and fall sport for 14-17" splake. Second and Third Lake Old Stream have yielded some 4-5 lb fish because of special harvest restrictions. Burntland Lake, Mopang Lake, and Toddy Pond are other good bets for splake. Fitts Pond, which received an introductory splake stocking in May, 1997 provided some good angling for 12-14 " fish in the early part of the 1998 ice fishing season.
Smallmouth Bass Downeast Maine boasts some of the very best smallmouth bass angling in Maine. Numerous lakes contain these sporty fish; anglers have many choices depending on whether they want to catch a lot of small bass, a fair number of medium size bass, or a chance at a fish or two in the 23 lb range. Meddybemps Lake and Cathance Lake provide very fast angling for small 9-11" fish . It's not uncommon for a reasonably skilled angler to catch from 30-40 bass in a day on these productive waters. Four Hancock county waters, Webb Pond, Abrams Pond, Great Pond, and Georges Pond, are managed for trophy smallmouths through 18" minimum lengths and one-fish limits. Two Washington county waters, Third and Fourth Machias lakes, are similarly managed, and two others, Silver Pug Lake and Wabassus Lake, provide trophy bass angling through catch and release regulations. All these waters annually produce some 34 lb smallmouths. For those anglers seeking good action for medium size bass, Branch Lake, Green Lake, Graham Lake, Crawford Lake, Pocomoonshine Lake, Rocky Lake, Gardner Lake, Hadley
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Maine Fish and Wildlife
Lake and Boyden Lake should fill the bill. The best fishing typically occurs from late Maylate June, which encompasses the spawning and post-spawning season. For much of this period, smallmouths can be caught in shallow water by casting lures or flies. Some outstanding fishing can be enjoyed with top water lures or flies in the early morning or evening when the wind abates creating calm surface conditions. Seeing a 2-3 lb smallmouth smash a surface lure represents the epitome of bass fishing. Although largemouths are relatively uncommon in eastern Maine, they provide good action in waters like Pierce Pond, Wight Pond, Crawford Lake, Pocomoonshine Lake, Second Lake and Rocky Lake.
White Perch Many anglers believe that the best eating freshwater fish of them all is the white perch. The firm, white, flaky flesh is truly delectable. White perch are widespread throughout the Downeast region, and provide excellent sport in numerous
waters. Anglers, once they become familiar with the "perch holes", can expect to make good catches of desirable size (10-12") fish at Webb Pond, Georges Pond, Lower Pond, Upper Patten Pond, Third Pond, Lower Lead Mountain Pond, Rocky Lake, Second Gardner Lake, Bog Lake, Pierce Pond, Big Lake, Grand Falls Flowage, East Machias River above Hadley Lake, Spectacle Pond, Crawford Lake, Mecidybemps Lake and Third Machias Lake. Once the perch "school up" in the summer, good catches are made in August-September by fishing worms a foot or so off bottom in the perch holes. It's one of the few species of freshwater fish which can be caught "one after the other" just like mackerel in the ocean. Their ready catchability along with fine taste makes this species one of the most eagerly sought after in Downeast Maine. It's also one of the best species to seek when teaching a youngster the basics of fishing. Anglers who don't go white perch fishing at least several times a season are truly missing out on a good thing. •
Maine 's white perch continues to enjoy a reputation as a panfish of unparalleled flavor and texture. http :// www.sta le.me . us/i fw / home page.html