AUGUSTA, Maine - Maine Gov. Janet Mills has signed emergency legislation designed to extend the state's ice fishing season. Mills, a Democrat, signed the extension at 2 p.m. on Monday. The governor's office says the move grants Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Commissioner Judy Camuso the authority to extend the fishing season beyond March 31.
Maine ice fishing season typically closes that day and is followed by open water season on April 1. But the governor's office says fluctuating temperatures have resulted in colder northern waters this year.
The office says extending the ice fishing season beyond the typical closing date will allow for more ice fishing opportunities in northern Maine.