Upper Andro -- An Emerging Fishery

            Fifty years ago the Androscoggin River, from Berlin, New Hampshire to its confluence with the Kennebec, was one of the top ten most polluted rivers in the United States.  Today, thanks to environmental cleanup by federal, state and municipal agencies, the Upper Androscoggin River is an emerging angling destination.  The clean-up has allowed the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to implement an aggressive recovery program.  Brown trout are liberally stocked -- 35,000 since 1998.  To supplement recovering wild stocks of rainbow trout, the department has stocked an additional 7000 rainbows.

            The “Upper Andro” is a large, scenic river with an excellent forage base for brown and rainbow trout.  This river has the unique feature of providing fishing for smallmouth bass through the “dog days” of summer in the pools from Bear River to Rumford.  Landowners have provided excellent access points to the river and several canoe launches have been built along the 26-mile stretch of river.  Says Bill Pierce, Public Relations Representative of the Maine Dept. of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, “The Upper Andro has it all -- especially for families -- beauty, abundant brownies, and the vacation activities and hospitality services of Bethel.”

            Bethel, located in the center of Maine’s Upper Androscoggin Valley offers a wealth of services for anglers and their families.  Services include a variety of accommodations, restaurants, a movie theater, golf courses, canoeing, hiking and bicycle touring, shopping and guide services.  Many guide services provide equipment and instruction, fishing expeditions to area lakes, ponds, and streams, as well as eco-tours and moose safaris.  The Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce provides a list of guides, map of river access points, and reservation service for area lodging.  Information is available on-line at http://www.bethelmaine.com or toll free 800.442.5826.

-30-