Proposed
Kennebec Regulations: Fact vs. Fiction In just a few short weeks after it was initially made public, many rumors, some misleading information, and a few absolutely incorrect statements have been made about the fishing regulations package being proposed for the middle Kennebec River (Wyman Dam to Shawmut Dam). As such, I would like to take a moment to clarify a few key points so that anglers and other interested parties have an accurate understanding of what is being proposed, who is proposing it, and what is and is not at stake. First is that the regulations currently being proposed were initiated by the DIF&W and not any "Special Interest" group such as Trout Unlimited. As a matter of fact, the DIF&W had considered a similar proposal last year only to have it shot down from within due to a concern that there was not enough local support. Additionally, while the newly formed Somerset Chapter of Trout Unlimited did meet with the DIF&W to discuss the proposal, the result was a recommendation from SCTU that the DIF&W move forward with the less restrictive of two options presented. Like most TU chapters, SCTU is admittedly made up of primarily fly fishermen, many of whom practice voluntary catch-and-release. However, this group of local anglers voted to support a proposal that limits tackle restrictions to Artificials Lures Only (ALO), allows bait to be used in much of the river, and permits some level of harvest in all sections of river. This was done in a sincere effort to support all types of anglers, and in the hopes that others would meet them halfway for the benefit of the resource. Under the proposed regulations, each stretch of river (between dams) would be divided into two sections designated as "Tailwaters" and "Impoundments". Tailwaters would begin at the dam and extend down to the end of the moving water. Impoundments would extend from the end of the moving water to the head of the downstream dam. Tailwaters would be restricted to ALO with a 16" minimum on trout and salmon (12" for brook trout) and 1-fish bag limit. Impoundments would be open to bait angling with a 12" minimum on trout and salmon and 2-fish bag limit. While there are some minor changes being proposed south of Shawmut Dam, the section of river most affected is roughly 50 miles long extending from Wyman Dam to Shawmut Dam. Out of these 50 miles, only 17 miles would be regulated for ALO and the remaining 30+ miles would be open to bait fishing. As such, the amount of river that would be open to bait with a liberal minimum length and bag limit is almost twice as long as that restricted to ALO and more restrictive harvest. The specific breakdowns are as follows:
It is also important to note that there are special sections being proposed for Bingham, Madison and Skowhegan that would allow children under 16 to use bait within the designated ALO waters. With a sound and fair management plan such as this, the middle Kennebec River can be enjoyed by anglers from all walks of life while providing some much needed economic relief to the area. As the fishing quality improves, usage will increase. As usage increases, expenditures and investment in the local economy will increase. In the end, everyone wins. When
you consider all the facts and recognize the compromises being asked of all anglers,
the regulations being proposed are fair, well thought out, and much needed if
the middle Kennebec is ever going to reach its undeniable potential as a "trophy"
fishery. As such, the various factions of the angling community, local business
owners, and state and local government officials should throw their full support
behind this proposal to help make it a reality. Opportunities like this don't
come around often and we should not let this one slip away. Bob Mallard has been a fly-fisherman and fly-tyer for more than 25 years and is the owner of Kennebec River Outfitters on U.S. Route 201 in Madison. He can be reached at 474-2500 or http:// www.kennebecriveroutfitters.com
|
| |