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About Fly Fishing In The North Country

This page is dedicated to fly fishing in Pittsburg and surrounding locations.  I will attempt to provide you with up to date fishing information. Where the fish are and what to use to catch them. I will also keep you current on the local weather,  river flows for the upper Connecticut River and other useful information.

Please remember that johnsnhweather.com is not affiliated with the town of Pittsburg, NH or any business in the area.

The information provided is my opinion not that of anyone else, unless noted.

 

LIVE RIVER FLOW INFORMATION

Live Connecticut River Flow at 2nd Ct Lake Dam, Pittsburg NH

Live Connecticut River Flow at 1st CT Lake Dam, Pittsburg NH

 

The map below was swiped from Lopstick's web page, thanks Lopstick, this is a nice map of the trophy section.

You will usually find me fishing at the Bridge Pool, however, any spot from the Dam Pool to the Step Pools can be great fishing and I have fished them all. 

 

 

 
N.H. Weekly Fishing Report -- April 19, 2007

This week, fisheries biologist John Viar says the ice is breaking up rapidly, and great fishing is on tap for New Hampshire's Lakes Region. Sunny weather ahead (finally) this weekend -- I hope you'll all get a chance to get out on the water.

AT LAST! Trout stocking has really started! CLICK HERE for a list of waterbodies stocked last week.

Buy your fishing license and salmon permit online, any time -- at www.nhfishandgame.com. One-day licenses for New Hampshire residents are just $10, and annual licenses -- just $35 and good through Dec. 31 -- are still the best bargain around. Why not bring a new fishing buddy on your next trip! Don't forget -- kids under 16 fish free in N.H.

This Saturday, April 21, from 10 to 3 at Fish and Game (Hazen Drive in Concord), it's the 19th Discover Wild New Hampshire Day! Bring the family and check it out -- we've got live fish, frogs, falcons, and more; 35 conservation exhibitors; and all kinds of hands-on activities like casting and archery for you to enjoy. CLICK HERE for more info and a schedule of events.

Fish New Hampshire and relax... We have what you're looking for.

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Ice-out is imminent, and Lakes Region anglers are ready for spring!
By John A. Viar, Fisheries Biologist, Region 2/New Hampton

What a difference a year makes! Last year New Hampshire's large-lake anglers were treated to near complete ice-out conditions on the April 1 opener, but this year, Mother Nature appears to have confused April with January (I guess She is getting even for the mild early winter!).

Although open water has been at a premium to date, a heavy northwest wind followed by a horrendous multiple-day Nor'easter (which we are still enjoying as of this writing on 4/17) has finally started to open things up, especially on Lake Winnipesaukee. Heavy winds, driving rain, and swelling tributary inflows have done their part to create considerably more room for angling from a variety of watercraft, with select launch areas opening up as well. However, until the remaining ice sheets are gone, word to the wise, be careful in planning your trip -- changing wind directions and shifting ice sheets can cut you off from your original access point. With continued wind in the forecast and warmer, sunnier weather predicted for the weekend, open water availability will only increase and ice-out will not be far off on the Big Lake.

Lake Winnipesaukee water temperature is hovering in the 38-degree F range -- full ice-out usually occurs when the lake hits 40-degrees. Again though, wind direction, sun, and rain are all big players in the ice-out game. Speaking of the weather, no matter what the conditions may seem like "at home," when angling by shore or boat in the early season on NH's big lakes, dress for ice fishing conditions -- you will be glad you did.

Lake Opechee/Lakeport Dam has been an early season bright spot. An 8+ lbs. rainbow trout taken here was entered into the Trophy Fish Program; landlocked salmon action was hot as well. Most of these fish are "drop-downs" from Lake Winnipesaukee. Some salmon in particular will not be in prime condition in this locale, given their drop-down/current-fighting/relative lack of forage existence, but offer decent action nonetheless. All the recent rain/snow/melting has heavy flows dumping out of the lakes. This should translate to another extended, banner year for shore anglers in the above and similar river locations, as more fish will continue to drop down and conditions should remain suitable further into the spring.

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The following is an important message to all who enjoy New Hampshire's large-lake landlocked salmon fisheries:

male salmon with hook wound
These two landlocked salmon were the victims of rough handling by anglers; you can see the lasting hook wounds on the lower jaw (above) and in front of the gills (below). The salmon may survive such ill treatment, but they do not grow as well.
male salmon with hook wound

In our annual fall netting surveys, it has become apparent that hook wounding injuries to landlocked salmon are leading to a reduction in the overall quality of the fishery, especially in heavily-fished Lake Winnipesaukee. For the last two years, 20% of the population has exhibited moderate to severe hook wounding damage (at right). By age 3, hook-wounded salmon average 1 inch shorter and 0.5 lbs. lighter than their non-hook-wounded counterparts. Salmon must use precious and limited (given our infertile lakes) forage fish/calories to repair tissue damage, rather than growth. Some steps you can take to reduce these negative impacts to help preserve the quality of the fishery into the future, include the following:

  • Use extreme care when unhooking and releasing fish -- have pliers/hemostats/other gear organized and prepared; minimize handling and exposure time; NEVER shake a fish off the hook, NEVER attempt to unhook a fish suspended in the air, NEVER sharply pull hooks out while the fish is moving and twisting
  • Use rubber or other "fish friendly" landing nets when catch and releasing, whether from shore, wading, or boat -- rubber nets can even be better than no net, since they allow you to cradle the fish with less stress and quickly and efficiently remove the hook. Rubber nets also prevent loss of slime coat and scales, fin splitting, and other damage
  • When harvesting/keeping fish, select those more severely wounded
  • Consider harvesting/keeping a previously hook-wounded fish instead of a more robust fish which is lightly hooked and thus more easily released -- the latter has more potential to become a "trophy"/quality salmon in the future
  • Remember all hooks can cause damage -- many variables come into play, such as fish size and hooking location, as well as angler experience in proper handling/release techniques

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Jump-start your fishing season by coming to the first-ever "ALL-FISHING EXPO" at Fish and Game in Concord on Saturday, May 5, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free admission! More than 30 exhibitors will be on hand with the latest boats, rods, reels, lures, baits and fishing electronics. Seminars on fishing lures and gear, kayak fishing and hot tips for striped bass action. Everything for average Joes (and Janes) to fishing pros! More info next week.

Fisheries staff are looking for volunteers to help stock Atlantic salmon fry into the Merrimack River basin; the Upper Connecticut River watershed in northern N.H.; and the Monadnock region's Connecticut River watershed. Want to help out? Click here for times/dates and other information. NOTE that the Merrimack River dates have changed!

Want to get the Fishing Report by e-mail? Click here to sign up.

For past fishing reports and all your NH fishing info, click here to visit Fish and Game's fishing page.

 
Go to the main N.H. Fishing page

BRAKE FOR MOOSE: IT COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE

CONCORD, N.H. -- While the number of moose/vehicle collisions has been stable at approximately 250 each year for the last ten years, that's little comfort if you're one of those involved in a collision. The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department is working to make people more aware of the danger of moose/vehicle collisions and how they can help reduce the chance of a moose collision or personal injury because of a collision.

"Moose are an important and much loved part of our state, but it can be dangerous to encounter them on the road," said New Hampshire Fish and Game Moose Project Leader Kristine Rines. "By following a few simple rules, motorists can greatly reduce their chance of a moose/vehicle collision or the severity of personal injury if they do hit a moose."

When driving on New Hampshire roads, keep these points in mind:

* New Hampshire's moose herd is approximately 7,000 strong.

* Moose vehicle collisions happen statewide on all types of roads.

* Be especially cautious in areas with "Moose Crossing" signs, as these signs are placed in areas with a history of collisions.

* Moose collisions happen most often from the months of May through November.

* While collisions can happen at any time of day, they occur most frequently at dusk and during the night.

* Moose are dark brown and hard to see against pavement.

* Don't depend on 'eye shine' to alert you to a moose's presence. Moose are often too tall for their eyes to brightly reflect in the beam of your headlights.

* To reduce the chance of a collision - or the severity of occupant injury if you do hit a moose:

* Drive no faster than 55 mph, and wear your seatbelt;

* Scan the sides of the road;

* Be able to stop within the zone of your headlights;

* Use high beams whenever possible;

* If you see a moose, slow down or stop if necessary, until you have passed it or it has left the road.

New Hampshire residents and visitors love to see moose and enjoy sharing the state with these largest denizens of the forest. Make sure your moose encounters are safe for you and the moose: Brake for Moose - It could save your life!

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department is the guardian of the state's fish, wildlife and marine resources and their habitats. For more safety tips on avoiding moose collisions, visit http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Wildlife/brake_for_moose.htm.