Section 289-1-03 - Experimental Open Season1. Time PeriodThere will be a limited, open season for directed angling for Atlantic salmon from May 1st through May 31 annually, on the Penobscot River in the area specified below.
2. Open AreaPenobscot River; between two painted red markers placed on opposing banks that are 150 feet below the Veazie Dam fishway, down river to the former site of the Bangor Dam, which will also be marked by two painted red markers. The open area does not include the pool below the former dam site.
3. ConditionsDirected angling for Atlantic salmon shall be permitted in the above specified open area and time period under the following conditions:
A. Catch and release only. Any salmon hooked must be released immediately without injury;B. No salmon shall be removed from the water for any reason;C. Fly Fishing Only. Fly must be tied on a single pointed barbless, hook. Only one fly or hook can be fished at any one time (no dropper flies);D. Daily Catch and Release limit is one fish. Any angler who hooks and releases one salmon must stop fishing for the day;E. Fishing is only permitted in the open area specified in section 1.03(2) when green flags are displayed at the Veazie Dam, Eddington Salmon Club and Penobscot Salmon Club;F. Anglers must obtain an Atlantic salmon license in accordance with 12 M.R.S.A §9904 prior to fishing for Atlantic salmon under this section.G. All Atlantic salmon license holders must report all fishing activity at the end of the season on forms supplied by the Commission. Failure to comply with this reporting requirement may result in the denial of renewal of a license.H. A total allowable catch (and release) for the season is fifty (50) Atlantic salmon. When 50 fish have been caught the season will be closed. Daily reporting, within 12 hours of release, by anglers when Atlantic salmon have been successfully caught and released is required to determine when the total allowable catch has been reached. The Atlantic Salmon Commission (ASC) will establish a dedicated phone number to be provided with the fishing license, for reporting purposes. ASC personnel will also be on duty each day to which the information may be reported to satisfy this requirement.4. ClosureThe Commission may close the fishery during the open season if it is deemed necessary to protect the resource. The specified open area shall be closed to all fishing for Atlantic salmon when red flags are displayed at the Veazie Dam, Eddington Salmon Club and Penobscot Salmon Club.
94- 289 C.M.R. ch. 1, § 03