Sec. 1. 12 MRSA §7552, sub-§5-A, ¶C, as enacted by PL 1993, c. 155, §3, is amended to read:

C. Whenever the last day of open-water fishing season falls on a Saturday, the commissioner shall issue a rule extending the season one day to include the following Sunday; and

Sec. 2. 12 MRSA §7552, sub-§5-A, ¶D, as amended by PL 1999, c. 319, §1, is further amended to read:

D. The commissioner by rule may extend the open-water fishing season as long as such an extension does not pose a threat to the fishery. Rules adopted under this paragraph may include provisions that establish catch-and-release-only restrictions on landlocked salmon, trout, togue and bass.; and

Sec. 3. 12 MRSA §7552, sub-§5-A, ¶E is enacted to read:

E.__During the month of October, all lakes and ponds in the following counties are open to fishing:__Aroostook County, Franklin County, Hancock County, Oxford County, Penobscot County, Piscataquis County, Somerset County and Washington County.__Fishing in these counties during the month of October is restricted to the use of artificial lures only and all fish caught must be released.

SUMMARY

This bill allows October fishing in certain counties in the State.