Why Keeping Live Bait Out of Maine’s North Zone Still Matters

The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW) has proposed opening Haymock Lake in Northern Maine to ice fishing. Angler use on the lake has declined sharply over the past three decades, and some see winter access as a way to bring people back to this remote region.

We agree that improving recreational access can help support local communities. At the same time, it remains essential to protect the North Zone’s unique native fish populations. For that reason, we strongly support MDIFW’s longstanding rule prohibiting the use or possession of live baitfish in this part of the state—a policy that has played a major role in keeping the region’s lakes free of invasive species and harmful pathogens.

Opening Haymock Lake to ice fishing while maintaining the live-bait prohibition offers the best of both worlds: expanded recreational opportunities and continued protection of the North Zone’s highly sensitive cold-water ecosystems.

To support this approach, we submitted a public comment to MDIFW outlining why maintaining a live-bait ban is critical for the long-term health of the region’s fisheries. Our comment highlights:

• the ecological importance of the North Zone’s native fish communities

• the risks of invasive species introductions through live bait

• the value of consistent, clear regulations across the region

• the benefits to anglers of protecting high-quality cold-water fisheries

You can read our full comment below.