MAINE - Life in the Slow Lane
Dave
I think that would work for some water, and not for others. My favorite is the Rapid River in Rangley Maine and I don't think that closeing it would help the problem they have with Bass invading the water shead. It is already catch and release on the trout but compitition from the Bass is what is going to determine what happens to that river.
My other favorite is the Little Ossipee River in southwestern Maine and if the state would not stock fish and make sure that there was no poaching then closing that river for a year would help. But to get the state to not stock would be impossible.
Lee
P.S. Good question Dave.
Great question Dave,
I'm going to hedge a little on this one and say it won't matter if it's a true put and take fishery with limited or no natural spawning taking place.
Now, on the other hand if there is spawning happening then I think it is a good idea to close down the stream and let those fish mature.
I envision the fish and game departments having to monitor streams and rivers much closer in the future with global warming, and shut down and "turn up" a stream on a day by day or week by week basis to help preserve trout and reduce mortality rates from stress associated with hooking and releasing a fish in extremely warm water.
Dave G.
I am all for closing streams when there is insufficient spawning
escapement,,,,But is should not be done on a stream by stream
basis...Imagine the royal stampede on opening day on one stream.
....It should be done on a county or counties basis...Then if the
fishery reopens ...the stampede will be more spread out.
Stephen
Here in Rapid City on Rapid Creek there are sections catch and release only . As well as fly fishing only. This only works if we can control the poachers. You see with the drought most of the other streams have dried up or close to it. So they move to these streams to do their thing. I am for closing sections to no fishing during these conditons. (Drought or high temps) Now If we can only get the state to hire more fish and game wardens so we can get rid of the poaching . Or let there be open season on them. I cant stand going to my favorite spot . There is a big sign on the enrty point to the stream fly fishing only. But then you see worm containers on the stream side. I have tried to call the hot line and report them but all I get is if they dont see them there is nothing they can do. Well I have the answer for them if they dont see me beating them with a baseball bat then there is no crime. Fair is fair. I think next time a few tires with a nice big cut in them should slow them down until I get the wardens there. Its about time we take control of our streams and save the fish. So us honest people who invest our hard earned money have something to catch and admire or to share that moment with our kids and our grand kids . If we don't do something soon it will all be gone for ever.
I think next time a few tires with a nice big cut in them should slow them down until I get the wardens there.
Dave make sure you do the sidewall of the tire, can't repair a sidewall. You make some very good points here and I must say that the best defense aggenst poaching is to have law abiding fisherman on the stream. Self policing seems to work better then most think. If the water is Fly Fishing Only and/or Catch and Release then if a poacher is their remind him that you can turn in his car registration and take a photo of them breaking the law. Then when you contact the warden you have something to present.
Lee 
Lee your way of dealing with them would be a better way to handle the scum buckets. My way would be way more fun. 
I now have my small camera so this could be the way to get them red handed.
What do you feel about closing your favortie stream or river for a period of time to give the fish a chance to recover from years of pressure ? Time period a year or more ?
Eventually, all things merge into one, and a river runs through it. The river was
cut by the world's great flood and runs over rocks from the basement of time.
On some of the rocks are timeless raindrops. Under the rocks are the words,
and some of the words are theirs.