For those anglers, business owners and community leaders waiting for the proposed fishing regulations for the middle Kennebec to become a reality, I have only one thing to say – “just because it should doesn’t mean it will”. Specifically, although the Kennebec River is now undeniably the lifeblood of many rural towns and businesses in the middle/upper valley, it has never received the support that it needs to take it to the next level. As such, we need everyone to get behind the idea and work diligently to make it happen.

As a resident and business owner in the middle valley, I cannot overstate the importance of a sound management plan for the middle Kennebec. With industry leaving at an alarming rate, one of the only things we have left is tourism and recreation. Without a strong fishery, towns like Madison, Anson, Norridgewock, Solon and Bingham will have to find other ways to fill the void. While other options should be explored, the reality is that many will fail to materialize. However, we know from experience that tourism and recreation works and as such, need to capitalize on it.

While I applaud the DIF&W for taking steps to implement progressive regulations, like outdoor writer Dwayne Rioux, I too feel that the proposal has become too complicated to effectively document or enforce (see below). However, although in theory a consistent strategy throughout the entire middle river would be nice, the problem is which strategy to choose. If we allow bait and liberal creel limits through the entire section, the fishery will inevitably fail to reach its potential. If we implement Artificial Lures Only (ALO) through the entire stretch, many anglers would be unnecessarily excluded from enjoying the resource.

Tailwaters Artificials Only 1-Fish Per Day

• Salmon 16”
  
• Brook Trout 12”
  
• Rainbow Trout 16”
• Brown Trout 16”

Impoundments Bait Allowed 2-Fish Par Day

• Salmon 12”
  
• Brook Trout 12”
  
• Rainbow Trout 12”
  
• Brown Trout 12”

Notes:
· “Tailwater” refers to the section of river starting immediately below a dam and extending down to the end of the moving water.
· “Impoundment” refers to the section of river starting at the end of the moving water and extending down to the upstream side of the next dam. .
· The section of river immediately below all dams except that found in Skowhegan will be managed as tailwaters.
· The will be short sections within certain tailwaters (Bingham and Madison) where children and seniors will be able to use bait.

The real question is how do we get the most out of the resource, allow as many to enjoy it as possible, and create a plan that can be easily understood and enforced. First is that we could impose a consistent length/creel limit for all salmonids throughout the entire watershed (16”/1-Fish). This would provide a higher level of protection for the resource, reduce the complexity of the proposal, and eliminate the potential for conflicts resulting from fish that were caught legally in one section being transported through a section were they are illegal (e.g., having a 12” fish in possession while passing through a tailwater, etc.).

Next is to implement the Tailwater/Impoundment strategy consistently throughout the watershed. The current plan to treat the Skowhegan tailwater differently than those found elsewhere on the river simply does not make sense and gives the appearance of favoritism (if it is ok to use bait in Skowhegan why is not ok to use bait in Madison, etc.?) Worse is that this creates a 3-Regulation change in just 2 miles of river. Once again, removing this inconsistency would go a long way toward simplifying the proposal while establishing a clear and consistent strategy.

Last are the two special areas where kids and seniors can use bait in water managed for ALO. With miles of river open to bait do we really need these? Also, let me assure you that the best thing we can do for the next generation is to create a quality fishery that they will want to utilize and that will in turn provide economic relief to the middle valley. Besides, if strict regulations are the reason our kids are no longer fishing, why are they not out there today? The answer is simple, kids are just not that interested in fishing these days and in my opinion the best way to get them interested is by providing quality angling!

In closing let me state that stricter regulations for the middle Kennebec are critical to the long-term security of the middle valley. Without this, we are stalling the growth of what is potentially the finest coldwater fishery in New England and as such, a key component of the regional economy. With just a few minor changes to the proposal, I am sure that we can come up with something that maximizes the resource, and is implementable and enforceable. As such, I am calling on the leadership in the DIF&W to step up and simplify the proposal so that we can make this dream a reality.

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