Bethel, ME…Maine guides, outfitters, outdoor retailers, resorts, an inn and a campground have formed the Upper Andro Anglers Alliance to promote and enhance the fishing experience on the Upper Androscoggin River from Rumford Point to the New Hampshire border.

Thanks to environmental clean-up by federal, state and local organizations, the Androscoggin River, once one of the nation's most polluted rivers, is an emerging fishing destination. It is a large, scenic river with excellent forage for brown and rainbow trout. The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife has liberally stocked the river with brown trout. To supplement the recovering wild stocks of rainbow trout, the Department has stocked a smaller number of rainbows.

The Alliance's conservation projects include float stocking in May in conjunction with the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and the Mollyocket Chapter of Trout Unlimited; riverside clean-up in June with American Rivers; improving wading and boat launch access to the river; and co-ordination with New Hampshire's Fish and Game Department to develop reciprocal fishing privileges.

Promotional programs include a website, www.upperandro.com, and brochure with maps of the Upper Andro's fishing pools and access points; attendance at Sportsmen's shows; direct mail to visitor inquiries; outdoor writer familiarization trips; and hosting the Free Bethel Family Fishing Festival and Two-Fly Contest in early June.

The Upper Andro Anglers Alliance is supported through business memberships and an allocation from the Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce. UAAA information is available on-line at www.upperandro.com; by phone at 1-877-275-3363, or mail at PO Box 244, Bethel, ME 04217.