Rule Making Proposals - Statewide Waters

2019 Rule Making Proposals - Statewide Waters

REGION WATCODE ID WATER NAME TOWN(S) COUNTY OR COUNTIES PROPOSAL SOURCE A SEBAGO LAKE, AND ALL DIRECT TRIBUTARIES Naples, Casco, Raymond, CUMBERLAND MDIFW INCLUDING RIVERS Windham, Standish, Sebago

REGULATION CHANGE DESCRIPTION Change lower end of togue slot limit from 23 to 26 inches.

PURPOSE Recent research and data on lake trout indicates the population is very slow growing and currently exhibiting very low mortality. Once togue move into the existing protective slot they remain there for approximately 18-19 years before exiting. In addition, research shows that the extreme depths of Sebago Lake combined with lake trout habits protect a large segment of the population (approximately 75%) from harvest during the open water season; and anglers are often only able to fish a small portion of the lake during the ice fishing season due to the trend of poor ice conditions. Modeling and angler catch rate data both suggest lake trout abundance is increasing, which is contrary to the objectives identified in the Sebago Lake management plan. The stockpiling of lake trout is a significant concern; as excessive pressure on the forage population(s) from lake trout could create complications. CURRENT REGULATIONS PROPOSED MODIFICATIONS PROPOSED REGULATIONS SEBAGO LAKE, AND ALL DIRECT TRIBUTARIES INCLUDING SEBAGO LAKE, AND ALL DIRECT TRIBUTARIES INCLUDING SEBAGO LAKE, AND ALL DIRECT TRIBUTARIES INCLUDING RIVERS, Naples, etc (South Region). General fishing laws RIVERS, Naples, etc (South Region). General fishing laws RIVERS, Naples, etc (South Region). General fishing laws apply, except: S-1. Minimum length limit on landlocked apply, except: S-1. Minimum length limit on landlocked apply, except: S-1. Minimum length limit on landlocked salmon: 16 inches. No bag limit for togue under 23 inches salmon: 16 inches. No bag limit for togue under 2326 salmon: 16 inches. No bag limit for togue under 26 inches and no minimum length limit. Daily bag limit on togue inches and no minimum length limit. Daily bag limit on and no minimum length limit. Daily bag limit on togue greater than 33 inches: 1 fish. All togue between 23 - 33 togue greater than 33 inches: 1 fish. All togue between greater than 33 inches: 1 fish. All togue between 26 - 33 inches must be released alive at once. All trout (excluding 2326 - 33 inches must be released alive at once. All trout inches must be released alive at once. All trout (excluding lake trout) and landlocked salmon caught while ice fishing (excluding lake trout) and landlocked salmon caught lake trout) and landlocked salmon caught while ice fishing must be released immediately without removal from the while ice fishing must be released immediately without must be released immediately without removal from the water. Closed to all fishing within 100 feet of White’s removal from the water. Closed to all fishing within 100 water. Closed to all fishing within 100 feet of White’s Bridge. feet of White’s Bridge. Bridge.

From October 1 - December 31: ALO. Togue may be From October 1 - December 31: ALO. Togue may be From October 1 - December 31: ALO. Togue may be harvested as described above. harvested as described above. harvested as described above.

From October 1 - March 31: All trout (excluding lake From October 1 - March 31: All trout (excluding lake From October 1 - March 31: All trout (excluding lake trout) and landlocked salmon caught while open water trout) and landlocked salmon caught while open water trout) and landlocked salmon caught while open water fishing must be released alive at once. Direct tributaries fishing must be released alive at once. Direct tributaries fishing must be released alive at once. Direct tributaries are closed to fishing, except for the lower reach of the are closed to fishing, except for the lower reach of the are closed to fishing, except for the lower reach of the Muddy River south of the Lake House Road and the lower Muddy River south of the Lake House Road and the lower Muddy River south of the Lake House Road and the lower reach of the Sticky River northeast of the Route 114 reach of the Sticky River northeast of the Route 114 reach of the Sticky River northeast of the Route 114 crossing. Closed to open water fishing is the “mouth of crossing. Closed to open water fishing is the “mouth of crossing. Closed to open water fishing is the “mouth of the Songo River”, which is the area to the north of a line the Songo River”, which is the area to the north of a line the Songo River”, which is the area to the north of a line

Tuesday, July 03, 2018 Page 1 of 15 2019 Rule Making Proposals - Statewide Waters drawn between Bear Point and Outer Island and then drawn between Bear Point and Outer Island and then drawn between Bear Point and Outer Island and then along a line to the north shore. along a line to the north shore. along a line to the north shore.

Portland Water District restrictions: (1) the portion of Portland Water District restrictions: (1) the portion of Portland Water District restrictions: (1) the portion of Sebago Lake within 3,000 feet of the water intakes in Sebago Lake within 3,000 feet of the water intakes in Sebago Lake within 3,000 feet of the water intakes in Standish is a "No Trespassing" zone (including boating Standish is a "No Trespassing" zone (including boating Standish is a "No Trespassing" zone (including boating and fishing); and (2) the area of within 2 miles of the and fishing); and (2) the area of within 2 miles of the and fishing); and (2) the area of within 2 miles of the water intakes is a "No Bodily Contact" zone and no motor water intakes is a "No Bodily Contact" zone and no motor water intakes is a "No Bodily Contact" zone and no motor vehicles are allowed on the ice (ATVs and snowmobiles vehicles are allowed on the ice (ATVs and snowmobiles vehicles are allowed on the ice (ATVs and snowmobiles are allowed). are allowed). are allowed).

Tuesday, July 03, 2018 Page 2 of 15 2019 Rule Making Proposals - Statewide Waters

REGION WATCODE ID WATER NAME TOWN(S) COUNTY OR COUNTIES PROPOSAL SOURCE D 0314 BALD MOUNTAIN POND AND TRIBUTARIES Bald Mountain Twp T2 R3 SOMERSET MDIFW

REGULATION CHANGE DESCRIPTION Liberalize the lake trout bag and length limit from general law to "no size or bag limit".

PURPOSE Lake trout were recently confirmed at Bald Mountain Pond. This regulation would allow unlimited harvest and no size limit on these non-indigenous fishes at Bald Mountain Pond. Bald Mountain Pond is home to one of Maine’s 12 endemic Arctic charr populations.

CURRENT REGULATIONS PROPOSED MODIFICATIONS PROPOSED REGULATIONS BALD MOUNTAIN POND AND TRIBUTARIES, Bald BALD MOUNTAIN POND AND TRIBUTARIES, Bald BALD MOUNTAIN POND AND TRIBUTARIES, Bald Mountain Twp (North Region). General fishing laws apply, Mountain Twp (North Region). General fishing laws apply, Mountain Twp (North Region). General fishing laws apply, except: CI. ALO, S-17. Tributaries: S-4. except: CI. ALO, S-17. No size or bag limit on lake trout. except: CI. ALO, S-17. No size or bag limit on lake trout. Tributaries: S-4. Tributaries: S-4.

Tuesday, July 03, 2018 Page 3 of 15 2019 Rule Making Proposals - Statewide Waters

REGION WATCODE ID WATER NAME TOWN(S) COUNTY OR COUNTIES PROPOSAL SOURCE E 093133 MOOSE RIVER Holeb Twp to Rockwood Strip T1 SOMERSET MDIFW R1 NBKP

REGULATION CHANGE DESCRIPTION Add FFO in September.

PURPOSE Both sections of the Moose River below Brassua Lake Dam were managed under a September FFO (Fly Fishing Only) gear restriction from 1967 (at least) through 2016 to reduce hooking mortality on landlocked salmon prior to spawning. In 2016, a FFO regulation was implemented for the entire open water season on the upper section, therefore the September FFO regulation was no longer needed and was removed from the lawbook. In 2018, the FFO was removed from the upper section and replaced with “Fly fishing and trolling flies only”. Inadvertently, the FFO in September was not re-instituted. This proposal would correct that omission and regain consistency during September on both sections below the Brassua Lake Dam. CURRENT REGULATIONS PROPOSED MODIFICATIONS PROPOSED REGULATIONS MOOSE RIVER, Holeb Twp to Rockwood Strip T1 R1 NBKP. MOOSE RIVER, Holeb Twp to Rockwood Strip T1 R1 NBKP. MOOSE RIVER, Holeb Twp to Rockwood Strip T1 R1 NBKP. General fishing laws apply, except: General fishing laws apply, except: General fishing laws apply, except:

– From confluence of Holeb Stream (Holeb Twp) to – From confluence of Holeb Stream (Holeb Twp) to – From confluence of Holeb Stream (Holeb Twp) to Brassua Lake: S-1, S-19. Brassua Lake: S-1, S-19. Brassua Lake: S-1, S-19.

– From Brassua Lake Dam to the red markers located just – From Brassua Lake Dam to the red markers located just – From Brassua Lake Dam to the red markers located just upstream of Moose River Campground (formerly Woody’s upstream of Moose River Campground (formerly Woody’s upstream of Moose River Campground (formerly Woody’s Campground), approx. 1 mile upstream of Rockwood Campground), approx. 1 mile upstream of Rockwood Campground), approx. 1 mile upstream of Rockwood Bridge, including direct tributaries: From April 1- Bridge, including direct tributaries: From April 1 - Bridge, including direct tributaries: S-1. Total daily bag September 30: S-1, Fly fishing and trolling with flies only. September 30: S-1, Fly fishing and trolling with flies only. limit on trout and landlocked salmon: 1 fish. Minimum Total daily bag limit on trout and landlocked salmon: 1 Total daily bag limit on trout and landlocked salmon: 1 length limit on trout and landlocked salmon: 14 inches. fish. Minimum length limit on trout and landlocked fish. Minimum length limit on trout and landlocked General law maximum length limit on landlocked salmon salmon: 14 inches. General law maximum length limit on salmon: 14 inches. General law maximum length limit on does not apply. Minimum length limit on togue: 14 landlocked salmon does not apply. Minimum length limit landlocked salmon does not apply. Minimum length limit inches. Daily bag limit on togue: 5 fish (only 1 togue may on togue: 14 inches. Daily bag limit on togue: 5 fish (only on togue: 14 inches. Daily bag limit on togue: 5 fish (only be greater than 18 inches; all 5 may be between 14 - 18 1 togue may be greater than 18 inches; all 5 may be 1 togue may be greater than 18 inches; all 5 may be inches). From April 1 - August 31: Fly fishing and trolling between 14 - 18 inches). between 14 - 18 inches). From April 1-August 31: Fly with flies only. From September 1 - September 30: FFO. fishing and trolling with flies only. From September 1 – – From the red markers located just upstream of Moose September 30: FFO. – From the red markers located just upstream of Moose River Campground (formerly Woody’s Campground), to River Campground (formerly Woody’s Campground), to Moosehead Lake, including direct tributaries: From April – From the red markers located just upstream of Moose Moosehead Lake, including direct tributaries: S-1. Total 1 - August 31: S-1. No special terminal gear restrictions. River Campground (formerly Woody’s Campground), to daily bag limit for trout and landlocked salmon: 1 fish. Total daily bag limit for trout and landlocked salmon: 1 Moosehead Lake, including direct tributaries: From April Minimum length on trout and landlocked salmon: 14

Tuesday, July 03, 2018 Page 4 of 15 2019 Rule Making Proposals - Statewide Waters fish. Minimum length on trout and landlocked salmon: 14 1 - August 31: S-1. No special terminal gear restrictions. inches. General law maximum length limit on landlocked inches. General law maximum length limit on landlocked Total daily bag limit for trout and landlocked salmon: 1 salmon does not apply. Minimum length limit on togue: salmon does not apply. Minimum length limit on togue: fish. Minimum length on trout and landlocked salmon: 14 14 inches. Daily bag limit on togue: 5 fish (only 1 togue 14 inches. Daily bag limit on togue: 5 fish (only 1 togue inches. General law maximum length limit on landlocked may be greater than 18 inches; all 5 may be between 14 - may be greater than 18 inches; all 5 may be between 14 - salmon does not apply. Minimum length limit on togue: 18 inches). From April 1 - August 31: No special terminal 18 inches). From September 1 - September 30: FFO. Total 14 inches. Daily bag limit on togue: 5 fish (only 1 togue gear restrictions. From September 1 - September 30: FFO. daily bag limit for trout and landlocked salmon: 1 fish. may be greater than 18 inches; all 5 may be between 14 - Minimum length on trout and landlocked salmon: 14 18 inches). From September 1 - September 30: FFO. Total inches. General law maximum length limit on landlocked daily bag limit for trout and landlocked salmon: 1 fish. salmon does not apply. Minimum length limit on togue: Minimum length on trout and landlocked salmon: 14 14 inches. Daily bag limit on togue: 5 fish (only 1 togue inches. General law maximum length limit on landlocked may be greater than 18 inches; all 5 may be between 14 - salmon does not apply. Minimum length limit on togue: 18 inches). 14 inches. Daily bag limit on togue: 5 fish (only 1 togue may be greater than 18 inches; all 5 may be between 14 - 18 inches). From April 1 - August 31: No special terminal gear restrictions. From September 1 - September 30: FFO.

Tuesday, July 03, 2018 Page 5 of 15 2019 Rule Making Proposals - Statewide Waters

REGION WATCODE ID WATER NAME TOWN(S) COUNTY OR COUNTIES PROPOSAL SOURCE F 2232 COLD STREAM PONDS, UPPER Lincoln PENOBSCOT (SOUTH) MDIFW

REGULATION CHANGE DESCRIPTION Add S-2.

PURPOSE This proposal would eliminate the dipping of rainbow smelt, which is the primary forage for landlocked salmon. There are two distinct basins making up the Big and Little Narrows, the local names for Upper Cold Stream Pond. In the spring, smelts run through the culverts that separate the two basins. Last year, an S-3 regulation (Direct tributaries closed to the taking of smelt) was implemented at Upper Cold Stream Pond through rulemaking with the intent of eliminating dipping of smelt. However, it has since been determined that the culvert location is not a tributary and therefore dipping could legally occur at this location. The addition of the proposed regulation would achieve the goal of prioritizing smelts as forage by prevent dipping, while still allowing some limited harvest by hook and line in the pond. CURRENT REGULATIONS PROPOSED MODIFICATIONS PROPOSED REGULATIONS COLD STREAM PONDS, UPPER, Lincoln (South Region). COLD STREAM PONDS, UPPER, Lincoln (South Region). COLD STREAM PONDS, UPPER, Lincoln (South Region). General fishing laws apply, except: S-3, S-13, S-22, S-25. General fishing laws apply, except: S-2, S-3, S-13, S-22, General fishing laws apply, except: S-2, S-3, S-13, S-22, From October 1 - December 31: ALO, S-7. S-25. From October 1 - December 31: ALO, S-7. S-25. From October 1 - December 31: ALO, S-7.

Tuesday, July 03, 2018 Page 6 of 15 2019 Rule Making Proposals - Statewide Waters

REGION WATCODE ID WATER NAME TOWN(S) COUNTY OR COUNTIES PROPOSAL SOURCE F 210 PENOBSCOT RIVER Medway, Veazie PENOBSCOT (SOUTH) MDIFW

REGULATION CHANGE DESCRIPTION Add the area 150 feet downstream of Milford Dam to the sections closed to fishing. Change "fishway" to "fishways".

PURPOSE Current law prohibits fishing within 150 feet of any operational fishway (unless otherwise specified). The dam at the Milford Hydroelectric Project facility on the Penobscot River in Milford, ME contains three fishways and determining the location of closed areas can be difficult. This proposal (after consultation with the Maine Warden Service and the Maine Department of Marine Resources) would further protect migratory fish (including Atlantic salmon and shad) utilizing the fishways and create a closure area that would be easier to interpret by anglers. CURRENT REGULATIONS PROPOSED MODIFICATIONS PROPOSED REGULATIONS PENOBSCOT RIVER, Medway (confluence of the East and PENOBSCOT RIVER, Medway (confluence of the East and PENOBSCOT RIVER, Medway (confluence of the East and West Branches of the Penobscot River) to Veazie. General West Branches of the Penobscot River) to Veazie. General West Branches of the Penobscot River) to Veazie. General fishing laws apply, except: Open to open water and ice fishing laws apply, except: Open to open water and ice fishing laws apply, except: Open to open water and ice fishing from January 1 - December 31. That area within fishing from January 1 - December 31. That area within fishing from January 1 - December 31. That area within 150 feet of any part of the West Enfield Dam, including 150 feet of any part of the West Enfield Damand Milford 150 feet of any part of the West Enfield and Milford fishway: Closed to fishing at all times. From October 1 - Dams, including fishways: Closed to fishing at all times. Dams, including fishways: Closed to fishing at all times. December 31: ALO, S-7. (See Piscataquis River - Howland From October 1 - December 31: ALO, S-7. (See Piscataquis From October 1 - December 31: ALO, S-7. (See Piscataquis Dam Bypass). River - Howland Dam Bypass). River - Howland Dam Bypass).

The following areas are closed to fishing for all species The following areas are closed to fishing for all species The following areas are closed to fishing for all species from July 1 - September 30, both days inclusive: from July 1 - September 30, both days inclusive: from July 1 - September 30, both days inclusive:

– The Penobscot River on the easterly side of a straight – The Penobscot River on the easterly side of a straight – The Penobscot River on the easterly side of a straight line drawn from a red painted rock situated on the line drawn from a red painted rock situated on the line drawn from a red painted rock situated on the downriver side of the mouth of Felts Brook to a red downriver side of the mouth of Felts Brook to a red downriver side of the mouth of Felts Brook to a red painted marker on the Bangor Dam fishway situated on painted marker on the Bangor Dam fishway situated on painted marker on the Bangor Dam fishway situated on the upriver side of the mouth of Felts Brook. (Marine the upriver side of the mouth of Felts Brook. (Marine the upriver side of the mouth of Felts Brook. (Marine Resources Rule). Resources Rule). Resources Rule).

– The Penobscot River within 250 feet of a red painted – The Penobscot River within 250 feet of a red painted – The Penobscot River within 250 feet of a red painted marker situated on the downriver side of the mouth of marker situated on the downriver side of the mouth of marker situated on the downriver side of the mouth of Eaton Brook. (Marine Resources Rule). Eaton Brook. (Marine Resources Rule). Eaton Brook. (Marine Resources Rule).

– The Penobscot River within a 250 foot radius of the – The Penobscot River within a 250 foot radius of the – The Penobscot River within a 250 foot radius of the Maine Central Railroad Bridge abutments at the mouth of Maine Central Railroad Bridge abutments at the mouth of Maine Central Railroad Bridge abutments at the mouth of

Tuesday, July 03, 2018 Page 7 of 15 2019 Rule Making Proposals - Statewide Waters Meadow Brook (Marine Resources Rule). Meadow Brook (Marine Resources Rule). Meadow Brook (Marine Resources Rule).

– The Penobscot River within 500 feet of a red painted – The Penobscot River within 500 feet of a red painted – The Penobscot River within 500 feet of a red painted marker situated on the downriver side of the mouth of marker situated on the downriver side of the mouth of marker situated on the downriver side of the mouth of Blackman Stream. Blackman Stream. Blackman Stream.

(Below Lincoln: 1-2 fish meals a month. See Fish (Below Lincoln: 1-2 fish meals a month. See Fish (Below Lincoln: 1-2 fish meals a month. See Fish Consumption Advisories on page A-4). Consumption Advisories on page A-4). Consumption Advisories on page A-4).

Tuesday, July 03, 2018 Page 8 of 15 2019 Rule Making Proposals - Statewide Waters

REGION WATCODE ID WATER NAME TOWN(S) COUNTY OR COUNTIES PROPOSAL SOURCE G 427216 FISH RIVER EXCLUDING THOROUGHFARES T13 R8 WELS to Fort Kent AROOSTOOK MDIFW

– From Fish River Lake downstream to Round Pond: ALO, – From Fish River Lake downstream to Round Pond: ALO, – From Fish River Lake downstream to Round Pond: ALO, S-16. S-16. S-16.

– From the Upper Fish River Falls in T14 R8 WELS – From the Upper Fish River Falls in T14 R8 WELS – From the Upper Fish River Falls in T14 R8 WELS downstream to St. Froid Lake in T14 R7 WELS: Daily bag downstream to St. Froid Lake in T14 R7 WELS: No bag downstream to St. Froid Lake in T14 R7 WELS: No bag limit on landlocked salmon: 3 fish; minimum length limit: limit on landlocked salmon less than 14 inches. Daily bag limit on landlocked salmon less than 14 inches. Daily bag 12 inches. From August 16 - September 30: ALO, daily bag limit on landlocked salmon over 14 inches: 2 fish. Daily limit on landlocked salmon over 14 inches: 2 fish. From limit on landlocked salmon: 3 fish; minimum length limit: bag limit on landlocked salmon: 3 fish; minimum length August 16 - September 30: ALO. No bag limit on 12 inches. Daily bag limit on trout and togue: 1 fish, limit: 12 inches. From August 16 - September 30: ALO ,. No landlocked salmon less than 14 inches. Daily bag limit on minimum length limit on trout: 12 inches. bag limit on landlocked salmon less than 14 inches. Daily landlocked salmon over 14 inches: 2 fish. Daily bag limit bag limit on landlocked salmon over 14 inches: 2 fish. daily on trout and togue: 1 fish, minimum length limit on trout: – From Eagle Lake in Wallagrass Plt. (including tributaries bag limit on landlocked salmon: 3 fish; minimum length 12 inches. upstream to the first road or railroad crossing) to the red limit: 12 inches. Daily bag limit on trout and togue: 1 fish, markers above the Fish River Falls in Fort Kent: ALO, S-16, minimum length limit on trout: 12 inches. – From Eagle Lake in Wallagrass Plt. (including tributaries daily bag limit on landlocked salmon: 3 fish; minimum upstream to the first road or railroad crossing) to the red length limit: 12 inches, only one may exceed 16 inches. – From Eagle Lake in Wallagrass Plt. (including tributaries markers above the Fish River Falls in Fort Kent: ALO, S-16, From August 16 - September 30: ALO, daily bag limit on upstream to the first road or railroad crossing) to the red No bag limit on landlocked salmon less than 14 inches. landlocked salmon: 3 fish; minimum length limit: 12 markers above the Fish River Falls in Fort Kent: ALO, S-16, Daily bag limit on landlocked salmon over 14 inches: 2

Tuesday, July 03, 2018 Page 9 of 15 2019 Rule Making Proposals - Statewide Waters inches, only one may exceed 16 inches. Daily bag limit on No bag limit on landlocked salmon less than 14 inches. fish. From August 16 - September 30: ALO. No bag limit trout and togue: 1 fish. (See separate listing for Soldier Daily bag limit on landlocked salmon over 14 inches: 2 on landlocked salmon less than 14 inches. Daily bag limit Pond). fish. daily bag limit on landlocked salmon: 3 fish; on landlocked salmon over 14 inches: 2 fish. Daily bag minimum length limit: 12 inches, only one may exceed 16 limit on trout and togue: 1 fish. (See separate listing for – From the Fish River Falls in Fort Kent downstream to the inches. From August 16 - September 30: ALO ,. No bag Soldier Pond). St. John River: Closed to the taking of live baitfish except limit on landlocked salmon less than 14 inches. Daily bag by hook and line. From October 1 - March 31: ALO, S-7. limit on landlocked salmon over 14 inches: 2 fish. daily – From the Fish River Falls in Fort Kent downstream to the Open to the taking of muskellunge. bag limit on landlocked salmon: 3 fish; minimum length St. John River: Closed to the taking of live baitfish except limit: 12 inches, only one may exceed 16 inches. Daily bag by hook and line. From October 1 - March 31: ALO, S-7. limit on trout and togue: 1 fish. (See separate listing for Open to the taking of muskellunge. Soldier Pond).

– From the Fish River Falls in Fort Kent downstream to the St. John River: Closed to the taking of live baitfish except by hook and line. From October 1 - March 31: ALO, S-7. Open to the taking of muskellunge.

Tuesday, July 03, 2018 Page 10 of 15 2019 Rule Making Proposals - Statewide Waters

REGION WATCODE ID WATER NAME TOWN(S) COUNTY OR COUNTIES PROPOSAL SOURCE G 4272162309 FISH RIVER THOROUGHFARE (CONNECTING CROSS AND Square Lake Twp AROOSTOOK MDIFW SQUARE LAKES)

REGULATION CHANGE DESCRIPTION Remove "CROSS" from the special "FISH RIVER THOROUGHFARES (CONNECTING CROSS, SQUARE, EAGLE AND SAINT FROID LAKES)" and create a new listing for the thoroughfare connecting Cross and Square Lakes. PURPOSE Due to poor landlocked salmon growth and condition, the current regulations on the thoroughfares connecting Square Lake, Eagle Lake, and Saint Froid Lake are proposed to allow for “No bag limit on landlocked salmon less than 14 inches. Daily bag limit on landlocked salmon over 14 inches: 2 fish.” However, landlocked salmon in Square Lake and Cross Lake are not experiencing the same growth issues as in Eagle Lake and Saint Froid Lake. Therefore, this proposal would create a separate listing and would allow the thoroughfare between Square Lake and Cross Lake to be regulated independently of the other thoroughfares within which it is currently grouped. CURRENT REGULATIONS PROPOSED MODIFICATIONS PROPOSED REGULATIONS FISH RIVER THOROUGHFARE (CONNECTING CROSS AND FISH RIVER THOROUGHFARE (CONNECTING CROSS AND SQUARE LAKES) , Square Lake Twp. General fishing laws SQUARE LAKES) , Square Lake Twp. General fishing laws apply, except: CI. S-1, S-16. Daily bag limit on landlocked apply, except: CI. S-1, S-16. Daily bag limit on landlocked salmon: 3 fish; minimum length limit: 12 inches. The salmon: 3 fish; minimum length limit: 12 inches. The general law maximum length limit on landlocked salmon general law maximum length limit on landlocked salmon does not apply. From August 16 - September 30: ALO. does not apply. From August 16 - September 30: ALO. Daily bag limit on landlocked salmon: 3 fish; minimum Daily bag limit on landlocked salmon: 3 fish; minimum length limit: 12 inches. Total daily bag limit on trout and length limit: 12 inches. Total daily bag limit on trout and togue: 1 fish. togue: 1 fish.

Tuesday, July 03, 2018 Page 11 of 15 2019 Rule Making Proposals - Statewide Waters

REGION WATCODE ID WATER NAME TOWN(S) COUNTY OR COUNTIES PROPOSAL SOURCE G 42721616.1 FISH RIVER THOROUGHFARES (CONNECTING CROSS, T17 R4 WELS, Square Lake Twp, AROOSTOOK MDIFW SQUARE, EAGLE AND ST. FROID LAKES) T16 R6 WELS, Winterville Plt, Eagle Lake

REGULATION CHANGE DESCRIPTION Remove "CROSS". Remove "Daily bag limit on landlocked salmon: 3 fish; minimum length limit on salmon: 12 inches, only one may exceed 16 inches." and replace with "No bag limit on landlocked salmon less than 14 inches. Daily bag limit on landlocked salmon over 14 inches: 2 fish." PURPOSE This proposed liberal salmon regulation is the current rule on Eagle Lake (one of the main waters of the Fish River Chain of Lakes) and has been in effect for nearly three years. Regional Staff have conducted extensive follow-up on this water to track changes in the fishery, the salmon population, and angler response to the opportunity to harvest more salmon. While the special rule (enacted in 2016) has increased salmon harvest at Eagle Lake, that harvest level does not appear to be sufficient to reduce the salmon population in the greater extent of the watershed. Recent data indicates Eagle Lake likely has a larger population now, than the years prior to 2016. The proposed regulations to further liberalize landlocked salmon upstream and downstream of Eagle Lake is an effort to better address the salmon growth issues that are not confined entirely to Eagle Lake. CURRENT REGULATIONS PROPOSED MODIFICATIONS PROPOSED REGULATIONS FISH RIVER THOROUGHFARES (CONNECTING CROSS, FISH RIVER THOROUGHFARES (CONNECTING CROSS, FISH RIVER THOROUGHFARES (CONNECTING SQUARE, SQUARE, EAGLE AND SAINT FROID LAKES), T17 R4 WELS, SQUARE, EAGLE, AND SAINT FROID LAKES), T17 R4 WELS, EAGLE, AND SAINT FROID LAKES), T17 R4 WELS, Square Square Lake Twp, T16 R6 WELS, Winterville Plt, Eagle Square Lake Twp, T16 R6 WELS, Winterville Plt, Eagle Lake Twp, T16 R6 WELS, Winterville Plt, Eagle Lake. Lake. General fishing laws apply, except: CI. S-1, S-16. Lake. General fishing laws apply, except: CI. S-1, S-16. No General fishing laws apply, except: CI. S-1, S-16. No bag Daily bag limit on landlocked salmon: 3 fish; minimum bag limit on landlocked salmon less than 14 inches. Daily limit on landlocked salmon less than 14 inches. Daily bag length limit: 12 inches, only one may exceed 16 inches. bag limit on landlocked salmon over 14 inches: 2 limit on landlocked salmon over 14 inches: 2 fish. The The general law maximum length limit on landlocked fish. Daily bag limit on landlocked salmon: 3 fish; general law maximum length limit on landlocked salmon salmon does not apply. From August 16 - September 30: minimum length limit: 12 inches, only one may exceed 16 does not apply. From August 16 - September 30: ALO. No ALO. Daily bag limit on landlocked salmon: 3 fish; inches. The general law maximum length limit on bag limit on landlocked salmon less than 14 inches. Daily minimum length limit: 12 inches, only 1 may exceed 16 landlocked salmon does not apply. From August 16 - bag limit on landlocked salmon over 14 inches: 2 fish. inches. Total daily bag limit on trout and togue: 1 fish. September 30: ALO. No bag limit on landlocked salmon Total daily bag limit on trout and togue: 1 fish. less than 14 inches. Daily bag limit on landlocked salmon over 14 inches: 2 fish. Daily bag limit on landlocked salmon: 3 fish; minimum length limit: 12 inches, only 1 may exceed 16 inches. Total daily bag limit on trout and togue: 1 fish.

Tuesday, July 03, 2018 Page 12 of 15 2019 Rule Making Proposals - Statewide Waters

REGION WATCODE ID WATER NAME TOWN(S) COUNTY OR COUNTIES PROPOSAL SOURCE G 1602 PORTAGE LAKE Portage Lake AROOSTOOK MDIFW

REGULATION CHANGE DESCRIPTION Remove "Daily bag limit on landlocked salmon: 3 fish; minimum length limit: 12 inches. " and replace with "No bag limit on landlocked salmon less than 14 inches. Daily bag limit on landlocked salmon over 14 inches: 2 fish." PURPOSE This proposed liberal salmon regulation is the current rule on Eagle Lake (one of the main waters of the Fish River Chain of Lakes) and has been in effect for nearly three years. Regional Staff have conducted extensive follow-up on this water to track changes in the fishery, the salmon population, and angler response to the opportunity to harvest more salmon. While the special rule (enacted in 2016) has increased salmon harvest at Eagle Lake, that harvest level does not appear to be sufficient to reduce the salmon population in the greater extent of the watershed. Recent data indicates Eagle Lake likely has a larger population now, than the years prior to 2016. The proposed regulations to further liberalize landlocked salmon upstream and downstream of Eagle Lake is an effort to better address the salmon growth issues that are not confined entirely to Eagle Lake. CURRENT REGULATIONS PROPOSED MODIFICATIONS PROPOSED REGULATIONS PORTAGE LAKE, Portage Lake Twp (North Region). PORTAGE LAKE, Portage Lake Twp (North Region). PORTAGE LAKE, Portage Lake Twp (North Region). General fishing laws apply, except: B. S-2, S-3, S-16. Daily General fishing laws apply, except: B. S-2, S-3, S-16. No General fishing laws apply, except: B. S-2, S-3, S-16. No bag limit on landlocked salmon: 3 fish; minimum length bag limit on landlocked salmon less than 14 inches. Daily bag limit on landlocked salmon less than 14 inches. Daily limit: 12 inches. Open to ice fishing for smelts from the bag limit on landlocked salmon over 14 inches: 2 bag limit on landlocked salmon over 14 inches: 2 fish. time ice forms in the fall until March 31. No person shall fish. Daily bag limit on landlocked salmon: 3 fish; Open to ice fishing for smelts from the time ice forms in operate any boat or canoe propelled by motor on that minimum length limit: 12 inches. Open to ice fishing for the fall until March 31. No person shall operate any boat portion of Portage Lake known as the Floating Island smelts from the time ice forms in the fall until March 31. or canoe propelled by motor on that portion of Portage Area, north and westerly of a line beginning at the No person shall operate any boat or canoe propelled by Lake known as the Floating Island Area, north and eastern edge of the marshy peninsula running out from motor on that portion of Portage Lake known as the westerly of a line beginning at the eastern edge of the Hutchinson Ridge, running 50 yards outside of the Floating Island Area, north and westerly of a line marshy peninsula running out from Hutchinson Ridge, floating islands in a northerly direction to the mouth of beginning at the eastern edge of the marshy peninsula running 50 yards outside of the floating islands in a Mosquito Brook. running out from Hutchinson Ridge, running 50 yards northerly direction to the mouth of Mosquito Brook. outside of the floating islands in a northerly direction to the mouth of Mosquito Brook.

Tuesday, July 03, 2018 Page 13 of 15 2019 Rule Making Proposals - Statewide Waters

REGION WATCODE ID WATER NAME TOWN(S) COUNTY OR COUNTIES PROPOSAL SOURCE G 1610 SAINT FROID LAKE T14 R7 WELS, Winterville Plt AROOSTOOK MDIFW

Tuesday, July 03, 2018 Page 14 of 15 2019 Rule Making Proposals - Statewide Waters

REGION WATCODE ID WATER NAME TOWN(S) COUNTY OR COUNTIES PROPOSAL SOURCE G 9783 SOLDIER POND, INCLUDING TRIBUTARIES UPSTREAM TO Wallagrass AROOSTOOK MDIFW THE FIRST ROAD OR RAILROAD CROSSING

REGULATION CHANGE DESCRIPTION Remove "Daily bag limit on landlocked salmon: 3 fish; minimum length limit on salmon: 12 inches, only one may exceed 16 inches." and replace with "No bag limit on landlocked salmon less than 14 inches. Daily bag limit on landlocked salmon over 14 inches: 2 fish." PURPOSE This proposed liberal salmon regulation is the current rule on Eagle Lake (one of the main waters of the Fish River Chain of Lakes) and has been in effect for nearly three years. Regional Staff have conducted extensive follow-up on this water to track changes in the fishery, the salmon population, and angler response to the opportunity to harvest more salmon. While the special rule (enacted in 2016) has increased salmon harvest at Eagle Lake, that harvest level does not appear to be sufficient to reduce the salmon population in the greater extent of the watershed. Recent data indicates Eagle Lake likely has a larger population now, than the years prior to 2016. The proposed regulations to further liberalize landlocked salmon upstream and downstream of Eagle Lake is an effort to better address the salmon growth issues that are not confined entirely to Eagle Lake. CURRENT REGULATIONS PROPOSED MODIFICATIONS PROPOSED REGULATIONS SOLDIER POND, INCLUDING TRIBUTARIES UPSTREAM TO SOLDIER POND, INCLUDING TRIBUTARIES UPSTREAM TO SOLDIER POND, INCLUDING TRIBUTARIES UPSTREAM TO THE FIRST ROAD OR RAILROAD CROSSING, Wallagrass Plt THE FIRST ROAD OR RAILROAD CROSSING, Wallagrass Plt THE FIRST ROAD OR RAILROAD CROSSING, Wallagrass Plt (North Region). General fishing laws apply, except: CI. (North Region). General fishing laws apply, except: CI. (North Region). General fishing laws apply, except: CI. ALO, S-16. Daily bag limit on landlocked salmon: 3 fish; ALO, S-16. No bag limit on landlocked salmon less than 14 ALO, S-16. No bag limit on landlocked salmon less than 14 minimum length limit on salmon: 12 inches, only one may inches. Daily bag limit on landlocked salmon over 14 inches. Daily bag limit on landlocked salmon over 14 exceed 16 inches. From August 16 - September 30: ALO. inches: 2 fish. Daily bag limit on landlocked salmon: 3 fish; inches: 2 fish. From August 16 - September 30: ALO. No Daily bag limit on salmon: 3 fish; minimum length limit on minimum length limit on salmon: 12 inches, only one may bag limit on landlocked salmon less than 14 inches. Daily salmon: 12 inches, only one may exceed 16 inches. Total exceed 16 inches. From August 16 - September 30: ALO. bag limit on landlocked salmon over 14 inches: 2 fish. daily bag limit on trout and togue: 1 fish. Minimum length No bag limit on landlocked salmon less than 14 inches. Total daily bag limit on trout and togue: 1 fish. Minimum on brook trout: 12 inches. Daily bag limit on landlocked salmon over 14 inches: 2 length on brook trout: 12 inches. fish. Daily bag limit on salmon: 3 fish; minimum length limit on salmon: 12 inches, only one may exceed 16 inches. Total daily bag limit on trout and togue: 1 fish. Minimum length on brook trout: 12 inches.

Tuesday, July 03, 2018 Page 15 of 15