Governor Janet Mills signed emergency legislation today granting Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Commissioner Judy Camuso the authority to extend Maine’s fishing season.
In the northern zone, Maine’s ice fishing season closes on March 31 and the open water season begins on April 1, but fluctuating temperatures and shifting seasons have resulted in colder northern waters that can still be fished this year.
“Fishing is a cornerstone of our state’s economy, supporting more than 3,300 jobs and contributing more than $319 million annually, including $75 million from ice fishing alone,” said Governor Mills. “With northern Maine still firmly in winter’s grip, Commissioner Camuso will now be able to extend the ice fishing season for that part of the state, allowing anglers the opportunity to continue fishing and our businesses the chance to continue operating.”
“The current ice fishing season closes on Sunday, March 31, and open water season begins Monday. With weather conditions currently more appropriate for ice fishing than open water fishing, I am grateful for Governor Mills’ support for extending the ice fishing season in the northern zone,” said MDIFW Commissioner Judy Camuso.
“Ice fishing is one of Maine’s most treasured pastimes. For me, it certainly makes the cold and brutal winter months much more bearable,” said Senate President Troy Jackson. “Due to the seasonality of the sport and the unpredictability of the weather, it only makes sense to allow the Inland, Fisheries and Wildlife Commissioner to extend the season should the weather allow it. With more snow expected in the County this week, I welcome the opportunity to get more ice fishing in before the spring weather arrives.”
“Ice fishing is an integral piece of Aroostook County’s way of life,” said Representative Danny Martin. “For our community the annual movement of northern Maine’s ice shacks marks the change of seasons and the recurrence of this time-honored family tradition. This bill will offer the Department the flexibility to lengthen the ice fishing season and recognize the diversity that exists within our state’ s climate.”
LD 1298 “An Act To Enhance Fish and Wildlife Laws,” sponsored by Representative Danny Martin and co-sponsored by Senate President Troy Jackson and Representative John Martin, grants Commissioner Camuso the authority to extend the ice fishing season beyond the traditional closing date and allows waters that are currently open to ice fishing in Northern Maine to remain open under the same rules and regulations. Commissioner Camuso, Senate President Jackson, Speaker of the House Sara Gideon, Representative Danny Martin and Representative John Martin also attended the bill signing today.