March 11, 2009

Moderating March temps are making for great days on the trails and on the ice. The Annual Moosehead Lake Ice Fishing Derby is underway and good size fish are being weighed in. A monster 31 pound, 41 inch lake trout was registered by 4th generation Rockwood ice fisherman and local, Bill Maynard. Word is this is one pound shy of the state record! Imagine pulling that through a 9 inch hole! Mr. Maynard caught this prize winning fish at an undisclosed location on Moosehead Lake.

GROOMING REPORT:

Trails are holding up very well with cold nights and consistent grooming efforts. Most trails are still in excellent condition. Watch for some icing on corners. The Blue Ridge Riders Snowmobile Club of Rockwood has a brand new 2009 groomer to break in. The new Massey Ferguson Tractor conversion will be out on Route 66 north of Rockwood 5 nights a week. Grooming schedule for Route 66 is now Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. ITS 88 East and West is also being groomed on a regular shedule with two Tucker sno-cats out of the Birches Resort.

ICE REPORT:

The surface of the ice on Moosehead Lake seems to change daily now. Mild days find the lake slushy with pools of water. Others the lake has refrozen rock hard. On snowy days, you'll find drifts. Trails across Moosehead from Rockwood to Mount Kineo are marked and are still safe for crossing. This includes trails from the Birches Resort, from the Kineo Docks and from the Rockwood Strip, near the Moosehead Motel. Ice depths are reportedly 12 inches topped with a 6-8 inch layer of crust. Ice depths vary greatly around inlets, outlets and islands. WARNING: Water levels are fluctuating with scheduled releases. If you are unsure of any ice conditions, please stay on the marked trail.

Amy Lane