ICE-OUT IN MAINE: IS IT CHANGING?

Ice-out is a big event in Maine, especially for anglers. For generations, Mainers and others have flocked to the states lakes and ponds to experience what some feel is the best fishing of the year. If you are an angler, especially a troller, you watch intently for the ice to go out on your favorite water.

Ice-out can also be an environmental indicator. While year-to-year variances are more or less meaningless, multi-year trends can be an indication of changes in weather patterns. They can also be an indicator of a warming or cooling climate.

Below is an analysis of ice-out dates on Munsungan Lake in northern Piscataquis County, Maine, from 1963 through 2020. The data was culled from an e-newsletter sent out by Bradford Camps located on the lake. Like other businesses in Maine, they keep track of ice-dates to help with trip planning and contests.

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