Conservation Rationale

The Rangeley Region Guides’ and Sportsmen’s Association (RRGSA) in cooperation with the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife (MDIFW) are developing a Landlocked Salmon fishing derby on Mooselookmeguntic Lake.

Below is the MDIFW statement regarding the Mooselookmeguntic Lake landlocked salmon fishery on Mooselookmeguntic Lake.

“An overabundance of wild Landlocked Salmon at Mooselookmeguntic Lake has resulted in poor salmon growth and condition. Although the current salmon regulation is designed to increase harvest, data suggests the current level of harvest is not significant enough to improve the overall condition of salmon. The proposed liberal regulation was recently applied to nearby Aziscohos Lake, which was demonstrating similar poor salmon growth. After inception of the liberalized salmon regulations, we recognized a 60% increase in angler use. Liberalizing the salmon regulation on Mooselookmeguntic Lake would promote salmon growth through allowing greater harvest opportunity and increased angler use.”

The MDIFW is implementing new landlocked salmon regulations, in 2021, on Mooselookmeguntic Lake to increase the harvest of smaller salmon. By increasing salmon harvest we are reducing pressure on the forage base (smelt) and decreasing the overall number of salmon reaching maturity - leading to fewer salmon spawning. The new regulations are no size or bag limit on salmon under 16 inches and a one fish bag limit on salmon greater than 16 inches. The derby is a cooperative effort to assist the MDIFW in their effort to restore a quality wild salmon fishery on Maine’s fourth largest lake. The primary purpose of the derby is to encourage anglers to harvest the smaller salmon from Mooselookmeguntic Lake and as a fundraiser for RRGSA youth outdoor sporting programs.