and tourist who visit these waters.

Loons

Here is an excellent article in this Fridays report from IFW regarding loons and trout. There are pictures of loons taking trout over 18" long - think about that 5-8 pounds per day per bird. These were taken on remote ponds managed for trophy fish. As the biologist states, we use your license money to manage the waters, stock the waters, limit the size of the fish you can take, must be over 18". Only to most of all the trophy or large fish eaten by birds. I hear that loon tastes a little like Eagle, dark meat. hahaha.

Machias Issues

visit registeredguide.blogspot.com for this one

New Blog

This is a new blog on Maine Outdoors

Machias at Rip

Remember watch and know the water on the Machias. Fishing has been fair, saw a fella land a 16" brookie recently. Lots of poison ivy along the banks. The lower stretch should be picking up soon. However we are seeing bass in the west branch

Jellison

Zach and Hunter have been working Jellison hard without much success, however the two loons seem to be enjoying the water and eating very well.

Middle Branch

Manny and Amanda have been hitting the waters hard. The middle branch and all side brooks off Route 180, looks like trout are bitting.

Loons Bad for Fish

Yesterdays posting on the IFW web site and the article by the fisheries biologist was one of the most truthful and thought out pieces I have seen in a long time. We spend funds for licenses, raise fish, release fish, make special regulations for trophy waters and then the loons eat up to 5 pounds of trophy fish a day, recently 18" brook trout.....

Salmon Pond

I am hearing that fishing at the old hole, Salmon pond was very poor this week. Be it the weather or water temp, however the temp was 59.

Loons Bad for Fish

Yesterdays posting on the IFW web site and the article by the fisheries biologist was one of the most truthful and thought out pieces I have seen in a long time. We spend funds for licenses, raise fish, release fish, make special regulations for trophy waters and then the loons eat up to 5 pounds of trophy fish a day, recently 18" brook trout.....

Salmon Pond

I am hearing that fishing at the old hole, Salmon pond was very poor this week. Be it the weather or water temp, however the temp was 59.

New Blog

Well folks I was looking for a way to share stories of our travels across Maine hunting, fishing, camping, trapping, boating or just relaxing. What a great way to get started, a full moon and telephone discussion with one of the Master Outdoorsman in Maine Dave O'connor. I am sure I could fill the blog with history or stories, but I am hoping to focus on events and fish.