On the Water By Rick Lundstedt Summer 2001 held totally different weather patterns from last year. While most folks complained about last year’s lack of sun and heat, they were rewarded this year with plenty of both. This year’s condition, while more typical, led to somewhat depressed fishing conditions. Water heated up fast while water levels dropped, sending fish quickly into "summer mode". Early am and late day/night fishing were summoned to increase the probability of hook-ups. Based on surveys conducted by fisheries personnel, Trout in the region grew about one half the normal rate due to the heat.   Overall, folks I talked to had a reasonably good year.…just not great. One of my fishing mates (Pete G) caught his lifelong personal best bass (easy 7 pounds) while we fished near Wolf Cove this June. That will keep him coming back !   Saw some positive signs while gazing into the water this year. Looked like it was a banner year for spawning…with more beds present than in years past. That resulted in an obvious surge in fry population. Bodes well for future fishing, especially if we all continue to practice catch-and-release. This is particularly important because the amount of fishing pressure Tripp receives increases each year. If conservation and future fishing quality isn’t motivation enough (and it should be ), the fish consumption health warnings posted in the regulation booklet should cap it !   Had my semi-annual chat with one our Regional Fisheries Biologists. Francis Brautigam indicated that Tripp is not on a specific fisheries management schedule due to the lack of year-round oxygen and insufficient cold water. We are however the benefactor of regular "unscheduled" stockings. Basically those stockings occur when there’s either an overabundance of legal-size trout at the hatcheries or brood stock that have passed their prime (who can relate to that !). We may be receiving brood salmon and browns this fall. The ice fishers will be the 1st to know. One of our young members, Patrick Kneeland, had the great idea of holding a fishing tournament next year on our lake. We had discussed this briefly and then Patrick followed up with an announcement at this summer’s "social." Seems like folks would support it. While there are many kinds of tourneys, the main premise is to have fun while not impacting the lake in any negative fashion. My recommendation is some form honor-system, artificials-only tourney with TLIA sponsorship. I know several people including myself who would volunteer to be judges and help with the organization. Basically, the judges would take a section of the lake and be responsible for measuring, recording and releasing any fish caught in their sector. This would ensure low or zero mortality rate as well as not penalizing the honest contestants. We can keep the entry fee low and the prizes simple ( perhaps the ever-stylish Tripp Lake shirts and hats!). In short, let’s endorse Patrick’s idea.   I’ve noticed a disturbing trend while fishing various waters in New England, including Tripp. That trend is the increase in "crowding." This occurs when someone "crowds" your fishing space or starts working the unfished water directly in front of you. Tripp is over 700 acres with approx. 6 miles of shoreline and plenty of "good" spots. There’s no reason run up to a fellow fisher and be within 200 yards. I’m optimistic that some folks just aren’t aware of their surroundings and there is no malicious intent. I’ll be happy to relate any number of anecdotal examples that I’ve witnessed to anyone who cares to listen.   Hey folks…if you’re into trout fishing and/or canoeing, there’s a great day trip that you can take that’s about an hour north of us. The Androscoggin River has multiple access points from the NH border to Bethel but my "standard" trip is Gilead to Bethel. It’s about 10 miles long and takes about 3 hours depending on water level and wind direction. You can shave off 3 miles by exiting in West Bethel. If you fish as much as I do, allow more time….much more time….because the fishing can be great ! If you’re wondering about the skill level required, talk to my niece Joanne, who completed the trip solo in our little 14 footer while Anna and I were in the 17 foot "arc." I made that drift 5 times this year, spotting moose, eagles and ospreys, all while having some of the best trout fishing anywhere ! Each trip resulted in significant quantity and quality of Rainbows and Browns. Trout over 14" are relatively common and we caught 8 over 18" including 3 over 20" ! It can be a great fishing trip or a family adventure (or both). Bethel Outdoors (Rt2/Rt26) rents canoes and provides a shuttle service and maps if needed. Contact me (978-461-7418) if you need any further info or want to join us next year.   [To Top]