BANGOR DAILY NEWS • February 15, 2024
Sebago Lake Ice Fishing Derby, which was the largest tournament in Maine until last year when Long Lake in Aroostook took over, will use all Cumberland County lakes and ponds except for Sebago this year. Sebago has no ice. It’s one of a handful of derbies affected by ice conditions. The third annual kids ice fishing derby on Little Ossipee Lake in East Waterboro is canceled this weekend. Inconsistent temperatures and a recent warming trend are playing havoc with the ice fishing season. The smelting season in Merrymeeting Bay has ended early due to lack of or thin ice. But there are several free derbies this weekend, and participants don’t need to worry about getting a fishing license to take part. Mainers can fish for free this weekend in the state’s annual bid to get people interested in the sport. They must follow all other fishing laws though.