About Fly Fishing In The North CountryThis 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.
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Live Connecticut River Flow at 2nd Ct Lake Dam, Pittsburg NH Live Connecticut River Flow at 1st CT Lake Dam, Pittsburg NH
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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.
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Weekly Fishing Report and NH Fish and Game Information
Scroll down for more info.
NEW HAMPSHIRE FISHING REPORT FOR MAY 16, 2013 br />
Fish stocking report: http://www.fishnh.com/Fishing/Stocking/current.html br />
Access closure: The Wellington State Park boat access facility on Newfound Lake in Bristol, N.H., will be closed for repairs from Tuesday, May 28, through Friday, May 31. See http://www.wildnh.com/Newsroom/2013/Q2/access_Newfound_051613.html Munn Pond Drawdown: The water level is being lowered in Munn Pond in Errol while dam safety is evaluated. http://www.wildnh.com/Newsroom/2013/Q2/Munn_Pond_drawdown_051613.html Fishing licenses: http://www.fishnh.com. Kids under 16 fish free in N.H.! br />
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NORTH COUNTRY br />
The recent rain had an interesting effect on North Country fisheries last week. Water temperatures dropped over ten degrees in some locations and water levels rose quickly. It is almost as if a typical spring took a two week break and finally arrived. The result has been a boost to healthy trout and those who pursue them. Some of the softer, gravel roads have also firmed up, and fishermen have been able to get into some remote ponds. These ponds are at their prime, and spring trout fishing should be fantastic. May 15 marks the beginning of the catch-and-release period for bass; this regulation, along with no live bait, is in place to protect spawning fish. At last week’s high school bass tournament on Winnipesaukee, anglers observed fish staging and some guarding nests. In Northern New Hampshire, the bass will start to spawn within a week, and anglers should be prepared. Catch rates can really pick up, but catch-and-release methods become important to protect the overall population. Land fish quickly and keep them out of the water for the shortest time possible. I have gotten some fantastic reports from pike fishermen on the Connecticut River. These beasts have finished spawning and are feeding heavily. Already a voracious predator, warming water has kick-started their metabolism, and they will strike at any food source available. Setbacks in the river are the warmest, and pike should be cruising through them. Pike and walleye habitat can sometimes overlap in the river, and both species can be targeted in the same outing. – Andy Schafermeyer, Regional Fisheries Biologist br />
LAKES REGION br />
With northwest winds at 20 mph plus, the last few days have not been conducive to big lake trolling. Prior to the winds, my fellow Fish and Game pal Kyle and his girlfriend Heather had a good day on Winnisquam, with a couple of nice salmon to show for it. Lake temps are excellent right now, as the last few nights have slowed down the warm-up. We’ve been stocking landlocked salmon yearlings the past three days, so keep an eye out for the “young ones.” Newfound Lake at 55 degrees is the coldest, followed by Sunapee (57o), Pleasant (58o), Big Squam (60o), and Winnisquam at 62 degrees. These are great temps for salmon, and early morning will find them still near the surface. While stocking Pleasant Lake today, we witnessed some cannibalistic action as a very large salmon cut into the freshly released yearlings! It reminded me of a bluefish blitz, as the fish relentlessly chased the salmon around! This is just a reminder that an age class of salmon faces many obstacles in their time spent in the lake. Loons, cormorants, mergansers, otters, predatory fish and, yes, man himself, all make a “dent” in their numbers. I recently was part of the Fish and Game contingent that assisted tournament organizers at the first NHIAA-sanctioned bass fishing event held at Lee’s Mills on Lake Winnipesaukee on May 9. What a fantastic day for students and parents! There were a substantial number of teams entered in the competition, and the bass definitely cooperated! The team from Exeter won overall first place, but every one of those teens were winners on that day. A big thank you to all those “boat captains” who donated use of boats and equipment and time to make this a very special event. I can’t wait until next year, when the new format will be in place and more students participate! River conditions right through the mountains and central New Hampshire are prime now. The catch and release area south of Eastman Falls on the Pemigewasset River looked great today, with only ONE angler noted! Trout pond fishing is holding up well, with some great insect hatches occurring in the late afternoon hours – Don Miller, Regional Fisheries Biologist br />
MONADNOCK/UPPER VALLEY br />
Recent rains have rejuvenated streams in the Monadnock Region, bringing them to more normal flows for this time of year. The current stream temperatures, along with insect hatches, make for very active trout, so now is the time to get out and fish your favorite streams. I have received good reports from anglers fishing the following streams: Ashuelot River, Winchester; South Branch Piscataquog River, New Boston; Souhegan River from Greenville to Amherst. This year we added a new stream to the stocking schedule, one that is definitely worth checking out – Priest Brook in Fitzwilliam. The sunshine and warm temperatures the last couple of weeks have warmed up the lakes and ponds enough that bass are in full spawning mode, building and guarding nests, a bit earlier than usual. Remember, to protect long-term angling opportunities, the regulations for bass from May 15 – June 15 require that only artificial lures and flies are used while targeting bass and that all bass must be released immediately. It’s best not to fish for bass on their nests, as they are very important for the future bass populations. There is always a good percentage of bass that do not nest on a given year, along with pre-spawn and post-spawn fish, so there are plenty of bass available to catch that are not on nests. – Jason Carrier, Regional Fisheries Biologist br />
SOUTHEAST NH/MERRIMACK VALLEY br />
With several days of bright sunshine, the local waters have warmed up nicely. I had several outings on Turtle Pond (Turtletown) in Concord. I mainly targeted crappies and bluegills. I started the afternoon with the slip bobber rig. I managed a few fish on this setup. (Check out Fish and Game's new short video about using slip bobbers at http://youtu.be/XyNL1wD5el8.) Then I switched over to just the jig and grub combination. That was just the fix! Both the crappies and bluegills wanted this more horizontal presentation. I found most of the fish to be located over new aquatic plant growth. Other anglers I encountered on the pond were targeting largemouth bass. They were pleased with the bass they landed. The bass anglers informed me that a Texas-rigged worm fished tight to shore was their most productive tactic. – Mark Beauchesne, Advertising and Promotions Coordinator br />
SEACOAST AREA br />
Conditions couldn’t be any better right now for coastal anglers looking for some spring action, as runs of bait fish continue to pour into New Hampshire watersheds on the coast. Striped bass have shown up in Hampton Harbor, with anglers reporting keeper-sized fish mixed in with schoolies. I would imagine that soon anglers will be reporting stripers in amongst the runs of baitfish (river herring) in our coastal rivers and tributaries of Great Bay. Also don't forget that the Fish and Game Department conducts an annual Striped Bass Volunteer Angler Survey. Any willing angler who fishes for striped bass in New Hampshire state waters can fill out a logbook that gives us information on abundance and size of caught fish. The greater the number of fishing trips reported on, the more data we have to use in managing New Hampshire's striped bass fishery. The next time you are out striper fishing, please consider taking some time after your trip to fill out a survey; it would be greatly appreciated! Those who enter will be entered for a chance to win raffle prizes! Last year, the lucky winners went home with a signed and framed, striped bass print, “Shadow” by Victor E. Young, donated by the Coastal Conservation Association of New Hampshire; and a rod and reel combo donated by Kittery Trading post. For those interested, contact Becky Heuss at Rebecca.Heuss@wildlife.nh.gov or call the Region 3 office at 868-1095. Learn more at http://www.fishnh.com/marine/striper_survey.html. We're getting more frequent reports of flounder being caught, as water temperatures rise and fish move into shallow water. Winter flounder can be considered one of the most popular and sought after springtime fish on the New Hampshire coast. Easily accessible by any angler with a small boat, or access to a jetty or pier, flounder can provide fishing fun for all ages. Flounder can typically be found on sandy or muddy bottom, most often near inlets of harbors and tributaries. Tackle used for flounder fishing can be very basic; a braided hand-line with a 2-5 oz. bank sinker and a long-shanked flounder hook is all you need to get fishing. When I fish for flounder, I typically use a spreader rig with a 2 oz sinker hooked up to a 7-foot medium-action rod spooled with 10-15 lb. test line. Many anglers today prefer the use of a braided non-stretch Dacron line, as flounder have a subtle bite that will not be sensed with monofilament line. Sometimes you will not feel a strike at all. Oftentimes while raising your rod tip or checking your bait you will suddenly hook a flounder! Popular baits include sandworms, bloodworms and clam necks (fresh or frozen) cut into small strips. Remember that flounder have small mouths, so smaller is better when putting bait on your hook. On the ocean front, the groundfish fishing continues to produce consistently. Local headboat companies are doing very well with groundfish, bringing in a mix of cod and haddock. The cod have arrived in greater numbers, to the point where some anglers are reaching their limit. It is also important to note that as of May 1, 2013, groundfish regulations have changed. Cod length limits are still 19 inches with a 9-fish bag limit and haddock length limits have been increased to 21inches, with an unlimited bag limit. I wish all good luck if you head out fishing this week. The weather looks great, and now is the time to go out and enjoy the spring, it will be gone before you know it! – Shane Conlin, Marine Bio-aide br />
-- Copyright 2013 New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301. For usage policy, visit http://www.wildnh.com/Inside_FandG/usage_policy.htm. Comments or questions concerning this list should be directed to jane.vachon@wildlife.nh.gov br />
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NEW HAMPSHIRE FISHING REPORT FOR MAY 9, 2013 br />
Fish stocking report: http://www.fishnh.com/Fishing/Stocking/current.html br />
New Hampshire's first-ever high school bass fishing tournament took place on Lake Winnipesaukee today. See some photos on our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/nhfishandgame. Access note: The water level of Scotts Bog in Pittsburg is being lowered to prepare for reconstruction of the dam this summer, a project of Fish and Game and the NH Department of Environmental Services Dam Bureau. No stocking there this season. Fishing licenses: http://www.fishnh.com. Kids under 16 fish free in N.H.! br />
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NORTH COUNTRY br />
The stretch of weather that we have had for the last two weeks has made winter a distant memory and fishermen like myself are taking full advantage. Trout fishing has been fantastic in our ponds, and the stocking trucks just keep rolling. Water temperatures are warming, and fish respond by increasing their feeding habits. Trolling worms on flicker-style hooks is very effective, and adding a little weight or slowing the boat can get your bait right in front of some hungry trout. The walleye have just finished spawning on the Connecticut River and will also start feeding heavily. Throwing lipless crankbaits can be a good way to catch their attention and convince them to bite. After spawning, they will exit the shallow water and seek deeper spots. They are also a strong feeder of live bait, and jig heads with shiners or worms will do the trick. Both largemouth and smallmouth bass are still in a pre-spawn state of mind, and some of the biggest bass I catch are in May. It becomes important to slow down your retrieve and convert to a more finesse style of fishing. A gentle presentation of plastic baits or a drop-shot set up is a good approach. – Andy Schafermeyer, Regional Fisheries Biologist br />
LAKES REGION br />
As this unseasonable warm spell continues, our big lakes are warming up rapidly. Early morning lake trollers are still finding fish near the surface, but the norm is to fish 3-4 colors of lead core at depths of 20-25 feet. We continue to see salmon and some nice rainbows showing up on Lake Winnipesaukee, while Big Squam and Newfound have been a bit slow. The phantom midge hatch continues full force on Winnisquam; it never ceases to amaze me the amount of midges that hatch in the spring! The first load of anadromous alewives has been stocked into Winnisquam, and hopefully the full complement will again be stocked into the lake. As I reported last year, both salmon and lake trout were taking advantage of this new forage item, which is a side benefit to the restoration of these fish to the Merrimack watershed. A recent electrofishing survey of Lees Pond in Moultonborough turned up a healthy population of large and smallmouth bass that were already in the process of nesting. We also observed some nice yellow perch and monster bluegills. This pond is actually a headwater for Lake Winnipesaukee, as it flows directly into the Lees Mills area of the lake. My daughter Holly and I recently had quite an afternoon fishing a Lakes Region trout pond. The brookies were hitting an orange heron fly with zeal! The heron fly is probably my favorite “attractor” fly, as it really doesn’t seem to represent any local hatch. It is tied with wood duck feathers as wings, with the different colors applied to the neck. I’ve also heard some great reports from Willard, Stonehouse and Saltmarsh ponds. Also, now is the time to try our remote ponds before this warm-up affects those fisheries. – Don Miller, Regional Fisheries Biologist br />
MONADNOCK/UPPER VALLEY br />
Trout fishing in the Contoocook River has been great, according to recent correspondence I have received. The Henniker stretch has all been stocked, and the local Conservation Officer reports talking to many happy anglers. The Contoocook in Hillsborough has been giving up some nice rainbows, especially for fly anglers. Beard’s Brook (Hillsborough) receives brook, brown, and rainbow trout and has produced some nice limits within the past week. Anglers fishing Willard Pond (Antrim; fly fishing only) had a productive opening weekend, with a report of a holdover tiger trout being caught. This is a great time of year to fish the lower stretches of major tributaries to the Connecticut and Merrimack rivers. Smallmouth and largemouth bass will be coming into spawn, and walleye can also be found in some locations, feeding up after their spawning season. Shallow running crankbaits and jerkbaits work great this time of year, as do weightless lures such as the Zoom Super Fluke. – Gabe Gries, Regional Fisheries Biologist br />
SOUTHEAST NH/MERRIMACK VALLEY br />
The river herring run on the Lamprey River is off to one of its best starts ever, with many thousands of fish counted so far at the fish ladder in Newmarket and many more fish observed downstream. Check out the migration totals on our coastal rivers, updated weekly on our website at http://www.fishnh.com/marine/river_herring_shad.html. The striped bass will not be far behind, and there were reports of some huge fish taken in Newmarket last year. While many anglers on the seacoast are aware of the big striped bass that follow the river herring upstream, there is very little known about how river herring impact local freshwater fisheries. The alewives in the Lamprey River are pretty big, usually between 8 and 12 inches long. Even so, I find it hard to believe that big largemouth and smallmouth bass would not take advantage of a prey source whose numbers last year approached 100,000. It might be interesting to cast a silvery lure that imitates a small herring in the river reach upstream of the dam in Newmarket. Biologists from Fish and Game's Marine Fisheries Division are working on a large-scale pit tag and radio telemetry study on the Lamprey River to get a better understanding of river herring movements after they enter freshwater. There have been reports of some broodstock Atlantic salmon being caught in Hooksett. The water level for broodstock fishing on the Merrimack River has been exceptional for this time of year, and anglers should have good access to the river for as long as this dry spell continues. There is a lot of focus on trout fishing this time of year, but warmwater fish are becoming more active during this string of sunny days, especially in southern New Hampshire, where we are noticing the difference in leaf-out compared to areas north of Plymouth. The Nashua River and the Powwow River, near the border with Massachusetts, are not only the first to warm, but they are productive waters that support an abundance of bass, pickerel, and panfish. – Matt Carpenter, Regional Fisheries Biologist br />
SEACOAST AREA br />
I would love to report that the striped bass have arrived, but sad to say, they are not here yet. Many anglers attempted to catch a striper this weekend, with no prevail. River herring started running up the coastal rivers in New Hampshire last week, with roughly 11,000 river herring passing the Cocheco fish ladder in Dover and 60,000 fish passing the Lamprey fish ladder in Newmarket! Anglers at Henry Law Park in Dover have been successful catching alewife as bait. With all of these river herring, one would have to assume that the stripers will be here any day! – Robert Eckert, Marine Biologist br />
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FEDERAL AID IN WILDLIFE AND SPORT FISH AND RESTORATION: AUser-Pay, User-Benefit Program. Researching and managing fisheries and teachingpeople about aquatic ecosystems are funded by your license dollars and by the Federal Aid in Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program. Your purchases of fishing equipment and motorboat fuels make a difference to New Hampshire's fisheries. Learn more at http://www.wildnh.com/SFWR_program/sfwr_program.htm. br />
-- Copyright 2013 New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301. For usage policy, visit http://www.wildnh.com/Inside_FandG/usage_policy.htm. Comments or questions concerning this list should be directed to jane.vachon@wildlife.nh.gov br />
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N.H. FISHING REPORT FOR APRIL 25, 2013
Anglers heading to Stonehouse Pond in Barrington weekend should be aware that the access road has been flooded by beavers and the gate may be closed to vehicles in order to prevent further damage to the access road. Fish and Game is working to rectify the situation and hopes to have the gate open as soon as possible. The Wellington State Park boat access facility on Newfound Lake in Bristol, N.H., is currently open, with both ramps available for public use, but no dock available at this time. Expect a brief weekday closure sometime in June while Fish and Game wraps up work on a new dock there. See an update at http://www.fishnh.com/Newsroom/2013/Q2/Newfound_access_042513.html. Stocking Report: http://www.fishnh.com/Fishing/Stocking/current.html. Purchase your fishing license and brood stock salmon permit online at https://www.nhfishandgame.com or from any Fish and Game license agent.
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NORTH COUNTRY
Although I have not fished much in this early season, my mind is transforming into that of the early season angler. When I drive by a river or stream, I subconsciously wonder where I would cast and which fly would be best. As I glance at lakes and ponds, I find myself looking for rising fish and hatching bugs. Part of my job in the spring is stocking fish and, although I've done it thousands of times, I watch them slowly swim away and still marvel at their hypnotic grace. Once our rivers and streams are flowing at comfortable levels and reach water temperatures around 50 degrees, stocking begins in earnest. Anxious to get the fish out and steering clear of frozen lakes and ponds, biologists, Conservation Officers and hatchery technicians move thousands of fish at a time. Spring flows help the fish spread out, and they are soon residing in those areas more common for coldwater fish. Both aquatic insects and other baitfish are hard to find, and fish adjust their eating habits accordingly. Keep this in mind as you pursue early season trout. Designated trout ponds open for fishing on Saturday, April 27, and most North Country ponds will be ice free. This week has seen a subtle change in the weather, and open water is taking over. Again, stocking fish has been the major work detail, and these ponds will be full of trout for the adventure-seeking angler. Water temperatures will be cool, and fish may be less aggressive than those caught in warmer months. Remember to change tactics if the fishing seems slow. Switch tackle, depths, speeds, or even locations in your search for fish. – Andy Schafermeyer, Regional Fisheries Biologist
LAKES REGION
Well, it seems like the nasty weather we have endured the last few days has finally ended. Three days with a cold, east-southeast wind had conditions on the lake miserable at best, but I managed to fish with fellow biologists Ben Nugent and Matt Carpenter on Winnipesaukee for a few hours. The east wind was not the best direction to fish on, but when has that stopped the true fisherman? We managed a couple salmon on trolled live bait, and saw a few other boats battling the conditions along with us. The smelt runs in Winnipesaukee are over now. They are generally done around the first week of April. Conditions on the lake are changing rapidly, as the smallmouth bass have begun to “turn on.” Usually this puts a hurt on those spring anglers who like to troll the shorelines, but continue on, battle through a few bass and you will still find some salmon on those warmer shorelines. Just today, I have seen an explosion of phantom midges here on Winnisquam, so much so that it makes breathing difficult in the swarms. These midges produce countless tons of food for springtime fisheries…everyone feeds on them, especially salmon. The midge hatch actually extends pretty much throughout the summer, with the heaviest hatches occurring in April-June. Often salmon will get interested in the midges to the exclusion of other forage prey. Within a week, white perch will begin their spawning runs around tributary mouths, shallow coves, and rivers entering our big lakes. Areas to fish for these tasty perch include; Lakeport Dam/Opechee Lake, Moultonborough Bay on Lake Winnipesaukee all the way up to Greens Basin, the Melvin River, Smith River (including Back Bay Wolfeboro). On Lake Winnisquam, try areas below Mohawk Island, near Mosquito Bridge and the mouth of the Winnipesaukee River in Laconia, near the Fish and Game boat ramp. There are so many area lakes with white perch, the list is nearly endless. Try Kanasatka and Waukewan lakes for a change of pace. I can’t wait for this weekend for the chance to fish an area trout pond from my canoe. Trout ponds will open on Saturday, April 27. I like to head north, not only to beat the crowds, but to look for ponds with good holdover capability; I feel most ponds will be open this year (free of ice) from Lancaster south. In the lakes region, old favorites are Saltmarsh Pond/Gilford, Sky Pond/New Hampton, and Spectacle Pond/Groton, Hebron. Enjoy the spring, it doesn’t last long! – Don Miller, Regional Fisheries Biologist
MONADNOCK/UPPER VALLEY
The recent wind has opened up our Southwestern New Hampshire lake trout/landlocked salmon lakes, and Silver Lake (Harrisville), Granite Lake (Stoddard) and Nubanusit Lake (Hancock) are open for business. This is a great time of year to get out and troll without needing downriggers. All three lakes offer rainbow trout and lake trout, and Nubanusit also has landlocked salmon. Reports indicate some nice trout being caught in the Cold River (Walpole/Alstead), Otter Brook (Sullivan), and the Nissitissit River (Brookline). Go to http://www.fishnh.com/Fishing/Stocking/current.html for a complete list of waters that have been stocked so far in 2013. Early season bass fishing is starting to get hot on local lakes. An angler sent me a picture of a 6.3 lb largemouth bass caught this past weekend (see the photo in the online version of this report at http://www.fishnh.com/Fishing/Fishing_Reports/2013/FR_042513.html). I also heard of a 4-fish (two anglers), 21-lb. winning catch from a local bass tournament. The walleye bite on the Connecticut River appears to have slowed with the high water we have been experiencing, combined with a drop in water temperature. The good news is that the bite will likely pick back up once water levels drop. Connecticut River anglers are reporting good catches of smallmouth bass and northern pike. I also have a report that anglers are starting to catch a few black crappies in the setbacks. – Gabe Gries, Regional Fisheries Biologist
SOUTHEAST NH/MERRIMACK VALLEY
Saturday April 27, marks the opening day of designated trout ponds in New Hampshire. Here, in southeastern New Hampshire, several anglers will make the traditional trek to these ponds before daylight to beat the crowds to get to their prime spot. Most designated trout ponds have the forage and habitat to afford multiyear survival of stocked brook, brown, and rainbow trout, allowing these fish to reach larger sizes. These fish should be larger and more acclimated to the conditions of the pond, providing anglers a bit more of a challenge. Additionally, older hatchery fish are stocked in several of these waterbodies in an effort to increase the opportunity to catch a trophy trout. The designated trout ponds in our area include: Archery Pond (fly fishing only) (Allenstown), Barbadoes Pond (Madbury), Clough Pond (Loudon), Exeter Reservoir (Exeter), Hothole Pond (Concord/Loudon), Lucas Pond (Northwood), and Stonehouse Pond (fly fishing only) (Barrington). While water temperatures remain cool, trout will still be swimming in the shallow areas. This makes trout available either from fishing from shorelines or by boat. Shoreline fishing can be rather simplistic and can be a good way to introduce someone new to this activity. We were recently notified of a large fish found dead in the Contoocook River in the Boscawen/Concord area. The caller suspected the fish may be a walleye. Knowing a small population of the species existed in the area, and despite several failed attempts to learn more about the population, we rushed to meet the caller. He had a 31-inch, 13.02-pound female walleye saved in a cooler. This impressive fish had lived easily in excess of 15 years in the Contoocook! We are aware of populations of walleye in both the Contoocook and Merrimack rivers, but have had a difficult time establishing the status, densities, and overall distribution of the species in these two rivers. We welcome any information from anglers who have encountered walleye in these areas to report them to us. We've posted a photo of this find at the online version of this report at http://www.fishnh.com/Fishing/Fishing_Reports/2013/FR_042513.html. – Ben Nugent, Regional Fisheries Biologist
BROOD STOCK SALMON ARE IN!
All of the Atlantic salmon broodstock will likely be stocked by the time that this report reaches you. (See anadromous fisheries biologist Matt Carpenter's report at http://www.fishnh.com/Newsroom/2013/Q2/broodstock_salmon_042313.html, including a link to a short video on brood stock salmon fishing in the Merrimack). With the purchase of the Atlantic salmon broodstock permit, anglers can target these larger salmon in both the Merrimack and Pemigewasset rivers. The majority of these fish are being stocked into the Pemigewasset River between Bristol and New Hampton. Other fish will be stocked at the mouth of the Contoocook River, the Sewall’s Falls area on the Merrimack River, and below the Hooksett Dam. When targeting these salmon upstream of the Garvin Falls Dam (Bow) anglers can take these fish only by fly fishing. Below the Garvin Falls Dam, anglers targeting the salmon can either use flies or single hook lures. Despite where the salmon are stocked, these fish move around, eventually making their way downstream in an effort to get to the Atlantic. You can find more information on New Hampshire's brood stock salmon fishery, including an access map, at http://www.fishnh.com/Fishing/atlantic_salmon.htm. – Ben Nugent, Regional Fisheries Biologist
SEACOAST AREA
Groundfishing is still the word here on the seacoast. The headboat companies are doing very well with groundfish, mainly haddock with some cod, pollock and redfish mixed in as well. I am still waiting for the first flounder reports; I have only heard of unsuccessful trips so far. In other news, the river herring have arrived! Roughly 2,000 alewives have passed through our coastal fish ladders so far this season. – Becky Heuss, Marine Biologist
FEDERAL AID IN WILDLIFE AND SPORT FISH AND RESTORATION: AUser-
Pay, User-Benefit Program. Researching and managing fisheries and teachingpeople about aquatic ecosystems are funded by your license dollars and by the Federal Aid in Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program. Your purchases of fishing equipment and motorboat fuels make a difference to New Hampshire's fisheries. Learn more at http://www.wildnh.com/SFWR_program/sfwr_program.htm.
-- Copyright 2013 New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301. For usage policy, visit http://www.wildnh.com/Inside_FandG/usage_policy.htm. Comments or questions concerning this list should be directed to jane.vachon@wildlife.nh.gov
News from the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department
Phone: (603) 271-3211 Email: info@wildlife.nh.gov For information and online licenses, visit http://www.wildnh.com
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CONTACT: Matt Carpenter: 603- 271-2612 Jane Vachon: (603) 271-3211 April 23, 2013
CATCH THE KING -- SPRING BROODSTOCK SALMON SEASON ABOUT TO BEGIN
See a short video about brood stock salmon fishing on the Merrimack River in New Hampshire at http://www.fishnh.com/Fishing/atlantic_salmon.htm.
CONCORD, N.H. – Anglers going after the "King of Fish" – broodstock Atlantic salmon – will be happy to hear that stocking of the big fish is expected to get underway this week. After a more typical winter, river flows are holding steady at about average for this time of year. Snow melt continues in the mountains, keeping the water temperature cold in the Pemigewasset River. Cold water temperatures and steady flows can make for a good spring season of salmon fishing. "With no major rain in the forecast, we have decided to seize the opportunity and stock the broodstock early this year," said Matt Carpenter, the fisheries biologist who manages the salmon broodstock fishery. "Hopefully, this will make for a long and productive spring season of fishing." The fish will be spread between stocking sites beginning in Bristol and working south to Concord and Hooksett, N.H. Fish and Game stocks brood stock Atlantic salmon each spring and fall, giving New Hampshire the only managed Atlantic salmon river fishery in New England. “We have about 300 fish to stock this spring. What we lack in numbers this year we make up for in size,” said Carpenter. “Some of these fish easily weigh in over 10 pounds!” To fish for brood stock salmon, anglers need a current New Hampshire fishing license and an $11 brood stock salmon permit. Both can be purchased online at http://www.fishnh.com or from license agents statewide. Only salmon marked by Fish and Game with a T-bar anchor at the base of the dorsal fin may be kept. The bag limit is 1 per day and 5 total for the season. The big brood stock salmon being stocked this spring have completed their maternal duty producing the fry (young salmon) used in the Atlantic salmon restoration program, a partnership between the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. "Spring is when we stock the robust 3- and 4-year-old salmon, as opposed to the two-year-olds stocked in the fall," said Carpenter. "Salmon are not ready to produce eggs until they are at least three years old. In the fall, we stock extra fish that will not be needed to provide eggs for the program. In the spring, we stock extra fish that have already spawned the previous fall." Purchase of brood stock salmon permits helps support this cooperative state-federal restoration effort, along with a number of other fish conservation projects. The program is also supported through federal funds from the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Program. Brood stock anglers are encouraged to report their experiences to Fish and Game by contacting Matt Carpenter at 603-271-2612 or matthew.carpenter@wildlife.nh.gov. For more information on New Hampshire’s brood stock salmon fishery, including an access map, visit http://www.fishnh.com/Fishing/atlantic_salmon.htm.
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NH FISHING REPORT FOR APRIL 18, 2013
Greetings, anglers! Welcome to our first fishing report of the year. Fish and Game stocking trucks are rolling. See where the fish were delivered last week on our weekly Stocking Report at http://www.fishnh.com/Fishing/Stocking/current.html. Discover WILD New Hampshire Day is this Saturday, April 20, in Concord. Stop in and say hi to the fisheries biologists and check out the electroshocking boat – http://www.wildnh.com/Newsroom/2013/Q2/DWNH_Day_040513.html. Trout ponds: As several of our regional authors note, designated trout and fly-fishing-only ponds open Saturday, April 27. (You might have noticed we goofed and had the date wrong in the Freshwater Fishing Digest.) These ponds are managed specifically for trout and fishing is allowed through October 15. Info and suggested locations: http://www.fishnh.com/Newsroom/2013/Q2/trout_pond_opener_041113.html Purchase your fishing license online at http://www.fishnh.com or from any Fish and Game license agent. Don’t forget -- kids under 16 fish free in N.H.!
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NORTH COUNTRY
The winter of 2013 has held a much tougher grip on Northern New Hampshire than those of the past few years. Most of our ponds are still frozen and could remain so in the far northern reaches of the state awhile. Our rivers and streams are still running cold enough to support an occasional ice chunk, and some are still framed in snow. These conditions might make it hard to find enthusiasm for early season fishing, but don’t give up hope. There are opportunities to get the dust off your fishing gear and get the 2013 open water season off to a good start. By the first week in April, hatchery trucks started rolling out with brook, brown, and rainbow trout. Conditions have dictated that most of them have been stocked in rivers and streams. Water temperatures are cool and natural foods are not yet abundant, but fish still have to eat. If one were to cast flies at this time of year, it is best to think small and slow. Bead-head caddis patterns are a good choice, and repetition is a good approach. Don’t worry about casting to the same run three or four times before moving on. If you find an egg pattern in your fly box, give it a try, as it seems to be an early season favorite of river fishermen. Our designated trout ponds open on Saturday, April 27. Biologists, Conservation Officers, and hatchery technicians in the North Country don’t let winter get in the way of their duties and have stocked fish through the ice this year. As a result, your favorite opening day pond will have plenty of fish in it. There are many approaches to catching fish in these waterbodies with the most popular being trolling live bait. I’m not sure why small, orange, beads and a flicker spoon attract trout, but their effectiveness can’t be ignored. A snelled hook tied in this fashion can be tipped with a worm, Powerbait, or almost anything else and has become a trademark approach to catching fish. Of all fishing opportunities we will see this season, right now may be the best time to catch northern pike. Their early spawning season makes their behavior and habitat preference predictable, and they can be caught with some consistency. Shallow, flooded areas should be fished with quick retrieves. Spinner-baits or large in-line spinners can trigger an explosive strike. Moore Reservoir, Partridge Lake in Littleton, and Jericho Pond in Berlin can offer these scenarios perfectly. – Andy Schafermeyer, Regional Fisheries Biologist
LAKES REGION
This spring has seen a return to a more normal spring with "ice-out" occurring in mid-April, compared to the last few years that saw ice-out in the last week of March. I had a chance to fish Lake Winnipesaukee last Wednesday, April 10, with fellow biologist Ben Nugent. I believe we were some of the first anglers to make it out on the water, as the ice was still in the process of clearing out. We fished from Ellacoya State Park all the way to Glendale and the Lockes Island area. We dodged floating ice as we trolled along the shorelines. Fishing was slow, especially near Poor Farm Brook, where snowmelt from the Gunstock ski slopes had sent snowmelt and silt into the bay. We didn’t spend much time in this area and trolled up the Belknap Point shoreline into clear, but very cold water. With the water temperature in the 39-degree range, we were surprised to see it rise slightly as we neared the "gut" between Lockes Island and the Glendale town docks. You guessed it; a two-degree change in temperature was the key, as we got into the salmon immediately. Trolling live shiners (lip-hooked), we were able to catch several nice salmon in the 19-21 inch range. A fellow angler in the area reported that he caught a couple nice rainbow trout also using the same technique. Leaving the area, we were treated to a “double” on lake trout. It’s always a treat to catch lakers on short, light lines! Area lakes have cleared of ice now, with the possible exception of Big Squam Lake, which usually lingers a bit longer. Winnisquam cleared of ice on April 13. Trout ponds will open on April 27, and if this weather holds, it should be a great opener. – Don Miller, Regional Fisheries Biologist
MONADNOCK/UPPER VALLEY
Once again, early April finds many southwestern New Hampshire anglers filling their pans, fryers, and ovens with fresh walleye fillets from the Connecticut River. Despite recent high-water conditions, anglers have been catching walleye below the Vernon and Bellows Falls Dams for the past month. Either of these locations, or the mouths of major tributaries such as the Cold, Sugar and Mascoma Rivers, are a great place to cast a jig and minnow in pursuit of these fantastic fish. If weather and river conditions cooperate, the next week or two should hold some excellent fishing opportunities. Added bonuses at these locations also include smallmouth bass and northern pike. The walleye spring season can be a short one, so get out there while the fishing is good! – Gabe Gries, Regional Fisheries Biologist
SOUTHEAST NH/MERRIMACK VALLEY
Being aware of subtle changes in water temperature can be key component of success during this time of year. A difference of a degree or two can cause fish to be present or not in a particular area. In the period after ice out, anglers who seek out areas with warmer temperatures will likely have a greater chance of finding both warm and cold water species. Often, forage fish and, subsequently, predators, forgo their traditional summer protective habitats to seek out more desirable temperatures. Electronic fish finders with temperature sensors can be a useful tool to find these warmer areas, but other physical features can be used to find these locations. Focus on areas that receive a larger amount of sunlight throughout out the day. These are often associated with northern portions of waterbodies. Shallow areas are more responsive to daytime solar warming than deeper areas. Also look for areas where warmer tributary streams enter, or flooded areas in backwaters or along floodplains if the water levels are high. As these areas warm throughout the day, fish will migrate to them. This makes sunny days during the mid-afternoon an opportune time to fish for them. Stream temperatures are approaching mid-50’s and local anglers in Southeast New Hampshire have been having good luck on the Isinglass and Exeter Rivers. Trout stocking has begun in earnest, so get out and wet a line this weekend if you can! – Ben Nugent, Regional Fisheries Biologist
SEACOAST AREA
The spring fishing season has just begun, and anglers are starting off the year with a bang. The party boats have been groundfishing for a few weeks now and are reporting large catches of haddock, as well as redfish and a few cod. Cod fishing is open as of April 16. The Cod Spawning Protection Area is in effect again this year from April through June, see page 9 in the Saltwater Fishing Digest (at http://www.fishnh.com/pubs/fishing.html) for more details. Winter flounder fishing season should be starting up, as well. I have not heard any reports from flounder fishermen yet, so if you go, let us know how the fishing is! It is still early in the month, so check with bait shops before heading out; they don’t always have seaworms (the preferred bait) this early in the season. – Becky Heuss, Marine Biologist
FEDERAL AID IN WILDLIFE AND SPORT FISH AND RESTORATION: A User-Pay, User-Benefit Program. Researching and managing fisheries and teaching people about aquatic ecosystems are funded by your license dollars and by the Federal Aid in Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program. Your purchases of fishing equipment and motorboat fuels make a difference to New Hampshire's fisheries. To learn more: http://www.wildnh.com/SFWR_program/sfwr_program.htm.
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Copyright 2013 New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301. For usage policy, visit http://www.wildnh.com/Inside_FandG/usage_policy.htm. Comments or questions concerning this list should be directed to jane.vachon@wildlife.nh.gov
News from the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department
Phone: (603) 271-3211 Email: info@wildlife.nh.gov
For information and online licenses, visit http://www.wildnh.com
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CONTACT: Mark Beauchesne: (603) 271-3211 Jane Vachon: (603) 271-3211 Jim Martin, DES: (603) 271-3710
April 12, 2013
MEDIA: Print-quality photos of previous Discover WILD New Hampshire Day are available at http://www.wildnh.com/Events/DWNH_Day.html
DON'T MISS DISCOVER WILD NEW HAMPSHIRE DAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 2013
CONCORD, N.H. -- Discover WILD New Hampshire Day is almost here! This free outdoor festival takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 20, 2013, on the grounds of the N.H. Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, N.H. Celebrate the arrival of spring by letting the kids try archery, casting, wildlife crafts and more. See retriever dogs in action, live animals, big trout and trained falcons. You'll also pick up lots of great ideas for conserving energy and protecting our environment. More than 35 outdoor, conservation and environmental groups from throughout New Hampshire will have booths, displays and demos at the event. It's a great way to find out how you and your family can care for the environment and get connected to life outdoors. Special presentations and demonstrations go on throughout the day,including turkey calling for kids; a live animal presentation by the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center; landscaping for wildlife talks; a mobile DES Air Quality Monitoring Station; retrieval dog demos; and map and compass instruction. For times, visit http://www.wildnh.com/Newsroom/2013/Q2/DWNH_Day_040513.html. The Fish and Game License Office will be open during the event, so stop by and purchase your fishing or hunting license while you’re at Discover WILD New Hampshire Day. Be sure to check out special deals on Fish and Game merchandise, too. The event is held rain or shine. A food concession is available from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Please note that no dogs are allowed; service animals only. Now in its 24th year, Discover WILD New Hampshire Day began in New Hampshire in 1989 as an observance of Earth Day and a celebration of the state's wealth of natural resources and outdoor recreational opportunities. Discover WILD New Hampshire Day is co-sponsored by the N.H. Fish and Game Department and the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES).
Visit New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services at http://www.des.nh.gov.
Visit N.H. Fish and Game at http://www.wildnh.com.
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-- Copyright 2013 New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301. For usage policy, visit http://www.wildnh.com/Inside_FandG/usage_policy.htm. Comments or questions concerning this list should be directed to jane.vachon@wildlife.nh.gov
News from the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department
Phone: (603) 271-3211 Email: info@wildlife.nh.gov
For information and online licenses, visit http://www.wildnh.com
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CONTACT: Don Miller: (603) 744-5470 John Viar: (603) 744-5470 Jane Vachon: (603) 271-3211 April 11, 2013
DESIGNATED TROUT AND FLY-FISHING ONLY PONDS OPEN SATURDAY, APRIL 27
CONCORD, N.H. -- Fishing in New Hampshire's designated trout ponds and fly-fishing-only ponds opens on the fourth Saturday in April -- this year's opening day is April 27, 2013. Fishing is allowed through October 15. These waters are managed specifically for trout and offer anglers the chance to experience exciting fishing in some of the Granite State's most scenic surroundings. Anglers should note that the date for the trout pond opening is stated incorrectly in the 2013 N.H. Freshwater Fishing Digest. The correct date is listed in the online version of the Digest at http://www.fishnh.com/pubs/fishing.html. Fishing on these ponds opens Saturday, April 27, 2013. "These trout ponds are often the best waters in a given area for a variety of reasons," said New Hampshire Fish and Game Department Fisheries Biologist Don Miller. "Excellent habitat, low species competition and the fact that these ponds are closed to ice-fishing allow these waters to be managed for the trout fishing enthusiast." Ponds managed for trout may be stocked with one or more species, including brook, rainbow and/or brown trout, with age classes ranging from yearlings (8-12 inches), 2-year olds (12-15 inches), and 3+ year olds (measured in pounds!). "Trout are prized by anglers because they can be a challenge to catch, and fishing for them is one of the traditional rites of spring," Miller said. "Whether your passion is a multi-colored brook trout, a leaping rainbow or the determined fight of a brown, there's a New Hampshire trout pond within reasonable driving distance for you." With our "normal" winter this year, anglers may find their favorite north-country ponds still covered with ice. High-elevation remote ponds from the central White Mountain region north are likely to be partially ice-covered this year. Fortunately, anglers can find open water along the shorelines to allow some limited fishing until the ice clears in a few days. Hot Hole Pond and Clough Pond in Loudon, French Pond in Henniker, Mount William Pond in Weare, Dublin Lake in Dublin, and Barbadoes Pond in Madbury are a few of the generously stocked early season hotspots where opening day trout are taken. It gets no better than this for taking the youngsters along with a simple garden hackle under a bobber, or floating PowerBait fished just off the bottom. There are many popular ponds located from the Lakes Region north to Pittsburg. They include Echo Lake in Franconia, Russell Pond in Woodstock, Conner Pond and Duncan Lake in Ossipee, White Lake in Tamworth, Perch Pond in Campton, Saltmarsh Pond in Gilford, Spectacle Pond in Groton, Back Lake in Pittsburg, Fish Pond in Columbia and Little Diamond Pond in Stewartstown. Anglers looking for a true wilderness experience will enjoy visiting one of the nearly 50 remote trout ponds that Fish and Game annually stocks with fingerling brook trout via helicopter. These are listed at http://www.fishnh.com/Fishing/trout_remote.htm. Flat Mountain Pond in Sandwich, Cole Pond in Enfield (fly fishing only), Butterfield Pond in Wilmot, Peaked Hill Pond in Thornton, Black Pond and Lonesome Lake in Lincoln are just a sampling of these delightful ponds, where fingerling brook trout often grow to 8-10 inches by their second growing season, and it's not unusual to pull in brookies 15 inches or longer. Trophy, remote-pond brook trout (three or more years old, some in excess of 17-18 inches) can be caught in these backcountry waters. Archery Pond in Allenstown (with a wheelchair-accessible casting platform) and Stonehouse Pond in Barrington are two popular fly-fishing-only ponds that will be ice-free and well stocked for the opener. If you travel over to Antrim and fish Willard Pond, you will be treated to forested, undeveloped shorelines and the “triple treat” of fly-fishing: brook, rainbow and tiger trout. Further north, some excellent fly-fishing-only ponds include Upper Hall Pond in Sandwich, Sky Pond in New Hampton and Profile Lake in Franconia (check the Freshwater Fishing Digest for special regulations) on these waters. In addition, White Pond in Ossipee and Coon Brook Bog in Pittsburg offer excellent opportunities to "match the hatch" throughout spring and early summer. For a list of trout ponds and fly-fishing-only ponds in New Hampshire, as well as a description of special rules that apply to certain ponds, consult the 2013 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, available online at http://www.fishnh.com/pubs/fishing.html or from any Fish and Game license agent when you buy your license.
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-- Copyright 2013 New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301. For usage policy, visit http://www.wildnh.com/Inside_FandG/usage_policy.htm. Comments or questions concerning this list should be directed to jane.vachon@wildlife.nh.gov
News from the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department Phone: (603) 271-3211 Email: info@wildlife.nh.gov For information and online licenses, visit http://www.wildnh.com
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CONTACT: Don Miller: (603) 744-5470 John Viar: (603) 744-5470 Jane Vachon: (603) 271-3211 March 29, 2013
LANDLOCKED SALMON AND LAKE TROUT FISHING OPENS APRIL 1
See our new salmon video at http://www.fishnh.com/Newsroom/2013/Q1/big_lakes_opener_032913.html. CONCORD, N.H. -- April 1 is the day New Hampshire anglers have been dreaming about through the long, cold winter -- the start of open-water fishing on the big lakes that the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department (NFGD) manages for landlocked salmon and lake trout. Mother Nature has just played a cruel joke on those anglers who recently had thoughts of vast areas of open water this spring. A winter cold snap, followed by a foot of snow has the countryside looking a lot like Christmas instead of spring! But fear not, the March sun will do its work on the snowpack and opening day will provide areas of open water for the salmon anglers. It looks like we will experience a “normal spring” with “ice out” probably occurring mid-April. With the increased snowpack, our tributary streams will benefit with increased flows, attracting spawning smelt, the prime forage fish for landlocked salmon. Fall netting (2012) reveals strong, age-2+3 year-classes of salmon in Big Squam and Winnipesaukee lakes, which will dominate the catch. There will also be some nice age 3 salmon available in Sunapee Lake, "said N.H. Fish and Game Large Lakes Biologist Don Miller”. New Hampshire Fish and Game manages 15 lakes for landlocked salmon: Big Dan Hole Pond, First and Second Connecticut Lakes, Conway Lake, Lake Francis, Merrymeeting Lake, Newfound Lake, Ossipee Lake, Big and Little Squam Lakes, Sunapee Lake, Lake Winnipesaukee, Winnisquam Lake, and Nubanusit Lake. Pleasant Lake in New London also is managed for landlocked salmon, but is classified as a trout pond, with a 2013 opening date of April 27. Anglers should check out the Winnipesaukee River, which flows through the Weirs channel into Paugus Bay, and through the Lakeport Dam/Lake Opechee area. “Drop-down” salmon (and rainbow trout) are found throughout these river reaches. Other traditional areas include the Winnipesaukee River through Laconia to Dixon Point at Lake Winnisquam, and Lochmere Dam at Silver Lake. There is often a sizable piece of open water in Lake Winnisquam where the river drains into the lake. This water can be easily accessed by the NHFGD boat access ramp, just upstream in Laconia. The Newfound River in Bristol offers great fly-fishing-only water that can often produce drop-down rainbows and salmon. Additionally, several popular Winnipesaukee shore fishing locations exist at the Merrymeeting River (fly-fishing-only, barbless, catch and release), and the mouth of the Merrymeeting River as it enters Alton Bay, downstream of the famous stone arch bridge. Other good sites to visit include the Long Island Bridge in Moultonborough, Governors Island Bridge in Gilford, Smith River inlet at Wolfeboro Bay, and Meredith and Center Harbor town docks. At these locations, everything from smelt, shiners and worms under a slip bobber to small jigs will take salmon, as well as rainbow trout. This time of year, salmon are successfully caught by trolling with everything from spoons (such as DB Smelt, Sutton, Mooselook, Top Gun, and Smelt Gun) to traditional streamer flies (for example, Maynard’s Marvel, Pumpkinhead, Mickey Finn, Joe’s Smelt, and the countless Grey Ghost variations), and an early season favorite, live smelt or shiners. Most early season fish are caught from the surface to about 15 feet down, with everything from planer board set-ups to the simplest of monofilament flat lines 50-150 feet behind the boat. When the wind kicks in, drifting live smelt or shiners in the waves can be highly effective. Only single hooks for bait while trolling are allowed on certain salmon/lake trout lakes, including Squam, Newfound, Sunapee, Winnipesaukee and Winnisquam lakes (See the N.H. Freshwater Fishing Digest for a complete list). To ensure the future of high-quality landlocked salmon fisheries, anglers must take extra care when releasing salmon, as the percentage of hook-wounded fish continues to be a problem. Hook wounded/scarred fish are significantly shorter and poorer in body condition than non-hook-wounded counterparts of the same age. Using rubber nets and proper release techniques (for example, don’t “shake” fish off the hook), and releasing lightly hooked healthy salmon, while choosing to harvest previously hook-wounded fish, are ways to minimize the negative effects of hook wounding, thereby increasing the number of trophy salmon available in the future. See a new Fish and Game video at http://www.fishnh.com/Fishing/salmon_anglers_pledge.html about landlocked salmon in NH, and tips for safe handling of these fish. Fish and Game encourages anglers to take the Landlocked Salmon Anglers’ Pledge, a cooperative, volunteer effort to help sustain quality landlocked salmon fisheries in New Hampshire’s large lakes. N.H. fishing licenses can be purchased online at http://www.fishnh.com, or from any Fish and Game license agent. Annual resident fishing licenses are $35. Resident one-day licenses are just $10. Annual nonresident fishing licenses are $53. One-, three- and seven-day nonresident licenses are also available. Reel in lots more information on fishing in New Hampshire, from depth maps to tackle tips -- and download the 2013 N.H. Freshwater Fishing Digest or view it in searchable online format -- at http://www.fishnh.com/pubs/fishing.html.
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-- Copyright 2013 New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301. For usage policy, visit http://www.wildnh.com/Inside_FandG/usage_policy.htm. Comments or questions concerning this list should be directed to jane.vachon@wildlife.nh.gov
News from the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department Phone: (603) 271-3211 Email: info@wildlife.nh.gov For information and online licenses, visit http://www.wildnh.com
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CONTACT: Jason Smith: 603-271-2501 Vikki Leonard: 603-271-2501 March 27, 2013
HATCHERIES GEARING UP FOR SPRING FISH STOCKING
CONCORD, N.H. -- Now that spring is on the horizon and winter is coming to an end, New Hampshire Fish and Game Fisheries Division Chief Jason Smith can’t help but get excited about open water angling, and more specifically, about trout fishing. Fish Culturists at New Hampshire's six state hatcheries have had another great growing season, and stocking trucks are ready to get rolling in April. In fact, some of the state's southern waterbodies will receive fish in late March. New Hampshire hatcheries have close to 1 million catchable-size trout ready for this season. "As patches of open water begin to appear and shoreline ice starts to break up, anglers – including me – can’t help but look forward to open water trout fishing. Spring conditions are more reflective of a typical year so our hatchery staff will look forward to a more typical stocking routine this year," said Smith. With cold, high waters from melting snow, it will be a few weeks before rivers and streams are at “fishable” levels. Most trout species are reluctant to bite until the streams reach temperatures in the mid-40 degrees F. "We don't want to stock streams too early because cold, high water early in the season does not present suitable conditions for trout stocking, and angler access is limited until waters recede." said Smith. "We're fortunate to have Conservation Officers in the field who monitor water conditions and make the necessary adjustments to the trout stocking schedules for when conditions are right." New Hampshire’s designated trout ponds, which open on the fourth Saturday in April (April 27, 2013), should offer early season success. "Our stocking crews do their best to ensure there are recently stocked trout in all of our designated trout ponds for opening day," said Smith. "Proceed with caution, however, as some of the ponds harder to access due to road conditions. If we have an extended mud season, concentrate on ponds with paved access and go from there." Designated trout ponds are open from the fourth Saturday in April through October 15. As the season progresses, fishing picks up on smaller streams from south to north, with the larger rivers to follow. A good rule of thumb, says Smith, is to follow the black flies as they move north! Fishing licenses can be purchased online at http://www.fishnh.com or from any Fish and Game license agent.
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-- Copyright 2013 New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301. For usage policy, visit http://www.wildnh.com/Inside_FandG/usage_policy.htm. Comments or questions concerning this list should be directed to jane.vachon@wildlife.nh.gov
NH FISHING REPORT FOR SEPTEMBER 13, 2012
We know you'll appreciate Don Miller's advice in this week's report: "Get out and fish; the season is winding to a close and it will be a long winter!" Note for boaters: Work is complete on the new ramp and parking at the boat access facility on Onway Lake in Raymond, N.H., and the site is now open.
NORTH COUNTRY
It is getting close to the time of year when our small trout ponds are going to turn on. I’m talking about those walk-in or semi-remote waterbodies teeming with post card image brook trout. Summer months see them with abundant aquatic vegetation, which provides good cover for fish, but makes casting difficult. As this vegetation dies back, long casts and retrieves get easier and bringing a trout into your canoe or float tube becomes a pleasant task. One of my favorites is Whitcomb Pond in the headwaters of the Nash Stream State Forest. The fish in the fall look so beautiful in color and size that I usually fill my camera with pictures. Most of these ponds see marginal fishing pressure, and I find that the fish are aggressive and not terribly weary. Some of the surface hits are explosive and really get my heart pumping. I use a small, 4-weight rod and cast with ease, even if there is a little wind. My favorite dry fly in the fall on a calm pond is the Quill Gordon. It is simple and seems to closely imitate many flying insects, including mosquitoes and midges. I use very small ones that range from size 20 to 22. In addition to dry flies, I like to cast emerging nymph patterns. When doing so, I shorten my casts and try to get the fly in as much of a vertical retrieve as possible. Areas to try this fall include Munn Pond in Errol, Trio Ponds in Odell, Wachipauka Pond in Warren, or Stub Hill Pond in Pittsburg. – Andy Schafermeyer, Fisheries Biologist
LAKES REGION
Recent rains in the Lakes Region have brought water levels up a bit and have washed a lot of food items into our lakes and streams. Lake temps have begun to cool a bit, down to 71 degrees from a high of 78. I was trolling Winnisquam a few nights ago and observed flying ants all over the surface of the lake. In late summer these ants take to the air, only to fall on open water and are eagerly plucked by rainbow trout and landlocked salmon (and gulls too!). Reports from the large lake salmon fishermen are good…salmon are still hitting in Winnipesaukee, and in a variety of locations. In the early morning, they are a bit higher in the water column; later they drop back down to 35-40 feet. Flies seem to be the ticket, with perch patterns the best bet. Winnisquam has seen its share of fishermen, early and late seem to be the best bite. The alewives are still very numerous in the lake, and the fish are feeding heavily upon them. A few salmon are being taken in Squam, but they come hard. Don’t expect a quick bite up there, but when it happens, it may be the trophy salmon you have searched for! The trout ponds should be producing again, as soon as their surface temperatures drop into the mid-60 degree range. Stream levels are a bit low, but highly fishable. Lake outlets, (Newfound, Winnisquam, etc.) don’t have very much water in them now, so I would concentrate on rivers like the Pemigewasset, in the towns of Bristol, Campton, Woodstock and Lincoln. Get out and fish; the season is winding to a close and it will be a long winter! - Don Miller, Fisheries Biologist
MONADNOCK/UPPER VALLEY
We are trying to finish up our young-of-the-year bass electrofishing surveys this week to get an idea of how successful our bass spawning was this year. Hope to have a report for you next week! - Gabe Gries, Fisheries Biologist
SOUTHEAST NH/MERRIMACK VALLEY
Natural reproduction of Atlantic salmon was recently documented in the Souhegan River for the first time in over 150 years. Sea run Atlantic salmon were released to spawn naturally in the Souhegan River in 2011. Electrofishing surveys in August of 2012 documented a large number of juvenile salmon that hatched from redds built last fall and survived through the summer. The numbers were surprising, given the concern that the warm summer temperatures and embedded substrate in the Souhegan River would limit salmon spawning activity. We are still waiting for the emigration of juvenile river herring from Lake Winnisquam. As flows increase with fall rains, these fish will begin moving downstream in huge numbers. This mass migration may make the Merrimack River an exciting place to fish this fall, as the smallmouth bass focus in on this sudden abundance of prey. Vegetation is beginning to die off in the small ponds and lakeshores of southeastern New Hampshire. Time is running out to focus on warmwater species like largemouth bass, which take advantage of submerged aquatic vegetation for cover when ambushing prey. Some places with good shoreline access and abundant fish populations include Freese's Pond in Deerfield, Swains Lake along France Road in Barrington, and Cass Pond (also known as Bixby Pond), behind the closed rest area along Route 4 in Epsom. Cass Pond is created by one of the few remaining timber crib dams left in New Hampshire. For safety reasons, NHDES plans to remove the dam within the next couple years. Although some small rock weirs may be constructed at the dam site to help preserve habitat for the state threatened bridle shiner and to ensure future fish passage for river herring, this may be your last chance to target the big bass that live in the deep pool just above the dam. – Matt Carpenter, Fisheries Biologist
SEACOAST AREA
Party boats have been reporting good catches of bluefish still, so if you’ve been putting off a trip to the coast, it’s not too late. Groundfishing trips have been doing well with cod and large pollock, but anglers are having a hard time finding keeper-sized haddock. People are still picking away at schoolie stripers in Hampton Harbor and the snapper blues haven’t left the river yet. It takes a few to make a meal, but if you like bluefish, shore fishermen are having a much better time fishing for these guys at Hilton Park in Dover than for their larger relatives down on the coast. – Becky Heuss, Marine Biologist
FEDERAL AID IN WILDLIFE AND SPORT FISH AND RESTORATION: AUser-Pay, User-Benefit Program. Researching and managing fisheries and teachingpeople about aquatic ecosystems are funded by your license dollars and by the Federal Aid in Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program. Your purchases of fishing equipment and motorboat fuels make a difference to New Hampshire's fisheries. Learn more at http://www.wildnh.com/SFWR_program/sfwr_program.htm. --
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NH WEEKLY FISHING REPORT - September 6, 2012
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This report is reaching you a few days late because of staffing issues. Our apologies. Hope the fishing's been great!
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NORTH COUNTRY
If the Fishing Season in Northern New Hampshire were like the Major League Baseball season, we would be heading into the playoffs. It has been a long season and there have been as many successes as failures. I know a few players (myself included) who have promised to give it one last aggressive month and a half and then spend the offseason rehabilitating and improving their game. As a river angler, there is a lot to be learned in the fall. Fish are coping with low water and are being triggered to reproduce. Smaller tributaries are becoming important as they offer both the temperatures and substrate to accomplish this. Insects are still hatching and fish are still feeding. Forage fish are reaching a size where they have become an appropriate food source and I find myself casting streamers more frequently. As with any fish, spawning energy sometimes supersedes hunger and more vividly colored patterns like a Mickey Finn may induce an aggression strike. Large, terrestrial insects are at peak abundance and grasshoppers and flying ants are always successful. I also have a fly box filled with yellow, foam-bodied beetles that accurately resemble nothing yet catch fish regularly. By September, fish have seen a lot of bugs flying into the water and their instincts have been honed to take advantage. Emerging insects are still an important part of their diet and big stoneflies and dragonfly nymphs can still be effectively presented in low water. The bottom line is that trout are entering a part of their life cycle where they are behaving in a way that allows me to better estimate their locations. That is one of the greatest keys to successful fishing. As with baseball, I will spend the winter with both memories of the previous fishing season and hopes for the next. – Andy Schafermeyer, Fisheries Biologist
LAKES REGION
Sorry folks but no report this week. I’ll be getting out to do some fall salmon fishing soon and report back to you! - Don Miller, Fisheries Biologist
MONADNOCK/UPPER VALLEY
I have a wide range of species and water bodies to report on this week based on some great reports from area anglers. To begin with, I caught wind of a 33 lb carp that was caught in the Connecticut River within the past month. If this weight is verified and entered into our Trophy Fish Program, it would tie the weight of the current state record which also came from the Connecticut River. For trout fishing, I have had reports of some nice rainbows (15-18”) being caught at Granite Lake (Nelson). Interestingly, one young angler was even catching some small lake trout by casting from shore into deeper water. I have been getting more and more reports of lakers being caught in Granite Lake in the past three years. A friend has been having continued success for trout in Willard Pond (Antrim). Try some brightly colored streamers if you give that pond a try. The Souhegan River in the general Milford area has also been producing some big brown trout in the deeper holes. For bass, I have recently heard of some great results from Gregg Lake (Antrim) for smallmouth bass on topwater lures. Spofford Lake (Chesterfield) continues to fish well for big largemouth and smallmouth bass as it has for much of the summer. Dublin Lake (Dublin) has also been producing some nice smallmouth bass in the past two weeks with some fish up to 4 lbs. Talking of smallmouth, Willard Pond also has some very respectable bass and one angler I spoke with made mention of seeing 20+” smallmouth follow in some small trout that he had hooked. Remember that Willard Pond is a fly fishing only pond and petroleum motors are not allowed. - Gabe Gries, Fisheries Biologist
SEACOAST AREA
The baitfish have begun moving out of our tidal waters, early as everything else this year, but maybe this means that the fishing will pick up along the coast. As we get some badly needed rain, this could trigger more movement from bait and juvenile fish that spent the summer months in the abundant nursery habitat that our rivers, bay and harbors provide. This means anglers should be moving seaward as well, replacing the sunbathers and summer tourists yet again. This has been a strange year for fishing indeed, more black sea bass are reported each year, but this year seemed like they were much more plentiful, really taking hold here in the Piscataqua. A few other more southern species made appearances this year as well, anglers in each case were fishing for the black sea bass and in one instance ended up catching scup, and in the other catching a triggerfish! Also, witnessed by one of our biologists, a blue runner was caught in the Hampton Harbor. It is not unusual for warm waters to break off from the Gulf Stream and bring some unexpected fish into NH, however, maybe the mild winter and warm summer allowed more of these fish to survive and allow us to witness their presence. – Becky Heuss, Marine Biologist
SOUTHEAST/MERRIMACK VALLEY
Southeastern New Hampshire has several multi-tiered fisheries that may be worth a try at the tail end of the summer. These waterbodies have fishable populations of both stocked trout and warmwater fish species and give the angler an opportunity to completely change tactics if things are working too slowly. As surface water temperatures begin to cool, trout are less restricted to deeper, cooler waters and are able to once again return to shallow areas. This may increase catch rates for those who fish for trout from shore. Some of my recommendations are Massabesic Lake, Bow Lake, Lucas Pond, Hothole Pond, the Suncook Lakes, Pleasant Lake, and Tower Hill Pond. The accessibility of these waterbodies can vary (i.e. Lucas Pond has a no motor restriction and Tower Hill Pond is only accessible by walking in). Some of these waterbodies can be sleepers, particularly when it comes to warmwater species in the lakes and ponds better known for their trout fishing. Multi-species rivers that I would recommend are the Cocheco River, Lamprey River, Exeter River, and Merrimack River. - Ben Nugent, Fisheries Biologist
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A User-Pay, User-Benefit Program. Researching and managing fisheries and teachingpeople about aquatic ecosystems are funded by your license dollars and by the Federal Aid in Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program. Your purchases of fishing equipment and motorboat fuels make a difference to New Hampshire's fisheries. Learn more at http://www.wildnh.com/SFWR_program/sfwr_program.htm.
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NEW HAMPSHIRE FISHING REPORT FOR AUGUST 31, 2012
NORTH COUNTRY
It seems odd to think that the water may be too warm for bass fishing. In reality, there are preferred temperature regimes for bass, and some sections of a waterbody may be too warm. The direct result is that small and largemouth bass may be easier to find as they seek this desired refuge. Last week, Lake Umbagog had a surface temperature of almost 80 degrees. Even though this lake covers nearly 8,000 acres, the average depth is 12 feet, and deep, cool water was hard to find. I started fishing tube baits and deep-running crank baits that were sure to find the bottom. I fished slow retrieves and covered a lot of water. The fish were not there.
I looked for some aquatic vegetation that had held fish in June and July. The growth is dense and stops just short of the surface of the lake. Typically a great place for a surface lure, I started casting a white, lipless pencil bait and retrieved it in a jerky, walk-the-dog style motion. The fish were not there. My next approach was a slow-moving plastic swim bait. A wide gap hook with lead on the shank gives these baits a natural, sinking look, and I have enjoyed catching bass on them in the past. I threw them near structure and around boulders. The fish were not there. After discovering so many locations where fish were not spending their day, I decided to change tactics completely. After all, fishing the same way with no results is a common mistake and can admittedly be a hard pattern to break. One of the rivers that feeds into Lake Umbagog is the Magalloway. I have studied the temperature profiles of this river extensively, as an ongoing brook trout telemetry project sends me there frequently. This cool influx of water seemed like my last hope for the day. I started with a red and white spinnerbait and made long casts paralleling the river and its current. The results were almost immediate. I started catching smallmouth in the 12 to 16-inch range and was able to salvage an otherwise fishless day. There was also a sense of pride in having success after so many failures. – Andy Schafermeyer, Fisheries Biologist
LAKES REGION
Our current dry weather spell has certainly reduced stream flows throughout the Lakes Region. Lake levels continue to drop, and the alewives in Winnisquam continue to feed at dusk in the large bay that my house is situated on. Salmon, lake and rainbow trout have been feasting on these alewives, and if history is correct, they could still be in the system right through the end of September. Try trolling small Mooselook wobblers (copper/silver) or Yozuri pin minnows to imitate these herring. I’ve seen schools of these herring on my depth sounder, generally 20-40 feet down. I still find Hexagenia mayflies on my dock in the morning on Lake Winnisquam. Lake temperatures (surface) are still in the upper 70 degree range. This is the time of year that lake trout and landlocked salmon are building up their body condition by feeding ravenously on juvenile smelt and occasionally on white and yellow perch that are found in the various levels of the thermocline. Salmon and trout are in a “pre-spawn” mode now, as their eggs/milt mature for fall spawning. During the past few seasons, we have noted a serious “shift” in our landlocked salmon at this time of year. This shift finds the salmon “running” the shores in anticipation of fall spawning. The last few years, I have witnessed salmon repeatedly leaping clear of the water along the shores of Winnipesaukee, especially along the sand flats off Ellacoya State Park, and down the Gilford shoreline as well. It is quite a sight to see these salmon performing their pre-spawn rites, as they are in water less than 5 feet deep, in schools of up to 7 or 8 fish! At this time the “bite” off shore definitely drops off, for salmon at least. Rainbows will continue to be found off shore, and down into the thermocline. Lake trout also feel the urge for spawning, although their time is still over two months away. Lakers will be found congregating in the mid-levels of the deep basins in Lake Winnipesaukee. I remember a few seasons ago, I trolled the area off Black Point in Winnipesaukee for salmon and lake trout. We did well on lakers with Sutton spoons size 5 and 61, copper/silver. The trick at this time of year, and one I employed, was to troll with 7 colors of lead core line, and frequently shift the motor into neutral, allowing the lures to slowly descend into the depths. The fluttering action of the Sutton spoons was too much for the lake trout, as we caught several doubles, especially as the motor was returned to gear, and the boat began to travel forward. Try this technique over deep basins, and time your drops. -- Don Miller, Fisheries Biologist
SEACOAST AREA
It’s been quiet on the coast lately, with bursts of action from bluefish. But don’t fret; shellfishing season is right around the corner! Oysters open on September 1st and softshell clams open the day after Labor Day (except in Hampton/Seabrook estuary). Get your licenses and know the open areas. Some areas are closed due to pollution concerns; you can find a map of the open/closed areas on pages 24 and 25 of the current Saltwater Fishing Digest. All open areas may be temporarily closed due to bacterial or red tide concerns, so call 1-800-43-CLAMS before heading out to get the current status. While you are out there, remember there is no closed season on blue mussels. – Becky Heuss, Marine Biologist
FEDERAL AID IN WILDLIFE AND SPORT FISH AND RESTORATION:
AUser-Pay, User-Benefit Program. Researching and managing fisheries and teachingpeople about aquatic ecosystems are funded by your license dollars and by the Federal Aid in Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program. Your purchases of fishing equipment and motorboat fuels make a difference to New Hampshire's fisheries. To learn more: http://www.wildnh.com/SFWR_program/sfwr_program.htm.
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NEW HAMPSHIRE FISHING REPORT FOR AUGUST 23, 2012
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NEWFOUND LAKE BOATERS: The Wellington State Park boat access facility on Newfound Lake in Bristol, N.H., will be closed for repairs from September 17 through the remainder of the year, opening back up in the spring. Boaters who rely on this launch for removing boats before ice-in will need to get their boats out before September 17.
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NORTH COUNTRY
Although no one wants to hear it, summer is winding down. Leaves are subtly changing and last night, I noticed that I was walking out of the river at 8 o’clock. I was fishing the Connecticut River near Stratford, NH, and there was a chill in the air that tasted of autumn. There is still enough daylight to hit the river around 5:00 in the afternoon and get in some good fishing until dark. My approach on this section of river has been the same all season and has served me pretty well. I start casting wet flies and streamers in any water greater than waist deep. The river is as typically low as it gets, and this type of water seems to be inviting for browns and rainbows. I will fish heavy flies on a floating line and usually reach the depths necessary to find fish. I am constantly scanning the water for insects and fish rises. Sometimes I will see a fish rising at regular intervals and with enough observation, I can identify its food source. When I can’t, I will throw a hopper or a stimulator and see if I can induce an aggression strike. As evening approaches, dry flies become the approach. There are usually caddis flies hatching and a small elk hair imitation will do the trick. Lately I have seen lots of green stoneflies that I match with a fly known as a “Sally.” At this time of year, I make sure that there is a warm flannel shirt in the truck and I get home in time to catch most of the Red Sox game. As the seasons change, I look forward to catching fish in beautiful spawning colors and behaviors. – Andy Schafermeyer, Fisheries Biologist
MONADNOCK/UPPER VALLEY
One thing I rarely think about when choosing a lure color is the water depth at which I will be fishing. Instead, I follow the usual themes of using brighter lures on sunny days, darker lures on overcast days, natural colors in clear water, and darker colors in dark water. This could be a big mistake, especially when trolling for trout and salmon or drop-shotting or throwing football jigs in deep water for bass. While a number of factors, including the angle of the sun, waves, sediment and plankton density, can impact the amount of light reaching a particular water depth, the following is a general list of colors that are reduced in intensity or “disappear” with increasing water depth. The first colors to be reduced in intensity are red and orange, followed by yellow, green, purple and finally the last to be reduced is blue. For example, red and orange lures are said to look black or brown at greater depths. To further confuse things, there is no definitive depth at which these colors are reduced in intensity, as light availability can vary so greatly from day to day and from waterbody to waterbody. So, what does this mean for anglers? Perhaps a lot, or maybe not much at all! Many of you might be thinking this can’t be true, as you have caught lake trout on orange lures while trolling at 60 feet before. However, a pivotal question is this: are the fish you are after/catching keying in on lure color, or is it simply the size, silhouette and contrast of the lure that is attracting them? The answer to that question will vary depending on the species you are pursuing, the waterbody you are fishing, and the prey they are keyed in on. Interesting and frustrating at the same time? Absolutely. More questions than answers? Yes. But, keep in mind that one of the great things about fishing is the evolution of your techniques and choices and the fact that no angler is ever done learning. Additionally, this might be just the excuse you need to pick up some more lures in different colors and get on the water to test them out! - Gabe Gries, Fisheries Biologist SOUTHEAST NH/MERRIMACK VALLEY The pound-for-pound fight and table fare of white perch can receive high praise from many of New Hampshire's anglers. This species is not a true perch and actually is within the temperate bass family (Moronidae). This makes white perch more closely related to striped bass than to yellow perch. Although once found primarily in brackish and salt water, white perch have been introduced into several lakes, ponds and rivers in the state. Anglers should take great care that this species is not introduced into other waterbodies, for the species may have a negative impact on native fish species. When it comes to fishing for white perch in New Hampshire, I get the sense most anglers look to our larger lakes in the central part of the state. However, several lakes in the southeastern part of the state contain healthy populations of white perch, including Bow Lake (Strafford), Harvey Lake (Northwood), Northwood Lake (Northwood), Massabesic Lake (Auburn), Pawtuckaway Lake (Nottingham), Pleasant Lake (Deerfield) and the Suncook Lakes (Barnstead). Some of these waterbodies have what is considered a stunted population of white perch. This means you may be more likely to catch smaller fish, and more effort may be required to target larger white perch. White perch primarily feed on insect larvae and smaller fish. They routinely migrate to shallow areas in low light periods and spend their time in areas with greater depth throughout the day. Generally, white perch are very aggressive, hitting countless different presentations when put in front of them. That being said, I've observed times, particularly during ice fishing, when the perch key in on one particular presentation and disregard everything else. In the peak of the summer, I have routinely, but incidentally, caught them while trolling around the thermocline. This is usually while targeting rainbow trout and salmon. I'm not sure if larger white perch prefer somewhat cooler temperatures, or if the species is targeting forage species that live there. While trolling, virtually any smaller spoon can work. Finding the right depth for a particular day may take some time. Casting along areas with sharp drop-offs, working the presentation into greater depths can also be productive. A variety of different panfish jigs, small deep diving crank baits, and spinners can be effective for white perch. There may be times when attaching live bait or imitation live bait to a panfish jig may help. Often, the species schools together by similar size, so be sure to continue focusing on the area once you confirm their presence. – Ben Nugent, Fisheries Biologist
SEACOAST FISHING
The fishing continues to be slow for most coastal anglers these days. A few of the headboats had some luck with the bluefish this past weekend, but results continue to be unpredictable. The few successful striper fishermen I spoke with this weekend were using an umbrella rig and trolling along the coast. The umbrella rig mimics a school of baitfish, this is a good way to entice an otherwise uninterested striper. There have been a number of snapper blues in the Piscataqua this year, and recently they have been caught off of the pier at Hilton Park. These fish were all 6 to 8 inches and were caught with a small hook and bobber. Sounds like a fun fishing trip for the kids! – Becky Heuss, Marine Biologist
FEDERAL AID IN WILDLIFE AND SPORT FISH AND RESTORATION: A User-Pay, User-Benefit Program. Researching and managing fisheries and teaching people about aquatic ecosystems are funded by your license dollars and by the Federal Aid in Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program. Your purchases of fishing equipment and motorboat fuels make a difference to New Hampshire's fisheries. To learn more: http://www.wildnh.com/SFWR_program/sfwr_program.htm.
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NH WEEKLY FISHING REPORT – August 9, 2012
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><> North Country
July has turned into August and the dog days of summer have officially arrived for the New Hampshire angler. For many people, this conjures up images of barbeques and beaches. For me, August means grasshoppers -- large, high-flying, noisy grasshoppers. For fly fishermen, grasshoppers provide an opportunity to escape the task of trying to perfectly match a hatch. We can forget about tying on a size 26 dry fly and trying to present it perfectly to a finicky fish rising for nothing else.
I am not an entomologist but I have seen grasshoppers in so many different sizes, shapes, and colors that I have to believe New Hampshire has hundreds of species or sub-species. What makes them so great is that, unlike mayflies, stoneflies, and caddis flies, fish don’t seem to care what they look like. One can cast a hopper pattern of any color at any time and expect results. They are usually bulky by comparison and are the largest dry flies in my box. I tie them with deer hair or foam bodies which help them float even after a few hits. I have been using rubber legs which create a lot of commotion on the water’s surface and fish should have no problem becoming aware of them. Another advantage of grasshopper flies is that, because they are so bulky, they can be drifted over some rapid water. Where a smaller fly may sink or move unnaturally, the grasshopper stands tough and floats well. When mending your line, they may move across the water in just such a way to induce a strike. They are also perfect to throw at last light because they are very easy to see. It seems that I have been writing a lot about how to make fly fishing easier and recommending ways to cut corners. In reality, as a fisherman, I exist somewhere between an elitist and a full-blown hack. I feel a great sense of accomplishment when I outwit a fish and will try anything to make that happen. Casting a grasshopper in August is a great way to accomplish this. The next time you are on the water and have gone through five or six different flies with no results, tie one on and see what happens. – Andy Schafermeyer, Fisheries Biologist
><> Lakes Region
With lake temperatures in the upper-70-degree range, anglers must go deep for coldwater species. I recently witnessed two landlocked salmon caught in Lake Winnisquam which were the finest looking salmon I’ve seen in years coming from that lake. I’ve seen some great schools of smelt scattered around the lake, in addition to the numerous alewives which can be found on sonar generally 20-35 feet deep. These schools of alewives are scattered randomly around the lake, usually in 40-60 feet of water. One of those salmon (both were 20+ inches and 3+ pounds) contained three alewives, a definite bonus to the stocking program. By the way, downrigger set at 38 feet with a mini Mooselook wobbler (copper/silver) did the job with these salmon. Back in the mid-1980s, Fish and Game stocked Winnisquam with alewives in an attempt to help strip the overly productive system of nutrients (such as fertilizer from lakeshore properties). This came after years of nuisance algae blooms in the lake, and copper sulfate treatments. During that time frame, I saw massive numbers of alewives leave the lake in the fall on their trip back to the Atlantic Ocean, and with them, they took tons of nutrients (in the form of body mass) with them. At this time, it is hoped that by stocking Lake Winnisquam again, it will result in the resurgence of sea herring (alewives) in the Gulf of Maine, and the return of substantial spring spawning runs into the Merrimack River. I’ve received reports of some nice brown trout recently caught in Ossipee Lake. This is a unique lake, in the fact that landlocked salmon and brown trout co-exist. It is general policy at Fish and Game that we don’t mix these two species together in large lake systems, because of the difficulty to tell the two species apart. The only other lake where this occurs is Lake Francis where salmon and brown trout are found. In the case of Ossipee Lake, brown trout are not stocked directly into the lake; they instead travel downstream from the Bearcamp River where they are stocked. In addition we have documented natural reproduction of brown trout in the Bearcamp River, progeny of the adult trout that make fall spawning runs up the river. An interesting system to say the least!
><> Monadnock/Upper Valley
The hot sticky forecast for this past weekend made my decision on what to do for the weekend an easy one. On both Saturday and Sunday, I grabbed my swimsuit, mask and snorkel, sunscreen, lots of drinking water, fishing rods and tackle, and took my boat to some southwestern NH bass ponds. I arrived early on both days and I’m glad I did as the parking spots filled up quickly as the morning progressed. I found ample numbers of largemouth bass patrolling the vegetated coves that were more than willing to bite my top water frog or jigs. I quickly got into a routine of catching a few bass and then getting in the water with the mask and snorkel to cool down and watch some fish. Snorkeling is a great method to observe fish behaviors firsthand, and in a way you would never see except on a fishing show on TV. Moving slowly is the key to ensuring that you don’t scare the fish away from you. My sightings for the day included schools of yellow perch and golden shiners, snapping turtles, freshwater mussels, largemouth bass and chain pickerel. I was lucky enough on Sunday to see a pickerel dart out of the vegetation in an attempt to surprise a school of small perch, only to have the fish scatter before it could get to them. If anyone is interested in learning more about invasive aquatic vegetation such as Eurasian watermilfoil, the Washington Conservation Commission in conjunction with NH Lakes Association is sponsoring an Invasive Aquatic Vegetation Presentation on August 25 at 7 PM. The information will be similar to that given Lake Hosts, with hands-on specimens available. Location is Camp Morgan Lodge (Hwy 31, to Faxon Hill, to Millen Pond Rd.). For more information contact Ken Eastman at 603-495-1064. – Gabe Gries, Fisheries Biologist
><> Southeast NH/Merrimack Valley
The outward migration of juvenile alewives from Lake Winnisquam has begun. About two weeks ago, these fish were first spotted congregating near the outlet of the lake near the hydroelectricity facility at the Lochmere Dam in Tilton. Since then, schools estimated to be in the thousands have begun their migration towards the Merrimack River and eventually, the Atlantic Ocean. At the same time, resident riverine fish species are taking advantage of this seasonal food source. As the run continues during the next month, more and more predator fish will continue to catch on to the alewife run and pursue these anadromous fish as they make their way downstream. These fish are the progeny from 24,000 adult alewives stocked in the lake earlier this year. The primary goal of this project is to restore runs to the Merrimack River watershed. Anglers should attempt to capitalize on this concentrated feeding effort by using flies and lures that imitate the appearance of these small fish throughout the mainstem of the Merrimack River. They can do this by matching the length, coloration, and behavior of the alewives. Based on the measurements we've taken, the juvenile alewives range between one inch and three inches. Average lengths are expected to increase over the next month as the fish staying in Lake Winnisquam have longer time to grow before they leave. The alewives are extremely laterally compressed (having a very narrow body shape). This would be very evident if the fish was laid on its side. This physical characteristic makes using streamer and bucktail fly patterns a good match. The alewives also tend to remain very high in the water column as they make their way downstream. Floating or light sink fly lines or light weight lures tied to monofilament will help keep your presentation in similar depths as the natural prey. The appearance of the juvenile alewife consists of a silver bottom with a slightly darker top. The silver coloration really radiates to a flashy appearance when the fish turns. This makes silver spoons and flies with a lot of flashing a likely choice. It appears wounded alewives are more favorable prey. They tend to act more erratic in their swimming style. Mimicking that behavior with retrieval may also help. One more piece of advice is to look for surface activity. Schools of alewives can be very visible by their surface "dimpling" behavior that looks similar to a large insect hatch. This may be more common at dawn or in the evening. Also look for signs of predator fish crashing the surface as they pursue the schools. – Ben Nugent, Fisheries Biologist
><> Seacoast Area
Dog days for sure. The fishing has really slowed down, very few people were bringing fish in this weekend and when they did it was all mackerel, but most anglers had a tough time even finding them. The people we spoke with that caught macks were well offshore, past the shoals. Fishermen that stayed at the mouth of the river only found a few squid this weekend. The party boats are still finding bluefish but we have not had any shore reports of them in the past week, staying offshore or to the south. – Becky Heuss, Marine Biologist
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FEDERAL AID IN WILDLIFE AND SPORT FISH AND RESTORATION: A User-Pay, User-Benefit Program. Researching and managing fisheries and teaching people about aquatic ecosystems are funded by your license dollars and by the Federal Aid in Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program. Your purchases of fishing equipment and motorboat fuels make a difference to New Hampshire's fisheries. To learn more: http://www.wildnh.com/SFWR_program/sfwr_program.htm.
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Copyright 2012 New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301. For usage policy, visit http://www.wildnh.com/Inside_FandG/usage_policy.htm. Comments or questions concerning this list should be directed to jane.vachon@wildlife.nh.gov
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NH Weekly Fishing Report – August 2, 2012
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><> North Country
Simplify. I just saw that word on a bumper sticker this morning. I am not sure what type of statement the driver was trying to make but it inspired me nonetheless. I own fishing equipment designed to pursue every fish in every waterbody at every time of year. My fishing room looks like a combination between an outdoor store, a library, and a museum. On my latest fishing adventure, I decided to simplify. While capturing and banding Canada geese recently, I was exposed to a small farm pond in Lancaster. I was immediately reminded of my youth as this type of water is where I spent countless days exploring the world of fish. The following day, I grabbed my son, our 10-foot canoe, two spinning rods, and a tackle box no bigger than a shoe box. The water was warm and nutrient-rich from agricultural runoff and aquatic vegetation was abundant. My son started with a small Rebel PopR and started catching yellow perch and largemouth bass immediately. I was throwing a gold Phoebe spoon with the same results. We paddled around the pond on a calm sunny day and had one of our best trips of the year. Even when we weren’t catching fish, we watched the great blue herons try their luck. At the end of the day our species-caught list included bass, perch, pickerel, pike, and sunfish. Simply stated, it was an awesome day. – Andy Schafermeyer, Fisheries Biologist
><> Monadnock/Upper Valley
This is a very busy time of year for fisheries biologists. The majority of our time is spent working in the field and can prevent us from producing fishing reports every week. This is when the angling community can help inform us and other anglers of fishing activities from region to region. Anglers are encouraged to call or email their regional biologists with information on their recent fishing excursions. After not having a fishing report last week from the Monadnock region, a local avid bass fisherman, Lou Ruff, emailed us his report. “Fishing in the Connecticut River setbacks has been awesome! Over the past two weeks, I have caught three Northern Pike. Not the usual fish for this time of year, but I caught one on a shallow diving Rattlin Rapala (3-5 ft depth). I caught two more on rubber worms, Texas-rigged with a 1/8 oz tungsten bullet weight. Last weekend, I caught a 6 lb largemouth and a 4 lb largemouth. Both with a 7" Electric Grape Berkely rubber worm (same setup). Lots of smaller bass and a few small smallmouths. Fishing has been best at dawn with the dry weather.” Thanks for your report, Lou! – Jason Carrier, Fisheries Biologist
><> Southeast NH/Merrimack Valley
Our surveys have brought us to the Middleton/Milton area this week in an effort to better understand the distribution of bridle shiners in the area, primarily within the Jones Brook watershed. This state-threatened species was once thought to be fairly common throughout the Coastal and Merrimack watersheds in New Hampshire. Unfortunately, they are very sensitive to the manipulations that have occurred to aquatic ecosystems and their distribution throughout the state has been reduced. With a lifespan that rarely exceeds two years, environmental perturbations leading to a year class failure can devastate a local population of bridle shiners. The predominant reasons for their decline are believed to be changes to natural flow rates, alterations of lake and pond levels, loss of dense aquatic and wetland vegetation, and increased predation rates. These impacts are often associated with each other. As flow rates or surface water levels are changed, there is usually a response to the aquatic and wetland plant community. Bridle shiners have a direct affinity to dense vegetation for egg deposition, juvenile development and protective cover from predators. Although bridle shiners are not considered sport fish and normally do not grow larger than only a few inches, the species should be closely monitored. As an indicator species, the presence or loss of occurrence of bridle shiners help illustrate the condition of low gradient streams often associated with large expanses of wetlands as well as the condition of the shorelines of our lakes and ponds. The loss of the species may be the first sign of future impacts to other species and overall water quality. – Ben Nugent, Fisheries Biologist
><> Seacoast Area
Lon Robinson, one of our fish culturists, was kind enough to send me a report of his offshore adventures last week. Thanks Lon!:
“Last Friday two coworkers and I took a break from the rigors of fish culture to brush up on some hook and line sampling with one of the head boat companies. We took to the sea early that morning with a dreary forecast of 3-5 foot seas and rain. Fortunately for us, the weatherman had it all wrong! It was certainly a gray day, but the sea was very calm and we couldn’t ask for better fishing. We all caught plenty of haddock, pollock and even a few cusk. The rest of the boat saw the same with ample catches of haddock. Cod were caught, but most were too short to be kept. We attempted to use jigs with out any luck. Fishing bait (cut clams) right on the bottom was the most successful strategy. Spiny dogfish were certainly around that day, but dropping your bait right to the bottom and keeping it there reduced the chance of hooking up with the pesky dogs. Whales are abundant this time of year and it was evident on our trip. We fished alongside humpbacks, fin whales and minke whales that were feeding heavily on Atlantic herring. A large blue shark even joined the party, taunting fellow anglers as it ripped into fish being brought aboard. With the dog days of summer quickly setting in, a head boat fishing trip certainly abates the doldrums of hot muggy days! With groundfishing still going strong and lots of ocean life abound, it’s a good time to take a ride!” – Becky Heuss, Marine Biologist
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FEDERAL AID IN WILDLIFE AND SPORT FISH AND RESTORATION: A User-Pay, User-Benefit Program. Researching and managing fisheries and teaching people about aquatic ecosystems are funded by your license dollars and by the Federal Aid in Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program. Your purchases of fishing equipment and motorboat fuels make a difference to New Hampshire's fisheries. To learn more: http://www.wildnh.com/SFWR_program/sfwr_program.htm.
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Copyright 2012 New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301. For usage policy, visit http://www.wildnh.com/Inside_FandG/usage_policy.htm. Comments or questions concerning this list should be directed to jane.vachon@wildlife.nh.gov
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NH Weekly Fishing Report – July 12, 2012
Stocking report: http://www.fishnh.com/Fishing/Stocking/current.html. Note that stocking is winding down and is almost done for the season.
Boat Note: The boat access facility on the Connecticut River in Orford, N.H., has been refurbished by Fish and Game and is now open for use.
Find us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/nhfishandgame
Several of our reporters are on vacation, so the report is again a little on the light side this week.
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><> Lakes Region
I had the opportunity to work with fisheries staff recently on small brooks in the central and west regions of the state. These surveys are used to aid towns, planning and conservation commissions, and the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department in determining the extent of brook trout throughout the region. We are collecting baseline data on the streams, which includes morphology of the stream, woody debris, substrate types, water temps and macroinvertebrate composition. It never ceases to amaze me where we find these little brook trout. Water flows now are minimal and a lot of these brooks depend on summer thunderstorms to rejuvenate in-stream conditions. Stoneflies, mayflies, caddis, and crane flies (all larval forms) are common to these brooks. And the most important thing is water temperature; we generally see the cut-off of brook trout habitat as 65 degrees and below. So, when you’re out exploring these wonderful little brooks that dot our state, take a thermometer for a quick check. Remember, these little guys often mature at 5 inches, and a trophy is 8-9 inches! A recent outing on Lake Winnisquam produced a mixed bag for me and fellow biologists Andy Schafermeyer and Ben Nugent. Trolling flies on lead core and a downrigger at 30 feet with a 2-inch Mooselook Wobbler (my favorite) produced white perch, rainbow and lake trout. The rainbow was a tagged Meredith Rotary Derby fish, one of several we’ve caught this year, and it displayed good growth. The white perch were a surprise, caught at 30 feet on the rigger: nice fish, 14 inches or so and fat! The real surprise was after we had landed a rainbow and released it. Getting the motor ready to troll again, Ben started to reel in his line which had drifted down in the water while the rainbow was being played. Upon reeling in his line, Ben announced “I got a fish on”! Well, Andy and I had a blast watching Ben play this fish for what seemed like 20 minutes! Of course both of us chimed in with “he’s at least 10 pounds” which further made Ben really play this fish. At last he came to the net, a nice lake trout, approximately 7 pounds in size! He released well after taking a quick picture. This is the true measure of why I fish, good friends and a little helpful banter when a fish is caught (and sometimes lost)! The thermocline is set up well, so enjoy your big lake fishing for salmon and rainbow and lake trout. Remember these are coldwater fish and make sure you can revive the fish before releasing it, or take it home instead for a fine meal! – Don Miller, Fisheries Biologist
><> Southeast NH/Merrimack Valley
In an effort to evaluate the status of wild brook trout populations in the state we recently surveyed tributary streams within two different watersheds of the Pemigewasset River. With the valuable assistance of volunteers from the Pemigewasset Chapter of Trout Unlimited and some others who were interested in helping us out, we found 13 out of 17 streams as having the presence of wild brook trout. Prior to this, we had a good sense that wild brook trout would likely be present in this area, but now we have information to describe the extent of the population, presence and extent of other fish species and macroinvertebrates, and condition of their habitats. Members from this Trout Unlimited chapter and other volunteers spent over a total of 200 hours helping us complete the surveys in Ashland, Bridgewater, Campton, Plymouth and Rumney. A big thank you to all of those who helped. It appears that the alewives we stocked earlier in the year in Lake Winnisquam successfully reproduced. While fishing here last weekend, we noted the surface "dimpling" with what we expect were young of the year alewives. The schools of small fish rising to the surface were immediately followed by a larger fish jumping through them. White perch, rainbow trout, and smallmouth bass were caught as we trolled through this area. As the summer progresses, we expect these fish to grow, benefiting resident lake species. They will leave during fall rain events and head to the Atlantic Ocean where they will mature and return five years later to the Merrimack River. – Ben Nugent, Fisheries Biologist
><> Seacoast Area
If you have been waiting, now is definitely the time to go fishing on the coast. Striped bass, mackerel, groundfish, squid, bluefish and flounder, what more could you ask for? The dogfish have eased up for the moment and whales have been giving quite a show to the groundfishermen lately as well. The diversity of fishing opportunities right now is ideal, but the hot ticket remains the stripers this year. This past week field staff ran into anglers with keepers from Hampton to Dover. Hilton Park is a popular fishing pier and we often see people catching schoolies and bluefish when they are in the river, but this past week a few keepers were witnessed being landed here using clams. This morning, just around the corner from here while out doing our Juvenile Finfish Survey, I saw a schoolie about 12 to 14 inches chasing Atlantic silversides in the cove next to the General Sullivan Bridge. They really are everywhere this year. – Becky Heuss, Marine Biologist
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FEDERAL AID IN WILDLIFE AND SPORT FISH AND RESTORATION: A User-Pay, User-Benefit Program. Researching and managing fisheries and teaching people about aquatic ecosystems are funded by your license dollars and by the Federal Aid in Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program. Your purchases of fishing equipment and motorboat fuels make a difference to New Hampshire's fisheries. To learn more: http://www.wildnh.com/SFWR_program/sfwr_program.htm.
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Copyright 2012 New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301. For usage policy, visit http://www.wildnh.com/Inside_FandG/usage_policy.htm. Comments or questions concerning this list should be directed to jane.vachon@wildlife.nh.gov
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NH WEEKLY FISHING REPORT – July 5, 2012
Stocking report: http://www.fishnh.com/Fishing/Stocking/current.html. Note that stocking is winding down and will soon be done for the season. Stay tuned! Boat Note: The boat access facility on the Connecticut River in Orford, N.H., has been refurbished by Fish and Game and is now open for use. Summer Fun: Let us help you get those kids outside! We still have space in two sessions for boys and girls at Barry Conservation Camp in Milan, NH. Starting this coming Sunday, July 8-13, our first week is “All about Fishing,” where youth ages 10-16 can get into fishing or sharpen their angling skills. There's also room in “Wild Side II,” July 29-August 3; this is an exciting week of outdoor adventure for youth age 12-16. They'll hike, paddle a remote lake, explore local wildlife, learn outdoor survival skills and more. Sign up at http://extension.unh.edu/4H/4HCamps.htm or contact 4Hcamps@unh.edu or 603-788-4961. Barry Camp is operated by UNH Cooperative Extension 4-H and Fish and Game. Find us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/nhfishandgame
Several of our reporters are on vacation, so the report is a little on the light side this week.
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><> Monadnock/Upper Valley
Last weekend, fellow biologist Gabe Gries and I were fortunate to be invited to Plattsburgh, NY, on Lake Champlain, to assist researchers from the Lake Champlain Research Institute, SUNY Plattsburgh, in a bass-tagging study similar to one we performed on Lake Winnipesaukee in 2008 and 2009. They took their study one step further by surgically implanting radio transmitters into 50 bass, both largemouth and smallmouth, so they can track fish movement after bass tournament weigh-ins via boat and plane. This took place at a Walmart FLW Tour Major event which is a four-day national tournament that consists of professional anglers and co-anglers (252 anglers total). We attended day two of the tournament, when all of the anglers were still competing and there were over 1,000 bass brought to the weigh-in. Researchers intercepted the anglers on the way back to their boats from the weigh-in to take their bag of bass and inquire where on the lake they were fishing. Bass were then measured, tagged, and different fish condition measurements were recorded. Only the bigger, healthiest bass were selected to have radio transmitters surgically implanted, which occurred later in the afternoon. Once researchers processed the bass, they were brought to one of the two live release boats that FLW provides at these events. The boats then drive out to deep water and release the fish. The majority of the professional anglers were traveling 60 miles down to the southern end of the lake in pursuit of largemouth. I was able to pick up on what these guys were doing in order to fill their livewells. The southern end of the lake offers shallow bays with huge grass and weed beds. Most of the anglers were using chatterbaits, swim-jigs, spinnerbaits, and frog imitations. One would think that professional anglers would have some secret lure or location, but that wasn’t the case at all. They were very willing to share where they were and what they were using. Our attendance at this event is pertinent to New Hampshire bass fisheries for a number of reasons. One, it allowed us a first-hand look at fish care techniques during tournament weigh-ins at a national event. Additionally, surgically implanting bass with radio tags was new to us and might be a strategy we use in future bass studies in NH. Researchers also took note of many fish health measures during their assessment of fish that may be added to future studies in NH. Finally, the results of this bass movement study will be a useful comparison to our bass movement study on Lake Winnipesaukee. – Jason Carrier, Fisheries Biologist
><> Seacoast Area
It looks like the bluefish are in early, along with everything else this year. Head boats have begun reporting bluefish schools just offshore. So far, there have been no reports of bluefish landings, but that will change as more anglers realize they have arrived. Remember to use proper gear to target bluefish, such as a wire leader, or they will bite right through your rig. There is no size limit for bluefish, but there is a bag limit of ten fish per day. Another surprise arrival is squid. They are being caught in high numbers from along the coast as they chase the baitfish in. A good time to catch squid is at night time, when the squid congregate under the lights near shore. You can use a sabiki rig to catch them, but a squid jig works best and is barbless so squid are easier to get off the hook. There are no limits to the size or quantity of squid you can keep, which is good because you will need quite a few to make a satisfying meal. One last thing, try to keep your face away from the business end of the squid. Trust me. - Eric Bruestle, Biological Aide
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FEDERAL AID IN WILDLIFE AND SPORT FISH AND RESTORATION: A User-Pay, User-Benefit Program. Researching and managing fisheries and teaching people about aquatic ecosystems are funded by your license dollars and by the Federal Aid in Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program. Your purchases of fishing equipment and motorboat fuels make a difference to New Hampshire's fisheries. To learn more: http://www.wildnh.com/SFWR_program/sfwr_program.htm.
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Copyright 2012 New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301. For usage policy, visit http://www.wildnh.com/Inside_FandG/usage_policy.htm. Comments or questions concerning this list should be directed to jane.vachon@wildlife.nh.gov
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NH WEEKLY FISHING REPORT – June 28, 2012
Stocking report: http://www.fishnh.com/Fishing/Stocking/current.html
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><> North Country
With near-record breaking heat last week, one might expect the fishing to have slowed down. In reality, water temperatures have been holding steady with most of our rivers and streams hovering around 60 degrees. Lakes and ponds are a little warmer, but a consistent rainy pattern has kept them full and cool enough for fish to remain active.
I spent some of last week’s heat wave jigging lake trout with a few fellow biologists in Southwestern NH. We had a lot of fun and landed some really nice fish. Even those anglers without biological training should know how important release methods are on days that it gets near ninety degrees. Fish were handled quickly, kept in the water, and released to retreat to more comfortable temperatures. After a few hours in the boat, three bottles of water, and some sunburn, I opted to head back to northern New Hampshire and find some familiar trout rivers.
I decided to walk into the Connecticut River, leaving the waders in the truck. Just a pair of shorts and some old sneakers did a great job of cooling me down as I casted dry flies at Lyman Falls. Brook trout and browns were rising to a fly called a “stimulator.” This pattern doesn’t resemble anything exactly, but apparently looks enough like a stone fly that three or four fish were fooled into biting. By 8 o’clock, the wind had died down and the heat had subsided. Except for some pesky deer flies, it was the perfect way to end the day. – Andy Schafermeyer, Fisheries Biologist
><> Lakes Region
One of the “perks” of my job is the opportunity to involve myself in so many different aspects of our natural world. I recently spent a day with several Fish and Game folks backpacking Kennebago brook trout fingerlings into beautiful Mountain Pond in Chatham NH. Several days of rains had brought the level of the East Branch of the Saco River up and had turned it a bit silty. As we proceeded up Town Hall road, the East Branch became a smaller mountain stream and cleared up considerably. I might add this is just one of many mountain streams that will afford the adventurous angler a wonderful opportunity to enjoy some great wild brook trout fishing. Remember, a “trophy” brookie in these streams is measured by color and beauty! Due to the effects of tropical storm Irene back in 2011, many roads in the White Mountain National Forest (WMNF) are currently closed to vehicular traffic, and probably will be well into next year. Though vehicular traffic is not allowed on these badly washed-out roads, foot travel and mountain bike use is permitted. Just be careful on bikes, as the sides of many of these roads are washed out. Upon reaching the trailhead, we began to unload the brook trout fingerlings into heavy-duty plastic bags filled with ice-cold water and a shot of pure oxygen. After loading the bags into the backpacks, hikers quickly began the 0.66 mile trek into the pond. Although the water temperature was a bit high on the surface, the fingerlings quickly swam off into the cooler depths. It took eight of us two trips each to stock the full complement of trout fingerlings into the pond (that’s roughly 2.5 miles of hiking per person!). Mountain Pond is the largest pond in the WMNF at 124 acres and is a real gem. There is an Adirondack shelter at one end of the pond. Although not stocked by helicopter, this is truly a remote pond and does grow some nice trout. Congratulations to Craig Borgeson on his awesome catch of a 22.25-lb. lake trout recently. His son, Josh is the foreman at our Milford Fish hatchery, and was the successful “netter” on this giant! Thank goodness Josh didn’t “knock him off” at the boat! – Don Miller, Fisheries Biologist
><> Monadnock/Upper Valley
This week we are helping Trout Unlimited with fish surveys on some small streams in the Ashuelot River Watershed. The goal of these surveys is to document fish species’ presence/absence above and below “problem” culverts that are to be replaced in the coming years. You might be asking yourself right now what a “problem” culvert is. These are culverts that act as barriers to upstream fish (and other aquatic species) movement. The most common reason for this is that the bottom of the culvert is located above the surface of the stream, sometimes as high as three or four feet. Trout Unlimited, The Nature Conservancy, NH Fish and Game, Antioch University and the Ashuelot Valley Environmental Observatory have worked together over the past years to identify which culverts in the Ashuelot River Watershed pose the biggest problem as barriers to movement. The next steps in the process are to identify the culverts that will open up the most habitat when replaced, obtain funding to replace the culverts, and perform pre and post-culvert restoration fish surveys. Fish in question include brook trout, which need to move during some times of the year in order to find adequate habitat to spawn, feed, and overwinter successfully. Other stream fish we will likely be encountering that could be negatively impacted by barriers are common white sucker, blacknose dace, longnose dace and slimy sculpin. – Gabe Gries, Fisheries Biologist
><> Southeast NH/Merrimack Valley
We've completed most of our survey work in the Lower Warner River watershed recently. In an effort to summarize the status of wild brook trout within this watershed, the area was divided up into smaller watersheds and electrofished to determine fish species presence. Water quality metrics (pH, dissolved oxygen, and water temperature), aquatic habitat condition, and macroinvertebrate information was also recorded at each site. Wild brook trout were found at 16 of the 25 survey locations. Some of the streams found to be suitable for wild brook trout were as small as only a few feet wide. These surveys could not have been done without the help of dedicated volunteers who collectively spent over 400 hours in training and survey work. A BIG “thank you” to all those who helped with the survey. We are now heading to central New Hampshire to survey a watershed in the Ashland and Plymouth area. – Ben Nugent, Fisheries Biologist
><> Seacoast Area
Did you know that in state waters there is no minimum length to keep pollock? This is good news for those of you that like this tasty fish and don’t own a boat. Lately, there has been just about as much harbor pollock coming in as mackerel. You can catch these at jetties alongside mackerel and with the same setup; most people who catch them use them for bait, but if you like pollock, why not take them home for dinner? Of course you might need a few of them to fill your plate. – Becky Heuss, Marine Biologist
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FEDERAL AID IN WILDLIFE AND SPORT FISH AND RESTORATION: A User-Pay, User-Benefit Program. Researching and managing fisheries and teaching people about aquatic ecosystems are funded by your license dollars and by the Federal Aid in Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program. Your purchases of fishing equipment and motorboat fuels make a difference to New Hampshire's fisheries. To learn more: http://www.wildnh.com/SFWR_program/sfwr_program.htm.
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Copyright 2012 New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301. For usage policy, visit http://www.wildnh.com/Inside_FandG/usage_policy.htm. Comments or questions concerning this list should be directed to jane.vachon@wildlife.nh.gov
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NH WEEKLY FISHING REPORT – June 14, 2012
Stocking report: www.fishnh.com/Fishing/Stocking/current.html
Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/nhfishandgame
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><> North Country
About two months into the NH fishing season, I have just as many successes as I do failures. Water conditions have been constantly changing and climatic influences have been non-typical and hard to predict. Insect hatches seem to starting a little early and the bass spawning period started early and remained late. With that said, I will offer a few spots worth casting a line at. The Ammonoosuc River from Bretton Woods to Littleton is a great June trout fishery. There are plenty of deep pools and fast runs. Brook trout are being caught at a steady rate and every method seems to be working right now. Worm fishermen are finding aggressive fish, and fly casters are taking advantage of hatching mayflies and caddisflies. With a liberal stocking regime, this waterbody should be fishing well for another few weeks. Mirror Lake in Whitefield and Dummer Pond in Dummer have been providing anglers with holdover fish that are quite large and beautiful. With a fresh stocking last month, these ponds are teeming with fish and every report that I have gotten has been a good one. Partridge Lake in Littleton has also been reported to fish well this spring. Both largemouth and smallmouth seem to have had a few good years there and large fish are common. – Andy Schafermeyer, Fisheries Biologist
><> Lakes Region
Recent rains in the lakes region (nearly 4 inches) have brought lake levels over their normal summer levels. The Winnipesaukee River is running at moderately high flows now, but fishable conditions are just days away as we get back into a calm weather pattern (less rain)! A recent site visit to hydropower stations on the river really opened my eyes to the wonderful tailrace fisheries we have right here in the Lakes Region. The area below Franklin Falls Dam (the last dam on the Winnipesaukee River) looks like great riffle water all the way down behind the high school to the junction with the Pemigewasset River, where the rivers combine to form the mighty Merrimack. Brown and rainbow trout stocked in this section often move upstream into the aforementioned area during high flows. The river in this area is incredibly rich in invertebrates, and baitfish (shiners and minnows) abound. This is a recipe for big trout. The area of the Pemigewasset River from the Rte. 3-11 bridge upstream is catch/release only; single hook lures and flies only. This section of the river can be big and brawling during high flows, but it also holds some big fish. Further upstream on the Winnipesaukee River you have an excellent stretch of water right in the heart of Tilton, and access is good off Route 3. The Lochmere Dam section at the outlet of Lake Winnisquam should continue to produce a variety of fish species under these flows. I have seen fly hatches here that make it difficult to breathe! Caddis and mayflies abound here at dusk, and on cloudy, moist days. And I would be remiss in not mentioning the fishery at Lakeport Dam in Laconia; we have seen landlocked salmon hang out in the outfall of the hydro plant well into June! I have experienced some great bass popping on Lake Winnisquam of late. Small panfish poppers seem to do the trick, fished over rocky and sand flats. The bass are done now in their nest guarding duties, and they are roaming around in search of a meal. I have had some great reports from anglers fishing the White Mountain trout ponds. Working the edges of these ponds with dry flies has been very productive. I have had great success with this technique on Sky and Saltmarsh ponds to name a few. You may just see smaller fish along the edges, so try dredging some nymphs or wooly buggers in deeper water for larger fish. I like a sink-tip line for this, just give the fly several seconds to get down 6-10 feet before slowly stripping the line in. Get out and fish, I know that is my plan! – Don Miller, Fisheries Biologist
><> Monadnock/Upper Valley
This week’s report displays the vast diversity of fisheries present in southwestern NH. With the exception of whitefish and cusk (of which small ones can be caught in some tributaries of the Ashuelot River), every game fish species found in NH can be angled in this corner of the state. A great trout report came in recently from the delayed harvest section of the South Branch of the Piscataquog River in New Boston. This section of the river is open year round, runs from 300 feet upstream of the Lyndeboro Road Bridge and then downstream to the first bridge on Route 13, and gets stocked three times each spring with a generous number of brook, brown and rainbow trout. From June 16 to October 15, the daily limit is five trout or five pounds. From October 16 to June 15, regulations are catch-and-release with single barbless hook artificial lures and flies. The intent of these regulations is as follows: 1) allow for year-round fishing with the catch-and-release portion taking place when water conditions are best for post-release survival, 2) allow both catch-and-release anglers and those looking for a trout dinner to enjoy the same waters, 3) attempt to maintain a fishable population of trout for anglers throughout the year, and 4) allow for harvest during the warmer months. The second report is from a totally different fish species and river. During the past several years, reports of large channel catfish being caught in the Connecticut River have been increasing. These fish are prevalent in the river in both Massachusetts and Connecticut and they appear to be establishing a fishable population in the NH portion of the river. The majority of reports come from below the Vernon Dam (Hinsdale, NH/Vernon, VT), but some anglers are reporting catching them upstream of the Vernon Dam, likely indicating some illegal transfers by anglers. The current state record of 11 lbs 3.52 oz was caught last year in Hinsdale by a young angler. A Vernon resident just brought a 10+ lb channel cat to the office yesterday and said that he has caught some during the past few years in excess of 15 lbs! Channel catfish are not picky eaters and the bigger and smellier the bait the better. Reports indicate that night crawlers and big dead minnows are all you need. – Gabe Gries, Fisheries Biologist
><> Southeast NH/Merrimack Valley
We have initiated our annual surveys to assess the status of wild brook trout at the watershed level. Our first watershed of the year is the Lower Warner watershed in the towns of Hopkinton, Salisbury, Sutton, Warner, and Webster. Before the surveys began, we had no quantitative data to describe the status of wild brook trout in this area. Although we've only spent a few days here, the results thus far indicate some desirable habitat for this species. Without the help of the Basil W. Woods Jr. Chapter of Trout Unlimited and members of the Warner conservation commission and others interested groups, these surveys could not be done. At the same time, American shad are being transferred from the Essex Dam in Lawrence, Mass., to the Merrimack River here in Concord. By the end of this week, if conditions remain suitable, we hope to have over 600 swimming and spawning in Concord. Early this month, staff from NH Fish and Game, NH Department of Environmental Services and the City of Manchester participated in the annual river clean up of McQuesten Pond and McQuesten Brook in Manchester. The health of McQuesten Brook is particularly concerning to us as it is home to a healthy population of wild brook trout. This event was organized by the NH Rivers Council who coordinated volunteers from Anheuser-Busch, Merrimack River Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited, and the Manchester Fly Fishing Association. Despite the event's third year, many hands were still needed to remove litter and other discarded material. Some of the materials removed during the clean up (and properly disposed of) include 20 tires, 42 bags of trash, 2 vehicle gasoline tanks, 1 shopping cart, 1 large aquarium, 1 car bumper, 1 car back seat from a car, 1 recliner, and a washing machine. – Ben Nugent, Fisheries Biologist
><> Seacoast Area
Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) had its annual deep sea fishing trip on Sunday and most of the participants went home with haddock in their coolers. The weather was perfect, and the seas were less than a foot high - unheard of! Each year BOW charters the Yellowbird out of Hampton, NH to provide women the opportunity to fish alongside other women and learn the basics of deep sea fishing. On the two hour steam out to sea the instructors inform the women about the saltwater fishing rules, fisheries management, fish identification, rod and reel operation, and all the essentials. The instructor’s goal is to teach the participants the skills they would need to feel confident to groundfish on their own.
The captain and crew of the Yellowbird are top notch and are extremely accommodating, going out of their way to help each and every angler hone their skills. They were working extra hard because we got into the dogfish. Yes, the bait stealing, line tangling, sandpaper skinned “sharks” are here. We spent a fair amount of time searching for areas without them, but to no avail. On one of our dogfish dodges, the captain came over the loud speaker to inform us of a basking shark off the bow. What a treat! A huge 40-foot basking shark was soaking up the rays, in no hurry whatsoever. Despite the pestering dogfish, it was a great trip and the women went home very excited to cook up their catches for their families! – Jessica Fischer, Marine Biologist
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FEDERAL AID IN WILDLIFE AND SPORT FISH AND RESTORATION: A User-Pay, User-Benefit Program. Researching and managing fisheries and teaching people about aquatic ecosystems are funded by your license dollars and by the Federal Aid in Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program. Your purchases of fishing equipment and motorboat fuels make a difference to New Hampshire's fisheries. To learn more: http://www.wildnh.com/SFWR_program/sfwr_program.htm.
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Copyright 2012 New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301. For usage policy, visit http://www.wildnh.com/Inside_FandG/usage_policy.htm. Comments or questions concerning this list should be directed to jane.vachon@wildlife.nh.gov
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NH WEEKLY FISHING REPORT – June 7, 2012
Stocking report: www.fishnh.com/Fishing/Stocking/current.html
Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/nhfishandgame
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><> North Country
It is hard to believe that we are already heading into June. I consider myself an angler of every season and I still haven’t put away all of my ice fishing gear. My equipment room is a disorganized combination of jigging rods, bait buckets, and now has fresh spinning and bait casting rods mixed in. It seems like the ice had barely disappeared when I started trout and salmon fishing. Shortly after, the bass started biting and the weather beckoned every angler to the water. After a trip to the saltwater last week looking for striped bass, I realized that summer is in full swing. Trout ponds in northern New Hampshire are still fishing very well. Consistent rainfall has kept the water temperatures from rising and trout are comfortable and feeding well. This becomes convenient as insect hatches become more common and greater in density. Small mayfly imitations like blue-winged olives are a great choice in June and I had a great afternoon last week on a pond that gets fingerlings stocked by air. The growth and survival of these fish always amaze me. Rivers and streams have clearly benefited from the same rainfall, with temperatures and levels at a great place for trout fishing. Nash Stream is running just below full-bank, yet the water is clear and fishable. In places like this, I like to revert to my youth and cast Mepps spinners and Rooster Tails downstream to retrieve them through pools. A lightweight spinning rod can offer a vigorous battle with even the smallest fish. Water levels are certain to recede, so take advantage now. – Andy Schafermeyer, Fisheries Biologist
><> Monadnock/Upper Valley
The recent rains in southwestern NH have made stream and river fishing difficult, if not impossible in some areas. Hopefully by this weekend the weather pattern will change and water levels will subside. Trout fishing is on fire right now in the lakes and ponds of the Monadnock Region. Everything has been stocked, some more than once by now, and anglers are reporting good catches. Try Millen Lake (Washington), Granite Lake (Stoddard), and Whittemore Lake (Bennington). We have had some reports from the bass angling community that the fishing has been outstanding. Spofford Lake produced some beautiful 3-4 lb largemouth and smallmouth bass for one of our local anglers on a recent outing. An email from another local bass angler revealed that he fared well at Poole Pond in Rindge, catching several 2-4 lb largemouths. The ticket for him was using chatterbaits and frogs around vegetation edges and flipping tubes around wood and structure. The Rindge/Jaffrey area hosts several lakes and ponds that offer great bass fishing along with panfishing to get the young ones hooked. – Jason Carrier, Fisheries Biologist
><> Southeast NH/Merrimack Valley
Once flows subside, we’ll begin our assessments that summarize the status of wild brook trout at the watershed level. Watersheds – that is, areas drained by a specific river or river system – are broken up into smaller units and electrofished to determine which fish species are present, while noting good habitat features and impacts to fish habitat and water quality. After the field season, we summarize this information and provide the data to local angling groups, conservation commissions, and others who have interest. The intent is to provide those who have interest in good water quality and intact populations of wild brook trout with a tool to take restoring impaired streams and protecting streams in good condition to the next level. Over the years of conducting these surveys, we have found that there is no replacement for having local residents assist us. This gives them first-hand information about the streams in their area, and puts what can be done to restore and protect them into a clearer context. We plan to start with the Lower Warner River watershed next week, move north to the Ashland/Plymouth area in July, and focus on a watershed within the greater Ammonoosuc River watershed in August. Gradually, we have developed an extensive database that can not only summarize the distribution of wild brook trout but other common and rare fish species. – Ben Nugent, Fisheries Biologist
><> Seacoast Area
Last weekend’s weather kept the larger boats either in port or seeking shelter in more protected areas. Some adventurous anglers braved the wet and windy weather and reported catching stripers. Most of these were caught in the Piscataqua from boat anglers, but a few shore fishermen had luck along the riverbank at Pierce Island in Portsmouth. The river herring run has almost come to an end, so expect striped bass to move out of Great Bay’s tributaries. The best places to catch stripers now are in the Piscataqua, the harbors, and along the coast. Prior to the storm, a fellow Fish and Game staffer reported catching a 10-inch schoolie in Little Harbor; this is one of a number of reports this year of very small fish in our waters. So far it sounds like we are going to have another great striper fishing year like we saw back in 2005 and 2006. With the abnormally warm water temperatures this spring, a number of lobstermen along the coast have reported catching black sea bass in their traps. It is not unusual to get some reports of black sea bass in NH, there are generally some caught in the Piscataqua each year. However, large numbers would be a rarity, as we are at the northern most extent of their range. Prior to the storm, there were frequent catches of Atlantic mackerel along the coast and in the river. Great Island Common in New Castle is a great place to catch these mackerel and small pollock. The charter and party boats have been docked for the first part of the week, but this weekend looks like the weather is going to clear. The party boats are now running both full and half days, and night trips are starting soon as well. Here’s the current list of licensed charter and party boats: http://www.wildnh.com/marine/charter.html – Becky Heuss, Marine Biologist
><> Lakes Region
No report from the Lakes Region this week.
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FEDERAL AID IN WILDLIFE AND SPORT FISH AND RESTORATION: A User-Pay, User-Benefit Program. Researching and managing fisheries and teaching people about aquatic ecosystems are funded by your license dollars and by the Federal Aid in Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program. Your purchases of fishing equipment and motorboat fuels make a difference to New Hampshire's fisheries. To learn more: http://www.wildnh.com/SFWR_program/sfwr_program.htm.
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Copyright 2012 New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301. For usage policy, visit http://www.wildnh.com/Inside_FandG/usage_policy.htm. Comments or questions concerning this list should be directed to jane.vachon@wildlife.nh.gov
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NH Weekly Fishing Report – May 31, 2012
Stocking report: www.fishnh.com/Fishing/Stocking/current.html
FREE FISHING DAY is THIS SATURDAY! - June 2, 2012: http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Newsroom/News_2012/news_2012_Q2/free_fishing_day_041712.html
Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/nhfishandgame
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><> North Country
June presents an unusual paradox for New Hampshire anglers. The weather is picture perfect, with warm days, cool nights, and plenty of daylight hours in between. The only negative variable in this equation is the insects that spring to life in these conditions. After a particularly successful evening on a trout pond Saturday, I had more black flies stuck in my hair than flies in my fly-box. Mosquitoes dined on my arms while I was tying knots, and landing a fish was a daunting task as I tried to do so while slapping at hungry deer flies. I suppose that, without insects and their sometimes inconvenient life cycles, fishing may not be the intriguing sport that it is. Mixed in with the no-see-ums are the caddis flies and mayflies that trigger aggressive trout strikes. For every application of bug spray, there are even doses of dry fly floatant. Biting insects are almost always aquatic at some point in their development and trout have no hesitation eating black fly or mosquito larvae. When they hatch in great densities, a fly-fisherman can be less than perfect when choosing an imitation. Pheasant tail nymphs will resemble an emerging insect closely enough to fool a trout that is gorging itself. There is no magical time of day when biting insects take a break. An angler is a constant target and, sometimes, the only cure is landing a beautiful fish and forgetting the bugs. – Andy Schafermeyer, Fisheries Biologist
><> Lakes Region
A recent trip on Lake Winnisquam produced a couple small lake trout, it certainly didn’t help that a southeast wind was present that morning. I noticed a great deal of “junk” floating on the lake’s surface, by junk, I mean tree pollen, and flowers from assorted trees. It meant that lines had to be cleaned frequently of this debris. I noticed some male smallmouth bass still sitting on nests; the eggs should be hatching any day now as the lake temperature is near 68 degrees. The flow at Lakeport Dam is approximately 800 cfs (cubic feet per second), and this means there are still good opportunities at fishing the Winnipesaukee River in Laconia, and at Lochmere Dam, at the outlet of Winnisquam. Fisheries biologists Matt Carpenter and Ben Nugent are nearing the end of stocking river herring into Lake Winnisquam. We will monitor the progress of this species, as the YOY (young-of-the-year) alewives grow throughout the summer and into the fall as they prepare to leave the system on their journey back to the Atlantic Ocean. Aerial pond stocking will occur the week of June 11. JBI Helicopter Services of Pembroke, NH will again be guiding us across the landscape as we stock fingerling Kennebago strain brook trout into 48 remote, high elevation ponds. Approximately 110,000 fingerlings are stocked in this one-day event. If you have never fished these ponds, you are missing out on some fantastic fishing, in remote, wilderness settings. Don’t forget that this Saturday, June 2, is free fishing day in New Hampshire. Take advantage of this day with a friend and enjoy the wonderful outdoor opportunities we have here. – Don Miller, Fisheries Biologist
><> Monadnock/Upper Valley
Water temperatures in our local trout ponds are more like mid-June than the end of May. Fishing at Dublin Lake last week showed a surface temperature of 69 degrees! Despite these earlier than normal warm temperatures, reports I have been getting point to good trout fishing. The Cold and Ashuelot rivers have been stocked heavily with brook, brown and rainbow trout. Anglers are taking notice -- and are also taking home some heavy stringers in the past week. Beard’s Brook in Hillsborough is also producing some nice catches of rainbow and brook trout. Don’t forget about the area where Beard’s Brook and the North Branch meet in Hillsborough by the Chinese restaurant, as this area has always produced a few nice trout for me. Anglers have been having good luck on these streams using Powerbait, worms, and small inline spinners such as Mepps and Rooster Tails. For ponds, both Gustin (Marlow) and Newell Pond (Alstead) are producing some excellent brook trout, as is Smith Pond (Washington). Whittemore Lake (Bennington) has been giving up some fat rainbow and brook trout as well. A friend of mine relayed to me that the last couple weeks at Willard Pond (Antrim; fly fishing only) have been great. As he put it, “emerging insects, a North wind, and hungry trout make for a great combination on Willard.” There have also been some big smallmouth bass caught in Willard during the past week or so. Finally, I received a report that anglers are already starting to catch walleye in the Connecticut River by trolling large crankbaits such as Reef Runners. – Gabe Gries, Fisheries Biologist
><> Southeast NH/Merrimack Valley
Anadromous fish species have begun to appear at the fish lift at the Essex Dam in Lawrence, Massachusetts. Already around 100 Atlantic salmon and 5,000 American shad have been counted at the fishway. Once our efforts to transfer river herring to Winnisquam Lake are over, we will begin moving American shad from Lawrence upstream to the Merrimack River in the Boscawen/Concord area. The same principles associated with transferring adult river herring are found with the movement of American shad. The mature adults trapped at lower sections of the Merrimack River will be trucked to more ideal spawning habitat upstream. The adults will leave shortly after spawning, while the hatched juveniles will spend the summer months in this stretch of river before returning to the Atlantic in the early fall. The juveniles will be utilized as a seasonal forage source in the river, benefitting several different sport fishes. – Ben Nugent, Fisheries Biologist
><> Seacoast Area
Well, the groundfishing has been slow this past week, but as the river herring runs slow, stripers are moving back down river and anglers are catching stripers in the Piscataqua and the bay. Mackerel are being brought in by the cooler full, most of these coming from the Piscataqua as well.
Winter flounder have had a really slow season so far, and it doesn’t seem to be picking up. One of our biologists took a flounder trip this past weekend down in Rye Harbor; he fished for 4 hours and only got 1 bite. I guess any day where you get to bring home dinner can be considered successful, even if it is a little disappointing. – Becky Heuss, Marine Biologist
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FEDERAL AID IN WILDLIFE AND SPORT FISH AND RESTORATION: A User-Pay, User-Benefit Program. Researching and managing fisheries and teaching people about aquatic ecosystems are funded by your license dollars and by the Federal Aid in Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program. Your purchases of fishing equipment and motorboat fuels make a difference to New Hampshire's fisheries. To learn more: http://www.wildnh.com/SFWR_program/sfwr_program.htm.
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Copyright 2012 New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301. For usage policy, visit http://www.wildnh.com/Inside_FandG/usage_policy.htm. Comments or questions concerning this list should be directed to jane.vachon@wildlife.nh.gov
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NH WEEKLY FISHING REPORT – May 24, 2012
Stocking report: www.fishnh.com/Fishing/Stocking/current.html
FREE FISHING DAY is June 2, 2012: http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Newsroom/News_2012/news_2012_Q2/free_fishing_day_041712.html
Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/nhfishandgame
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><> North Country
The middle of May can be a great time for New Hampshire anglers to maximize opportunity. Water temperatures are still cool, levels are high, and fish are everywhere. Trout are biting and bass are either spawning or protecting nests. I like to fish several waterbodies in the North Country that provide both trout and bass fisheries. These “two-tier” fisheries allow both types of fish to thrive and create some unique opportunities. Put-and-take trout fisheries such as those at Mirror Lake in Whitefield and Martin Meadow Pond in Lancaster are at their best right now. Fishing from a boat allows you to cover a lot of water and finding fish should be easy – keep trolling around until you find that desired depth, cover, or temperature. There are so many rigs designed for trolling that you can keep changing until you find what they are looking for. As mentioned, these same waterbodies offer exciting bass fishing. Those fish that are in some stage of spawning can be caught on heavy baits like tubes or jigs. Those bass that are feeding are taking advantage of the warming waters by gobbling up plastic baits and deep running crank baits. This window of trout and bass fishing on the same water in the same day may not last much longer, so get out and give it a try!
><> Lakes Region
Summer is just around the corner and the lakes are heating up. Lake Winnipesaukee water temp is 61 degrees, with smaller ponds and lakes nearing the mid-sixties. We recently electroshocked a small lakes-region lake and found largemouth bass and sunfish guarding their nests. It looks like our catch-and-release season will offer protection to these nesting bass this year.
Lake Winnisquam received another stocking of river herring this week, approximately 4,100 herring were stocked into the Winnipesaukee River in Laconia. It will be interesting to monitor the juvenile growth over the course of the summer, and to see what effect this new forage item will have on our resident fish species. While at the river a day or two ago, there were a few white perch fishermen still trying their luck. The perch run is winding down now.
Last weekend saw the 30th annual Winni Derby held on Lake Winnipesaukee. The weather was great, maybe a little too hot and not nearly enough chop on the water, but anglers were still successful in bringing in quite a number of landlocked salmon and lake trout. The winning salmon weighed 5.42 pounds, while a 9.18-pound lake trout took top honors in that category. The three-year-old salmon looked good, most were right around 20 inches and 2.9 pounds in size. This is the year-class that will fuel the fishery this summer and fall. As always, refer to the “salmon angler pledge” and tips for safe release of salmon. http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Fishing/salmon_anglers_pledge.html Remember, this is a finite fishery, which exhibits a lot of fishing pressure. It is up to us, the anglers who enjoy this fishery, to protect it for future generations.
Trout fishing is at peak now, in terms of water temperatures and insect hatches. Trout ponds are producing well, with mayflies starting to appear, along with lots of caddis. – Don Miller, Fisheries Biologist
><> Monadnock/Upper Valley
It was a beautiful spring day and we decided to take the canoe out for a little paddle, but I also wanted to go someplace where I could catch a few trout for a meal. NH Fish and Game stocks trout in select marshes and small rivers that are great for a springtime fish and paddle. I like these places because you can paddle around and fish without getting blown around in the wind too much. I typically go to the Contoocook River for my spring fish and paddle, but this time I wanted to try a local marsh, which is actually a dammed-up section of a stream that is managed for waterfowl. I keep it very simple when fishing for stocked trout. I use a medium-light spinning rod and for lures I use in-line spinners and small spoons. We paddled the marsh, taking our time and staying in the stream channel while fishing. At the end of the day we had enough brook trout for a meal, and saw what these waterfowl impoundments do: produce waterfowl. We saw a lot of birds, including blue-wing teal, wood duck, American black duck, mallard, and Canada geese. – Jason Carrier, Fisheries Biologist
><> Southeast NH/Merrimack Valley
Due to our efforts with river herring transfers to Winnisquam Lake and assisting the Region 2 staff at the Winni Derby over the past week, this report will be short. We are well underway stocking spawning river herring (primarily alewives) from coastal Maine rivers into Lake Winnisquam. By Friday of this week, we expect to have stocked about 20,000 herring into this tributary water of the Merrimack River. This leaves one remaining trip to reach out target goal of 24,000 herring or about 6 fish per acre. – Ben Nugent, Fisheries Biologist
><> Seacoast Area
Mackerel have made their way into the river and anglers are catching them from shore and boat alike. There are a few choice spots along the Piscataqua and just south to Little Harbor that are perfect for catching mackerel. Starting in Portsmouth, take a trip down toward Prescott Park and turn onto Mechanic Street, continue out to Pierce Island down past the public pool, try the Piscataqua River bank just past the pool. There is ample parking and if the shoreline here becomes crowded you can always backtrack a few hundred yards and try your luck on Four Tree Island. Moving down the coast, most of our recent reports have come from the bridges between Portsmouth and New Castle along Route 1B. There is a small parking area here at Goat Island and there is plenty of space to fly fish from the shore, the majority of mackerel caught here are from the bridges. Continuing along Route 1B you will pass Great Island Common; this is a large park with a beach area and a small jetty that looks out at the mouth of the Piscataqua. This can be a very productive spot for mackerel. There is a small fee for non-New Castle residents, but it is a great area if you are bringing your family along. The next stop is minutes down the road: turn onto Wild Rose Lane, this will bring you out to Fort Stark. If you walk past the fort, there’s a jetty that separates Little Harbor from the Atlantic. You can find mackerel and harbor pollock here, as well as bluefish and stripers in season. If you look across Little Harbor, you will see our last stop, Odiorne Point Jetty. To get to Odiorne Point, go south on Route 1A; just before you hit the coast, you will find a boat launch on the left and then the Seacoast Science Center just past it. You can start your walk from either point. It is a little bit of a hike in, but there are trails to follow. This spot is much like the Fort Stark Jetty across the harbor - mackerel, pollock, bluefish and stripers are common species caught off of these rocks. As with any shore fishing in saltwater, you want to be aware of the tide, generally the incoming tide is the best time to fish. Mackerel can be caught on most small lures, but diamond jigs and sabiki rigs are most effective. If the forecast doesn’t change too much, we are in store for another beautiful weekend, so get out and go fishing! – Becky Heuss, Marine Biologist
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FEDERAL AID IN WILDLIFE AND SPORT FISH AND RESTORATION: A User-Pay, User-Benefit Program. Researching and managing fisheries and teaching people about aquatic ecosystems are funded by your license dollars and by the Federal Aid in Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program. Your purchases of fishing equipment and motorboat fuels make a difference to New Hampshire's fisheries. To learn more: http://www.wildnh.com/SFWR_program/sfwr_program.htm.
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Copyright 2012 New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301. For usage policy, visit http://www.wildnh.com/Inside_FandG/usage_policy.htm. Comments or questions concerning this list should be directed to jane.vachon@wildlife.nh.gov
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NH WEEKLY FISHING REPORT – May 17, 2012
Stocking report: http://www.fishnh.com/Fishing/Stocking/current.html
FREE FISHING DAY is June 2, 2012: http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Newsroom/News_2012/news_2012_Q2/free_fishing_day_041712.html
Find us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/nhfishandgame
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><> Lakes Region
After a pleasant, sunny weekend the Lakes Region plunged back into a prolonged rain event! The Lake Winnipesaukee lake level is now over full pool, and there are currently increased flows at the Lakeport and Lochmere dams on Winnipesaukee and Winnisquam, respectively. These flows have really brought the white perch into the Winnipesaukee River on Lake Winnisquam. I wouldn’t be surprised to also see some rainbows moving into the river too. On May 10, fisheries biologists Matt Carpenter and Ben Nugent transferred approximately 2000 river herring (alewives) into the Winnipesaukee River in Laconia. These alewives were trucked form our seacoast Cocheco River in Fish and Game’s “shad truck.” It is hoped that this re-introduction of alewives into Lake Winnisquam will help increase the returns of herring to the Merrimack River, and provide forage for bass and rainbow trout in Winnisquam. May 15 was the start of the catch and release season for bass, and will continue through June 15. John Viar and I recently tried to obtain a sample of largemouth bass from nearby Wicwas Lake, and were very surprised to see the lack of nesting bass along the shoreline. Water temperature was 58 degrees, but a cold front that pushed through the area after the last bout of rain evidently has delayed nesting activity in the area. Generally, bass are well on their beds at this time. Small brooks and streams have great flows now, and stocking has occurred on just about every water managed for trout. The larger rivers, like the Pemigewasset for instance, will need to drop a bit to fishable levels; this will happen quickly with a forecast of better weather for the next several days. I had a chance to fish a local fly-fishing-only pond and had a great time with some great looking brook trout. Brisk winds and early morning temps in the 30s kept fly hatches to a minimum, but one sheltered corner of the pond produced a hatch of blue-winged olive mayflies that turned the trout on for a period of time. Again, small midges were present and the occasional trout would sip them off the surface, but these trout were hard to pattern with our offerings. Look for plenty of anglers this weekend as the 30th annual Winni Derby is held on Lake Winnipesaukee, May 18-20. Water temps are good for the salmon bite, and the weather looks promising. Good luck to all the anglers, young and older, enjoy the time on the water! – Don Miller, Fisheries Biologist
><> Monadnock/Upper Valley
This has been a spring of frustrating outboard motor repairs for me that has kept me from my traditional early season bass fishing. Last weekend I found myself waiting for parts in the mail and itching to get out and do some fishing. I decided to do something that I haven’t done since I was a kid fishing with my friend and his father up in Berlin, in the area referred to as Kilkenny on the Upper Ammonusuc River: what we called “brook fishing.” I decided to fish close to home in the area of Hancock, where there are plenty of streams to choose from. I grabbed an old rod that didn’t matter if it got banged around sneaking through the brush, some worm hooks, small split shot, worms, knee boots, my lab Drake, and off we went with minimal preparation and little gear. I started fishing at a stream crossing and worked my way downstream. It didn’t take long for me to start catching wild brook trout from three to six inches long. Eventually the stream brought me to some beaver flowages that intercepted another stream. I worked my way upstream of the next stream, finding places where I could fish the small beaver ponds. There were a lot of trout, most were too small for me to hook, but I did catch several. The best part of my day was catching a beautiful and very healthy tiger trout, a first for me. This just goes to show that you don’t need a boat or fancy gear to get out and enjoy the fishing opportunities that we have here in the Granite State. – Jason Carrier, Fisheries Biologist
><> Southeast NH/Merrimack Valley
An argument can be made that this time of year is the busiest time for shoreline fish activity. The water temperatures of our lakes and ponds in southeastern New Hampshire have reached the mid-60s this week and will likely climb given the warm weather forecasted for the weekend. A recent boat electrofishing survey showed several different fish species utilizing shoreline habitat features for spawning, while others used the same features as ambush points to capitalize on this vulnerable stage to feed. The haphazard progression from late winter to spring to early summer, back to early spring, and then back to early summer conditions observed this year have seemed to alter some normal spawning calendars and now have caused several different species to flood the shorelines at the same time. For sunfish species like bluegills, pumpkinseeds, and red-breasted sunfish, spawning activity is well underway and visible by their colony nests providing a contrasting white color to the normally dark shallows. The males of these species go to extensive efforts to clear off proportionally large areas free of detritus, leaving a circular nest that appeal to a female. At this same time, largemouth bass seem to use somewhat less visible nesting sites with minimal to moderate detritus removal occurring, while taking advantage of protective features offered by shorelines. It is not uncommon for male largemouth bass to stake all their hopes in spawning in close proximity to or within fallen trees and their branches, beaver caches, dense emerging aquatic vegetation and manmade structures. During a typical year, yellow perch spawning is all said and done by now, but variations in weather patterns this year has stalled some from returning back to moderate depths. The key to finding large schools of yellow perch is dense vegetation or a freshly fallen tree where most of its branches are still present. The habitat complexities offered by these two components are very appealing to this species. These same areas are often utilized by black crappie for a staging ground before spawning. During our recent survey, we found large schools of black crappie of various sizes. In other locations, which is normally observed in June, we found smaller groups of males or solitary male black crappie holding their ground, presumably already protecting fertilized eggs. These nests tend to be along shallow point extensions and less visible or contrasting to the natural lake bottom. – Ben Nugent, Fisheries Biologist
><> Seacoast Area
This year is going to be one for the record books. So far the river herring run in the Lamprey River has surpassed the highest recorded yearly returns since the fish ladder was constructed to allow for passage of anadromous fish. It is looking like this may be a great year for striped bass fishing as well. We are already seeing them in good numbers up in the rivers at the heads-of-tide where they are gorging themselves on the bountiful herring. So far anglers have been having luck with live herring and lures such as poppers, just remember that Wednesdays are closed to the taking of river herring everywhere and the Squamscott River has special rules for river herring (http://www.eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/saltwater/special-river-restrictions). There are a number of good fishing spots to catch striped bass this time of year; a boardwalk in downtown Exeter right next to the Philips Exeter boat house is a prime location. This is at the head-of-tide just below where river herring pool up below the dam and it is an excellent spot to spend a tide fishing. Other spots include the river bank in downtown Newmarket, just behind the mill buildings; and Henry Law Park in Dover. For those of you without a boat, this is the most productive time of year for striper fishing, before they move seaward. – Becky Heuss, Marine Biologist
><> North Country
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FEDERAL AID IN WILDLIFE AND SPORT FISH AND RESTORATION: A User-Pay, User-Benefit Program. Researching and managing fisheries and teaching people about aquatic ecosystems are funded by your license dollars and by the Federal Aid in Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program. Your purchases of fishing equipment and motorboat fuels make a difference to New Hampshire's fisheries. To learn more: http://www.wildnh.com/SFWR_program/sfwr_program.htm.
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News from the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department 3/23/2012
Phone: (603) 271-3211
Email: info@wildlife.nh.gov
For information and online licenses, visit http://www.wildnh.com
News from the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department Phone: (603) 271-3211 Email: info@wildlife.nh.gov For information and online licenses, visit http://www.wildnh.com
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CONTACT: Don Miller: (603) 744-5470 John Viar: (603) 744-5470 Jane Vachon: (603) 271-3211 March 23, 2012
APRIL 1 OPENING DAY FOR N.H. LANDLOCKED SALMON/LAKE TROUT FISHING
CONCORD, N.H. -- Anglers are expected to be out in force on April 1 for the start of the open-water fishing season on landlocked salmon/lake trout-managed lakes in New Hampshire. After an exceptionally mild winter, there will be vast amounts of open water in the lakes region of New Hampshire for early season landlocked salmon anglers. Because of the much-reduced snowpack, river flows should also be excellent for early April fishing. Fall netting results reveal a strong age-3 year-class of salmon, which will dominate the catch. "The mild winter kept ice-fishing pressure low, and this will likely translate to better opportunities for the open water angler," said N.H. Fish and Game Large Lakes Biologist Don Miller. New Hampshire Fish and Game manages 15 lakes for landlocked salmon: Big Dan Hole Pond, First and Second Connecticut Lakes, Conway Lake, Lake Francis, Merrymeeting Lake, Newfound Lake, Ossipee Lake, Big and Little Squam Lakes, Sunapee Lake, Lake Winnipesaukee, Winnisquam Lake, and Nubanusit Lake. Pleasant Lake in New London also is managed for landlocked salmon, but is classified as a trout pond, with a 2012 opening date of April 28. Anglers should seek out high-flow areas in the Winnipesaukee River system, which drives the early season salmon fisheries in Winnipesaukee, Opechee, Winnisquam and Silver lakes, for a chance at “drop-down” salmon (and rainbow trout). Traditional areas include the Lakeport Dam/Opechee Lake, the Winnipesaukee River through Laconia to Dixon Point at Lake Winnisquam, and Lochmere Dam at Silver Lake. The Newfound River in Bristol offers great fly-fishing-only water that can often produce drop-down rainbows and salmon. Additionally, several popular Winnipesaukee shore fishing locations exist at the Merrymeeting River (fly-fishing-only, barbless, catch and release), and the mouth of the Merrymeeting River as it enters Alton Bay, downstream of the famous stone arch bridge. Other good sites to visit include the Weirs Channel in Laconia, Long Island Bridge in Moultonborough, Governors Island Bridge in Gilford, Smith River inlet at Wolfeboro Bay, and Meredith and Center Harbor town docks. At these locations, everything from smelt, shiners and worms under a slip bobber to small jigs will take salmon, as well as rainbow trout. This time of year, salmon are successfully caught by trolling with everything from spoons (such as DB Smelt, Sutton, Mooselook, Top Gun, and Smelt Gun) to traditional streamer flies (for example, Maynard’s Marvel, Pumpkinhead, Mickey Finn, Joe’s Smelt, and the countless Grey Ghost variations), and an early season favorite, live smelt or shiners. Most early season fish are caught from the surface to about 15 feet down, with everything from planer board set-ups to the simplest of monofilament flat lines 50-150 feet behind the boat. When the wind kicks in, drifting live smelt or shiners in the waves can be highly effective. Since 2011, only single hooks for bait while trolling are allowed on certain salmon/lake trout lakes, including Squam, Newfound, Sunapee, Winnipesaukee and Winnisquam lakes. Please refer to the 2012 N.H. Freshwater Fishing Digest for a complete list of waters. To ensure the future of high-quality landlocked salmon fisheries, anglers must take extra care when releasing salmon, as the percentage of hook-wounded fish continues to be a problem. Hook wounded/scarred fish are significantly shorter and poorer in body condition than non-hook-wounded counterparts of the same age. Using rubber nets and proper release techniques (for example, don’t “shake” fish off the hook) -- and releasing lightly hooked healthy salmon, while choosing to harvest previously hook-wounded fish – are ways to minimize the negative effects of hook wounding, thereby increasing the number of trophy salmon available in the future. To that end, N.H. Fish and Game is encouraging anglers to take the Landlocked Salmon Anglers’ Pledge, a cooperative, volunteer effort to help sustain quality landlocked salmon fisheries in New Hampshire’s large lakes. Learn more at http://www.fishnh.com/Fishing/salmon_anglers_pledge.html
N.H. fishing licenses can be purchased online at http://www.fishnh.com, or from any Fish and Game license agent. Annual resident fishing licenses are $35. Resident one-day licenses are just $10. Annual nonresident fishing licenses are $53. One-, three- and seven-day nonresident licenses are also available.
Reel in lots more information on fishing in New Hampshire, from depth maps to tackle tips -- and download the 2012 N.H. Freshwater Fishing Digest -- at http://www.fishnh.com/pubs/fishing.html.
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NH Weekly Fishing Report – September 16, 2011
Good morning, fishing fans – we’ve got 3 regional reports today. This is probably the last fishing report for the spring/summer season, so ... thanks for reading, have a wonderful autumn, and we’ll check in with you during ice-fishing time! For more NH fish and fishing info all year long, follow us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/nhfishandgame. (You don't need to be a Facebook user to see our stuff!)
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><> Lakes Region/White Mountains
The recent rains in the lakes region have not affected the fishing for salmonid species at all. A recent trip on Lake Winnisquam produced some fantastic lake trout fishing! Again, the pattern of close trolling to shoreline, in water less than 50 feet deep, produced multiple catches of nice lake trout. Only a handful of trout were sublegal (under 18 inches), while most were 20 inches or better. The downrigger proved to be very important in regulating the depth (very quickly), as the bottom near shore consists of humps that rise up 20 feet in some cases. Baitfish pods were evident along the shore, again I think most were young-of-the-year white perch, with some smelt schools also evident. Lure size is critical, with the small (2-inch) Mooselook wobblers producing the majority of fish. We didn’t try flies, but I bet a small white streamer would also do the trick. We fished near numerous loons, with one brave soul approaching the boat within 15 feet! I always keep a lookout for waterfowl, such as mergansers, cormorants and loons, they reveal where the baitfish are congregating.
I’ll be fishing a bit more in the weeks to come, some trips to Winnipesaukee to try for salmon, and definitely a couple trips on Winnisquam, looking for that big laker!
The river flows south of the White Mountains are great now, and brook trout will be spawning soon in these areas. It’s a great time to get out and enjoy these days of early fall, for they will not last very long. - Don Miller, Regional Fisheries Biologist
><> Southeast NH/Merrimack Valley
We have been busy evaluating Atlantic salmon parr survival and growth throughout the Merrimack and Connecticut watersheds. Perhaps the biggest obstacle this year is trying to plan around the weather and high flows. High flows with increased turbidity can make electrofishing very difficult to see fish when they are temporarily immobilized. As the field season winds down, we still hope to continue looking for wild brook trout populations in the southeastern part of the state, particularly within the Lamprey River watershed, before we shift gears and focus on the fall netting season in the lakes region.
Our need to collect more information on the round whitefish, a fish species of concern, took us out of southern New Hampshire this week. Recent records indicate the species may only be present in Newfound Lake and upper reaches of the Connecticut River. While we have been able to find an effective way to sample the species on Newfound Lake, the population in the Connecticut River presented more challenges. Through the use of boat electrofishing, we were able to capture close to 30 juveniles and adults within the stretch of river between Colebrook and West Stewartstown. As a bonus, we were also able to capture a 22-inch-long brown trout adorned in a great example of spawning colors. In the future, we hope to radio tag these whitefish to determine what seasonal habitats they prefer as well as the areas they tend to avoid. This information will be invaluable to the future sustainability of the species. – Ben Nugent, Regional Fisheries Biologist
><> Seacoast Area
This past weekend I decided to poke around Rye Harbor using a snorkel, just to see what I could see. I entered the water at slack high tide over by the boat ramp at the marina and made my way to the jetty at the state park. The visibility was good, down to about 15 feet. There were no winter flounder to be seen; these most likely abandoned the harbor a while ago due to the warmer water temps in the shallows. To my surprise, I did see a school of stripers! About halfway through my journey, I observed about 15 to 20 of them - mostly schoolies, but there were a couple that appeared to be of legal size. As I continued on, they were following me! I noticed a few anglers on the jetty and decided to take advantage of the fishes’ behavior, bringing them right to the anglers; unfortunately as we neared the jetty the stripers wised up and moved into deeper waters. Strangely, I did not see any baitfish around; the stripers must have been attracted into the harbor by the commercial boats.
Striper fishing has picked up in recent days. Anglers are reporting catching them in the rivers, bay, and ocean side. Most of these fish are being caught with live mackerel, which are also still available just outside the river. A growing number of people are fly fishing for stripers; it is becoming increasingly popular to fly fish off of bridges, just dropping the fly into the water, no casting involved.
Groundfishing is still decent, boats coming in from Jeffreys Ledge report good catches of pollock and haddock. A few of my colleagues also had luck out at Old and New Scantum at the beginning of September. - Robert Eckert, Marine Biologist FEDERAL AID IN WILDLIFE AND SPORT FISH AND RESTORATION: A User-Pay, User-Benefit Program. Researching and managing fisheries and teaching people about aquatic ecosystems are funded by your license dollars and by the Federal Aid in Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program. Your purchases of fishing equipment and motorboat fuels make a difference to New Hampshire's fisheries. To learn more: http://www.wildnh.com/SFWR_program/sfwr_program.htm.
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Copyright 2011 New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301. Comments or questions concerning this list should be directed to jane.vachon@wildlife.nh.gov.
NH Weekly Fishing Report – September 9, 2011
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><> North Country
As I stood in the Ammonoosuc River yesterday, I watched leaves float by and stick to the rocks. I can't honestly tell whether they had fallen because it is mid-September or because the rain and wind have been knocking them down. Northern New Hampshire has been a dynamic place concerning the weather of the last few weeks and it has been hard to get any fishing in. Water levels are constantly changing and the heavy rain is causing temperatures to fluctuate wildly. I look forward to fishing some remote trout ponds over the next few weeks, and I'm not sure what to expect. Trio Ponds and Whitcomb Pond in the Nash Stream headwaters can both be awesome places to spend a September afternoon. I also hope to out-smart some brown trout in Connecticut River pool habitats around Stratford and Columbia. I will also make an effort to hit a few of our local bass ponds before the end of the month. I have had some great fall days on Forest Lake in Whitefield. I will approach my tackle choice as an effort to explore as much of the water column as I need to find fish. Plastic baits fished as a drop shot or Texas-rigged will get me to the deep water. A suspending jerk bait or slow-moving crank bait will cover water from 10 to 20 feet deep. I will also throw spinner baits and floating stick baits in shallower water. As mentioned, the goal is to cover varying depths. With all of these approaches, it makes me feel less guilty when I spend the winter buying fishing gear. – Andy Schafermeyer, Regional Fisheries Biologist
><> Lakes Region/White Mountains
We continue to experience high lake levels in the lakes region. Both Winnipesaukee and Winnisquam are above full-pool levels. The salmon bite continues to be excellent in Winnipesaukee, with the strong two-year-old age class of salmon predominant in the catch. The water temperature has stabilized at 70 degrees, so the thermocline is still down a good 35 feet at least. This is not to say that you won’t find the occasional rainbow feeding near the surface in the early morning hours. Big Squam is slow, with an occasional trophy salmon caught after several hours of fishing, but isn’t that the way a trophy fishery operates? In New Hampshire we are blessed with 15 landlocked salmon lakes to chase these beauties, and each lake brings a different fishery and attitude to the table for our anglers. Ossipee Lake is often overlooked, but we have had reports of some decent two-year olds and an occasional big brown trout (dropdown from the Bearcamp River) being caught. A little further north is Conway Lake, a real North Country gem, with tea-stained water and some nice salmon lurking in this moderately deep (50 feet) lake. Winnisquam continues to produce some nice lake trout for me and my fishing companions. The same pattern holds true - small Mooselook wobblers are just the ticket as these trout are feeding heavily on young-of-the-year white perch, along the eastern shoreline in 40-50 feet of water. Definitely try some close shoreline trolling in the vicinity of the streams and brooks, which are flowing heavily into our lakes now. A recent trip up north has revealed dropping stream water levels to the point where angling is more feasible now. Try the deeper pools, where many fish may have taken refuge during our recent heavy rain events. The Pemigewasset River is good now, water clarity has improved greatly, and conditions are excellent, especially in the Bristol/New Hampton areas. Get out and fish now, the season closes for salmon on September 30! - Don Miller, Regional Fisheries Biologist
><> Monadnock/Upper Valley
In the next several weeks, we will be conducting our annual young-of-the-year (YOY) bass surveys. These electrofishing boat surveys target largemouth and smallmouth bass that were hatched this spring. Surveys are conducted on Spofford Lake, Big Squam Lake, Lake Winnipesaukee, Forest Lake (Whitefield), and two sections of the Connecticut River (Claremont and Hinsdale). The same areas of each waterbody are sampled each year, allowing us to determine year-class strength as well as fish size, species composition, and to track how these factors change from year to year within a waterbody and also how they change within a year from north to south within the state. These samples are important in that documenting a poor (or good) year-class will help us to predict and/or explain good or poor fishing success in the future. For example, a poor year-class of smallmouth bass in Spofford Lake in 2011 would help explain angler dissatisfaction with the fishery in seven to eight years as that year-class reach a size that most anglers wish to catch. Additionally, over-winter survival of YOY bass during their first winter has been shown to be positively related to their length in fall; examining YOY bass size also helps allow us to predict future success of a particular year-class. – Gabe Gries, Regional Fisheries Biologist
><> Southeast NH/Merrimack Valley
Sorry folks, no report this week. – Ben Nugent, Regional Fisheries Biologist
><> Seacoast Area
Stripers are few and far between these days. While you wait for their fall migration to begin, you will have more luck fishing the coast from a boat. The migration will begin as the water cools and baitfish leave our estuaries and harbors; this is aided by all the rain we are experiencing. The river herring that ascended our coastal rivers this spring, and brought stripers up with them, deposited their eggs in freshwater; these have by now developed into three to four inch juveniles. The juvenile river herring are in the midst of their journey out of their nursery grounds and this rain should trigger more movement. Stripers are on the lookout for schools of these and other baitfish, gorging themselves before the winter ahead. A good way to simulate these schools and attract the attention of the scattered striper is an umbrella rig. Use one of these rigs while trolling the coast. These can be purchased pre-rigged or unrigged for those that have a favorite lure, be sure to use the same color lure on a single umbrella as it is simulating a school of fish. If you want to vary the color you may use two umbrella rigs, one on each side of the boat. Try to position these so they are just above the depth of the stripers you are trying to catch. When using this setup, it is easy to tangle the lines so put it in the water with ease and let your line out slowly.
Anglers are still catching mackerel and picking away at bluefish, and nice-sized pollock are being caught offshore. Softshell clam season began September 6 (everywhere except Hampton/Seabrook Estuary); the season is Saturdays only and is subject to closing due to bacteria levels or red tide. Check http://www.wildnh.com/Fishing/clam_flat_status.htm or call 1-800-43-CLAMS for the current open/closed status of NH shellfish areas. Shellfishing maps and other great resources can be found at http://www.wildnh.com/marine/shellfishing.html. There is still time to get out and enjoy all of what our lovely coast has to offer! - Becky Heuss, Marine Biologist
><> ><> ><> ><> ><> FEDERAL AID IN WILDLIFE AND SPORT FISH AND RESTORATION: A User-Pay, User-Benefit Program. Researching and managing fisheries and teaching people about aquatic ecosystems are funded by your license dollars and by the Federal Aid in Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program. Your purchases of fishing equipment and motorboat fuels make a difference to New Hampshire's fisheries. To learn more: http://www.wildnh.com/SFWR_program/sfwr_program.htm.
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NH Weekly Fishing Report – August 11, 2011
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><> North Country
If landing a brook trout on a four-weight fly rod gets your blood pumping as much as landing a smallmouth on an ultra-light spinning rod, I have a challenge for you. Why not target one of New Hampshire's most aggressive predator fish that can grow over 20 pounds and 40+ inches long? I'm suggesting a battle with a northern pike. If an angler could create a sportfish from scratch, I can't imagine that the desired characteristics would be much different from that of the northern pike. Imagine a fish that eats anything. Insects, other fish, reptiles, amphibians, ducklings, mice, and any other organism that gets near the water is at risk. This makes your fishing approach as varied as you'd like it. To add intensity to the battle, downsize your gear! A medium-light action rod and six to eight-pound test line may allow you to really sneak up on these monsters. Whatever your terminal tackle may be, you must anticipate a toothy hook-up and prepare your leader accordingly. One of my most important rules for pike fishing is simple: speed things up. I retrieve spinner-baits at a speed twice that which I use on bass. I will retrieve a crank-bait in the same fashion. It is important to remember to be ready for a strike at any moment. When your lure is a few feet from the boat and you are looking for your next spot to cast, you must still be prepared for a surface-smashing strike. The best North Country opportunities for pike include Partridge Lake in Littleton, Jericho Lake in Berlin, Moore Reservoir, and Martin Meadow Pond in Lancaster. – Andy Schafermeyer, Regional Fisheries Biologist
><> Lakes Region/White Mountains
Smelt surveys continue on the big lakes, and so far, everything looks good. Young-of-the-year (YOY) smelt numbers looked great at Newfound Lake recently. Newfound, by the way, is rapidly becoming a wonderful rainbow trout fishery. Reports of some rainbows over 3 pounds continue to trickle in, with numerous rainbows from this year’s stocking showing up, nearly at the 15 inch minimum. We are waiting for this lake to show some nice salmon in the catch…perhaps by this September! Recent rains have kept lake levels up, and the Hexagenia mayfly hatch lingers on the big lakes, with numerous individuals appearing on our research vessel Forager during our night-time surveys. The rains are good news for stream anglers as well. Late last week, I ventured north to “stretch” the legs on a hike in the Sandwich Wilderness area. This area encompasses a broad reach of country, Mounts Passaconaway and Tripyramid to the north, and the Sandwich range to the south. There are numerous headwater brooks in this area; I fished one in the southern end of the range up to an elevation of 2000 feet! All you need is a good pair of boots, a fly rod (I use an old Eagle Claw Trailmaster 7 ½ foot), and a reliable companion, mine is a six year old yellow lab, “Miss Penny”, who must be restrained from the pools until I’ve had a chance to fish them! I find total relaxation up here in the mountains, working my way along the rocky banks to the next crystal clear pool. I use a rather large hopper imitation size 6, in order to keep the “little guys” off the hook! Every once in awhile, you will be treated to a monster brookie at 6 inches long! My meal for the night was two trout, one male and female. At this time of year up in the mountains, brookies are nearly ready to spawn, evidenced by the mature eggs in the 6 inch female. Don’t forget the camera, these trout display colors you thought were only found in an oil painting! I wasn’t that far away (in miles) from my trolling boat tied up on Lake Winnisquam, but I was literally in a different world up in these mountains. - Don Miller, Regional Fisheries Biologist
><> Monadnock/Upper Valley
During the month of August, I am always torn between bass fishing and fishing for lake trout. I love both types of fishing and I tend to second-guess myself a lot when deciding on what to fish for on a particular day. “Will the lakers be on today or are they going to be the unresponsive to my efforts?” “Will there be a good topwater bite for largemouths today?” This past weekend, I decided to not make a decision and just fish for both. I went to Nubanusit Lake (Hancock/Nelson) on Saturday with my friend Ed, who has never fished for lake trout before. We fished from 10 to 4 and ended up landing nine lakers by trolling and vertical jigging. He was impressed with the fight and how beautiful these fish are. Lake trout in NH are not stocked and we released all these naturally produced fish. Nubanusit, Spoonwood Lake (Nelson), and Silver Lake (Harrisville) all have lake trout and are great places to get your laker fix without having to travel to the Lakes Region. Anglers have been catching some decent rainbows and salmon at Nubanusit in the past weeks as well. On Sunday I fished by myself at a small bass pond near Winchester. The hot sticky weather in conjunction with being on the water lent itself to numerous swims and a half dozen largemouth. Nothing over two pounds, but still a nice way to spend the afternoon. Fish all came on 4” plastic worms used on either a shaky jig head or a drop shot rig. I didn’t find any fish on downed trees or rocks and the fish I caught were at random spots close to aquatic vegetation. Without any real pattern to go on besides casting to vegetation, I was happy to get as many fish as I did. – Gabe Gries, Regional Fisheries Biologist
><> Southeast NH/Merrimack Valley
Amongst other recent surveys, we've spent some time in the Lamprey River watershed documenting the distribution of bridle shiners and wild brook trout. The bridle shiner is the only state listed threatened species. (Two other fish species are at an elevated level of concern; both the American brook lamprey and shortnose sturgeon are state endangered.) Bridle shiners are an indicator species of healthy and undisturbed warmwater rivers, lakes and ponds. These fish average only two inches in length and they compensate for relatively poor swimming ability by living, feeding, and breeding in dense aquatic vegetation in waters with minimal turbidity. Without densely vegetated habitats, the species can become easy fare for countless predator fish. They have a life expectancy that rarely exceeds two years, meaning if a catastrophic event occurred, the potential for losing the species can be high. Although bridle shiners may not be considered valuable to some anglers, the presence or absence of the species can be used as a gauge on our impacts to aquatic ecosystems and water quality. Despite a variety of different stream habitats within the Lamprey watershed, the distribution of wild brook trout appears to be restricted only to very small streams. It is likely the larger stream habitats may not offer suitable spawning habitats and reach undesirable water temperatures for the species. In some times of the year, it is likely wild brook trout may occupy these larger streams but during the summer months, the brook trout need to find thermal refuge in cooler tributaries. This emphasizes the need to have aquatic connectivity. Road/stream crossings (i.e. perched culverts) and dams are examples of barriers that would prevent this sensitive species from finding necessary habitats. More and more, we are learning the value of spring-fed streams, especially in the southeastern part of the state, and the need to protect these very small (sometimes only one or two feet wide) streams. To some extent and within reason, the existing impacts to the surrounding landscape of a brook trout stream can be offset by having a steady supply of ground water recharge from springs. – Ben Nugent, Regional Fisheries Biologist
><> Seacoast Area
The fishing is still good on the New Hampshire coast this week. I saw flounder and pollock caught from local jetties. From the open water private boats are still bringing stripers and plenty of mackerel back to the docks.
I also had the pleasure of speaking with several spear fishermen as they returned to land. Most of them were quite successful in getting a creel full of flounder in as little as an hour! If you are going to try spear fishing, remember that fish appear larger as seen underwater. Make sure you’re confident that your quarry is of legal size before you take aim. There is no catch and release in spear fishing.
Hope to see you out there! - Jessica Devoid, Marine Biological Aide
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FEDERAL AID IN WILDLIFE AND SPORT FISH AND RESTORATION: A User-Pay, User-Benefit Program. Researching and managing fisheries and teaching people about aquatic ecosystems are funded by your license dollars and by the Federal Aid in Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program. Your purchases of fishing equipment and motorboat fuels make a difference to New Hampshire's fisheries. To learn more: http://www.wildnh.com/SFWR_program/sfwr_program.htm.
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NH Weekly Fishing Report - July 28, 2011
Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/nhfishandgame
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><> North Country
New Hampshire anglers have it pretty good. Our waterbodies are healthy and fish of all different types can be found throughout. We don’t have the opportunity to catch a 100-pound catfish like the Ozark Rivers of my youth, but the trade-off seems acceptable to me. This week, I was sampling some very small brooks in the Ammonoosuc River Watershed. To the casual observer, they would not seem like an opportunity to fish. They were literally 6 inches wide in spots, looked warm and were experiencing very slow flow rates. With a touch of my electro-fishing wand, however, brook trout boiled up out of every pool. They were also in undercut banks and woody material. When fishing small brooks and considering the growth rates of these fish, it becomes important to adjust your idea of what a “trophy fish” is. Brook trout 4 or 5 inches in size may be four years old, and should be considered the bullies on their block. These types of fisheries can present some real challenges to the angler. Most are enshrouded in overhanging vegetation that can make casting difficult. Getting your bait (fly, worm, or whatever) to the fish will require some creativity and patience. An angler in these situations may also have to employ some stealth - the fish spook very easily and once they flee, it will be hard to get them to bite. If everything falls into place, the fish that end up in your net will be among the most beautiful you’ve ever seen. Still months away from spawning season, small-water brookies will still have deep and vibrant coloration and make you glad you brought your camera. - Andy Schafermeyer, Regional Fisheries Biologist
><> Lakes Region/White Mountains
Recently I took the opportunity to check out the new Fish and Game access site on Purity Lake in Eaton. The site is located on the northern end of the lake, right on NH Route 153, about a half-mile north of King Pine Ski Area. The access will accommodate small, cartop boats, canoes, and kayaks and parking for about 10-12 vehicles. The access consists of a gradually sloping set of stairs constructed of gravel and pressure treated lumber. The design of the site uses modern erosion control technology. We launched a canoe and paddled and fished a little. Purity Lake is a gin-clear but productive body of water. Among the abundant submerged and floating aquatic vegetation we observed several bass, as well as sunfish, yellow perch, a pickerel or two, and schools of shiners. There is also a decent smelt population in the lake, as the deeper waters are cold and supersaturated with oxygen. Now that Fish and Game has secured a public access here, we are considering stocking some rainbow trout for anglers to enjoy in the near future. Stay tuned! - Don Miller, Regional Fisheries Biologist
><> Monadnock/Upper Valley
During the last few weeks we have been unable to do much fishing due to our warmwater sampling surveys, which occur at night. We conduct our surveys with an electrofishing boat that sends an electric current into the water and stuns the fish momentarily while we net them and put them into a livewell in the boat unharmed. We start these surveys at dark and can go on until one or two o’clock in the morning, depending on the size of the waterbody and how many fish we collect. We started our season on French Pond in Henniker where we found an abundance of small bluegills, some golden shiners, yellow bullhead, and to our surprise, fathead minnows, which only occur in a few waterbodies around the state. We were also surprised to not see any pickerel or perch, which are common throughout most ponds and lakes around the state. We electrofished Harrisville Pond in Harrisville to get a community assessment prior to us deploying Christmas trees for habitat improvement this fall. The bass we sampled were found concentrated in a certain area of the pond where there was vegetation with rocks and nearshore drop-offs. Only one of our five runs produced numbers of largemouth and smallmouth bass. We also found common sunfish, golden shiners, and black crappie. Horseshoe Pond in Merrimack was our most recent outing and it was during the hottest, most humid night of the summer, last Thursday. This pond nearly has it all - bluegill, yellow perch, pickerel, common sunfish, common white suckers, bullhead, black crappie, eel, carp, and largemouth bass. We shocked up some carp that were from 15 to 30 pounds! The bass numbers were good, fish were healthy, and there was a good mix of age classes. Hopefully we can get out on our own time soon and sample some of these waterbodies and others with rod and reel. – Jason Carrier, Regional Fisheries Biologist
><> Southeast NH/Merrimack Valley
I try to fly cast for sunfish species (bluegill, pumpkinseeds, black crappie, etc.) a few times of year. Although there are no guarantees when it comes to fishing, having a successful day with these smaller predators can come close. I enjoy the simplicity of this type of fishing as well as the respect I have for these species in both fight and appearance. There isn't a need for fish finders, high quality rods and reels or a large assortment of different types of tackle, and a canoe can fish as well as another other type of larger boat. A modest but adequate fly rod and reel setup with a small box of panfish plugs/poppers are all that is needed. I prefer to use floating fly line with a rod's length long leader of 6 pound monofilament and a rod around the 5 weight range. Five weight fly rods could be considered overkill, but it will give you enough support to land a larger fish if you happen to entice a larger bass or hook a larger pickerel in the outer part of its mouth. It is important to size the poppers appropriately to your target species. There are several different kits available on the market that covers an assortment of colors and sizes. It's best to be well equipped with at least a few different options to offer. When it comes to hook size, 1/0 hooks are suitable for larger fish species (and it couldn't hurt to carry a few of these if the bass are shallow) but a #8 or #10 size popper should be suitable. If you routinely observe your popper getting struck without a hookup, try downsizing. Some of recommended ponds to try within southeastern New Hampshire include: Bellamy Reservoir (Madbury), Brindle Pond (Barnstead), Heads Pond (Hooksett), Horseshoe Pond (Merrimack), and Shellcamp Pond (Gilmanton). – Ben Nugent, Regional Fisheries Biologist
><> Seacoast Area
This week we finally got some relief in the form of cool air. Thankfully the fishing is still hot! If you really want to have some fun, there have been numerous reports of bluefin tuna just past the shoals, about 8 miles out. Bluefin tuna is a highly migratory species and the fishery is regulated by NOAA Fisheries. Participation in this fishery requires a permit issued by NOAA Fisheries, for more information call (888) 872-8862 or visit http://www.nmfspermits.com. The bluefish are finally around but they have been elusive thus far, one caught here and there. We’ve had reports of them in the river and at the mouth of Hampton Harbor, but no real frenzies yet. Try something new and check out your local jetty! These are great spots to find bait as well as trophy fish. There is a list of seashore access sites on the web at http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/marine/marine_PDFs/seacoast_TMF_guide.pdf. If you aren’t interested in hiking out over rocks, an easy way to catch some fish and have a great time is on a party or charter boat; these captains have years of experience and can track down where the fish are hiding. Not sure what to do with those fish once you get them home? Here are a few simple ideas on how to cook your ocean catch, from my colleague Jessica Fischer: Melt about 1/2 stick of butter and transfer to a bowl. Add 1 sleeve of crushed up Ritz crackers and stir to coat the Ritz with the butter. Place fish in a baking dish and pour the Ritz crackers over the fish. Bake at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes (depending on the size of the fillets). The fish is done when it flakes with a fork but is still milky looking. This works best with cod or haddock or cusk. If you happen to catch a flounder you can make baked stuffed flounder almost as easily. To make the stuffing take a can of lump crab meat and add Ritz to your liking. I like more crab than Ritz so I only use about a half of a sleeve. Then place the stuffing in the center of the fillet and roll the sides up around the stuffing and place in a baking dish with the seams down. Bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes depending on the thickness. Serve with a salad and it is a great summer meal. - Robert Eckert, Marine Biologist
><> FEDERAL AID IN WILDLIFE AND SPORT FISH AND RESTORATION: A User-Pay, User-Benefit Program. Researching and managing fisheries and teaching people about aquatic ecosystems are funded by your license dollars and by the Federal Aid in Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program. Your purchases of fishing equipment and motorboat fuels make a difference to New Hampshire's fisheries. To learn more: http://www.wildnh.com/SFWR_program/sfwr_program.htm.
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NH Weekly Fishing Report - July 14, 2011
Stocking report: www.fishnh.com/Fishing/Stocking/current.html
Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/nhfishandgame
2012 Fishing Rules: Weigh in on proposed changes to NH fishing rules at a public hearing on July 26 at 6:30 p.m. in Concord. More info at http://www.fishnh.com/Newsroom/News_2011/News_2011_Q3/fish_rule_hrg_071311.html Send the young’uns to Fish Camp! July 31 – August 5: http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Newsroom/News_2011/News_2011_Q2/BCC_Spaces_062111.html
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><> North Country
Water temperatures may be the single most important abiotic condition in fish biology. It is for this reason that the most successful anglers are those who understand the relationship between temperature and fish behavior. This morning, Little Diamond Pond in West Stewartstown was 78 degrees F. At this temperature, trout are going to be existing at the upper limit of their optimal conditions. If these temperatures continue with no reprieve, fish (and fishing) will suffer. On the other hand, the Upper Connecticut River in Pittsburg has a water temperature in the mid to upper fifties. During my last visit, I saw trout rising in almost every pool. They were sipping mayflies (pale morning duns) and metabolizing at a healthy rate. As summer progresses, it is important to keep this relationship in mind as you decide which waterbody to fish. Beginning about four weeks ago, a large cream-colored mayfly began arriving on waterbodies in Northern New Hampshire. They belong to the genus Hexagenia and are some of the largest mayflies in the world. Referred to as a “Hex-hatch”, these mayflies serve as a dinner-bell for hungry fish. Almost every type of fish will rise for these flies and they are an important food in both their adult (terrestrial) and nymph or emerger (aquatic) stages. Both cold and warmwater fishermen can be seen casting these imitations. Watching a fish rise for a surface strike is as good as fishing gets for me. – Andy Schafermeyer, Regional Fisheries Biologist
><> Lakes Region/White Mountains
Things are heating up in the Lakes Region. Winnipesaukee water temp is running around 75 degrees. The bass have moved to cooler waters, 15-25 feet deep. Even my dusk exploits with bass poppers on Winnisquam have turned off, with only an occasional fallfish cruising the shoreline. I have some new neighbors who are renting a camp for the week on Winnisquam, but have had little luck fishing from the shoreline over a sandy flat of 6 foot deep water. This family has a great bunch of kids, all outfitted with spinning rods, and quite proficient with their casting ability. I talked with my neighbor and told him of a spot I often took a bunch of kids fishing on the lake. I steered him to Mosquito Bridge, which crosses Winnisquam near the southern end, and is the direct route for traffic heading to Laconia. Fishing near the outside bridge abutments at this time of year, from a boat, can yield a variety of fish species. Cool, deep, shaded water near the bridge is a natural attraction for schools of young-of-the-year (YOY) fish, which include yellow and white perch, sunfish, shiners and rock bass. This food supply, of course attracts small and largemouth bass and the occasional pickerel to the area. I told my neighbor to bring plenty of worms and a supply of hooks with him, as the last time I fished there with kids I ran out of worms in a half hour! I can think of many bridge crossings in the Lakes Region where this feat can be duplicated. Cover and structure are what warmwater fish thrive in, and bridges provide just that. Enjoy a day with the kids at these locations; it will bring a smile to your face! - Don Miller, Regional Fisheries Biologist
><> Monadnock/Upper Valley
This is a great time of the year to spend time on the Connecticut River. Whether you like to fish, boat, paddle, swim, or view wildlife, the NH/VT border has it all. In our region, I like to spend a summer day on the river anywhere from Walpole to Hinsdale. I usually head out early if I am going to fish, because boat traffic will pick-up on the weekends during hot days. Trolling is a great way to learn and cover a lot of the river and will likely result in a mixed bag of fish like walleye, smallmouth bass, pike, pickerel, yellow and white perch. Drifting with the current and casting to near shore structure like wood, rocks, vegetation, or even current breaks are effective ways to fish the river. Once the mid-day sun starts to get to me, I look for one of the many spots on the river that are great for tying up the boat and lounging by the river. Bring a picnic lunch some chairs and do a little swimming. Not a bad way to spend a summer day! – Jason Carrier, Regional Fisheries Biologist
><> Southeast NH/Merrimack Valley
Anglers often jump on I-93 and head to the central or northern part of the state in pursuit of trophy bass waters. What some may not realize is that when driving, they are paralleling some quality bass fishing opportunities closer to home. The Merrimack River has several public access points from Nashua to Boscawen. Anglers can expect to encounter a variety of habitats consisting of submerged and emergent aquatic vegetation, fallen trees, rock piles, sand bars, and tributary confluences. Most of these locations can be fished with any type of vessel from a small kayak to large bass boat. One of my favorite access points is at the New Hampshire Technical Institute in Concord. This launch puts you in a section of river with a lot of different options. You can drift the current downstream and fish the habitat created by fallen maples and white pines as well some rocky sections and other habitat created by bridges. If you head straight across from the launch, you will encounter a large vegetated cove. Here, as water levels recede to sometime levels, smaller watercraft may have an advantage. There a several oxbows and shallow water sections loaded with aquatic vegetation that holds fish year round. Some of these areas have narrow and shallow entrances but then open up into large pond like areas. – Ben Nugent, Regional Fisheries Biologist
><> Seacoast Area
I had the opportunity to join one of New Hampshire’s headboat companies on a two-hour night fishing trip this past weekend. Nearly half of the boat had never fished before!!! The trip started off a little slow but we moved around until we found some action and lots of it. Mackerel were coming over the sides one after another; one young man was surprised to have two mackerel to a hook. We returned to Hampton Harbor as the sun was setting; what a great way to spend an evening! Everyone had a great time, especially those that had never been fishing before; I think it is safe to say they will be back! They are targeting mackerel and striped bass on the two-hour night trips right now, but usually switch over to blues once they come in strong, so pick up the phone before you head down. I highly recommend these trips. They are always a blast, not to mention short enough for a youngster’s attention span.
As of July 1, the NH Recreational Saltwater Fishing License is now $11! (You don't need a license if you are fishing from a party boat.) - Becky Heuss, Marine Biologist
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Copyright 2011 New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301. Comments or questions concerning this list should be directed to jane.vachon@wildlife.nh.gov.
NH Weekly Fishing Report - July 7, 2011
Stocking report: www.fishnh.com/Fishing/Stocking/current.html
Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/nhfishandgame
Send the young’uns to Fish Camp! July 31 – August 5: http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Newsroom/News_2011/News_2011_Q2/BCC_Spaces_062111.html
><> North Country
We were able to hike into Sheehan Pond this past week. Water temperatures were ideal for fishing (high 60s). The slight breeze was ideal to keep the horseflies down and four Canada geese graced our presence. The water temperatures, at least in the North Country, have been below average for this time of year. Rivers are still in the low 60s and ponds have been averaging in the high 60s. Perfect for catching that trophy fish you have been dreaming about. Even with the high air temperatures over the holiday weekend, water temperatures have held their own.
It is a beautiful time of year to try a new waterbody. Take a hike into one of our remote ponds. Try Sessions Pond (Dummer) or Munn Pond (Errol). I’ve heard great news on the status and health of the brook trout in these waters. You could also try your luck with pickerel in Cherry Pond (Jefferson). Umbagog is still fishing well if you’d like some bigger water for bass; and so are Profile and Streeter for brookies and rainbows, respectively. Enjoy New Hampshire! – Dianne Timmins, Regional Fisheries Biologist
><> Lakes Region/White Mountains
This report is entitled “Hot and Cold.” It’s July and the heat has arrived! Big lake temps are running in the 72-74 degree range, and that means the landlocked salmon and lake trout are down….salmon at least 35 feet, lake trout even more. Early morning anglers (0430 hrs!) will often find salmon and especially rainbow trout a lot closer to the surface. By the end of July, as young-of-the- year (YOY) smelt gain some size, rainbows and salmon will be feeding on schools of these smelt in the surface waters, and will be noticeable by boils in the water, not unlike bluefish slashing at baitfish. You definitely want to be on the water early, as this is vacation time, and it seems that the water-skiers have learned to take advantage of the morning calm. Hexagenia mayflies are hatching on Winnisquam now, providing rainbows and salmon with a change of diet. These are the days that our salmon and rainbow trout put on weight, as food is readily available, and with the YOY smelt growing to size, it’s the “good times” out there! Streamer flies, long shank size 6 and smaller spoons will work well now. I continue to remind anglers of the “Landlocked Salmon Anglers Pledge” (http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Fishing/salmon_anglers_pledge.html) and the basic theme…protect and enjoy our salmon fishery, it is finite, and fragile, and the actions of every angler are critical to sustain it. Now the “cold” part! I recently travelled to far northern NH to stock Kennebago (Maine strain) brook trout fingerlings into a remote pond that was not stocked by helicopter. Although you can get close to this pond by 4X4 truck…I wouldn’t venture in there without a good, high ground clearance vehicle. Even then, there is a muddy slog through a swamp to gain access to the shoreline. Once there, I was amazed by the boats tied (and chained) to trees…a very good sign that this pond provides some good fishing for brookies! I was joined by North Country biologists Dianne Emerson and Andy Schafermeyer, in addition to my fellow Region 2 biologist John Viar. A special guest was my long-time hunting and fishing pal, Roger (he brought his canoe) and his friend Rich. All together, we stocked approximately 50 pounds of fingerlings (120 per lb) into this most beautiful cold-water pond (temp 65 degrees). I must tell you, the drive is long, but that country is so far removed from what we are accustomed to; we are blessed to have ponds like this to explore. And, by the way, Roger and Rich stayed and fished after the work was over, and enjoyed a summer afternoon of watching deer (doe and fawn) swimming across the pond, and also caught some nice brookies! - Don Miller, Regional Fisheries Biologist
><> Monadnock/Upper Valley
We
’ve been out electrofishing and dealing with a fish kill on Spofford Lake recently, so not much to report this week from an angling perspective – Gabe Gries, Regional Fisheries Biologist ><> Southeast NH/Merrimack Valley
Now that the shad transfer season has wound down, our annual surveys to assess populations of wild brook trout and their habitats are about to begin. For the past three field seasons, staff from NH Fish and Game have worked to fine tune the current wild brook trout distribution in the state and also record and increase public awareness on the issues that lead to degrading of both aquatic habitat and water quality. We've learned that partnerships formed with local conservation groups and angling groups can be an invaluable resource, not only to help with the surveys but also incorporate the data collected to use in land use planning and headwater stream protection. Although local conservation groups can have different priorities, a mutual desire to identify areas that contain clean, cool, well oxygenated water and protect them is shared. This month, we plan to work with the Hanover and Bath conservation commissions to evaluate parts of the Mink Brook and Ammonoosuc River watersheds. Given that these areas will likely have intact populations of wild brook trout, it is hoped that the information collected will be used in town level planning that emphasized the protection of both wild, self-sustaining populations of wild brook trout and water quality. In August, it is expected that we will return back to the southeastern part of the state to learn more about the isolated populations of wild brook trout found there. – Ben Nugent, Regional Fisheries Biologist
><> Seacoast Area
This past weekend was as much hit or miss with the fishing as it was with the weather. Heavy boat traffic over the long weekend was not conducive to fishing. Mackerel are still around, but they are requiring a little more effort and people are starting to pick up bigger ones now, not just the tinkers we had a week ago. We have received our first reports of bluefish (don’t say it too loud, you might scare them away!) which could also account for the slower fishing. These are being caught a little ways offshore, so you shore fishers will have to wait a while longer for your chance at them. Whaleback is open to groundfishing as of July 1.
Here’s to low traffic, nice weather, and more fish! - Becky Heuss, Marine Biologist
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NH Weekly Fishing Report - June 16, 2011
Stocking report: www.fishnh.com/Fishing/fish_stock_current.htm
Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/nhfishandgame
Taking a dad fishing for Father’s Day this Sunday? Good idea! http://wildlife.state.nh.us/Newsroom/News_2011/News_2011_Q2/fathers_day_2011.html
Fishing Camp: Know a kid age 10-16 who wants to learn how to fish or improve their skills? Sign them up for the "Let's Go Fishing" week at Barry Conservation Camp (July 31-August 5). Cost for the overnight week at camp is $475. Register at http://extension.unh.edu/4H/4HCamps.htm.
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><> North Country
The North Country seems to be feast or famine this last week. Once again the cool nights have deterred fish from moving and feeding frequently but warmer weather yesterday flicked the switch. I saw a great photo of a 5-year old holding a two-year old rainbow from Pearl Lake. The 14-inch trout was no match for the length of the boy’s smile while holding his prize. The lower portion of Indian Stream fished well yesterday, and so did the upper Connecticut. Stocking has been in full swing for the past month so most waterbodies have been stocked at least once at this point. The lower Androscoggin has been giving up some beautiful brown trout, greater than 12 inches. Weather is touch and go for this weekend, with thunderstorms in Pittsburg predicted and sunny weather in Littleton. That’s the surprise of the North Country; once you pass through Franconia Notch it’s anyone’s guess. Check the weather first, but I bet this weekend and next week are going to be hot fishing up north. Be the first to head into one of the remote ponds for 2011. You may want to check with the Regional Office (http://www.wildnh.com/Inside_FandG/Reg_Office_directions.htm) as some local roads washed out after the tremendous storms we experienced this spring. Try Umbagog Lake for some fun with bass. This time of year (post-spawn) can really be exciting. – Dianne Timmins, Regional Fisheries Biologist
><> Lakes Region/White Mountains
We’ve just experienced a “throwback” to early spring here in the lakes region of New Hampshire. Several days of low clouds, rain/drizzle and a hard east wind (with temps in the 50s) haven’t done much for fishing in this area. The water temperature in Winnipesaukee is still hanging in the mid-60 degree range. Bass remain on the nests in the open areas of the big lakes, while the back coves, where temps may be slightly higher may see the fry around the nests, are in the early stages of dispersal. A recent electroshocking survey on Opechee Lake revealed several bass (large and smallmouth) cruising the shorelines near the sites of “old” nests. Sunfish nests were quite apparent also in the shallow water in coves. It was interesting to find several landlocked salmon still in the tailrace of the Lakeport Dam! This is highly fishable water right now, because flows out of Winnipesaukee are extremely low, 250 cubic feet per second (cfs). The salmon were definitely excited by the current field! Also, don’t forget that Opechee is a “destination” fishery for rainbow trout as it is stocked annually with yearling rainbows. Opechee is not a lake trout/landlocked salmon lake, therefore general rules apply for the rainbows, 5 fish or 5 pounds, whichever is reached first, with no length limit. There is a fine boat launch near the southern end of the lake. Trout ponds still afford some good fishing, although day-time anglers will find the fish a bit deeper, while there are some fine insect hatches occurring at dusk. White Pond (Ossipee) (fly-fishing-only), White Lake (Tamworth) and Conner Pond (Ossipee) are all beautiful ponds to fish in the southern White Mt. Area. And don’t forget Duncan Lake (Ossipee), all feature some real nice brook trout. Stream fishing is at its peak now, and water levels are dropping, so don’t waste any time in getting out there! Aerial trout stocking of our remote trout ponds will occur soon. If you like to hike and enjoy a good meal of trout by the campfire, try one of our 48 remote ponds this spring/summer, the experience is memorable! - Don Miller, Regional Fisheries Biologist
><> Monadnock/Upper Valley
The recent weather pattern has been keeping trout anglers very happy. Last week’s temperatures were really starting to warm water temps up and stream flows were running at summer-time lows. These cool temperatures and scattered showers will keep streams cool and trout scattered and actively feeding. Now is the time to hit your local trout streams before the summer heat comes in full force. A few days ago I fished a local pond that is managed for brook trout, except I was fishing for smallmouth bass. It was a cold, damp day, but the bass were on fire. Fish were post-spawn and actively feeding (these fish could also have been fish in the population that didn’t spawn this year). In four hours of fishing we caught around 30 bass. Wacky-rigged worms, shaky-head worms, and tubes fished along near shore drop-offs with scattered rocks was the ticket. I need to get out and fish more of these smallmouth ponds and lakes in the next couple of weeks before water temps really warm up and the smallmouth head out to deep water for the summer, which makes them more difficult to locate and catch. – Jason Carrier, Regional Fisheries Biologist
><> Southeast NH/Merrimack Valley
As with our counterparts in the Monadnock/Upper Valley area, who are working to increase spawning success of American shad in the Connecticut River, we are charged with the same restoration program within the Merrimack River watershed. To date, around 700 pre-spawn American shad have been released in the upper portions of the Merrimack River in Boscawen and Concord. This section of river has been identified as suitable spawning habitat, a location once thought to be utilized freely by American shad before impoundments restricted access here. These shad are initially trapped at the fish lift in the Essex Dam (Lawrence, Mass.). The Connecticut River inherently has a more productive shad migration than what has been observed in the Merrimack River. As of this week, over 244,000 shad have been counted in the Connecticut while slightly over 11,000 shad have been counted in the Merrimack. On a positive note, the Atlantic salmon returns for the Merrimack River are at near record numbers. Between 1982 and 2010, records indicate the best return year was 1991 with 332 Atlantic salmon returning to the Merrimack River. As of this week, already 315 salmon have been trapped at the Essex Dam. We expect to continue to see Atlantic salmon being trapped for at least three more weeks. These fish are utilized for future egg production to sustain the restoration of the species. This year, some Atlantic salmon will be tagged and released in southern New Hampshire to monitor habitat selection and evaluate efforts to establish a more natural form of reproduction and restoration. Earlier this month, the second annual McQuesten Brook and Pond cleanup was held in Manchester and Bedford. Many thanks are owed to the staff from the Department of Environmental Services, NH Rivers Council, the city of Manchester, NH Fish and Game, and volunteers from the Anheuser Busch and the Manchester Fly Fishing Association. Despite a cleanup occurring last year, I was amazed at the amount of trash and litter still found. For example, 18 tires, 27 trash bags, a full size heating oil tank, 3 propane tanks, and 2 shopping carts, amongst much more was collected this year. Both McQuesten Brook and Pond are important urban habitats for countless fish and other species associated with aquatic habitats. – Ben Nugent, Regional Fisheries Biologist
><> Seacoast Area
I often get strange looks when I tell people that I’m a vegetarian. “You work with recreational fisheries and you don’t eat fish!?” I know, it’s a bit odd. It’s not that I have an ethical problem with eating animals; it’s simply that I don’t like meat. This fact does make me a bit of an oddity but it also makes me a great fishing partner (please, take mine!). My fishing preferences are also affected by my aversion, as mackerel fishing is my all-time favorite. Most people think of mackerel solely as a bait fish, they catch a few macks in preparation for their striper fishing. While striper fishing is fun, unless they are hitting hard my attention span is much too short for the effort that this prized fish demands. When the mackerel are in, they will hit on any small shiny lure, but mackerel jigs and mackerel trees are most commonly used. As I am only interested in the fishing, there is no reason to catch more than one at a time so I will use a single lure as apposed to the tree. They are a small fish -- but as they are related to the much larger tuna, they put up a good fight for their size. Great Island Common in New Castle is a popular and highly productive spot for mackerel; anglers have been having good results there recently. You could also try the jetties in Rye or Hampton; the jetties at Fort Stark and Odiorne Point are seemingly underutilized as well. Mackerel fishing, it’s not just for kids (but kids like it too)! – Becky Heuss, Marine Biologist
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NH Weekly Fishing Report - June 9, 2011
NH Weekly Fish
NH Weekly Fish Stocking report: www.fishnh.com/Fishing/fish_stock_current.htm
NH Weekly Fish Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/nhfishandgame
NH Weekly Fish Fishing Camp: Know a kid age 10-16 who wants to learn how to fish or improve their skills? Sign them up for the "Let's Go Fishing" week at Barry Conservation Camp (July 31-August 5). Cost for the overnight week at camp is $475. Register at http://extension.unh.edu/4H/4HCamps.htm.
NH Weekly Fish Kayak Fishing in Rye: Learn how to fish for striped bass from your kayak at a class on Friday, June 17, from 3:00 -7:00 p.m. Leaves from Odiorne Point Boat Launch in Rye. Participants must be 18 or older. Cost is $25. Pre-registration required. To sign up, call 603-778-0015 and ask for Kelle Loughlin.
NH Weekly Fish Ct. River Boat Access Alert: Trailered boaters should avoid using the following boat ramps on the Connecticut River until further notice: Ashley Ferry Boat Ramp in Claremont, Bedell Bridge Boat Ramp in Haverhill, and the ramp in Orford. Significant mud and silt accumulation on the ramps means you risk getting stuck in the mud. These sites are okay for cartop boat launching.
NH Weekly Fish ><> North Country
NH Weekly Fish Whoa, talk about crazy weather! It is amazing what one week can do…Last week at this time it was rainy and cold. Tornado warnings in the North Country? Yes, plus high winds and storms with large hail. Water temperatures were in the low 40s in some locations during the morning hours. This week is the exact opposite: oppressing humidity and air temperatures in the high 80s. Water temperatures in some locations hit 70. Today it is supposed to change; let’s hope. These hot, bright sunny days are not good for fishing. Fishing yesterday in Indian Stream was pretty much over by 10 a.m. when the heat started rising. When the sun is bright and river temperatures begin to rise, trout seek refuge. It could result from the depth of a pool or venturing into a completely different waterbody. They will find it and forget about feeding until they are comfortable again. When that happens, you should think about taking a break too. Warm temperatures can be lethal to trout that are caught and released, even if they seem fit as they swim away -- delayed mortality is a common occurrence during heat waves. Trout like cold water, so when the surface temperatures exceed the low 60s, their return to the water can be quite a shock. If you want to keep the trout happy, fish when the air temperatures are cool and the bright sun is hiding. Now that water levels have dropped substantially, try your luck on the Connecticut River below Murphy Dam. It stays cool and the drop in water level has really turned on the feeding. Try a bead head nymph this time of year. It mimics many different aquatic insects in their juvenile stage. The weather this weekend is suppose to be much cooler, perfect for making a few casts into your favorite pond. Streeter Pond and Martin Meadow come to mind. – Dianne Timmins, Regional Fisheries Biologist
NH Weekly Fish ><> Lakes Region/White Mountains
NH Weekly Fish The landlocked salmon fishing has started to heat up, just as our surface waters have climbed into the mid-60 degree range! Reports of some big numbers are filtering in from the area lakes. Most fish caught are two-year-olds (adipose clip) with a sprinkling of some older age-classes, especially from Big Squam. A lucky angler recently stopped by the office with a couple salmon in the 5-6 pound range from Big Squam. Now, those in the know realize this is not a common occurrence on any of our salmon lakes, but it is heartening to hear of these impressive catches. Another tremendous salmon was caught recently from Pleasant Lake/New London -- it weighed a shade over 11 pounds! All this being said, remember, the two-year-olds are the future three-year-olds (real quality salmon) that are the mainstay of our fisheries. Please take a few minutes to review our “salmon anglers pledge” at http://www.wildnh.com/Fishing/salmon_anglers_pledge.html. It details proper handling techniques for salmon, and is “good” reading for anyone who is concerned about this valuable yet fragile fishery we are blessed to have in New Hampshire. Smallmouth bass are still sitting on their beds in most of our large lakes…I expect the fry to move up and off the nests in the next week. From mid-June through the first week of July, my favorite bass fishing occurs…..fly rods and poppers on hungry bass cruising the flats! Trout ponds from the lakes region north now have some great insect hatches occurring at dusk. Profile Lake has been producing some great brook trout, as well as the “next door” lake, Echo. Weekday evenings are best, we are getting into the summer tourist season and weekends in the notch can be really busy. - Don Miller, Regional Fisheries Biologist
NH Weekly Fish ><> Monadnock/Upper Valley
NH Weekly Fish Water levels in area streams and rivers are dropping at a fast rate and the weather is getting hot and steamy. With weather like this, I like to get out for some stream trout early in the day and then again right at dusk. Sunscreen and bug dope are a must, as are some old sneakers and shorts for wet wading. Based on the reports I have been getting, I am definitely getting out for trout this weekend and so should you. The trout fishing on the upper Ashuelot River in Surry, Marlow, and Gilsum is hot right now! Anglers have been calling and stopping by the office telling us about the gorgeous rainbow and brown trout they are catching. Some of the rainbows are stretching the tape at 20 inches. I passed an angler on my way to work this morning on the lower Ashuelot River in Winchester and had to stop and see how he was doing. He had just started fishing, but said that in the past week he has been doing very well on trout, even catching a few holdovers. Reports from the Cold River in Walpole and Alstead have been good as well. Trout anglers are also doing well in lakes and ponds. Anglers are having trouble keeping trout off their lines in Forest Lake (Winchester) with some of the rainbows pushing three lbs. A fly troller I know caught an 18 inch brown trout in Gustin Pond (Marlow) just a few days ago. Some other hot fishing trout lakes and ponds to try include Swanzey Lake (Swanzey), Spofford Lake (Chesterfield), and Center Pond (Nelson). – Gabe Gries, Regional Fisheries Biologist ><> Southeast NH/Merrimack Valley The intense heat from this week causing an increase of water temperatures will be pushing trout species down to cooler depths. For those who tend to reduce their efforts fishing for trout during this time of year because of the challenge of fishing deeper, there are several available options that can be used that are both effective and relatively inexpensive. These items can be used easily in all watercraft including canoes, kayaks, and rowboats. Dodgers (sometimes referred to as flashers) can be tied directly to the terminal line. A short leader (typically less than three feet) is tied to the back of the dodger and the bait, lure, or fly is then tied to the terminal end of the line. Dodgers serve several purposes. They spin erratically giving your lure, bait, or fly a lot of action. The reflective material on them attracts inquisitive predators. They also provide a method to sink the line to greater depths. It is important to check the movement of both the dodger and your lure to ensure it has the proper motion at the speed you are trolling. Another simple tool one can use to access greater depths is lead-core line. This larger sized line typically requires a larger reel. The line is color coded, allowing anglers the ability to keep track of the amount of line out and approximate depth. The rate of line descent depends on trolling speed. While trolling for trout, I prefer longer leaders tied off of the lead core line. At a minimum, I prefer 50 feet of light pound (4 or 6 pound monofilament or fluorocarbon line). A small barrel swivel tied 4 to 6 feet up from your lure, fly, or bait is essential to prevent line twist. Windy days tend to work best while using lead core because the rocking of the boat can add action to the line. Our Inland Fisheries Program Supervisor, Scott Decker, has been doing well with lead core line at Pleasant Lake in Deerfield lately. He says trout are hitting between three and four colors right now on small Mooselook wobblers, during the early evening hours. There are some disadvantages of using lead core or dodgers. Since heavier lines and objects providing resistance are being used, these types of equipment can dampen the fight. Also, more distance is needed to make turns while trolling. This can be a challenge in some of our smaller trout ponds. That being said, anglers need to be particularly careful when fishing for trout when surface water temperatures are at their summertime levels. Appropriate gear (pliers, hemostats, rubber net, etc.) should be readily accessible to avoid additional exposure to uncomfortable conditions for trout. Anglers should also avoid handling fish with dry hands and equipment. – Ben Nugent, Regional Fisheries Biologist ><> Seacoast Area Anglers have been reporting large schools of mackerel at the mouth of the Piscataqua. These schools have attracted the attention of the stripers. I suggest fishing in Great Bay and in the Piscataqua if you want to catch a striper. The charters and headboats are still catching cod and haddock if you’re interested in deep sea fishing. Just a reminder that the headboat companies on the coast have begun their summer schedules, with half-day inshore trips targeting mackerel. This past week, two colleagues and I went scuba diving for winter flounder along the coast. Equipped with gigs and a catch bag, we dove into the cold, rough seas in an area with a sandy/muddy bottom, ideal for flounder. Once under water everything was calm and I began to see dozens of impressions in the mud were the flounder had been. It was not long before I saw a winter flounder and made a quick estimate to make sure it was larger than the 12 inch size limit and then took aim with the gig. The three of us saw a dozen-plus flounders and took a half dozen home, ranging from 14.5 inches to 18 inches. It was a great experience that I recommend to those who have the right gear and skills; just make sure the flounder is legal size before you shoot. – Robert Eckert, Marine Biologist
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ng Report - May 26, 2011
Mark your calendar and round up your friends for NH Free Fishing Day – next Saturday, June 4! http://www.fishnh.com/Events/free_fishing_day.html
Stocking report: www.fishnh.com/Fishing/fish_stock_current.htm
Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/nhfishandgame
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NORTH COUNTRY
Sorry folks, we weren’t able to get a report for you this week. Look for us on June 2! – Dianne Timmins, Regional Fisheries Biologist
LAKES REGION/WHITE MOUNTAINS
As I write this report, I am blinded by the sun…which has finally made an appearance here in the Lakes Region after what seems like a month! The Lake Winnipesaukee water temperature has made it into the mid-50s, with many shallow bays and coves near 60 degrees. Bass spawning has commenced at last, a bit later than usual. Remember, our catch/release season on bass is May 15-June 15, artificial lures and flies only, and immediate release at the site of capture. Try fishing on the drop-offs where many non-spawning bass may lurk. Only a certain percentage of bass in a lake spawn for a variety of reasons, those are the bass that are “off” the flats. The white perch run in the Winnipesaukee River in Laconia is still “on,” and while fishing the river, you just might catch a variety of other species. I recently met two young fishermen behind Martel’s Bait & Sport Shop in Laconia, situated on the Winnipesaukee River, who had a couple nice lake trout on a stringer, caught with worms! Laconia, “the City on the Lake,” is a great spot to spend some time fishing. The Winnipesaukee River runs right through downtown Laconia, and shoreline fishing in this area can be very exciting. Rainbow (and lake) trout are found in the river along with landlocked salmon, bass, pickerel and of course, white perch, now on their spawning run. Avery Dam, near the historic Belknap Mill, the outlet structure for Opechee Lake, creates a deep plunge pool below its turbines, where I have seen salmon caught well into late June! Further upstream is Opechee Lake, which holds stocked rainbow trout and numerous landlocked salmon that “drop down” from Lake Winnipesaukee. The outlet of Winnipesaukee, Lakeport Dam, also is home to a very popular tailrace fishery below the dam where rainbow trout and salmon are caught each spring. Further south, on Lake Winnisquam, is Lochmere Dam, another fine place to fish, where the short stretch of river flows into Silver Lake. Look for good perch action here in the spring (white and yellow) with some great smallmouth and largemouth bass thrown in for good measure. While water temperatures remain in the 50-degree range, you will also encounter rainbow and brown trout here. The Pemigewasset River is still running high; we’re waiting for a few “dry” days for this river to begin to recede. As soon as we “dry out,” hit the streams because the insect hatches are on right now! - Don Miller, Regional Fisheries Biologist
MONADNOCK/UPPER VALLEY
Just heard a few reports of anglers doing very well on rainbow trout in Forest Lake (Winchester) and Silver Lake (Harrisville). An angler reported catching a 19” holdover rainbow at Silver Lake this week. I also heard from an angler fishing Willard Pond (Antrim) who has been catching all three species of trout stocked there (tiger trout, rainbow trout, brook trout). Additionally, he reported landing a 17-inch tiger trout, which is definitely a holdover fish! In addition to the good fishing, Willard Pond is a beautiful place to fish. It is just under a hundred acres and undeveloped, with a totally wooded shoreline mostly owned by NH Audubon. There is a gravel ramp and gas motors are prohibited. The pond is fly-fishing only and trout pond regulations apply.
I received a note the other day from an angler I have been emailing with for a number of years and finally met this past winter while fishing Nubanusit Lake. Brian and his son, Brian, Jr., seem to get out on the water (or ice) every chance they get. They are both very interested in learning new techniques and fishing for everything that swims. Turns out that last week, predicted storms kept them close to home and so instead of fishing a lake trout/salmon lake, they fished a nearby bass pond. After striking out on one shoreline, they figured out that given the still-low water temperatures, they should be fishing the opposite shoreline as it receives the most sun. First cast on the new shoreline with a floating Rapala resulted in a nice 2-lb. largemouth. After that, it was game on, and the father and son team caught and released over a dozen largemouth. – Gabe Gries, Regional Fisheries Biologist
SOUTHEAST NH/MERRIMACK VALLEY
We expect to be able to release more broodstock Atlantic salmon soon. If flow rates continue to subside, it is expected that all of these fish will be out by the middle of next week. The watersheds of the Pemigewasset and Winnipesaukee rivers have taken a lot of time to drain this year. We have already received reports of multiple fish being caught in the Pemigewasset River in Bristol/New Hampton. I'd like to say thank you to our volunteers for all the help this past week while stocking trout in the Cocheco River. During the annual Cocheco River Clean Up Day, organized by Great Bay Trout Unlimited, hundreds of brook, brown, and rainbow trout were scattered in the river by the local boy scout troop and students from local schools. A trip to the Cocheco River in Dover is highly recommended. The Liberty Mutual/Measured Progress trail provides ideal access to this scenic river on the northern side of the river beginning at Watson Road. – Ben Nugent, Regional Fisheries Biologist
SEACOAST AREA
The stripers are hitting! Anglers have been reeling them in on the Town Landing in Newmarket and the Swasey Parkway in Exeter. If you have yet to try striper fishing, now’s your chance. It can be quite a thrill to have a striper on your line. If you land one you may find yourself “hooked” on striper fishing. It’s open season for winter flounder. You can try angling for these delicious flatfish from various jetties and bridges on the coast, although you may have more success from a boat. Whichever mode of fishing you choose, stay close to the mouths of estuaries and harbors for greater success. Remember that these fish have small mouths, so use small hooks. Winter flounder have a minimum length of 12 inches and a bag limit of 8 fish per day. Groundfishing has been “hit or miss” lately and many fishing attempts have been thwarted by rough seas. However, this past Sunday seemed to be an all around good day. Despite the closure on Whaleback, you don’t have to go all the way out to Jeffery’s to catch cod. Anglers have been doing well on Old Scantum, which is much closer and therefore more accessible to smaller vessels – Jessica Devoid, Marine Biological Aide
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Copyright 2011 New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301. Comments or questions concerning this list should be directed to jane.vachon@wildlife.nh.gov. C
Scroll down for more info.
NEW HAMPSHIRE FISHING REPORT FOR MAY 16, 2013 br />
Fish stocking report: http://www.fishnh.com/Fishing/Stocking/current.html br />
Access closure: The Wellington State Park boat access facility on Newfound Lake in Bristol, N.H., will be closed for repairs from Tuesday, May 28, through Friday, May 31. See http://www.wildnh.com/Newsroom/2013/Q2/access_Newfound_051613.html Munn Pond Drawdown: The water level is being lowered in Munn Pond in Errol while dam safety is evaluated. http://www.wildnh.com/Newsroom/2013/Q2/Munn_Pond_drawdown_051613.html Fishing licenses: http://www.fishnh.com. Kids under 16 fish free in N.H.! br />
Find us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/nhfishandgame br />
NORTH COUNTRY br />
The recent rain had an interesting effect on North Country fisheries last week. Water temperatures dropped over ten degrees in some locations and water levels rose quickly. It is almost as if a typical spring took a two week break and finally arrived. The result has been a boost to healthy trout and those who pursue them. Some of the softer, gravel roads have also firmed up, and fishermen have been able to get into some remote ponds. These ponds are at their prime, and spring trout fishing should be fantastic. May 15 marks the beginning of the catch-and-release period for bass; this regulation, along with no live bait, is in place to protect spawning fish. At last week’s high school bass tournament on Winnipesaukee, anglers observed fish staging and some guarding nests. In Northern New Hampshire, the bass will start to spawn within a week, and anglers should be prepared. Catch rates can really pick up, but catch-and-release methods become important to protect the overall population. Land fish quickly and keep them out of the water for the shortest time possible. I have gotten some fantastic reports from pike fishermen on the Connecticut River. These beasts have finished spawning and are feeding heavily. Already a voracious predator, warming water has kick-started their metabolism, and they will strike at any food source available. Setbacks in the river are the warmest, and pike should be cruising through them. Pike and walleye habitat can sometimes overlap in the river, and both species can be targeted in the same outing. – Andy Schafermeyer, Regional Fisheries Biologist br />
LAKES REGION br />
With northwest winds at 20 mph plus, the last few days have not been conducive to big lake trolling. Prior to the winds, my fellow Fish and Game pal Kyle and his girlfriend Heather had a good day on Winnisquam, with a couple of nice salmon to show for it. Lake temps are excellent right now, as the last few nights have slowed down the warm-up. We’ve been stocking landlocked salmon yearlings the past three days, so keep an eye out for the “young ones.” Newfound Lake at 55 degrees is the coldest, followed by Sunapee (57o), Pleasant (58o), Big Squam (60o), and Winnisquam at 62 degrees. These are great temps for salmon, and early morning will find them still near the surface. While stocking Pleasant Lake today, we witnessed some cannibalistic action as a very large salmon cut into the freshly released yearlings! It reminded me of a bluefish blitz, as the fish relentlessly chased the salmon around! This is just a reminder that an age class of salmon faces many obstacles in their time spent in the lake. Loons, cormorants, mergansers, otters, predatory fish and, yes, man himself, all make a “dent” in their numbers. I recently was part of the Fish and Game contingent that assisted tournament organizers at the first NHIAA-sanctioned bass fishing event held at Lee’s Mills on Lake Winnipesaukee on May 9. What a fantastic day for students and parents! There were a substantial number of teams entered in the competition, and the bass definitely cooperated! The team from Exeter won overall first place, but every one of those teens were winners on that day. A big thank you to all those “boat captains” who donated use of boats and equipment and time to make this a very special event. I can’t wait until next year, when the new format will be in place and more students participate! River conditions right through the mountains and central New Hampshire are prime now. The catch and release area south of Eastman Falls on the Pemigewasset River looked great today, with only ONE angler noted! Trout pond fishing is holding up well, with some great insect hatches occurring in the late afternoon hours – Don Miller, Regional Fisheries Biologist br />
MONADNOCK/UPPER VALLEY br />
Recent rains have rejuvenated streams in the Monadnock Region, bringing them to more normal flows for this time of year. The current stream temperatures, along with insect hatches, make for very active trout, so now is the time to get out and fish your favorite streams. I have received good reports from anglers fishing the following streams: Ashuelot River, Winchester; South Branch Piscataquog River, New Boston; Souhegan River from Greenville to Amherst. This year we added a new stream to the stocking schedule, one that is definitely worth checking out – Priest Brook in Fitzwilliam. The sunshine and warm temperatures the last couple of weeks have warmed up the lakes and ponds enough that bass are in full spawning mode, building and guarding nests, a bit earlier than usual. Remember, to protect long-term angling opportunities, the regulations for bass from May 15 – June 15 require that only artificial lures and flies are used while targeting bass and that all bass must be released immediately. It’s best not to fish for bass on their nests, as they are very important for the future bass populations. There is always a good percentage of bass that do not nest on a given year, along with pre-spawn and post-spawn fish, so there are plenty of bass available to catch that are not on nests. – Jason Carrier, Regional Fisheries Biologist br />
SOUTHEAST NH/MERRIMACK VALLEY br />
With several days of bright sunshine, the local waters have warmed up nicely. I had several outings on Turtle Pond (Turtletown) in Concord. I mainly targeted crappies and bluegills. I started the afternoon with the slip bobber rig. I managed a few fish on this setup. (Check out Fish and Game's new short video about using slip bobbers at http://youtu.be/XyNL1wD5el8.) Then I switched over to just the jig and grub combination. That was just the fix! Both the crappies and bluegills wanted this more horizontal presentation. I found most of the fish to be located over new aquatic plant growth. Other anglers I encountered on the pond were targeting largemouth bass. They were pleased with the bass they landed. The bass anglers informed me that a Texas-rigged worm fished tight to shore was their most productive tactic. – Mark Beauchesne, Advertising and Promotions Coordinator br />
SEACOAST AREA br />
Conditions couldn’t be any better right now for coastal anglers looking for some spring action, as runs of bait fish continue to pour into New Hampshire watersheds on the coast. Striped bass have shown up in Hampton Harbor, with anglers reporting keeper-sized fish mixed in with schoolies. I would imagine that soon anglers will be reporting stripers in amongst the runs of baitfish (river herring) in our coastal rivers and tributaries of Great Bay. Also don't forget that the Fish and Game Department conducts an annual Striped Bass Volunteer Angler Survey. Any willing angler who fishes for striped bass in New Hampshire state waters can fill out a logbook that gives us information on abundance and size of caught fish. The greater the number of fishing trips reported on, the more data we have to use in managing New Hampshire's striped bass fishery. The next time you are out striper fishing, please consider taking some time after your trip to fill out a survey; it would be greatly appreciated! Those who enter will be entered for a chance to win raffle prizes! Last year, the lucky winners went home with a signed and framed, striped bass print, “Shadow” by Victor E. Young, donated by the Coastal Conservation Association of New Hampshire; and a rod and reel combo donated by Kittery Trading post. For those interested, contact Becky Heuss at Rebecca.Heuss@wildlife.nh.gov or call the Region 3 office at 868-1095. Learn more at http://www.fishnh.com/marine/striper_survey.html. We're getting more frequent reports of flounder being caught, as water temperatures rise and fish move into shallow water. Winter flounder can be considered one of the most popular and sought after springtime fish on the New Hampshire coast. Easily accessible by any angler with a small boat, or access to a jetty or pier, flounder can provide fishing fun for all ages. Flounder can typically be found on sandy or muddy bottom, most often near inlets of harbors and tributaries. Tackle used for flounder fishing can be very basic; a braided hand-line with a 2-5 oz. bank sinker and a long-shanked flounder hook is all you need to get fishing. When I fish for flounder, I typically use a spreader rig with a 2 oz sinker hooked up to a 7-foot medium-action rod spooled with 10-15 lb. test line. Many anglers today prefer the use of a braided non-stretch Dacron line, as flounder have a subtle bite that will not be sensed with monofilament line. Sometimes you will not feel a strike at all. Oftentimes while raising your rod tip or checking your bait you will suddenly hook a flounder! Popular baits include sandworms, bloodworms and clam necks (fresh or frozen) cut into small strips. Remember that flounder have small mouths, so smaller is better when putting bait on your hook. On the ocean front, the groundfish fishing continues to produce consistently. Local headboat companies are doing very well with groundfish, bringing in a mix of cod and haddock. The cod have arrived in greater numbers, to the point where some anglers are reaching their limit. It is also important to note that as of May 1, 2013, groundfish regulations have changed. Cod length limits are still 19 inches with a 9-fish bag limit and haddock length limits have been increased to 21inches, with an unlimited bag limit. I wish all good luck if you head out fishing this week. The weather looks great, and now is the time to go out and enjoy the spring, it will be gone before you know it! – Shane Conlin, Marine Bio-aide br />
-- Copyright 2013 New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301. For usage policy, visit http://www.wildnh.com/Inside_FandG/usage_policy.htm. Comments or questions concerning this list should be directed to jane.vachon@wildlife.nh.gov br />
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NEW HAMPSHIRE FISHING REPORT FOR MAY 9, 2013 br />
Fish stocking report: http://www.fishnh.com/Fishing/Stocking/current.html br />
New Hampshire's first-ever high school bass fishing tournament took place on Lake Winnipesaukee today. See some photos on our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/nhfishandgame. Access note: The water level of Scotts Bog in Pittsburg is being lowered to prepare for reconstruction of the dam this summer, a project of Fish and Game and the NH Department of Environmental Services Dam Bureau. No stocking there this season. Fishing licenses: http://www.fishnh.com. Kids under 16 fish free in N.H.! br />
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NORTH COUNTRY br />
The stretch of weather that we have had for the last two weeks has made winter a distant memory and fishermen like myself are taking full advantage. Trout fishing has been fantastic in our ponds, and the stocking trucks just keep rolling. Water temperatures are warming, and fish respond by increasing their feeding habits. Trolling worms on flicker-style hooks is very effective, and adding a little weight or slowing the boat can get your bait right in front of some hungry trout. The walleye have just finished spawning on the Connecticut River and will also start feeding heavily. Throwing lipless crankbaits can be a good way to catch their attention and convince them to bite. After spawning, they will exit the shallow water and seek deeper spots. They are also a strong feeder of live bait, and jig heads with shiners or worms will do the trick. Both largemouth and smallmouth bass are still in a pre-spawn state of mind, and some of the biggest bass I catch are in May. It becomes important to slow down your retrieve and convert to a more finesse style of fishing. A gentle presentation of plastic baits or a drop-shot set up is a good approach. – Andy Schafermeyer, Regional Fisheries Biologist br />
LAKES REGION br />
As this unseasonable warm spell continues, our big lakes are warming up rapidly. Early morning lake trollers are still finding fish near the surface, but the norm is to fish 3-4 colors of lead core at depths of 20-25 feet. We continue to see salmon and some nice rainbows showing up on Lake Winnipesaukee, while Big Squam and Newfound have been a bit slow. The phantom midge hatch continues full force on Winnisquam; it never ceases to amaze me the amount of midges that hatch in the spring! The first load of anadromous alewives has been stocked into Winnisquam, and hopefully the full complement will again be stocked into the lake. As I reported last year, both salmon and lake trout were taking advantage of this new forage item, which is a side benefit to the restoration of these fish to the Merrimack watershed. A recent electrofishing survey of Lees Pond in Moultonborough turned up a healthy population of large and smallmouth bass that were already in the process of nesting. We also observed some nice yellow perch and monster bluegills. This pond is actually a headwater for Lake Winnipesaukee, as it flows directly into the Lees Mills area of the lake. My daughter Holly and I recently had quite an afternoon fishing a Lakes Region trout pond. The brookies were hitting an orange heron fly with zeal! The heron fly is probably my favorite “attractor” fly, as it really doesn’t seem to represent any local hatch. It is tied with wood duck feathers as wings, with the different colors applied to the neck. I’ve also heard some great reports from Willard, Stonehouse and Saltmarsh ponds. Also, now is the time to try our remote ponds before this warm-up affects those fisheries. – Don Miller, Regional Fisheries Biologist br />
MONADNOCK/UPPER VALLEY br />
Trout fishing in the Contoocook River has been great, according to recent correspondence I have received. The Henniker stretch has all been stocked, and the local Conservation Officer reports talking to many happy anglers. The Contoocook in Hillsborough has been giving up some nice rainbows, especially for fly anglers. Beard’s Brook (Hillsborough) receives brook, brown, and rainbow trout and has produced some nice limits within the past week. Anglers fishing Willard Pond (Antrim; fly fishing only) had a productive opening weekend, with a report of a holdover tiger trout being caught. This is a great time of year to fish the lower stretches of major tributaries to the Connecticut and Merrimack rivers. Smallmouth and largemouth bass will be coming into spawn, and walleye can also be found in some locations, feeding up after their spawning season. Shallow running crankbaits and jerkbaits work great this time of year, as do weightless lures such as the Zoom Super Fluke. – Gabe Gries, Regional Fisheries Biologist br />
SOUTHEAST NH/MERRIMACK VALLEY br />
The river herring run on the Lamprey River is off to one of its best starts ever, with many thousands of fish counted so far at the fish ladder in Newmarket and many more fish observed downstream. Check out the migration totals on our coastal rivers, updated weekly on our website at http://www.fishnh.com/marine/river_herring_shad.html. The striped bass will not be far behind, and there were reports of some huge fish taken in Newmarket last year. While many anglers on the seacoast are aware of the big striped bass that follow the river herring upstream, there is very little known about how river herring impact local freshwater fisheries. The alewives in the Lamprey River are pretty big, usually between 8 and 12 inches long. Even so, I find it hard to believe that big largemouth and smallmouth bass would not take advantage of a prey source whose numbers last year approached 100,000. It might be interesting to cast a silvery lure that imitates a small herring in the river reach upstream of the dam in Newmarket. Biologists from Fish and Game's Marine Fisheries Division are working on a large-scale pit tag and radio telemetry study on the Lamprey River to get a better understanding of river herring movements after they enter freshwater. There have been reports of some broodstock Atlantic salmon being caught in Hooksett. The water level for broodstock fishing on the Merrimack River has been exceptional for this time of year, and anglers should have good access to the river for as long as this dry spell continues. There is a lot of focus on trout fishing this time of year, but warmwater fish are becoming more active during this string of sunny days, especially in southern New Hampshire, where we are noticing the difference in leaf-out compared to areas north of Plymouth. The Nashua River and the Powwow River, near the border with Massachusetts, are not only the first to warm, but they are productive waters that support an abundance of bass, pickerel, and panfish. – Matt Carpenter, Regional Fisheries Biologist br />
SEACOAST AREA br />
I would love to report that the striped bass have arrived, but sad to say, they are not here yet. Many anglers attempted to catch a striper this weekend, with no prevail. River herring started running up the coastal rivers in New Hampshire last week, with roughly 11,000 river herring passing the Cocheco fish ladder in Dover and 60,000 fish passing the Lamprey fish ladder in Newmarket! Anglers at Henry Law Park in Dover have been successful catching alewife as bait. With all of these river herring, one would have to assume that the stripers will be here any day! – Robert Eckert, Marine Biologist br />
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FEDERAL AID IN WILDLIFE AND SPORT FISH AND RESTORATION: AUser-Pay, User-Benefit Program. Researching and managing fisheries and teachingpeople about aquatic ecosystems are funded by your license dollars and by the Federal Aid in Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program. Your purchases of fishing equipment and motorboat fuels make a difference to New Hampshire's fisheries. Learn more at http://www.wildnh.com/SFWR_program/sfwr_program.htm. br />
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N.H. FISHING REPORT FOR APRIL 25, 2013
Anglers heading to Stonehouse Pond in Barrington weekend should be aware that the access road has been flooded by beavers and the gate may be closed to vehicles in order to prevent further damage to the access road. Fish and Game is working to rectify the situation and hopes to have the gate open as soon as possible. The Wellington State Park boat access facility on Newfound Lake in Bristol, N.H., is currently open, with both ramps available for public use, but no dock available at this time. Expect a brief weekday closure sometime in June while Fish and Game wraps up work on a new dock there. See an update at http://www.fishnh.com/Newsroom/2013/Q2/Newfound_access_042513.html. Stocking Report: http://www.fishnh.com/Fishing/Stocking/current.html. Purchase your fishing license and brood stock salmon permit online at https://www.nhfishandgame.com or from any Fish and Game license agent.
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NORTH COUNTRY
Although I have not fished much in this early season, my mind is transforming into that of the early season angler. When I drive by a river or stream, I subconsciously wonder where I would cast and which fly would be best. As I glance at lakes and ponds, I find myself looking for rising fish and hatching bugs. Part of my job in the spring is stocking fish and, although I've done it thousands of times, I watch them slowly swim away and still marvel at their hypnotic grace. Once our rivers and streams are flowing at comfortable levels and reach water temperatures around 50 degrees, stocking begins in earnest. Anxious to get the fish out and steering clear of frozen lakes and ponds, biologists, Conservation Officers and hatchery technicians move thousands of fish at a time. Spring flows help the fish spread out, and they are soon residing in those areas more common for coldwater fish. Both aquatic insects and other baitfish are hard to find, and fish adjust their eating habits accordingly. Keep this in mind as you pursue early season trout. Designated trout ponds open for fishing on Saturday, April 27, and most North Country ponds will be ice free. This week has seen a subtle change in the weather, and open water is taking over. Again, stocking fish has been the major work detail, and these ponds will be full of trout for the adventure-seeking angler. Water temperatures will be cool, and fish may be less aggressive than those caught in warmer months. Remember to change tactics if the fishing seems slow. Switch tackle, depths, speeds, or even locations in your search for fish. – Andy Schafermeyer, Regional Fisheries Biologist
LAKES REGION
Well, it seems like the nasty weather we have endured the last few days has finally ended. Three days with a cold, east-southeast wind had conditions on the lake miserable at best, but I managed to fish with fellow biologists Ben Nugent and Matt Carpenter on Winnipesaukee for a few hours. The east wind was not the best direction to fish on, but when has that stopped the true fisherman? We managed a couple salmon on trolled live bait, and saw a few other boats battling the conditions along with us. The smelt runs in Winnipesaukee are over now. They are generally done around the first week of April. Conditions on the lake are changing rapidly, as the smallmouth bass have begun to “turn on.” Usually this puts a hurt on those spring anglers who like to troll the shorelines, but continue on, battle through a few bass and you will still find some salmon on those warmer shorelines. Just today, I have seen an explosion of phantom midges here on Winnisquam, so much so that it makes breathing difficult in the swarms. These midges produce countless tons of food for springtime fisheries…everyone feeds on them, especially salmon. The midge hatch actually extends pretty much throughout the summer, with the heaviest hatches occurring in April-June. Often salmon will get interested in the midges to the exclusion of other forage prey. Within a week, white perch will begin their spawning runs around tributary mouths, shallow coves, and rivers entering our big lakes. Areas to fish for these tasty perch include; Lakeport Dam/Opechee Lake, Moultonborough Bay on Lake Winnipesaukee all the way up to Greens Basin, the Melvin River, Smith River (including Back Bay Wolfeboro). On Lake Winnisquam, try areas below Mohawk Island, near Mosquito Bridge and the mouth of the Winnipesaukee River in Laconia, near the Fish and Game boat ramp. There are so many area lakes with white perch, the list is nearly endless. Try Kanasatka and Waukewan lakes for a change of pace. I can’t wait for this weekend for the chance to fish an area trout pond from my canoe. Trout ponds will open on Saturday, April 27. I like to head north, not only to beat the crowds, but to look for ponds with good holdover capability; I feel most ponds will be open this year (free of ice) from Lancaster south. In the lakes region, old favorites are Saltmarsh Pond/Gilford, Sky Pond/New Hampton, and Spectacle Pond/Groton, Hebron. Enjoy the spring, it doesn’t last long! – Don Miller, Regional Fisheries Biologist
MONADNOCK/UPPER VALLEY
The recent wind has opened up our Southwestern New Hampshire lake trout/landlocked salmon lakes, and Silver Lake (Harrisville), Granite Lake (Stoddard) and Nubanusit Lake (Hancock) are open for business. This is a great time of year to get out and troll without needing downriggers. All three lakes offer rainbow trout and lake trout, and Nubanusit also has landlocked salmon. Reports indicate some nice trout being caught in the Cold River (Walpole/Alstead), Otter Brook (Sullivan), and the Nissitissit River (Brookline). Go to http://www.fishnh.com/Fishing/Stocking/current.html for a complete list of waters that have been stocked so far in 2013. Early season bass fishing is starting to get hot on local lakes. An angler sent me a picture of a 6.3 lb largemouth bass caught this past weekend (see the photo in the online version of this report at http://www.fishnh.com/Fishing/Fishing_Reports/2013/FR_042513.html). I also heard of a 4-fish (two anglers), 21-lb. winning catch from a local bass tournament. The walleye bite on the Connecticut River appears to have slowed with the high water we have been experiencing, combined with a drop in water temperature. The good news is that the bite will likely pick back up once water levels drop. Connecticut River anglers are reporting good catches of smallmouth bass and northern pike. I also have a report that anglers are starting to catch a few black crappies in the setbacks. – Gabe Gries, Regional Fisheries Biologist
SOUTHEAST NH/MERRIMACK VALLEY
Saturday April 27, marks the opening day of designated trout ponds in New Hampshire. Here, in southeastern New Hampshire, several anglers will make the traditional trek to these ponds before daylight to beat the crowds to get to their prime spot. Most designated trout ponds have the forage and habitat to afford multiyear survival of stocked brook, brown, and rainbow trout, allowing these fish to reach larger sizes. These fish should be larger and more acclimated to the conditions of the pond, providing anglers a bit more of a challenge. Additionally, older hatchery fish are stocked in several of these waterbodies in an effort to increase the opportunity to catch a trophy trout. The designated trout ponds in our area include: Archery Pond (fly fishing only) (Allenstown), Barbadoes Pond (Madbury), Clough Pond (Loudon), Exeter Reservoir (Exeter), Hothole Pond (Concord/Loudon), Lucas Pond (Northwood), and Stonehouse Pond (fly fishing only) (Barrington). While water temperatures remain cool, trout will still be swimming in the shallow areas. This makes trout available either from fishing from shorelines or by boat. Shoreline fishing can be rather simplistic and can be a good way to introduce someone new to this activity. We were recently notified of a large fish found dead in the Contoocook River in the Boscawen/Concord area. The caller suspected the fish may be a walleye. Knowing a small population of the species existed in the area, and despite several failed attempts to learn more about the population, we rushed to meet the caller. He had a 31-inch, 13.02-pound female walleye saved in a cooler. This impressive fish had lived easily in excess of 15 years in the Contoocook! We are aware of populations of walleye in both the Contoocook and Merrimack rivers, but have had a difficult time establishing the status, densities, and overall distribution of the species in these two rivers. We welcome any information from anglers who have encountered walleye in these areas to report them to us. We've posted a photo of this find at the online version of this report at http://www.fishnh.com/Fishing/Fishing_Reports/2013/FR_042513.html. – Ben Nugent, Regional Fisheries Biologist
BROOD STOCK SALMON ARE IN!
All of the Atlantic salmon broodstock will likely be stocked by the time that this report reaches you. (See anadromous fisheries biologist Matt Carpenter's report at http://www.fishnh.com/Newsroom/2013/Q2/broodstock_salmon_042313.html, including a link to a short video on brood stock salmon fishing in the Merrimack). With the purchase of the Atlantic salmon broodstock permit, anglers can target these larger salmon in both the Merrimack and Pemigewasset rivers. The majority of these fish are being stocked into the Pemigewasset River between Bristol and New Hampton. Other fish will be stocked at the mouth of the Contoocook River, the Sewall’s Falls area on the Merrimack River, and below the Hooksett Dam. When targeting these salmon upstream of the Garvin Falls Dam (Bow) anglers can take these fish only by fly fishing. Below the Garvin Falls Dam, anglers targeting the salmon can either use flies or single hook lures. Despite where the salmon are stocked, these fish move around, eventually making their way downstream in an effort to get to the Atlantic. You can find more information on New Hampshire's brood stock salmon fishery, including an access map, at http://www.fishnh.com/Fishing/atlantic_salmon.htm. – Ben Nugent, Regional Fisheries Biologist
SEACOAST AREA
Groundfishing is still the word here on the seacoast. The headboat companies are doing very well with groundfish, mainly haddock with some cod, pollock and redfish mixed in as well. I am still waiting for the first flounder reports; I have only heard of unsuccessful trips so far. In other news, the river herring have arrived! Roughly 2,000 alewives have passed through our coastal fish ladders so far this season. – Becky Heuss, Marine Biologist
FEDERAL AID IN WILDLIFE AND SPORT FISH AND RESTORATION: AUser-
Pay, User-Benefit Program. Researching and managing fisheries and teachingpeople about aquatic ecosystems are funded by your license dollars and by the Federal Aid in Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program. Your purchases of fishing equipment and motorboat fuels make a difference to New Hampshire's fisheries. Learn more at http://www.wildnh.com/SFWR_program/sfwr_program.htm.
-- Copyright 2013 New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301. For usage policy, visit http://www.wildnh.com/Inside_FandG/usage_policy.htm. Comments or questions concerning this list should be directed to jane.vachon@wildlife.nh.gov
News from the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department
Phone: (603) 271-3211 Email: info@wildlife.nh.gov For information and online licenses, visit http://www.wildnh.com
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CONTACT: Matt Carpenter: 603- 271-2612 Jane Vachon: (603) 271-3211 April 23, 2013
CATCH THE KING -- SPRING BROODSTOCK SALMON SEASON ABOUT TO BEGIN
See a short video about brood stock salmon fishing on the Merrimack River in New Hampshire at http://www.fishnh.com/Fishing/atlantic_salmon.htm.
CONCORD, N.H. – Anglers going after the "King of Fish" – broodstock Atlantic salmon – will be happy to hear that stocking of the big fish is expected to get underway this week. After a more typical winter, river flows are holding steady at about average for this time of year. Snow melt continues in the mountains, keeping the water temperature cold in the Pemigewasset River. Cold water temperatures and steady flows can make for a good spring season of salmon fishing. "With no major rain in the forecast, we have decided to seize the opportunity and stock the broodstock early this year," said Matt Carpenter, the fisheries biologist who manages the salmon broodstock fishery. "Hopefully, this will make for a long and productive spring season of fishing." The fish will be spread between stocking sites beginning in Bristol and working south to Concord and Hooksett, N.H. Fish and Game stocks brood stock Atlantic salmon each spring and fall, giving New Hampshire the only managed Atlantic salmon river fishery in New England. “We have about 300 fish to stock this spring. What we lack in numbers this year we make up for in size,” said Carpenter. “Some of these fish easily weigh in over 10 pounds!” To fish for brood stock salmon, anglers need a current New Hampshire fishing license and an $11 brood stock salmon permit. Both can be purchased online at http://www.fishnh.com or from license agents statewide. Only salmon marked by Fish and Game with a T-bar anchor at the base of the dorsal fin may be kept. The bag limit is 1 per day and 5 total for the season. The big brood stock salmon being stocked this spring have completed their maternal duty producing the fry (young salmon) used in the Atlantic salmon restoration program, a partnership between the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. "Spring is when we stock the robust 3- and 4-year-old salmon, as opposed to the two-year-olds stocked in the fall," said Carpenter. "Salmon are not ready to produce eggs until they are at least three years old. In the fall, we stock extra fish that will not be needed to provide eggs for the program. In the spring, we stock extra fish that have already spawned the previous fall." Purchase of brood stock salmon permits helps support this cooperative state-federal restoration effort, along with a number of other fish conservation projects. The program is also supported through federal funds from the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Program. Brood stock anglers are encouraged to report their experiences to Fish and Game by contacting Matt Carpenter at 603-271-2612 or matthew.carpenter@wildlife.nh.gov. For more information on New Hampshire’s brood stock salmon fishery, including an access map, visit http://www.fishnh.com/Fishing/atlantic_salmon.htm.
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NH FISHING REPORT FOR APRIL 18, 2013
Greetings, anglers! Welcome to our first fishing report of the year. Fish and Game stocking trucks are rolling. See where the fish were delivered last week on our weekly Stocking Report at http://www.fishnh.com/Fishing/Stocking/current.html. Discover WILD New Hampshire Day is this Saturday, April 20, in Concord. Stop in and say hi to the fisheries biologists and check out the electroshocking boat – http://www.wildnh.com/Newsroom/2013/Q2/DWNH_Day_040513.html. Trout ponds: As several of our regional authors note, designated trout and fly-fishing-only ponds open Saturday, April 27. (You might have noticed we goofed and had the date wrong in the Freshwater Fishing Digest.) These ponds are managed specifically for trout and fishing is allowed through October 15. Info and suggested locations: http://www.fishnh.com/Newsroom/2013/Q2/trout_pond_opener_041113.html Purchase your fishing license online at http://www.fishnh.com or from any Fish and Game license agent. Don’t forget -- kids under 16 fish free in N.H.!
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NORTH COUNTRY
The winter of 2013 has held a much tougher grip on Northern New Hampshire than those of the past few years. Most of our ponds are still frozen and could remain so in the far northern reaches of the state awhile. Our rivers and streams are still running cold enough to support an occasional ice chunk, and some are still framed in snow. These conditions might make it hard to find enthusiasm for early season fishing, but don’t give up hope. There are opportunities to get the dust off your fishing gear and get the 2013 open water season off to a good start. By the first week in April, hatchery trucks started rolling out with brook, brown, and rainbow trout. Conditions have dictated that most of them have been stocked in rivers and streams. Water temperatures are cool and natural foods are not yet abundant, but fish still have to eat. If one were to cast flies at this time of year, it is best to think small and slow. Bead-head caddis patterns are a good choice, and repetition is a good approach. Don’t worry about casting to the same run three or four times before moving on. If you find an egg pattern in your fly box, give it a try, as it seems to be an early season favorite of river fishermen. Our designated trout ponds open on Saturday, April 27. Biologists, Conservation Officers, and hatchery technicians in the North Country don’t let winter get in the way of their duties and have stocked fish through the ice this year. As a result, your favorite opening day pond will have plenty of fish in it. There are many approaches to catching fish in these waterbodies with the most popular being trolling live bait. I’m not sure why small, orange, beads and a flicker spoon attract trout, but their effectiveness can’t be ignored. A snelled hook tied in this fashion can be tipped with a worm, Powerbait, or almost anything else and has become a trademark approach to catching fish. Of all fishing opportunities we will see this season, right now may be the best time to catch northern pike. Their early spawning season makes their behavior and habitat preference predictable, and they can be caught with some consistency. Shallow, flooded areas should be fished with quick retrieves. Spinner-baits or large in-line spinners can trigger an explosive strike. Moore Reservoir, Partridge Lake in Littleton, and Jericho Pond in Berlin can offer these scenarios perfectly. – Andy Schafermeyer, Regional Fisheries Biologist
LAKES REGION
This spring has seen a return to a more normal spring with "ice-out" occurring in mid-April, compared to the last few years that saw ice-out in the last week of March. I had a chance to fish Lake Winnipesaukee last Wednesday, April 10, with fellow biologist Ben Nugent. I believe we were some of the first anglers to make it out on the water, as the ice was still in the process of clearing out. We fished from Ellacoya State Park all the way to Glendale and the Lockes Island area. We dodged floating ice as we trolled along the shorelines. Fishing was slow, especially near Poor Farm Brook, where snowmelt from the Gunstock ski slopes had sent snowmelt and silt into the bay. We didn’t spend much time in this area and trolled up the Belknap Point shoreline into clear, but very cold water. With the water temperature in the 39-degree range, we were surprised to see it rise slightly as we neared the "gut" between Lockes Island and the Glendale town docks. You guessed it; a two-degree change in temperature was the key, as we got into the salmon immediately. Trolling live shiners (lip-hooked), we were able to catch several nice salmon in the 19-21 inch range. A fellow angler in the area reported that he caught a couple nice rainbow trout also using the same technique. Leaving the area, we were treated to a “double” on lake trout. It’s always a treat to catch lakers on short, light lines! Area lakes have cleared of ice now, with the possible exception of Big Squam Lake, which usually lingers a bit longer. Winnisquam cleared of ice on April 13. Trout ponds will open on April 27, and if this weather holds, it should be a great opener. – Don Miller, Regional Fisheries Biologist
MONADNOCK/UPPER VALLEY
Once again, early April finds many southwestern New Hampshire anglers filling their pans, fryers, and ovens with fresh walleye fillets from the Connecticut River. Despite recent high-water conditions, anglers have been catching walleye below the Vernon and Bellows Falls Dams for the past month. Either of these locations, or the mouths of major tributaries such as the Cold, Sugar and Mascoma Rivers, are a great place to cast a jig and minnow in pursuit of these fantastic fish. If weather and river conditions cooperate, the next week or two should hold some excellent fishing opportunities. Added bonuses at these locations also include smallmouth bass and northern pike. The walleye spring season can be a short one, so get out there while the fishing is good! – Gabe Gries, Regional Fisheries Biologist
SOUTHEAST NH/MERRIMACK VALLEY
Being aware of subtle changes in water temperature can be key component of success during this time of year. A difference of a degree or two can cause fish to be present or not in a particular area. In the period after ice out, anglers who seek out areas with warmer temperatures will likely have a greater chance of finding both warm and cold water species. Often, forage fish and, subsequently, predators, forgo their traditional summer protective habitats to seek out more desirable temperatures. Electronic fish finders with temperature sensors can be a useful tool to find these warmer areas, but other physical features can be used to find these locations. Focus on areas that receive a larger amount of sunlight throughout out the day. These are often associated with northern portions of waterbodies. Shallow areas are more responsive to daytime solar warming than deeper areas. Also look for areas where warmer tributary streams enter, or flooded areas in backwaters or along floodplains if the water levels are high. As these areas warm throughout the day, fish will migrate to them. This makes sunny days during the mid-afternoon an opportune time to fish for them. Stream temperatures are approaching mid-50’s and local anglers in Southeast New Hampshire have been having good luck on the Isinglass and Exeter Rivers. Trout stocking has begun in earnest, so get out and wet a line this weekend if you can! – Ben Nugent, Regional Fisheries Biologist
SEACOAST AREA
The spring fishing season has just begun, and anglers are starting off the year with a bang. The party boats have been groundfishing for a few weeks now and are reporting large catches of haddock, as well as redfish and a few cod. Cod fishing is open as of April 16. The Cod Spawning Protection Area is in effect again this year from April through June, see page 9 in the Saltwater Fishing Digest (at http://www.fishnh.com/pubs/fishing.html) for more details. Winter flounder fishing season should be starting up, as well. I have not heard any reports from flounder fishermen yet, so if you go, let us know how the fishing is! It is still early in the month, so check with bait shops before heading out; they don’t always have seaworms (the preferred bait) this early in the season. – Becky Heuss, Marine Biologist
FEDERAL AID IN WILDLIFE AND SPORT FISH AND RESTORATION: A User-Pay, User-Benefit Program. Researching and managing fisheries and teaching people about aquatic ecosystems are funded by your license dollars and by the Federal Aid in Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program. Your purchases of fishing equipment and motorboat fuels make a difference to New Hampshire's fisheries. To learn more: http://www.wildnh.com/SFWR_program/sfwr_program.htm.
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Copyright 2013 New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301. For usage policy, visit http://www.wildnh.com/Inside_FandG/usage_policy.htm. Comments or questions concerning this list should be directed to jane.vachon@wildlife.nh.gov
News from the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department
Phone: (603) 271-3211 Email: info@wildlife.nh.gov
For information and online licenses, visit http://www.wildnh.com
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CONTACT: Mark Beauchesne: (603) 271-3211 Jane Vachon: (603) 271-3211 Jim Martin, DES: (603) 271-3710
April 12, 2013
MEDIA: Print-quality photos of previous Discover WILD New Hampshire Day are available at http://www.wildnh.com/Events/DWNH_Day.html
DON'T MISS DISCOVER WILD NEW HAMPSHIRE DAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 2013
CONCORD, N.H. -- Discover WILD New Hampshire Day is almost here! This free outdoor festival takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 20, 2013, on the grounds of the N.H. Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, N.H. Celebrate the arrival of spring by letting the kids try archery, casting, wildlife crafts and more. See retriever dogs in action, live animals, big trout and trained falcons. You'll also pick up lots of great ideas for conserving energy and protecting our environment. More than 35 outdoor, conservation and environmental groups from throughout New Hampshire will have booths, displays and demos at the event. It's a great way to find out how you and your family can care for the environment and get connected to life outdoors. Special presentations and demonstrations go on throughout the day,including turkey calling for kids; a live animal presentation by the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center; landscaping for wildlife talks; a mobile DES Air Quality Monitoring Station; retrieval dog demos; and map and compass instruction. For times, visit http://www.wildnh.com/Newsroom/2013/Q2/DWNH_Day_040513.html. The Fish and Game License Office will be open during the event, so stop by and purchase your fishing or hunting license while you’re at Discover WILD New Hampshire Day. Be sure to check out special deals on Fish and Game merchandise, too. The event is held rain or shine. A food concession is available from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Please note that no dogs are allowed; service animals only. Now in its 24th year, Discover WILD New Hampshire Day began in New Hampshire in 1989 as an observance of Earth Day and a celebration of the state's wealth of natural resources and outdoor recreational opportunities. Discover WILD New Hampshire Day is co-sponsored by the N.H. Fish and Game Department and the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES).
Visit New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services at http://www.des.nh.gov.
Visit N.H. Fish and Game at http://www.wildnh.com.
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News from the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department
Phone: (603) 271-3211 Email: info@wildlife.nh.gov
For information and online licenses, visit http://www.wildnh.com
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CONTACT: Don Miller: (603) 744-5470 John Viar: (603) 744-5470 Jane Vachon: (603) 271-3211 April 11, 2013
DESIGNATED TROUT AND FLY-FISHING ONLY PONDS OPEN SATURDAY, APRIL 27
CONCORD, N.H. -- Fishing in New Hampshire's designated trout ponds and fly-fishing-only ponds opens on the fourth Saturday in April -- this year's opening day is April 27, 2013. Fishing is allowed through October 15. These waters are managed specifically for trout and offer anglers the chance to experience exciting fishing in some of the Granite State's most scenic surroundings. Anglers should note that the date for the trout pond opening is stated incorrectly in the 2013 N.H. Freshwater Fishing Digest. The correct date is listed in the online version of the Digest at http://www.fishnh.com/pubs/fishing.html. Fishing on these ponds opens Saturday, April 27, 2013. "These trout ponds are often the best waters in a given area for a variety of reasons," said New Hampshire Fish and Game Department Fisheries Biologist Don Miller. "Excellent habitat, low species competition and the fact that these ponds are closed to ice-fishing allow these waters to be managed for the trout fishing enthusiast." Ponds managed for trout may be stocked with one or more species, including brook, rainbow and/or brown trout, with age classes ranging from yearlings (8-12 inches), 2-year olds (12-15 inches), and 3+ year olds (measured in pounds!). "Trout are prized by anglers because they can be a challenge to catch, and fishing for them is one of the traditional rites of spring," Miller said. "Whether your passion is a multi-colored brook trout, a leaping rainbow or the determined fight of a brown, there's a New Hampshire trout pond within reasonable driving distance for you." With our "normal" winter this year, anglers may find their favorite north-country ponds still covered with ice. High-elevation remote ponds from the central White Mountain region north are likely to be partially ice-covered this year. Fortunately, anglers can find open water along the shorelines to allow some limited fishing until the ice clears in a few days. Hot Hole Pond and Clough Pond in Loudon, French Pond in Henniker, Mount William Pond in Weare, Dublin Lake in Dublin, and Barbadoes Pond in Madbury are a few of the generously stocked early season hotspots where opening day trout are taken. It gets no better than this for taking the youngsters along with a simple garden hackle under a bobber, or floating PowerBait fished just off the bottom. There are many popular ponds located from the Lakes Region north to Pittsburg. They include Echo Lake in Franconia, Russell Pond in Woodstock, Conner Pond and Duncan Lake in Ossipee, White Lake in Tamworth, Perch Pond in Campton, Saltmarsh Pond in Gilford, Spectacle Pond in Groton, Back Lake in Pittsburg, Fish Pond in Columbia and Little Diamond Pond in Stewartstown. Anglers looking for a true wilderness experience will enjoy visiting one of the nearly 50 remote trout ponds that Fish and Game annually stocks with fingerling brook trout via helicopter. These are listed at http://www.fishnh.com/Fishing/trout_remote.htm. Flat Mountain Pond in Sandwich, Cole Pond in Enfield (fly fishing only), Butterfield Pond in Wilmot, Peaked Hill Pond in Thornton, Black Pond and Lonesome Lake in Lincoln are just a sampling of these delightful ponds, where fingerling brook trout often grow to 8-10 inches by their second growing season, and it's not unusual to pull in brookies 15 inches or longer. Trophy, remote-pond brook trout (three or more years old, some in excess of 17-18 inches) can be caught in these backcountry waters. Archery Pond in Allenstown (with a wheelchair-accessible casting platform) and Stonehouse Pond in Barrington are two popular fly-fishing-only ponds that will be ice-free and well stocked for the opener. If you travel over to Antrim and fish Willard Pond, you will be treated to forested, undeveloped shorelines and the “triple treat” of fly-fishing: brook, rainbow and tiger trout. Further north, some excellent fly-fishing-only ponds include Upper Hall Pond in Sandwich, Sky Pond in New Hampton and Profile Lake in Franconia (check the Freshwater Fishing Digest for special regulations) on these waters. In addition, White Pond in Ossipee and Coon Brook Bog in Pittsburg offer excellent opportunities to "match the hatch" throughout spring and early summer. For a list of trout ponds and fly-fishing-only ponds in New Hampshire, as well as a description of special rules that apply to certain ponds, consult the 2013 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, available online at http://www.fishnh.com/pubs/fishing.html or from any Fish and Game license agent when you buy your license.
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-- Copyright 2013 New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301. For usage policy, visit http://www.wildnh.com/Inside_FandG/usage_policy.htm. Comments or questions concerning this list should be directed to jane.vachon@wildlife.nh.gov
News from the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department Phone: (603) 271-3211 Email: info@wildlife.nh.gov For information and online licenses, visit http://www.wildnh.com
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CONTACT: Don Miller: (603) 744-5470 John Viar: (603) 744-5470 Jane Vachon: (603) 271-3211 March 29, 2013
LANDLOCKED SALMON AND LAKE TROUT FISHING OPENS APRIL 1
See our new salmon video at http://www.fishnh.com/Newsroom/2013/Q1/big_lakes_opener_032913.html. CONCORD, N.H. -- April 1 is the day New Hampshire anglers have been dreaming about through the long, cold winter -- the start of open-water fishing on the big lakes that the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department (NFGD) manages for landlocked salmon and lake trout. Mother Nature has just played a cruel joke on those anglers who recently had thoughts of vast areas of open water this spring. A winter cold snap, followed by a foot of snow has the countryside looking a lot like Christmas instead of spring! But fear not, the March sun will do its work on the snowpack and opening day will provide areas of open water for the salmon anglers. It looks like we will experience a “normal spring” with “ice out” probably occurring mid-April. With the increased snowpack, our tributary streams will benefit with increased flows, attracting spawning smelt, the prime forage fish for landlocked salmon. Fall netting (2012) reveals strong, age-2+3 year-classes of salmon in Big Squam and Winnipesaukee lakes, which will dominate the catch. There will also be some nice age 3 salmon available in Sunapee Lake, "said N.H. Fish and Game Large Lakes Biologist Don Miller”. New Hampshire Fish and Game manages 15 lakes for landlocked salmon: Big Dan Hole Pond, First and Second Connecticut Lakes, Conway Lake, Lake Francis, Merrymeeting Lake, Newfound Lake, Ossipee Lake, Big and Little Squam Lakes, Sunapee Lake, Lake Winnipesaukee, Winnisquam Lake, and Nubanusit Lake. Pleasant Lake in New London also is managed for landlocked salmon, but is classified as a trout pond, with a 2013 opening date of April 27. Anglers should check out the Winnipesaukee River, which flows through the Weirs channel into Paugus Bay, and through the Lakeport Dam/Lake Opechee area. “Drop-down” salmon (and rainbow trout) are found throughout these river reaches. Other traditional areas include the Winnipesaukee River through Laconia to Dixon Point at Lake Winnisquam, and Lochmere Dam at Silver Lake. There is often a sizable piece of open water in Lake Winnisquam where the river drains into the lake. This water can be easily accessed by the NHFGD boat access ramp, just upstream in Laconia. The Newfound River in Bristol offers great fly-fishing-only water that can often produce drop-down rainbows and salmon. Additionally, several popular Winnipesaukee shore fishing locations exist at the Merrymeeting River (fly-fishing-only, barbless, catch and release), and the mouth of the Merrymeeting River as it enters Alton Bay, downstream of the famous stone arch bridge. Other good sites to visit include the Long Island Bridge in Moultonborough, Governors Island Bridge in Gilford, Smith River inlet at Wolfeboro Bay, and Meredith and Center Harbor town docks. At these locations, everything from smelt, shiners and worms under a slip bobber to small jigs will take salmon, as well as rainbow trout. This time of year, salmon are successfully caught by trolling with everything from spoons (such as DB Smelt, Sutton, Mooselook, Top Gun, and Smelt Gun) to traditional streamer flies (for example, Maynard’s Marvel, Pumpkinhead, Mickey Finn, Joe’s Smelt, and the countless Grey Ghost variations), and an early season favorite, live smelt or shiners. Most early season fish are caught from the surface to about 15 feet down, with everything from planer board set-ups to the simplest of monofilament flat lines 50-150 feet behind the boat. When the wind kicks in, drifting live smelt or shiners in the waves can be highly effective. Only single hooks for bait while trolling are allowed on certain salmon/lake trout lakes, including Squam, Newfound, Sunapee, Winnipesaukee and Winnisquam lakes (See the N.H. Freshwater Fishing Digest for a complete list). To ensure the future of high-quality landlocked salmon fisheries, anglers must take extra care when releasing salmon, as the percentage of hook-wounded fish continues to be a problem. Hook wounded/scarred fish are significantly shorter and poorer in body condition than non-hook-wounded counterparts of the same age. Using rubber nets and proper release techniques (for example, don’t “shake” fish off the hook), and releasing lightly hooked healthy salmon, while choosing to harvest previously hook-wounded fish, are ways to minimize the negative effects of hook wounding, thereby increasing the number of trophy salmon available in the future. See a new Fish and Game video at http://www.fishnh.com/Fishing/salmon_anglers_pledge.html about landlocked salmon in NH, and tips for safe handling of these fish. Fish and Game encourages anglers to take the Landlocked Salmon Anglers’ Pledge, a cooperative, volunteer effort to help sustain quality landlocked salmon fisheries in New Hampshire’s large lakes. N.H. fishing licenses can be purchased online at http://www.fishnh.com, or from any Fish and Game license agent. Annual resident fishing licenses are $35. Resident one-day licenses are just $10. Annual nonresident fishing licenses are $53. One-, three- and seven-day nonresident licenses are also available. Reel in lots more information on fishing in New Hampshire, from depth maps to tackle tips -- and download the 2013 N.H. Freshwater Fishing Digest or view it in searchable online format -- at http://www.fishnh.com/pubs/fishing.html.
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-- Copyright 2013 New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301. For usage policy, visit http://www.wildnh.com/Inside_FandG/usage_policy.htm. Comments or questions concerning this list should be directed to jane.vachon@wildlife.nh.gov
News from the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department Phone: (603) 271-3211 Email: info@wildlife.nh.gov For information and online licenses, visit http://www.wildnh.com
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CONTACT: Jason Smith: 603-271-2501 Vikki Leonard: 603-271-2501 March 27, 2013
HATCHERIES GEARING UP FOR SPRING FISH STOCKING
CONCORD, N.H. -- Now that spring is on the horizon and winter is coming to an end, New Hampshire Fish and Game Fisheries Division Chief Jason Smith can’t help but get excited about open water angling, and more specifically, about trout fishing. Fish Culturists at New Hampshire's six state hatcheries have had another great growing season, and stocking trucks are ready to get rolling in April. In fact, some of the state's southern waterbodies will receive fish in late March. New Hampshire hatcheries have close to 1 million catchable-size trout ready for this season. "As patches of open water begin to appear and shoreline ice starts to break up, anglers – including me – can’t help but look forward to open water trout fishing. Spring conditions are more reflective of a typical year so our hatchery staff will look forward to a more typical stocking routine this year," said Smith. With cold, high waters from melting snow, it will be a few weeks before rivers and streams are at “fishable” levels. Most trout species are reluctant to bite until the streams reach temperatures in the mid-40 degrees F. "We don't want to stock streams too early because cold, high water early in the season does not present suitable conditions for trout stocking, and angler access is limited until waters recede." said Smith. "We're fortunate to have Conservation Officers in the field who monitor water conditions and make the necessary adjustments to the trout stocking schedules for when conditions are right." New Hampshire’s designated trout ponds, which open on the fourth Saturday in April (April 27, 2013), should offer early season success. "Our stocking crews do their best to ensure there are recently stocked trout in all of our designated trout ponds for opening day," said Smith. "Proceed with caution, however, as some of the ponds harder to access due to road conditions. If we have an extended mud season, concentrate on ponds with paved access and go from there." Designated trout ponds are open from the fourth Saturday in April through October 15. As the season progresses, fishing picks up on smaller streams from south to north, with the larger rivers to follow. A good rule of thumb, says Smith, is to follow the black flies as they move north! Fishing licenses can be purchased online at http://www.fishnh.com or from any Fish and Game license agent.
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-- Copyright 2013 New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301. For usage policy, visit http://www.wildnh.com/Inside_FandG/usage_policy.htm. Comments or questions concerning this list should be directed to jane.vachon@wildlife.nh.gov
NH FISHING REPORT FOR SEPTEMBER 13, 2012
We know you'll appreciate Don Miller's advice in this week's report: "Get out and fish; the season is winding to a close and it will be a long winter!" Note for boaters: Work is complete on the new ramp and parking at the boat access facility on Onway Lake in Raymond, N.H., and the site is now open.
NORTH COUNTRY
It is getting close to the time of year when our small trout ponds are going to turn on. I’m talking about those walk-in or semi-remote waterbodies teeming with post card image brook trout. Summer months see them with abundant aquatic vegetation, which provides good cover for fish, but makes casting difficult. As this vegetation dies back, long casts and retrieves get easier and bringing a trout into your canoe or float tube becomes a pleasant task. One of my favorites is Whitcomb Pond in the headwaters of the Nash Stream State Forest. The fish in the fall look so beautiful in color and size that I usually fill my camera with pictures. Most of these ponds see marginal fishing pressure, and I find that the fish are aggressive and not terribly weary. Some of the surface hits are explosive and really get my heart pumping. I use a small, 4-weight rod and cast with ease, even if there is a little wind. My favorite dry fly in the fall on a calm pond is the Quill Gordon. It is simple and seems to closely imitate many flying insects, including mosquitoes and midges. I use very small ones that range from size 20 to 22. In addition to dry flies, I like to cast emerging nymph patterns. When doing so, I shorten my casts and try to get the fly in as much of a vertical retrieve as possible. Areas to try this fall include Munn Pond in Errol, Trio Ponds in Odell, Wachipauka Pond in Warren, or Stub Hill Pond in Pittsburg. – Andy Schafermeyer, Fisheries Biologist
LAKES REGION
Recent rains in the Lakes Region have brought water levels up a bit and have washed a lot of food items into our lakes and streams. Lake temps have begun to cool a bit, down to 71 degrees from a high of 78. I was trolling Winnisquam a few nights ago and observed flying ants all over the surface of the lake. In late summer these ants take to the air, only to fall on open water and are eagerly plucked by rainbow trout and landlocked salmon (and gulls too!). Reports from the large lake salmon fishermen are good…salmon are still hitting in Winnipesaukee, and in a variety of locations. In the early morning, they are a bit higher in the water column; later they drop back down to 35-40 feet. Flies seem to be the ticket, with perch patterns the best bet. Winnisquam has seen its share of fishermen, early and late seem to be the best bite. The alewives are still very numerous in the lake, and the fish are feeding heavily upon them. A few salmon are being taken in Squam, but they come hard. Don’t expect a quick bite up there, but when it happens, it may be the trophy salmon you have searched for! The trout ponds should be producing again, as soon as their surface temperatures drop into the mid-60 degree range. Stream levels are a bit low, but highly fishable. Lake outlets, (Newfound, Winnisquam, etc.) don’t have very much water in them now, so I would concentrate on rivers like the Pemigewasset, in the towns of Bristol, Campton, Woodstock and Lincoln. Get out and fish; the season is winding to a close and it will be a long winter! - Don Miller, Fisheries Biologist
MONADNOCK/UPPER VALLEY
We are trying to finish up our young-of-the-year bass electrofishing surveys this week to get an idea of how successful our bass spawning was this year. Hope to have a report for you next week! - Gabe Gries, Fisheries Biologist
SOUTHEAST NH/MERRIMACK VALLEY
Natural reproduction of Atlantic salmon was recently documented in the Souhegan River for the first time in over 150 years. Sea run Atlantic salmon were released to spawn naturally in the Souhegan River in 2011. Electrofishing surveys in August of 2012 documented a large number of juvenile salmon that hatched from redds built last fall and survived through the summer. The numbers were surprising, given the concern that the warm summer temperatures and embedded substrate in the Souhegan River would limit salmon spawning activity. We are still waiting for the emigration of juvenile river herring from Lake Winnisquam. As flows increase with fall rains, these fish will begin moving downstream in huge numbers. This mass migration may make the Merrimack River an exciting place to fish this fall, as the smallmouth bass focus in on this sudden abundance of prey. Vegetation is beginning to die off in the small ponds and lakeshores of southeastern New Hampshire. Time is running out to focus on warmwater species like largemouth bass, which take advantage of submerged aquatic vegetation for cover when ambushing prey. Some places with good shoreline access and abundant fish populations include Freese's Pond in Deerfield, Swains Lake along France Road in Barrington, and Cass Pond (also known as Bixby Pond), behind the closed rest area along Route 4 in Epsom. Cass Pond is created by one of the few remaining timber crib dams left in New Hampshire. For safety reasons, NHDES plans to remove the dam within the next couple years. Although some small rock weirs may be constructed at the dam site to help preserve habitat for the state threatened bridle shiner and to ensure future fish passage for river herring, this may be your last chance to target the big bass that live in the deep pool just above the dam. – Matt Carpenter, Fisheries Biologist
SEACOAST AREA
Party boats have been reporting good catches of bluefish still, so if you’ve been putting off a trip to the coast, it’s not too late. Groundfishing trips have been doing well with cod and large pollock, but anglers are having a hard time finding keeper-sized haddock. People are still picking away at schoolie stripers in Hampton Harbor and the snapper blues haven’t left the river yet. It takes a few to make a meal, but if you like bluefish, shore fishermen are having a much better time fishing for these guys at Hilton Park in Dover than for their larger relatives down on the coast. – Becky Heuss, Marine Biologist
FEDERAL AID IN WILDLIFE AND SPORT FISH AND RESTORATION: AUser-Pay, User-Benefit Program. Researching and managing fisheries and teachingpeople about aquatic ecosystems are funded by your license dollars and by the Federal Aid in Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program. Your purchases of fishing equipment and motorboat fuels make a difference to New Hampshire's fisheries. Learn more at http://www.wildnh.com/SFWR_program/sfwr_program.htm. --
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NH WEEKLY FISHING REPORT - September 6, 2012
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This report is reaching you a few days late because of staffing issues. Our apologies. Hope the fishing's been great!
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NORTH COUNTRY
If the Fishing Season in Northern New Hampshire were like the Major League Baseball season, we would be heading into the playoffs. It has been a long season and there have been as many successes as failures. I know a few players (myself included) who have promised to give it one last aggressive month and a half and then spend the offseason rehabilitating and improving their game. As a river angler, there is a lot to be learned in the fall. Fish are coping with low water and are being triggered to reproduce. Smaller tributaries are becoming important as they offer both the temperatures and substrate to accomplish this. Insects are still hatching and fish are still feeding. Forage fish are reaching a size where they have become an appropriate food source and I find myself casting streamers more frequently. As with any fish, spawning energy sometimes supersedes hunger and more vividly colored patterns like a Mickey Finn may induce an aggression strike. Large, terrestrial insects are at peak abundance and grasshoppers and flying ants are always successful. I also have a fly box filled with yellow, foam-bodied beetles that accurately resemble nothing yet catch fish regularly. By September, fish have seen a lot of bugs flying into the water and their instincts have been honed to take advantage. Emerging insects are still an important part of their diet and big stoneflies and dragonfly nymphs can still be effectively presented in low water. The bottom line is that trout are entering a part of their life cycle where they are behaving in a way that allows me to better estimate their locations. That is one of the greatest keys to successful fishing. As with baseball, I will spend the winter with both memories of the previous fishing season and hopes for the next. – Andy Schafermeyer, Fisheries Biologist
LAKES REGION
Sorry folks but no report this week. I’ll be getting out to do some fall salmon fishing soon and report back to you! - Don Miller, Fisheries Biologist
MONADNOCK/UPPER VALLEY
I have a wide range of species and water bodies to report on this week based on some great reports from area anglers. To begin with, I caught wind of a 33 lb carp that was caught in the Connecticut River within the past month. If this weight is verified and entered into our Trophy Fish Program, it would tie the weight of the current state record which also came from the Connecticut River. For trout fishing, I have had reports of some nice rainbows (15-18”) being caught at Granite Lake (Nelson). Interestingly, one young angler was even catching some small lake trout by casting from shore into deeper water. I have been getting more and more reports of lakers being caught in Granite Lake in the past three years. A friend has been having continued success for trout in Willard Pond (Antrim). Try some brightly colored streamers if you give that pond a try. The Souhegan River in the general Milford area has also been producing some big brown trout in the deeper holes. For bass, I have recently heard of some great results from Gregg Lake (Antrim) for smallmouth bass on topwater lures. Spofford Lake (Chesterfield) continues to fish well for big largemouth and smallmouth bass as it has for much of the summer. Dublin Lake (Dublin) has also been producing some nice smallmouth bass in the past two weeks with some fish up to 4 lbs. Talking of smallmouth, Willard Pond also has some very respectable bass and one angler I spoke with made mention of seeing 20+” smallmouth follow in some small trout that he had hooked. Remember that Willard Pond is a fly fishing only pond and petroleum motors are not allowed. - Gabe Gries, Fisheries Biologist
SEACOAST AREA
The baitfish have begun moving out of our tidal waters, early as everything else this year, but maybe this means that the fishing will pick up along the coast. As we get some badly needed rain, this could trigger more movement from bait and juvenile fish that spent the summer months in the abundant nursery habitat that our rivers, bay and harbors provide. This means anglers should be moving seaward as well, replacing the sunbathers and summer tourists yet again. This has been a strange year for fishing indeed, more black sea bass are reported each year, but this year seemed like they were much more plentiful, really taking hold here in the Piscataqua. A few other more southern species made appearances this year as well, anglers in each case were fishing for the black sea bass and in one instance ended up catching scup, and in the other catching a triggerfish! Also, witnessed by one of our biologists, a blue runner was caught in the Hampton Harbor. It is not unusual for warm waters to break off from the Gulf Stream and bring some unexpected fish into NH, however, maybe the mild winter and warm summer allowed more of these fish to survive and allow us to witness their presence. – Becky Heuss, Marine Biologist
SOUTHEAST/MERRIMACK VALLEY
Southeastern New Hampshire has several multi-tiered fisheries that may be worth a try at the tail end of the summer. These waterbodies have fishable populations of both stocked trout and warmwater fish species and give the angler an opportunity to completely change tactics if things are working too slowly. As surface water temperatures begin to cool, trout are less restricted to deeper, cooler waters and are able to once again return to shallow areas. This may increase catch rates for those who fish for trout from shore. Some of my recommendations are Massabesic Lake, Bow Lake, Lucas Pond, Hothole Pond, the Suncook Lakes, Pleasant Lake, and Tower Hill Pond. The accessibility of these waterbodies can vary (i.e. Lucas Pond has a no motor restriction and Tower Hill Pond is only accessible by walking in). Some of these waterbodies can be sleepers, particularly when it comes to warmwater species in the lakes and ponds better known for their trout fishing. Multi-species rivers that I would recommend are the Cocheco River, Lamprey River, Exeter River, and Merrimack River. - Ben Nugent, Fisheries Biologist
FEDERAL AID IN WILDLIFE AND SPORT FISH AND RESTORATION:
A User-Pay, User-Benefit Program. Researching and managing fisheries and teachingpeople about aquatic ecosystems are funded by your license dollars and by the Federal Aid in Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program. Your purchases of fishing equipment and motorboat fuels make a difference to New Hampshire's fisheries. Learn more at http://www.wildnh.com/SFWR_program/sfwr_program.htm.
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NEW HAMPSHIRE FISHING REPORT FOR AUGUST 31, 2012
NORTH COUNTRY
It seems odd to think that the water may be too warm for bass fishing. In reality, there are preferred temperature regimes for bass, and some sections of a waterbody may be too warm. The direct result is that small and largemouth bass may be easier to find as they seek this desired refuge. Last week, Lake Umbagog had a surface temperature of almost 80 degrees. Even though this lake covers nearly 8,000 acres, the average depth is 12 feet, and deep, cool water was hard to find. I started fishing tube baits and deep-running crank baits that were sure to find the bottom. I fished slow retrieves and covered a lot of water. The fish were not there.
I looked for some aquatic vegetation that had held fish in June and July. The growth is dense and stops just short of the surface of the lake. Typically a great place for a surface lure, I started casting a white, lipless pencil bait and retrieved it in a jerky, walk-the-dog style motion. The fish were not there. My next approach was a slow-moving plastic swim bait. A wide gap hook with lead on the shank gives these baits a natural, sinking look, and I have enjoyed catching bass on them in the past. I threw them near structure and around boulders. The fish were not there. After discovering so many locations where fish were not spending their day, I decided to change tactics completely. After all, fishing the same way with no results is a common mistake and can admittedly be a hard pattern to break. One of the rivers that feeds into Lake Umbagog is the Magalloway. I have studied the temperature profiles of this river extensively, as an ongoing brook trout telemetry project sends me there frequently. This cool influx of water seemed like my last hope for the day. I started with a red and white spinnerbait and made long casts paralleling the river and its current. The results were almost immediate. I started catching smallmouth in the 12 to 16-inch range and was able to salvage an otherwise fishless day. There was also a sense of pride in having success after so many failures. – Andy Schafermeyer, Fisheries Biologist
LAKES REGION
Our current dry weather spell has certainly reduced stream flows throughout the Lakes Region. Lake levels continue to drop, and the alewives in Winnisquam continue to feed at dusk in the large bay that my house is situated on. Salmon, lake and rainbow trout have been feasting on these alewives, and if history is correct, they could still be in the system right through the end of September. Try trolling small Mooselook wobblers (copper/silver) or Yozuri pin minnows to imitate these herring. I’ve seen schools of these herring on my depth sounder, generally 20-40 feet down. I still find Hexagenia mayflies on my dock in the morning on Lake Winnisquam. Lake temperatures (surface) are still in the upper 70 degree range. This is the time of year that lake trout and landlocked salmon are building up their body condition by feeding ravenously on juvenile smelt and occasionally on white and yellow perch that are found in the various levels of the thermocline. Salmon and trout are in a “pre-spawn” mode now, as their eggs/milt mature for fall spawning. During the past few seasons, we have noted a serious “shift” in our landlocked salmon at this time of year. This shift finds the salmon “running” the shores in anticipation of fall spawning. The last few years, I have witnessed salmon repeatedly leaping clear of the water along the shores of Winnipesaukee, especially along the sand flats off Ellacoya State Park, and down the Gilford shoreline as well. It is quite a sight to see these salmon performing their pre-spawn rites, as they are in water less than 5 feet deep, in schools of up to 7 or 8 fish! At this time the “bite” off shore definitely drops off, for salmon at least. Rainbows will continue to be found off shore, and down into the thermocline. Lake trout also feel the urge for spawning, although their time is still over two months away. Lakers will be found congregating in the mid-levels of the deep basins in Lake Winnipesaukee. I remember a few seasons ago, I trolled the area off Black Point in Winnipesaukee for salmon and lake trout. We did well on lakers with Sutton spoons size 5 and 61, copper/silver. The trick at this time of year, and one I employed, was to troll with 7 colors of lead core line, and frequently shift the motor into neutral, allowing the lures to slowly descend into the depths. The fluttering action of the Sutton spoons was too much for the lake trout, as we caught several doubles, especially as the motor was returned to gear, and the boat began to travel forward. Try this technique over deep basins, and time your drops. -- Don Miller, Fisheries Biologist
SEACOAST AREA
It’s been quiet on the coast lately, with bursts of action from bluefish. But don’t fret; shellfishing season is right around the corner! Oysters open on September 1st and softshell clams open the day after Labor Day (except in Hampton/Seabrook estuary). Get your licenses and know the open areas. Some areas are closed due to pollution concerns; you can find a map of the open/closed areas on pages 24 and 25 of the current Saltwater Fishing Digest. All open areas may be temporarily closed due to bacterial or red tide concerns, so call 1-800-43-CLAMS before heading out to get the current status. While you are out there, remember there is no closed season on blue mussels. – Becky Heuss, Marine Biologist
FEDERAL AID IN WILDLIFE AND SPORT FISH AND RESTORATION:
AUser-Pay, User-Benefit Program. Researching and managing fisheries and teachingpeople about aquatic ecosystems are funded by your license dollars and by the Federal Aid in Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program. Your purchases of fishing equipment and motorboat fuels make a difference to New Hampshire's fisheries. To learn more: http://www.wildnh.com/SFWR_program/sfwr_program.htm.
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NEW HAMPSHIRE FISHING REPORT FOR AUGUST 23, 2012
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NEWFOUND LAKE BOATERS: The Wellington State Park boat access facility on Newfound Lake in Bristol, N.H., will be closed for repairs from September 17 through the remainder of the year, opening back up in the spring. Boaters who rely on this launch for removing boats before ice-in will need to get their boats out before September 17.
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NORTH COUNTRY
Although no one wants to hear it, summer is winding down. Leaves are subtly changing and last night, I noticed that I was walking out of the river at 8 o’clock. I was fishing the Connecticut River near Stratford, NH, and there was a chill in the air that tasted of autumn. There is still enough daylight to hit the river around 5:00 in the afternoon and get in some good fishing until dark. My approach on this section of river has been the same all season and has served me pretty well. I start casting wet flies and streamers in any water greater than waist deep. The river is as typically low as it gets, and this type of water seems to be inviting for browns and rainbows. I will fish heavy flies on a floating line and usually reach the depths necessary to find fish. I am constantly scanning the water for insects and fish rises. Sometimes I will see a fish rising at regular intervals and with enough observation, I can identify its food source. When I can’t, I will throw a hopper or a stimulator and see if I can induce an aggression strike. As evening approaches, dry flies become the approach. There are usually caddis flies hatching and a small elk hair imitation will do the trick. Lately I have seen lots of green stoneflies that I match with a fly known as a “Sally.” At this time of year, I make sure that there is a warm flannel shirt in the truck and I get home in time to catch most of the Red Sox game. As the seasons change, I look forward to catching fish in beautiful spawning colors and behaviors. – Andy Schafermeyer, Fisheries Biologist
MONADNOCK/UPPER VALLEY
One thing I rarely think about when choosing a lure color is the water depth at which I will be fishing. Instead, I follow the usual themes of using brighter lures on sunny days, darker lures on overcast days, natural colors in clear water, and darker colors in dark water. This could be a big mistake, especially when trolling for trout and salmon or drop-shotting or throwing football jigs in deep water for bass. While a number of factors, including the angle of the sun, waves, sediment and plankton density, can impact the amount of light reaching a particular water depth, the following is a general list of colors that are reduced in intensity or “disappear” with increasing water depth. The first colors to be reduced in intensity are red and orange, followed by yellow, green, purple and finally the last to be reduced is blue. For example, red and orange lures are said to look black or brown at greater depths. To further confuse things, there is no definitive depth at which these colors are reduced in intensity, as light availability can vary so greatly from day to day and from waterbody to waterbody. So, what does this mean for anglers? Perhaps a lot, or maybe not much at all! Many of you might be thinking this can’t be true, as you have caught lake trout on orange lures while trolling at 60 feet before. However, a pivotal question is this: are the fish you are after/catching keying in on lure color, or is it simply the size, silhouette and contrast of the lure that is attracting them? The answer to that question will vary depending on the species you are pursuing, the waterbody you are fishing, and the prey they are keyed in on. Interesting and frustrating at the same time? Absolutely. More questions than answers? Yes. But, keep in mind that one of the great things about fishing is the evolution of your techniques and choices and the fact that no angler is ever done learning. Additionally, this might be just the excuse you need to pick up some more lures in different colors and get on the water to test them out! - Gabe Gries, Fisheries Biologist SOUTHEAST NH/MERRIMACK VALLEY The pound-for-pound fight and table fare of white perch can receive high praise from many of New Hampshire's anglers. This species is not a true perch and actually is within the temperate bass family (Moronidae). This makes white perch more closely related to striped bass than to yellow perch. Although once found primarily in brackish and salt water, white perch have been introduced into several lakes, ponds and rivers in the state. Anglers should take great care that this species is not introduced into other waterbodies, for the species may have a negative impact on native fish species. When it comes to fishing for white perch in New Hampshire, I get the sense most anglers look to our larger lakes in the central part of the state. However, several lakes in the southeastern part of the state contain healthy populations of white perch, including Bow Lake (Strafford), Harvey Lake (Northwood), Northwood Lake (Northwood), Massabesic Lake (Auburn), Pawtuckaway Lake (Nottingham), Pleasant Lake (Deerfield) and the Suncook Lakes (Barnstead). Some of these waterbodies have what is considered a stunted population of white perch. This means you may be more likely to catch smaller fish, and more effort may be required to target larger white perch. White perch primarily feed on insect larvae and smaller fish. They routinely migrate to shallow areas in low light periods and spend their time in areas with greater depth throughout the day. Generally, white perch are very aggressive, hitting countless different presentations when put in front of them. That being said, I've observed times, particularly during ice fishing, when the perch key in on one particular presentation and disregard everything else. In the peak of the summer, I have routinely, but incidentally, caught them while trolling around the thermocline. This is usually while targeting rainbow trout and salmon. I'm not sure if larger white perch prefer somewhat cooler temperatures, or if the species is targeting forage species that live there. While trolling, virtually any smaller spoon can work. Finding the right depth for a particular day may take some time. Casting along areas with sharp drop-offs, working the presentation into greater depths can also be productive. A variety of different panfish jigs, small deep diving crank baits, and spinners can be effective for white perch. There may be times when attaching live bait or imitation live bait to a panfish jig may help. Often, the species schools together by similar size, so be sure to continue focusing on the area once you confirm their presence. – Ben Nugent, Fisheries Biologist
SEACOAST FISHING
The fishing continues to be slow for most coastal anglers these days. A few of the headboats had some luck with the bluefish this past weekend, but results continue to be unpredictable. The few successful striper fishermen I spoke with this weekend were using an umbrella rig and trolling along the coast. The umbrella rig mimics a school of baitfish, this is a good way to entice an otherwise uninterested striper. There have been a number of snapper blues in the Piscataqua this year, and recently they have been caught off of the pier at Hilton Park. These fish were all 6 to 8 inches and were caught with a small hook and bobber. Sounds like a fun fishing trip for the kids! – Becky Heuss, Marine Biologist
FEDERAL AID IN WILDLIFE AND SPORT FISH AND RESTORATION: A User-Pay, User-Benefit Program. Researching and managing fisheries and teaching people about aquatic ecosystems are funded by your license dollars and by the Federal Aid in Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program. Your purchases of fishing equipment and motorboat fuels make a difference to New Hampshire's fisheries. To learn more: http://www.wildnh.com/SFWR_program/sfwr_program.htm.
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NH WEEKLY FISHING REPORT – August 9, 2012
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><> North Country
July has turned into August and the dog days of summer have officially arrived for the New Hampshire angler. For many people, this conjures up images of barbeques and beaches. For me, August means grasshoppers -- large, high-flying, noisy grasshoppers. For fly fishermen, grasshoppers provide an opportunity to escape the task of trying to perfectly match a hatch. We can forget about tying on a size 26 dry fly and trying to present it perfectly to a finicky fish rising for nothing else.
I am not an entomologist but I have seen grasshoppers in so many different sizes, shapes, and colors that I have to believe New Hampshire has hundreds of species or sub-species. What makes them so great is that, unlike mayflies, stoneflies, and caddis flies, fish don’t seem to care what they look like. One can cast a hopper pattern of any color at any time and expect results. They are usually bulky by comparison and are the largest dry flies in my box. I tie them with deer hair or foam bodies which help them float even after a few hits. I have been using rubber legs which create a lot of commotion on the water’s surface and fish should have no problem becoming aware of them. Another advantage of grasshopper flies is that, because they are so bulky, they can be drifted over some rapid water. Where a smaller fly may sink or move unnaturally, the grasshopper stands tough and floats well. When mending your line, they may move across the water in just such a way to induce a strike. They are also perfect to throw at last light because they are very easy to see. It seems that I have been writing a lot about how to make fly fishing easier and recommending ways to cut corners. In reality, as a fisherman, I exist somewhere between an elitist and a full-blown hack. I feel a great sense of accomplishment when I outwit a fish and will try anything to make that happen. Casting a grasshopper in August is a great way to accomplish this. The next time you are on the water and have gone through five or six different flies with no results, tie one on and see what happens. – Andy Schafermeyer, Fisheries Biologist
><> Lakes Region
With lake temperatures in the upper-70-degree range, anglers must go deep for coldwater species. I recently witnessed two landlocked salmon caught in Lake Winnisquam which were the finest looking salmon I’ve seen in years coming from that lake. I’ve seen some great schools of smelt scattered around the lake, in addition to the numerous alewives which can be found on sonar generally 20-35 feet deep. These schools of alewives are scattered randomly around the lake, usually in 40-60 feet of water. One of those salmon (both were 20+ inches and 3+ pounds) contained three alewives, a definite bonus to the stocking program. By the way, downrigger set at 38 feet with a mini Mooselook wobbler (copper/silver) did the job with these salmon. Back in the mid-1980s, Fish and Game stocked Winnisquam with alewives in an attempt to help strip the overly productive system of nutrients (such as fertilizer from lakeshore properties). This came after years of nuisance algae blooms in the lake, and copper sulfate treatments. During that time frame, I saw massive numbers of alewives leave the lake in the fall on their trip back to the Atlantic Ocean, and with them, they took tons of nutrients (in the form of body mass) with them. At this time, it is hoped that by stocking Lake Winnisquam again, it will result in the resurgence of sea herring (alewives) in the Gulf of Maine, and the return of substantial spring spawning runs into the Merrimack River. I’ve received reports of some nice brown trout recently caught in Ossipee Lake. This is a unique lake, in the fact that landlocked salmon and brown trout co-exist. It is general policy at Fish and Game that we don’t mix these two species together in large lake systems, because of the difficulty to tell the two species apart. The only other lake where this occurs is Lake Francis where salmon and brown trout are found. In the case of Ossipee Lake, brown trout are not stocked directly into the lake; they instead travel downstream from the Bearcamp River where they are stocked. In addition we have documented natural reproduction of brown trout in the Bearcamp River, progeny of the adult trout that make fall spawning runs up the river. An interesting system to say the least!
><> Monadnock/Upper Valley
The hot sticky forecast for this past weekend made my decision on what to do for the weekend an easy one. On both Saturday and Sunday, I grabbed my swimsuit, mask and snorkel, sunscreen, lots of drinking water, fishing rods and tackle, and took my boat to some southwestern NH bass ponds. I arrived early on both days and I’m glad I did as the parking spots filled up quickly as the morning progressed. I found ample numbers of largemouth bass patrolling the vegetated coves that were more than willing to bite my top water frog or jigs. I quickly got into a routine of catching a few bass and then getting in the water with the mask and snorkel to cool down and watch some fish. Snorkeling is a great method to observe fish behaviors firsthand, and in a way you would never see except on a fishing show on TV. Moving slowly is the key to ensuring that you don’t scare the fish away from you. My sightings for the day included schools of yellow perch and golden shiners, snapping turtles, freshwater mussels, largemouth bass and chain pickerel. I was lucky enough on Sunday to see a pickerel dart out of the vegetation in an attempt to surprise a school of small perch, only to have the fish scatter before it could get to them. If anyone is interested in learning more about invasive aquatic vegetation such as Eurasian watermilfoil, the Washington Conservation Commission in conjunction with NH Lakes Association is sponsoring an Invasive Aquatic Vegetation Presentation on August 25 at 7 PM. The information will be similar to that given Lake Hosts, with hands-on specimens available. Location is Camp Morgan Lodge (Hwy 31, to Faxon Hill, to Millen Pond Rd.). For more information contact Ken Eastman at 603-495-1064. – Gabe Gries, Fisheries Biologist
><> Southeast NH/Merrimack Valley
The outward migration of juvenile alewives from Lake Winnisquam has begun. About two weeks ago, these fish were first spotted congregating near the outlet of the lake near the hydroelectricity facility at the Lochmere Dam in Tilton. Since then, schools estimated to be in the thousands have begun their migration towards the Merrimack River and eventually, the Atlantic Ocean. At the same time, resident riverine fish species are taking advantage of this seasonal food source. As the run continues during the next month, more and more predator fish will continue to catch on to the alewife run and pursue these anadromous fish as they make their way downstream. These fish are the progeny from 24,000 adult alewives stocked in the lake earlier this year. The primary goal of this project is to restore runs to the Merrimack River watershed. Anglers should attempt to capitalize on this concentrated feeding effort by using flies and lures that imitate the appearance of these small fish throughout the mainstem of the Merrimack River. They can do this by matching the length, coloration, and behavior of the alewives. Based on the measurements we've taken, the juvenile alewives range between one inch and three inches. Average lengths are expected to increase over the next month as the fish staying in Lake Winnisquam have longer time to grow before they leave. The alewives are extremely laterally compressed (having a very narrow body shape). This would be very evident if the fish was laid on its side. This physical characteristic makes using streamer and bucktail fly patterns a good match. The alewives also tend to remain very high in the water column as they make their way downstream. Floating or light sink fly lines or light weight lures tied to monofilament will help keep your presentation in similar depths as the natural prey. The appearance of the juvenile alewife consists of a silver bottom with a slightly darker top. The silver coloration really radiates to a flashy appearance when the fish turns. This makes silver spoons and flies with a lot of flashing a likely choice. It appears wounded alewives are more favorable prey. They tend to act more erratic in their swimming style. Mimicking that behavior with retrieval may also help. One more piece of advice is to look for surface activity. Schools of alewives can be very visible by their surface "dimpling" behavior that looks similar to a large insect hatch. This may be more common at dawn or in the evening. Also look for signs of predator fish crashing the surface as they pursue the schools. – Ben Nugent, Fisheries Biologist
><> Seacoast Area
Dog days for sure. The fishing has really slowed down, very few people were bringing fish in this weekend and when they did it was all mackerel, but most anglers had a tough time even finding them. The people we spoke with that caught macks were well offshore, past the shoals. Fishermen that stayed at the mouth of the river only found a few squid this weekend. The party boats are still finding bluefish but we have not had any shore reports of them in the past week, staying offshore or to the south. – Becky Heuss, Marine Biologist
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FEDERAL AID IN WILDLIFE AND SPORT FISH AND RESTORATION: A User-Pay, User-Benefit Program. Researching and managing fisheries and teaching people about aquatic ecosystems are funded by your license dollars and by the Federal Aid in Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program. Your purchases of fishing equipment and motorboat fuels make a difference to New Hampshire's fisheries. To learn more: http://www.wildnh.com/SFWR_program/sfwr_program.htm.
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Copyright 2012 New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301. For usage policy, visit http://www.wildnh.com/Inside_FandG/usage_policy.htm. Comments or questions concerning this list should be directed to jane.vachon@wildlife.nh.gov
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NH Weekly Fishing Report – August 2, 2012
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><> North Country
Simplify. I just saw that word on a bumper sticker this morning. I am not sure what type of statement the driver was trying to make but it inspired me nonetheless. I own fishing equipment designed to pursue every fish in every waterbody at every time of year. My fishing room looks like a combination between an outdoor store, a library, and a museum. On my latest fishing adventure, I decided to simplify. While capturing and banding Canada geese recently, I was exposed to a small farm pond in Lancaster. I was immediately reminded of my youth as this type of water is where I spent countless days exploring the world of fish. The following day, I grabbed my son, our 10-foot canoe, two spinning rods, and a tackle box no bigger than a shoe box. The water was warm and nutrient-rich from agricultural runoff and aquatic vegetation was abundant. My son started with a small Rebel PopR and started catching yellow perch and largemouth bass immediately. I was throwing a gold Phoebe spoon with the same results. We paddled around the pond on a calm sunny day and had one of our best trips of the year. Even when we weren’t catching fish, we watched the great blue herons try their luck. At the end of the day our species-caught list included bass, perch, pickerel, pike, and sunfish. Simply stated, it was an awesome day. – Andy Schafermeyer, Fisheries Biologist
><> Monadnock/Upper Valley
This is a very busy time of year for fisheries biologists. The majority of our time is spent working in the field and can prevent us from producing fishing reports every week. This is when the angling community can help inform us and other anglers of fishing activities from region to region. Anglers are encouraged to call or email their regional biologists with information on their recent fishing excursions. After not having a fishing report last week from the Monadnock region, a local avid bass fisherman, Lou Ruff, emailed us his report. “Fishing in the Connecticut River setbacks has been awesome! Over the past two weeks, I have caught three Northern Pike. Not the usual fish for this time of year, but I caught one on a shallow diving Rattlin Rapala (3-5 ft depth). I caught two more on rubber worms, Texas-rigged with a 1/8 oz tungsten bullet weight. Last weekend, I caught a 6 lb largemouth and a 4 lb largemouth. Both with a 7" Electric Grape Berkely rubber worm (same setup). Lots of smaller bass and a few small smallmouths. Fishing has been best at dawn with the dry weather.” Thanks for your report, Lou! – Jason Carrier, Fisheries Biologist
><> Southeast NH/Merrimack Valley
Our surveys have brought us to the Middleton/Milton area this week in an effort to better understand the distribution of bridle shiners in the area, primarily within the Jones Brook watershed. This state-threatened species was once thought to be fairly common throughout the Coastal and Merrimack watersheds in New Hampshire. Unfortunately, they are very sensitive to the manipulations that have occurred to aquatic ecosystems and their distribution throughout the state has been reduced. With a lifespan that rarely exceeds two years, environmental perturbations leading to a year class failure can devastate a local population of bridle shiners. The predominant reasons for their decline are believed to be changes to natural flow rates, alterations of lake and pond levels, loss of dense aquatic and wetland vegetation, and increased predation rates. These impacts are often associated with each other. As flow rates or surface water levels are changed, there is usually a response to the aquatic and wetland plant community. Bridle shiners have a direct affinity to dense vegetation for egg deposition, juvenile development and protective cover from predators. Although bridle shiners are not considered sport fish and normally do not grow larger than only a few inches, the species should be closely monitored. As an indicator species, the presence or loss of occurrence of bridle shiners help illustrate the condition of low gradient streams often associated with large expanses of wetlands as well as the condition of the shorelines of our lakes and ponds. The loss of the species may be the first sign of future impacts to other species and overall water quality. – Ben Nugent, Fisheries Biologist
><> Seacoast Area
Lon Robinson, one of our fish culturists, was kind enough to send me a report of his offshore adventures last week. Thanks Lon!:
“Last Friday two coworkers and I took a break from the rigors of fish culture to brush up on some hook and line sampling with one of the head boat companies. We took to the sea early that morning with a dreary forecast of 3-5 foot seas and rain. Fortunately for us, the weatherman had it all wrong! It was certainly a gray day, but the sea was very calm and we couldn’t ask for better fishing. We all caught plenty of haddock, pollock and even a few cusk. The rest of the boat saw the same with ample catches of haddock. Cod were caught, but most were too short to be kept. We attempted to use jigs with out any luck. Fishing bait (cut clams) right on the bottom was the most successful strategy. Spiny dogfish were certainly around that day, but dropping your bait right to the bottom and keeping it there reduced the chance of hooking up with the pesky dogs. Whales are abundant this time of year and it was evident on our trip. We fished alongside humpbacks, fin whales and minke whales that were feeding heavily on Atlantic herring. A large blue shark even joined the party, taunting fellow anglers as it ripped into fish being brought aboard. With the dog days of summer quickly setting in, a head boat fishing trip certainly abates the doldrums of hot muggy days! With groundfishing still going strong and lots of ocean life abound, it’s a good time to take a ride!” – Becky Heuss, Marine Biologist
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FEDERAL AID IN WILDLIFE AND SPORT FISH AND RESTORATION: A User-Pay, User-Benefit Program. Researching and managing fisheries and teaching people about aquatic ecosystems are funded by your license dollars and by the Federal Aid in Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program. Your purchases of fishing equipment and motorboat fuels make a difference to New Hampshire's fisheries. To learn more: http://www.wildnh.com/SFWR_program/sfwr_program.htm.
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Copyright 2012 New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301. For usage policy, visit http://www.wildnh.com/Inside_FandG/usage_policy.htm. Comments or questions concerning this list should be directed to jane.vachon@wildlife.nh.gov
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NH Weekly Fishing Report – July 12, 2012
Stocking report: http://www.fishnh.com/Fishing/Stocking/current.html. Note that stocking is winding down and is almost done for the season.
Boat Note: The boat access facility on the Connecticut River in Orford, N.H., has been refurbished by Fish and Game and is now open for use.
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Several of our reporters are on vacation, so the report is again a little on the light side this week.
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><> Lakes Region
I had the opportunity to work with fisheries staff recently on small brooks in the central and west regions of the state. These surveys are used to aid towns, planning and conservation commissions, and the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department in determining the extent of brook trout throughout the region. We are collecting baseline data on the streams, which includes morphology of the stream, woody debris, substrate types, water temps and macroinvertebrate composition. It never ceases to amaze me where we find these little brook trout. Water flows now are minimal and a lot of these brooks depend on summer thunderstorms to rejuvenate in-stream conditions. Stoneflies, mayflies, caddis, and crane flies (all larval forms) are common to these brooks. And the most important thing is water temperature; we generally see the cut-off of brook trout habitat as 65 degrees and below. So, when you’re out exploring these wonderful little brooks that dot our state, take a thermometer for a quick check. Remember, these little guys often mature at 5 inches, and a trophy is 8-9 inches! A recent outing on Lake Winnisquam produced a mixed bag for me and fellow biologists Andy Schafermeyer and Ben Nugent. Trolling flies on lead core and a downrigger at 30 feet with a 2-inch Mooselook Wobbler (my favorite) produced white perch, rainbow and lake trout. The rainbow was a tagged Meredith Rotary Derby fish, one of several we’ve caught this year, and it displayed good growth. The white perch were a surprise, caught at 30 feet on the rigger: nice fish, 14 inches or so and fat! The real surprise was after we had landed a rainbow and released it. Getting the motor ready to troll again, Ben started to reel in his line which had drifted down in the water while the rainbow was being played. Upon reeling in his line, Ben announced “I got a fish on”! Well, Andy and I had a blast watching Ben play this fish for what seemed like 20 minutes! Of course both of us chimed in with “he’s at least 10 pounds” which further made Ben really play this fish. At last he came to the net, a nice lake trout, approximately 7 pounds in size! He released well after taking a quick picture. This is the true measure of why I fish, good friends and a little helpful banter when a fish is caught (and sometimes lost)! The thermocline is set up well, so enjoy your big lake fishing for salmon and rainbow and lake trout. Remember these are coldwater fish and make sure you can revive the fish before releasing it, or take it home instead for a fine meal! – Don Miller, Fisheries Biologist
><> Southeast NH/Merrimack Valley
In an effort to evaluate the status of wild brook trout populations in the state we recently surveyed tributary streams within two different watersheds of the Pemigewasset River. With the valuable assistance of volunteers from the Pemigewasset Chapter of Trout Unlimited and some others who were interested in helping us out, we found 13 out of 17 streams as having the presence of wild brook trout. Prior to this, we had a good sense that wild brook trout would likely be present in this area, but now we have information to describe the extent of the population, presence and extent of other fish species and macroinvertebrates, and condition of their habitats. Members from this Trout Unlimited chapter and other volunteers spent over a total of 200 hours helping us complete the surveys in Ashland, Bridgewater, Campton, Plymouth and Rumney. A big thank you to all of those who helped. It appears that the alewives we stocked earlier in the year in Lake Winnisquam successfully reproduced. While fishing here last weekend, we noted the surface "dimpling" with what we expect were young of the year alewives. The schools of small fish rising to the surface were immediately followed by a larger fish jumping through them. White perch, rainbow trout, and smallmouth bass were caught as we trolled through this area. As the summer progresses, we expect these fish to grow, benefiting resident lake species. They will leave during fall rain events and head to the Atlantic Ocean where they will mature and return five years later to the Merrimack River. – Ben Nugent, Fisheries Biologist
><> Seacoast Area
If you have been waiting, now is definitely the time to go fishing on the coast. Striped bass, mackerel, groundfish, squid, bluefish and flounder, what more could you ask for? The dogfish have eased up for the moment and whales have been giving quite a show to the groundfishermen lately as well. The diversity of fishing opportunities right now is ideal, but the hot ticket remains the stripers this year. This past week field staff ran into anglers with keepers from Hampton to Dover. Hilton Park is a popular fishing pier and we often see people catching schoolies and bluefish when they are in the river, but this past week a few keepers were witnessed being landed here using clams. This morning, just around the corner from here while out doing our Juvenile Finfish Survey, I saw a schoolie about 12 to 14 inches chasing Atlantic silversides in the cove next to the General Sullivan Bridge. They really are everywhere this year. – Becky Heuss, Marine Biologist
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FEDERAL AID IN WILDLIFE AND SPORT FISH AND RESTORATION: A User-Pay, User-Benefit Program. Researching and managing fisheries and teaching people about aquatic ecosystems are funded by your license dollars and by the Federal Aid in Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program. Your purchases of fishing equipment and motorboat fuels make a difference to New Hampshire's fisheries. To learn more: http://www.wildnh.com/SFWR_program/sfwr_program.htm.
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Copyright 2012 New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301. For usage policy, visit http://www.wildnh.com/Inside_FandG/usage_policy.htm. Comments or questions concerning this list should be directed to jane.vachon@wildlife.nh.gov
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NH WEEKLY FISHING REPORT – July 5, 2012
Stocking report: http://www.fishnh.com/Fishing/Stocking/current.html. Note that stocking is winding down and will soon be done for the season. Stay tuned! Boat Note: The boat access facility on the Connecticut River in Orford, N.H., has been refurbished by Fish and Game and is now open for use. Summer Fun: Let us help you get those kids outside! We still have space in two sessions for boys and girls at Barry Conservation Camp in Milan, NH. Starting this coming Sunday, July 8-13, our first week is “All about Fishing,” where youth ages 10-16 can get into fishing or sharpen their angling skills. There's also room in “Wild Side II,” July 29-August 3; this is an exciting week of outdoor adventure for youth age 12-16. They'll hike, paddle a remote lake, explore local wildlife, learn outdoor survival skills and more. Sign up at http://extension.unh.edu/4H/4HCamps.htm or contact 4Hcamps@unh.edu or 603-788-4961. Barry Camp is operated by UNH Cooperative Extension 4-H and Fish and Game. Find us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/nhfishandgame
Several of our reporters are on vacation, so the report is a little on the light side this week.
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><> Monadnock/Upper Valley
Last weekend, fellow biologist Gabe Gries and I were fortunate to be invited to Plattsburgh, NY, on Lake Champlain, to assist researchers from the Lake Champlain Research Institute, SUNY Plattsburgh, in a bass-tagging study similar to one we performed on Lake Winnipesaukee in 2008 and 2009. They took their study one step further by surgically implanting radio transmitters into 50 bass, both largemouth and smallmouth, so they can track fish movement after bass tournament weigh-ins via boat and plane. This took place at a Walmart FLW Tour Major event which is a four-day national tournament that consists of professional anglers and co-anglers (252 anglers total). We attended day two of the tournament, when all of the anglers were still competing and there were over 1,000 bass brought to the weigh-in. Researchers intercepted the anglers on the way back to their boats from the weigh-in to take their bag of bass and inquire where on the lake they were fishing. Bass were then measured, tagged, and different fish condition measurements were recorded. Only the bigger, healthiest bass were selected to have radio transmitters surgically implanted, which occurred later in the afternoon. Once researchers processed the bass, they were brought to one of the two live release boats that FLW provides at these events. The boats then drive out to deep water and release the fish. The majority of the professional anglers were traveling 60 miles down to the southern end of the lake in pursuit of largemouth. I was able to pick up on what these guys were doing in order to fill their livewells. The southern end of the lake offers shallow bays with huge grass and weed beds. Most of the anglers were using chatterbaits, swim-jigs, spinnerbaits, and frog imitations. One would think that professional anglers would have some secret lure or location, but that wasn’t the case at all. They were very willing to share where they were and what they were using. Our attendance at this event is pertinent to New Hampshire bass fisheries for a number of reasons. One, it allowed us a first-hand look at fish care techniques during tournament weigh-ins at a national event. Additionally, surgically implanting bass with radio tags was new to us and might be a strategy we use in future bass studies in NH. Researchers also took note of many fish health measures during their assessment of fish that may be added to future studies in NH. Finally, the results of this bass movement study will be a useful comparison to our bass movement study on Lake Winnipesaukee. – Jason Carrier, Fisheries Biologist
><> Seacoast Area
It looks like the bluefish are in early, along with everything else this year. Head boats have begun reporting bluefish schools just offshore. So far, there have been no reports of bluefish landings, but that will change as more anglers realize they have arrived. Remember to use proper gear to target bluefish, such as a wire leader, or they will bite right through your rig. There is no size limit for bluefish, but there is a bag limit of ten fish per day. Another surprise arrival is squid. They are being caught in high numbers from along the coast as they chase the baitfish in. A good time to catch squid is at night time, when the squid congregate under the lights near shore. You can use a sabiki rig to catch them, but a squid jig works best and is barbless so squid are easier to get off the hook. There are no limits to the size or quantity of squid you can keep, which is good because you will need quite a few to make a satisfying meal. One last thing, try to keep your face away from the business end of the squid. Trust me. - Eric Bruestle, Biological Aide
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FEDERAL AID IN WILDLIFE AND SPORT FISH AND RESTORATION: A User-Pay, User-Benefit Program. Researching and managing fisheries and teaching people about aquatic ecosystems are funded by your license dollars and by the Federal Aid in Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program. Your purchases of fishing equipment and motorboat fuels make a difference to New Hampshire's fisheries. To learn more: http://www.wildnh.com/SFWR_program/sfwr_program.htm.
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Copyright 2012 New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301. For usage policy, visit http://www.wildnh.com/Inside_FandG/usage_policy.htm. Comments or questions concerning this list should be directed to jane.vachon@wildlife.nh.gov
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NH WEEKLY FISHING REPORT – June 28, 2012
Stocking report: http://www.fishnh.com/Fishing/Stocking/current.html
Find us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/nhfishandgame
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><> North Country
With near-record breaking heat last week, one might expect the fishing to have slowed down. In reality, water temperatures have been holding steady with most of our rivers and streams hovering around 60 degrees. Lakes and ponds are a little warmer, but a consistent rainy pattern has kept them full and cool enough for fish to remain active.
I spent some of last week’s heat wave jigging lake trout with a few fellow biologists in Southwestern NH. We had a lot of fun and landed some really nice fish. Even those anglers without biological training should know how important release methods are on days that it gets near ninety degrees. Fish were handled quickly, kept in the water, and released to retreat to more comfortable temperatures. After a few hours in the boat, three bottles of water, and some sunburn, I opted to head back to northern New Hampshire and find some familiar trout rivers.
I decided to walk into the Connecticut River, leaving the waders in the truck. Just a pair of shorts and some old sneakers did a great job of cooling me down as I casted dry flies at Lyman Falls. Brook trout and browns were rising to a fly called a “stimulator.” This pattern doesn’t resemble anything exactly, but apparently looks enough like a stone fly that three or four fish were fooled into biting. By 8 o’clock, the wind had died down and the heat had subsided. Except for some pesky deer flies, it was the perfect way to end the day. – Andy Schafermeyer, Fisheries Biologist
><> Lakes Region
One of the “perks” of my job is the opportunity to involve myself in so many different aspects of our natural world. I recently spent a day with several Fish and Game folks backpacking Kennebago brook trout fingerlings into beautiful Mountain Pond in Chatham NH. Several days of rains had brought the level of the East Branch of the Saco River up and had turned it a bit silty. As we proceeded up Town Hall road, the East Branch became a smaller mountain stream and cleared up considerably. I might add this is just one of many mountain streams that will afford the adventurous angler a wonderful opportunity to enjoy some great wild brook trout fishing. Remember, a “trophy” brookie in these streams is measured by color and beauty! Due to the effects of tropical storm Irene back in 2011, many roads in the White Mountain National Forest (WMNF) are currently closed to vehicular traffic, and probably will be well into next year. Though vehicular traffic is not allowed on these badly washed-out roads, foot travel and mountain bike use is permitted. Just be careful on bikes, as the sides of many of these roads are washed out. Upon reaching the trailhead, we began to unload the brook trout fingerlings into heavy-duty plastic bags filled with ice-cold water and a shot of pure oxygen. After loading the bags into the backpacks, hikers quickly began the 0.66 mile trek into the pond. Although the water temperature was a bit high on the surface, the fingerlings quickly swam off into the cooler depths. It took eight of us two trips each to stock the full complement of trout fingerlings into the pond (that’s roughly 2.5 miles of hiking per person!). Mountain Pond is the largest pond in the WMNF at 124 acres and is a real gem. There is an Adirondack shelter at one end of the pond. Although not stocked by helicopter, this is truly a remote pond and does grow some nice trout. Congratulations to Craig Borgeson on his awesome catch of a 22.25-lb. lake trout recently. His son, Josh is the foreman at our Milford Fish hatchery, and was the successful “netter” on this giant! Thank goodness Josh didn’t “knock him off” at the boat! – Don Miller, Fisheries Biologist
><> Monadnock/Upper Valley
This week we are helping Trout Unlimited with fish surveys on some small streams in the Ashuelot River Watershed. The goal of these surveys is to document fish species’ presence/absence above and below “problem” culverts that are to be replaced in the coming years. You might be asking yourself right now what a “problem” culvert is. These are culverts that act as barriers to upstream fish (and other aquatic species) movement. The most common reason for this is that the bottom of the culvert is located above the surface of the stream, sometimes as high as three or four feet. Trout Unlimited, The Nature Conservancy, NH Fish and Game, Antioch University and the Ashuelot Valley Environmental Observatory have worked together over the past years to identify which culverts in the Ashuelot River Watershed pose the biggest problem as barriers to movement. The next steps in the process are to identify the culverts that will open up the most habitat when replaced, obtain funding to replace the culverts, and perform pre and post-culvert restoration fish surveys. Fish in question include brook trout, which need to move during some times of the year in order to find adequate habitat to spawn, feed, and overwinter successfully. Other stream fish we will likely be encountering that could be negatively impacted by barriers are common white sucker, blacknose dace, longnose dace and slimy sculpin. – Gabe Gries, Fisheries Biologist
><> Southeast NH/Merrimack Valley
We've completed most of our survey work in the Lower Warner River watershed recently. In an effort to summarize the status of wild brook trout within this watershed, the area was divided up into smaller watersheds and electrofished to determine fish species presence. Water quality metrics (pH, dissolved oxygen, and water temperature), aquatic habitat condition, and macroinvertebrate information was also recorded at each site. Wild brook trout were found at 16 of the 25 survey locations. Some of the streams found to be suitable for wild brook trout were as small as only a few feet wide. These surveys could not have been done without the help of dedicated volunteers who collectively spent over 400 hours in training and survey work. A BIG “thank you” to all those who helped with the survey. We are now heading to central New Hampshire to survey a watershed in the Ashland and Plymouth area. – Ben Nugent, Fisheries Biologist
><> Seacoast Area
Did you know that in state waters there is no minimum length to keep pollock? This is good news for those of you that like this tasty fish and don’t own a boat. Lately, there has been just about as much harbor pollock coming in as mackerel. You can catch these at jetties alongside mackerel and with the same setup; most people who catch them use them for bait, but if you like pollock, why not take them home for dinner? Of course you might need a few of them to fill your plate. – Becky Heuss, Marine Biologist
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FEDERAL AID IN WILDLIFE AND SPORT FISH AND RESTORATION: A User-Pay, User-Benefit Program. Researching and managing fisheries and teaching people about aquatic ecosystems are funded by your license dollars and by the Federal Aid in Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program. Your purchases of fishing equipment and motorboat fuels make a difference to New Hampshire's fisheries. To learn more: http://www.wildnh.com/SFWR_program/sfwr_program.htm.
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Copyright 2012 New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301. For usage policy, visit http://www.wildnh.com/Inside_FandG/usage_policy.htm. Comments or questions concerning this list should be directed to jane.vachon@wildlife.nh.gov
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NH WEEKLY FISHING REPORT – June 14, 2012
Stocking report: www.fishnh.com/Fishing/Stocking/current.html
Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/nhfishandgame
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><> North Country
About two months into the NH fishing season, I have just as many successes as I do failures. Water conditions have been constantly changing and climatic influences have been non-typical and hard to predict. Insect hatches seem to starting a little early and the bass spawning period started early and remained late. With that said, I will offer a few spots worth casting a line at. The Ammonoosuc River from Bretton Woods to Littleton is a great June trout fishery. There are plenty of deep pools and fast runs. Brook trout are being caught at a steady rate and every method seems to be working right now. Worm fishermen are finding aggressive fish, and fly casters are taking advantage of hatching mayflies and caddisflies. With a liberal stocking regime, this waterbody should be fishing well for another few weeks. Mirror Lake in Whitefield and Dummer Pond in Dummer have been providing anglers with holdover fish that are quite large and beautiful. With a fresh stocking last month, these ponds are teeming with fish and every report that I have gotten has been a good one. Partridge Lake in Littleton has also been reported to fish well this spring. Both largemouth and smallmouth seem to have had a few good years there and large fish are common. – Andy Schafermeyer, Fisheries Biologist
><> Lakes Region
Recent rains in the lakes region (nearly 4 inches) have brought lake levels over their normal summer levels. The Winnipesaukee River is running at moderately high flows now, but fishable conditions are just days away as we get back into a calm weather pattern (less rain)! A recent site visit to hydropower stations on the river really opened my eyes to the wonderful tailrace fisheries we have right here in the Lakes Region. The area below Franklin Falls Dam (the last dam on the Winnipesaukee River) looks like great riffle water all the way down behind the high school to the junction with the Pemigewasset River, where the rivers combine to form the mighty Merrimack. Brown and rainbow trout stocked in this section often move upstream into the aforementioned area during high flows. The river in this area is incredibly rich in invertebrates, and baitfish (shiners and minnows) abound. This is a recipe for big trout. The area of the Pemigewasset River from the Rte. 3-11 bridge upstream is catch/release only; single hook lures and flies only. This section of the river can be big and brawling during high flows, but it also holds some big fish. Further upstream on the Winnipesaukee River you have an excellent stretch of water right in the heart of Tilton, and access is good off Route 3. The Lochmere Dam section at the outlet of Lake Winnisquam should continue to produce a variety of fish species under these flows. I have seen fly hatches here that make it difficult to breathe! Caddis and mayflies abound here at dusk, and on cloudy, moist days. And I would be remiss in not mentioning the fishery at Lakeport Dam in Laconia; we have seen landlocked salmon hang out in the outfall of the hydro plant well into June! I have experienced some great bass popping on Lake Winnisquam of late. Small panfish poppers seem to do the trick, fished over rocky and sand flats. The bass are done now in their nest guarding duties, and they are roaming around in search of a meal. I have had some great reports from anglers fishing the White Mountain trout ponds. Working the edges of these ponds with dry flies has been very productive. I have had great success with this technique on Sky and Saltmarsh ponds to name a few. You may just see smaller fish along the edges, so try dredging some nymphs or wooly buggers in deeper water for larger fish. I like a sink-tip line for this, just give the fly several seconds to get down 6-10 feet before slowly stripping the line in. Get out and fish, I know that is my plan! – Don Miller, Fisheries Biologist
><> Monadnock/Upper Valley
This week’s report displays the vast diversity of fisheries present in southwestern NH. With the exception of whitefish and cusk (of which small ones can be caught in some tributaries of the Ashuelot River), every game fish species found in NH can be angled in this corner of the state. A great trout report came in recently from the delayed harvest section of the South Branch of the Piscataquog River in New Boston. This section of the river is open year round, runs from 300 feet upstream of the Lyndeboro Road Bridge and then downstream to the first bridge on Route 13, and gets stocked three times each spring with a generous number of brook, brown and rainbow trout. From June 16 to October 15, the daily limit is five trout or five pounds. From October 16 to June 15, regulations are catch-and-release with single barbless hook artificial lures and flies. The intent of these regulations is as follows: 1) allow for year-round fishing with the catch-and-release portion taking place when water conditions are best for post-release survival, 2) allow both catch-and-release anglers and those looking for a trout dinner to enjoy the same waters, 3) attempt to maintain a fishable population of trout for anglers throughout the year, and 4) allow for harvest during the warmer months. The second report is from a totally different fish species and river. During the past several years, reports of large channel catfish being caught in the Connecticut River have been increasing. These fish are prevalent in the river in both Massachusetts and Connecticut and they appear to be establishing a fishable population in the NH portion of the river. The majority of reports come from below the Vernon Dam (Hinsdale, NH/Vernon, VT), but some anglers are reporting catching them upstream of the Vernon Dam, likely indicating some illegal transfers by anglers. The current state record of 11 lbs 3.52 oz was caught last year in Hinsdale by a young angler. A Vernon resident just brought a 10+ lb channel cat to the office yesterday and said that he has caught some during the past few years in excess of 15 lbs! Channel catfish are not picky eaters and the bigger and smellier the bait the better. Reports indicate that night crawlers and big dead minnows are all you need. – Gabe Gries, Fisheries Biologist
><> Southeast NH/Merrimack Valley
We have initiated our annual surveys to assess the status of wild brook trout at the watershed level. Our first watershed of the year is the Lower Warner watershed in the towns of Hopkinton, Salisbury, Sutton, Warner, and Webster. Before the surveys began, we had no quantitative data to describe the status of wild brook trout in this area. Although we've only spent a few days here, the results thus far indicate some desirable habitat for this species. Without the help of the Basil W. Woods Jr. Chapter of Trout Unlimited and members of the Warner conservation commission and others interested groups, these surveys could not be done. At the same time, American shad are being transferred from the Essex Dam in Lawrence, Mass., to the Merrimack River here in Concord. By the end of this week, if conditions remain suitable, we hope to have over 600 swimming and spawning in Concord. Early this month, staff from NH Fish and Game, NH Department of Environmental Services and the City of Manchester participated in the annual river clean up of McQuesten Pond and McQuesten Brook in Manchester. The health of McQuesten Brook is particularly concerning to us as it is home to a healthy population of wild brook trout. This event was organized by the NH Rivers Council who coordinated volunteers from Anheuser-Busch, Merrimack River Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited, and the Manchester Fly Fishing Association. Despite the event's third year, many hands were still needed to remove litter and other discarded material. Some of the materials removed during the clean up (and properly disposed of) include 20 tires, 42 bags of trash, 2 vehicle gasoline tanks, 1 shopping cart, 1 large aquarium, 1 car bumper, 1 car back seat from a car, 1 recliner, and a washing machine. – Ben Nugent, Fisheries Biologist
><> Seacoast Area
Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) had its annual deep sea fishing trip on Sunday and most of the participants went home with haddock in their coolers. The weather was perfect, and the seas were less than a foot high - unheard of! Each year BOW charters the Yellowbird out of Hampton, NH to provide women the opportunity to fish alongside other women and learn the basics of deep sea fishing. On the two hour steam out to sea the instructors inform the women about the saltwater fishing rules, fisheries management, fish identification, rod and reel operation, and all the essentials. The instructor’s goal is to teach the participants the skills they would need to feel confident to groundfish on their own.
The captain and crew of the Yellowbird are top notch and are extremely accommodating, going out of their way to help each and every angler hone their skills. They were working extra hard because we got into the dogfish. Yes, the bait stealing, line tangling, sandpaper skinned “sharks” are here. We spent a fair amount of time searching for areas without them, but to no avail. On one of our dogfish dodges, the captain came over the loud speaker to inform us of a basking shark off the bow. What a treat! A huge 40-foot basking shark was soaking up the rays, in no hurry whatsoever. Despite the pestering dogfish, it was a great trip and the women went home very excited to cook up their catches for their families! – Jessica Fischer, Marine Biologist
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FEDERAL AID IN WILDLIFE AND SPORT FISH AND RESTORATION: A User-Pay, User-Benefit Program. Researching and managing fisheries and teaching people about aquatic ecosystems are funded by your license dollars and by the Federal Aid in Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program. Your purchases of fishing equipment and motorboat fuels make a difference to New Hampshire's fisheries. To learn more: http://www.wildnh.com/SFWR_program/sfwr_program.htm.
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Copyright 2012 New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301. For usage policy, visit http://www.wildnh.com/Inside_FandG/usage_policy.htm. Comments or questions concerning this list should be directed to jane.vachon@wildlife.nh.gov
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NH WEEKLY FISHING REPORT – June 7, 2012
Stocking report: www.fishnh.com/Fishing/Stocking/current.html
Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/nhfishandgame
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><> North Country
It is hard to believe that we are already heading into June. I consider myself an angler of every season and I still haven’t put away all of my ice fishing gear. My equipment room is a disorganized combination of jigging rods, bait buckets, and now has fresh spinning and bait casting rods mixed in. It seems like the ice had barely disappeared when I started trout and salmon fishing. Shortly after, the bass started biting and the weather beckoned every angler to the water. After a trip to the saltwater last week looking for striped bass, I realized that summer is in full swing. Trout ponds in northern New Hampshire are still fishing very well. Consistent rainfall has kept the water temperatures from rising and trout are comfortable and feeding well. This becomes convenient as insect hatches become more common and greater in density. Small mayfly imitations like blue-winged olives are a great choice in June and I had a great afternoon last week on a pond that gets fingerlings stocked by air. The growth and survival of these fish always amaze me. Rivers and streams have clearly benefited from the same rainfall, with temperatures and levels at a great place for trout fishing. Nash Stream is running just below full-bank, yet the water is clear and fishable. In places like this, I like to revert to my youth and cast Mepps spinners and Rooster Tails downstream to retrieve them through pools. A lightweight spinning rod can offer a vigorous battle with even the smallest fish. Water levels are certain to recede, so take advantage now. – Andy Schafermeyer, Fisheries Biologist
><> Monadnock/Upper Valley
The recent rains in southwestern NH have made stream and river fishing difficult, if not impossible in some areas. Hopefully by this weekend the weather pattern will change and water levels will subside. Trout fishing is on fire right now in the lakes and ponds of the Monadnock Region. Everything has been stocked, some more than once by now, and anglers are reporting good catches. Try Millen Lake (Washington), Granite Lake (Stoddard), and Whittemore Lake (Bennington). We have had some reports from the bass angling community that the fishing has been outstanding. Spofford Lake produced some beautiful 3-4 lb largemouth and smallmouth bass for one of our local anglers on a recent outing. An email from another local bass angler revealed that he fared well at Poole Pond in Rindge, catching several 2-4 lb largemouths. The ticket for him was using chatterbaits and frogs around vegetation edges and flipping tubes around wood and structure. The Rindge/Jaffrey area hosts several lakes and ponds that offer great bass fishing along with panfishing to get the young ones hooked. – Jason Carrier, Fisheries Biologist
><> Southeast NH/Merrimack Valley
Once flows subside, we’ll begin our assessments that summarize the status of wild brook trout at the watershed level. Watersheds – that is, areas drained by a specific river or river system – are broken up into smaller units and electrofished to determine which fish species are present, while noting good habitat features and impacts to fish habitat and water quality. After the field season, we summarize this information and provide the data to local angling groups, conservation commissions, and others who have interest. The intent is to provide those who have interest in good water quality and intact populations of wild brook trout with a tool to take restoring impaired streams and protecting streams in good condition to the next level. Over the years of conducting these surveys, we have found that there is no replacement for having local residents assist us. This gives them first-hand information about the streams in their area, and puts what can be done to restore and protect them into a clearer context. We plan to start with the Lower Warner River watershed next week, move north to the Ashland/Plymouth area in July, and focus on a watershed within the greater Ammonoosuc River watershed in August. Gradually, we have developed an extensive database that can not only summarize the distribution of wild brook trout but other common and rare fish species. – Ben Nugent, Fisheries Biologist
><> Seacoast Area
Last weekend’s weather kept the larger boats either in port or seeking shelter in more protected areas. Some adventurous anglers braved the wet and windy weather and reported catching stripers. Most of these were caught in the Piscataqua from boat anglers, but a few shore fishermen had luck along the riverbank at Pierce Island in Portsmouth. The river herring run has almost come to an end, so expect striped bass to move out of Great Bay’s tributaries. The best places to catch stripers now are in the Piscataqua, the harbors, and along the coast. Prior to the storm, a fellow Fish and Game staffer reported catching a 10-inch schoolie in Little Harbor; this is one of a number of reports this year of very small fish in our waters. So far it sounds like we are going to have another great striper fishing year like we saw back in 2005 and 2006. With the abnormally warm water temperatures this spring, a number of lobstermen along the coast have reported catching black sea bass in their traps. It is not unusual to get some reports of black sea bass in NH, there are generally some caught in the Piscataqua each year. However, large numbers would be a rarity, as we are at the northern most extent of their range. Prior to the storm, there were frequent catches of Atlantic mackerel along the coast and in the river. Great Island Common in New Castle is a great place to catch these mackerel and small pollock. The charter and party boats have been docked for the first part of the week, but this weekend looks like the weather is going to clear. The party boats are now running both full and half days, and night trips are starting soon as well. Here’s the current list of licensed charter and party boats: http://www.wildnh.com/marine/charter.html – Becky Heuss, Marine Biologist
><> Lakes Region
No report from the Lakes Region this week.
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FEDERAL AID IN WILDLIFE AND SPORT FISH AND RESTORATION: A User-Pay, User-Benefit Program. Researching and managing fisheries and teaching people about aquatic ecosystems are funded by your license dollars and by the Federal Aid in Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program. Your purchases of fishing equipment and motorboat fuels make a difference to New Hampshire's fisheries. To learn more: http://www.wildnh.com/SFWR_program/sfwr_program.htm.
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Copyright 2012 New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301. For usage policy, visit http://www.wildnh.com/Inside_FandG/usage_policy.htm. Comments or questions concerning this list should be directed to jane.vachon@wildlife.nh.gov
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NH Weekly Fishing Report – May 31, 2012
Stocking report: www.fishnh.com/Fishing/Stocking/current.html
FREE FISHING DAY is THIS SATURDAY! - June 2, 2012: http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Newsroom/News_2012/news_2012_Q2/free_fishing_day_041712.html
Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/nhfishandgame
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><> North Country
June presents an unusual paradox for New Hampshire anglers. The weather is picture perfect, with warm days, cool nights, and plenty of daylight hours in between. The only negative variable in this equation is the insects that spring to life in these conditions. After a particularly successful evening on a trout pond Saturday, I had more black flies stuck in my hair than flies in my fly-box. Mosquitoes dined on my arms while I was tying knots, and landing a fish was a daunting task as I tried to do so while slapping at hungry deer flies. I suppose that, without insects and their sometimes inconvenient life cycles, fishing may not be the intriguing sport that it is. Mixed in with the no-see-ums are the caddis flies and mayflies that trigger aggressive trout strikes. For every application of bug spray, there are even doses of dry fly floatant. Biting insects are almost always aquatic at some point in their development and trout have no hesitation eating black fly or mosquito larvae. When they hatch in great densities, a fly-fisherman can be less than perfect when choosing an imitation. Pheasant tail nymphs will resemble an emerging insect closely enough to fool a trout that is gorging itself. There is no magical time of day when biting insects take a break. An angler is a constant target and, sometimes, the only cure is landing a beautiful fish and forgetting the bugs. – Andy Schafermeyer, Fisheries Biologist
><> Lakes Region
A recent trip on Lake Winnisquam produced a couple small lake trout, it certainly didn’t help that a southeast wind was present that morning. I noticed a great deal of “junk” floating on the lake’s surface, by junk, I mean tree pollen, and flowers from assorted trees. It meant that lines had to be cleaned frequently of this debris. I noticed some male smallmouth bass still sitting on nests; the eggs should be hatching any day now as the lake temperature is near 68 degrees. The flow at Lakeport Dam is approximately 800 cfs (cubic feet per second), and this means there are still good opportunities at fishing the Winnipesaukee River in Laconia, and at Lochmere Dam, at the outlet of Winnisquam. Fisheries biologists Matt Carpenter and Ben Nugent are nearing the end of stocking river herring into Lake Winnisquam. We will monitor the progress of this species, as the YOY (young-of-the-year) alewives grow throughout the summer and into the fall as they prepare to leave the system on their journey back to the Atlantic Ocean. Aerial pond stocking will occur the week of June 11. JBI Helicopter Services of Pembroke, NH will again be guiding us across the landscape as we stock fingerling Kennebago strain brook trout into 48 remote, high elevation ponds. Approximately 110,000 fingerlings are stocked in this one-day event. If you have never fished these ponds, you are missing out on some fantastic fishing, in remote, wilderness settings. Don’t forget that this Saturday, June 2, is free fishing day in New Hampshire. Take advantage of this day with a friend and enjoy the wonderful outdoor opportunities we have here. – Don Miller, Fisheries Biologist
><> Monadnock/Upper Valley
Water temperatures in our local trout ponds are more like mid-June than the end of May. Fishing at Dublin Lake last week showed a surface temperature of 69 degrees! Despite these earlier than normal warm temperatures, reports I have been getting point to good trout fishing. The Cold and Ashuelot rivers have been stocked heavily with brook, brown and rainbow trout. Anglers are taking notice -- and are also taking home some heavy stringers in the past week. Beard’s Brook in Hillsborough is also producing some nice catches of rainbow and brook trout. Don’t forget about the area where Beard’s Brook and the North Branch meet in Hillsborough by the Chinese restaurant, as this area has always produced a few nice trout for me. Anglers have been having good luck on these streams using Powerbait, worms, and small inline spinners such as Mepps and Rooster Tails. For ponds, both Gustin (Marlow) and Newell Pond (Alstead) are producing some excellent brook trout, as is Smith Pond (Washington). Whittemore Lake (Bennington) has been giving up some fat rainbow and brook trout as well. A friend of mine relayed to me that the last couple weeks at Willard Pond (Antrim; fly fishing only) have been great. As he put it, “emerging insects, a North wind, and hungry trout make for a great combination on Willard.” There have also been some big smallmouth bass caught in Willard during the past week or so. Finally, I received a report that anglers are already starting to catch walleye in the Connecticut River by trolling large crankbaits such as Reef Runners. – Gabe Gries, Fisheries Biologist
><> Southeast NH/Merrimack Valley
Anadromous fish species have begun to appear at the fish lift at the Essex Dam in Lawrence, Massachusetts. Already around 100 Atlantic salmon and 5,000 American shad have been counted at the fishway. Once our efforts to transfer river herring to Winnisquam Lake are over, we will begin moving American shad from Lawrence upstream to the Merrimack River in the Boscawen/Concord area. The same principles associated with transferring adult river herring are found with the movement of American shad. The mature adults trapped at lower sections of the Merrimack River will be trucked to more ideal spawning habitat upstream. The adults will leave shortly after spawning, while the hatched juveniles will spend the summer months in this stretch of river before returning to the Atlantic in the early fall. The juveniles will be utilized as a seasonal forage source in the river, benefitting several different sport fishes. – Ben Nugent, Fisheries Biologist
><> Seacoast Area
Well, the groundfishing has been slow this past week, but as the river herring runs slow, stripers are moving back down river and anglers are catching stripers in the Piscataqua and the bay. Mackerel are being brought in by the cooler full, most of these coming from the Piscataqua as well.
Winter flounder have had a really slow season so far, and it doesn’t seem to be picking up. One of our biologists took a flounder trip this past weekend down in Rye Harbor; he fished for 4 hours and only got 1 bite. I guess any day where you get to bring home dinner can be considered successful, even if it is a little disappointing. – Becky Heuss, Marine Biologist
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FEDERAL AID IN WILDLIFE AND SPORT FISH AND RESTORATION: A User-Pay, User-Benefit Program. Researching and managing fisheries and teaching people about aquatic ecosystems are funded by your license dollars and by the Federal Aid in Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program. Your purchases of fishing equipment and motorboat fuels make a difference to New Hampshire's fisheries. To learn more: http://www.wildnh.com/SFWR_program/sfwr_program.htm.
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NH WEEKLY FISHING REPORT – May 24, 2012
Stocking report: www.fishnh.com/Fishing/Stocking/current.html
FREE FISHING DAY is June 2, 2012: http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Newsroom/News_2012/news_2012_Q2/free_fishing_day_041712.html
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><> North Country
The middle of May can be a great time for New Hampshire anglers to maximize opportunity. Water temperatures are still cool, levels are high, and fish are everywhere. Trout are biting and bass are either spawning or protecting nests. I like to fish several waterbodies in the North Country that provide both trout and bass fisheries. These “two-tier” fisheries allow both types of fish to thrive and create some unique opportunities. Put-and-take trout fisheries such as those at Mirror Lake in Whitefield and Martin Meadow Pond in Lancaster are at their best right now. Fishing from a boat allows you to cover a lot of water and finding fish should be easy – keep trolling around until you find that desired depth, cover, or temperature. There are so many rigs designed for trolling that you can keep changing until you find what they are looking for. As mentioned, these same waterbodies offer exciting bass fishing. Those fish that are in some stage of spawning can be caught on heavy baits like tubes or jigs. Those bass that are feeding are taking advantage of the warming waters by gobbling up plastic baits and deep running crank baits. This window of trout and bass fishing on the same water in the same day may not last much longer, so get out and give it a try!
><> Lakes Region
Summer is just around the corner and the lakes are heating up. Lake Winnipesaukee water temp is 61 degrees, with smaller ponds and lakes nearing the mid-sixties. We recently electroshocked a small lakes-region lake and found largemouth bass and sunfish guarding their nests. It looks like our catch-and-release season will offer protection to these nesting bass this year.
Lake Winnisquam received another stocking of river herring this week, approximately 4,100 herring were stocked into the Winnipesaukee River in Laconia. It will be interesting to monitor the juvenile growth over the course of the summer, and to see what effect this new forage item will have on our resident fish species. While at the river a day or two ago, there were a few white perch fishermen still trying their luck. The perch run is winding down now.
Last weekend saw the 30th annual Winni Derby held on Lake Winnipesaukee. The weather was great, maybe a little too hot and not nearly enough chop on the water, but anglers were still successful in bringing in quite a number of landlocked salmon and lake trout. The winning salmon weighed 5.42 pounds, while a 9.18-pound lake trout took top honors in that category. The three-year-old salmon looked good, most were right around 20 inches and 2.9 pounds in size. This is the year-class that will fuel the fishery this summer and fall. As always, refer to the “salmon angler pledge” and tips for safe release of salmon. http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Fishing/salmon_anglers_pledge.html Remember, this is a finite fishery, which exhibits a lot of fishing pressure. It is up to us, the anglers who enjoy this fishery, to protect it for future generations.
Trout fishing is at peak now, in terms of water temperatures and insect hatches. Trout ponds are producing well, with mayflies starting to appear, along with lots of caddis. – Don Miller, Fisheries Biologist
><> Monadnock/Upper Valley
It was a beautiful spring day and we decided to take the canoe out for a little paddle, but I also wanted to go someplace where I could catch a few trout for a meal. NH Fish and Game stocks trout in select marshes and small rivers that are great for a springtime fish and paddle. I like these places because you can paddle around and fish without getting blown around in the wind too much. I typically go to the Contoocook River for my spring fish and paddle, but this time I wanted to try a local marsh, which is actually a dammed-up section of a stream that is managed for waterfowl. I keep it very simple when fishing for stocked trout. I use a medium-light spinning rod and for lures I use in-line spinners and small spoons. We paddled the marsh, taking our time and staying in the stream channel while fishing. At the end of the day we had enough brook trout for a meal, and saw what these waterfowl impoundments do: produce waterfowl. We saw a lot of birds, including blue-wing teal, wood duck, American black duck, mallard, and Canada geese. – Jason Carrier, Fisheries Biologist
><> Southeast NH/Merrimack Valley
Due to our efforts with river herring transfers to Winnisquam Lake and assisting the Region 2 staff at the Winni Derby over the past week, this report will be short. We are well underway stocking spawning river herring (primarily alewives) from coastal Maine rivers into Lake Winnisquam. By Friday of this week, we expect to have stocked about 20,000 herring into this tributary water of the Merrimack River. This leaves one remaining trip to reach out target goal of 24,000 herring or about 6 fish per acre. – Ben Nugent, Fisheries Biologist
><> Seacoast Area
Mackerel have made their way into the river and anglers are catching them from shore and boat alike. There are a few choice spots along the Piscataqua and just south to Little Harbor that are perfect for catching mackerel. Starting in Portsmouth, take a trip down toward Prescott Park and turn onto Mechanic Street, continue out to Pierce Island down past the public pool, try the Piscataqua River bank just past the pool. There is ample parking and if the shoreline here becomes crowded you can always backtrack a few hundred yards and try your luck on Four Tree Island. Moving down the coast, most of our recent reports have come from the bridges between Portsmouth and New Castle along Route 1B. There is a small parking area here at Goat Island and there is plenty of space to fly fish from the shore, the majority of mackerel caught here are from the bridges. Continuing along Route 1B you will pass Great Island Common; this is a large park with a beach area and a small jetty that looks out at the mouth of the Piscataqua. This can be a very productive spot for mackerel. There is a small fee for non-New Castle residents, but it is a great area if you are bringing your family along. The next stop is minutes down the road: turn onto Wild Rose Lane, this will bring you out to Fort Stark. If you walk past the fort, there’s a jetty that separates Little Harbor from the Atlantic. You can find mackerel and harbor pollock here, as well as bluefish and stripers in season. If you look across Little Harbor, you will see our last stop, Odiorne Point Jetty. To get to Odiorne Point, go south on Route 1A; just before you hit the coast, you will find a boat launch on the left and then the Seacoast Science Center just past it. You can start your walk from either point. It is a little bit of a hike in, but there are trails to follow. This spot is much like the Fort Stark Jetty across the harbor - mackerel, pollock, bluefish and stripers are common species caught off of these rocks. As with any shore fishing in saltwater, you want to be aware of the tide, generally the incoming tide is the best time to fish. Mackerel can be caught on most small lures, but diamond jigs and sabiki rigs are most effective. If the forecast doesn’t change too much, we are in store for another beautiful weekend, so get out and go fishing! – Becky Heuss, Marine Biologist
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FEDERAL AID IN WILDLIFE AND SPORT FISH AND RESTORATION: A User-Pay, User-Benefit Program. Researching and managing fisheries and teaching people about aquatic ecosystems are funded by your license dollars and by the Federal Aid in Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program. Your purchases of fishing equipment and motorboat fuels make a difference to New Hampshire's fisheries. To learn more: http://www.wildnh.com/SFWR_program/sfwr_program.htm.
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Copyright 2012 New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301. For usage policy, visit http://www.wildnh.com/Inside_FandG/usage_policy.htm. Comments or questions concerning this list should be directed to jane.vachon@wildlife.nh.gov
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NH WEEKLY FISHING REPORT – May 17, 2012
Stocking report: http://www.fishnh.com/Fishing/Stocking/current.html
FREE FISHING DAY is June 2, 2012: http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Newsroom/News_2012/news_2012_Q2/free_fishing_day_041712.html
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><> Lakes Region
After a pleasant, sunny weekend the Lakes Region plunged back into a prolonged rain event! The Lake Winnipesaukee lake level is now over full pool, and there are currently increased flows at the Lakeport and Lochmere dams on Winnipesaukee and Winnisquam, respectively. These flows have really brought the white perch into the Winnipesaukee River on Lake Winnisquam. I wouldn’t be surprised to also see some rainbows moving into the river too. On May 10, fisheries biologists Matt Carpenter and Ben Nugent transferred approximately 2000 river herring (alewives) into the Winnipesaukee River in Laconia. These alewives were trucked form our seacoast Cocheco River in Fish and Game’s “shad truck.” It is hoped that this re-introduction of alewives into Lake Winnisquam will help increase the returns of herring to the Merrimack River, and provide forage for bass and rainbow trout in Winnisquam. May 15 was the start of the catch and release season for bass, and will continue through June 15. John Viar and I recently tried to obtain a sample of largemouth bass from nearby Wicwas Lake, and were very surprised to see the lack of nesting bass along the shoreline. Water temperature was 58 degrees, but a cold front that pushed through the area after the last bout of rain evidently has delayed nesting activity in the area. Generally, bass are well on their beds at this time. Small brooks and streams have great flows now, and stocking has occurred on just about every water managed for trout. The larger rivers, like the Pemigewasset for instance, will need to drop a bit to fishable levels; this will happen quickly with a forecast of better weather for the next several days. I had a chance to fish a local fly-fishing-only pond and had a great time with some great looking brook trout. Brisk winds and early morning temps in the 30s kept fly hatches to a minimum, but one sheltered corner of the pond produced a hatch of blue-winged olive mayflies that turned the trout on for a period of time. Again, small midges were present and the occasional trout would sip them off the surface, but these trout were hard to pattern with our offerings. Look for plenty of anglers this weekend as the 30th annual Winni Derby is held on Lake Winnipesaukee, May 18-20. Water temps are good for the salmon bite, and the weather looks promising. Good luck to all the anglers, young and older, enjoy the time on the water! – Don Miller, Fisheries Biologist
><> Monadnock/Upper Valley
This has been a spring of frustrating outboard motor repairs for me that has kept me from my traditional early season bass fishing. Last weekend I found myself waiting for parts in the mail and itching to get out and do some fishing. I decided to do something that I haven’t done since I was a kid fishing with my friend and his father up in Berlin, in the area referred to as Kilkenny on the Upper Ammonusuc River: what we called “brook fishing.” I decided to fish close to home in the area of Hancock, where there are plenty of streams to choose from. I grabbed an old rod that didn’t matter if it got banged around sneaking through the brush, some worm hooks, small split shot, worms, knee boots, my lab Drake, and off we went with minimal preparation and little gear. I started fishing at a stream crossing and worked my way downstream. It didn’t take long for me to start catching wild brook trout from three to six inches long. Eventually the stream brought me to some beaver flowages that intercepted another stream. I worked my way upstream of the next stream, finding places where I could fish the small beaver ponds. There were a lot of trout, most were too small for me to hook, but I did catch several. The best part of my day was catching a beautiful and very healthy tiger trout, a first for me. This just goes to show that you don’t need a boat or fancy gear to get out and enjoy the fishing opportunities that we have here in the Granite State. – Jason Carrier, Fisheries Biologist
><> Southeast NH/Merrimack Valley
An argument can be made that this time of year is the busiest time for shoreline fish activity. The water temperatures of our lakes and ponds in southeastern New Hampshire have reached the mid-60s this week and will likely climb given the warm weather forecasted for the weekend. A recent boat electrofishing survey showed several different fish species utilizing shoreline habitat features for spawning, while others used the same features as ambush points to capitalize on this vulnerable stage to feed. The haphazard progression from late winter to spring to early summer, back to early spring, and then back to early summer conditions observed this year have seemed to alter some normal spawning calendars and now have caused several different species to flood the shorelines at the same time. For sunfish species like bluegills, pumpkinseeds, and red-breasted sunfish, spawning activity is well underway and visible by their colony nests providing a contrasting white color to the normally dark shallows. The males of these species go to extensive efforts to clear off proportionally large areas free of detritus, leaving a circular nest that appeal to a female. At this same time, largemouth bass seem to use somewhat less visible nesting sites with minimal to moderate detritus removal occurring, while taking advantage of protective features offered by shorelines. It is not uncommon for male largemouth bass to stake all their hopes in spawning in close proximity to or within fallen trees and their branches, beaver caches, dense emerging aquatic vegetation and manmade structures. During a typical year, yellow perch spawning is all said and done by now, but variations in weather patterns this year has stalled some from returning back to moderate depths. The key to finding large schools of yellow perch is dense vegetation or a freshly fallen tree where most of its branches are still present. The habitat complexities offered by these two components are very appealing to this species. These same areas are often utilized by black crappie for a staging ground before spawning. During our recent survey, we found large schools of black crappie of various sizes. In other locations, which is normally observed in June, we found smaller groups of males or solitary male black crappie holding their ground, presumably already protecting fertilized eggs. These nests tend to be along shallow point extensions and less visible or contrasting to the natural lake bottom. – Ben Nugent, Fisheries Biologist
><> Seacoast Area
This year is going to be one for the record books. So far the river herring run in the Lamprey River has surpassed the highest recorded yearly returns since the fish ladder was constructed to allow for passage of anadromous fish. It is looking like this may be a great year for striped bass fishing as well. We are already seeing them in good numbers up in the rivers at the heads-of-tide where they are gorging themselves on the bountiful herring. So far anglers have been having luck with live herring and lures such as poppers, just remember that Wednesdays are closed to the taking of river herring everywhere and the Squamscott River has special rules for river herring (http://www.eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/saltwater/special-river-restrictions). There are a number of good fishing spots to catch striped bass this time of year; a boardwalk in downtown Exeter right next to the Philips Exeter boat house is a prime location. This is at the head-of-tide just below where river herring pool up below the dam and it is an excellent spot to spend a tide fishing. Other spots include the river bank in downtown Newmarket, just behind the mill buildings; and Henry Law Park in Dover. For those of you without a boat, this is the most productive time of year for striper fishing, before they move seaward. – Becky Heuss, Marine Biologist
><> North Country
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FEDERAL AID IN WILDLIFE AND SPORT FISH AND RESTORATION: A User-Pay, User-Benefit Program. Researching and managing fisheries and teaching people about aquatic ecosystems are funded by your license dollars and by the Federal Aid in Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program. Your purchases of fishing equipment and motorboat fuels make a difference to New Hampshire's fisheries. To learn more: http://www.wildnh.com/SFWR_program/sfwr_program.htm.
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Copyright 2012 New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301. For usage policy, visit http://www.wildnh.com/Inside_FandG/usage_policy.htm. Comments or questions concerning this list should be directed to jane.vachon@wildlife.nh.gov
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News from the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department 3/23/2012
Phone: (603) 271-3211
Email: info@wildlife.nh.gov
For information and online licenses, visit http://www.wildnh.com
News from the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department Phone: (603) 271-3211 Email: info@wildlife.nh.gov For information and online licenses, visit http://www.wildnh.com
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CONTACT: Don Miller: (603) 744-5470 John Viar: (603) 744-5470 Jane Vachon: (603) 271-3211 March 23, 2012
APRIL 1 OPENING DAY FOR N.H. LANDLOCKED SALMON/LAKE TROUT FISHING
CONCORD, N.H. -- Anglers are expected to be out in force on April 1 for the start of the open-water fishing season on landlocked salmon/lake trout-managed lakes in New Hampshire. After an exceptionally mild winter, there will be vast amounts of open water in the lakes region of New Hampshire for early season landlocked salmon anglers. Because of the much-reduced snowpack, river flows should also be excellent for early April fishing. Fall netting results reveal a strong age-3 year-class of salmon, which will dominate the catch. "The mild winter kept ice-fishing pressure low, and this will likely translate to better opportunities for the open water angler," said N.H. Fish and Game Large Lakes Biologist Don Miller. New Hampshire Fish and Game manages 15 lakes for landlocked salmon: Big Dan Hole Pond, First and Second Connecticut Lakes, Conway Lake, Lake Francis, Merrymeeting Lake, Newfound Lake, Ossipee Lake, Big and Little Squam Lakes, Sunapee Lake, Lake Winnipesaukee, Winnisquam Lake, and Nubanusit Lake. Pleasant Lake in New London also is managed for landlocked salmon, but is classified as a trout pond, with a 2012 opening date of April 28. Anglers should seek out high-flow areas in the Winnipesaukee River system, which drives the early season salmon fisheries in Winnipesaukee, Opechee, Winnisquam and Silver lakes, for a chance at “drop-down” salmon (and rainbow trout). Traditional areas include the Lakeport Dam/Opechee Lake, the Winnipesaukee River through Laconia to Dixon Point at Lake Winnisquam, and Lochmere Dam at Silver Lake. The Newfound River in Bristol offers great fly-fishing-only water that can often produce drop-down rainbows and salmon. Additionally, several popular Winnipesaukee shore fishing locations exist at the Merrymeeting River (fly-fishing-only, barbless, catch and release), and the mouth of the Merrymeeting River as it enters Alton Bay, downstream of the famous stone arch bridge. Other good sites to visit include the Weirs Channel in Laconia, Long Island Bridge in Moultonborough, Governors Island Bridge in Gilford, Smith River inlet at Wolfeboro Bay, and Meredith and Center Harbor town docks. At these locations, everything from smelt, shiners and worms under a slip bobber to small jigs will take salmon, as well as rainbow trout. This time of year, salmon are successfully caught by trolling with everything from spoons (such as DB Smelt, Sutton, Mooselook, Top Gun, and Smelt Gun) to traditional streamer flies (for example, Maynard’s Marvel, Pumpkinhead, Mickey Finn, Joe’s Smelt, and the countless Grey Ghost variations), and an early season favorite, live smelt or shiners. Most early season fish are caught from the surface to about 15 feet down, with everything from planer board set-ups to the simplest of monofilament flat lines 50-150 feet behind the boat. When the wind kicks in, drifting live smelt or shiners in the waves can be highly effective. Since 2011, only single hooks for bait while trolling are allowed on certain salmon/lake trout lakes, including Squam, Newfound, Sunapee, Winnipesaukee and Winnisquam lakes. Please refer to the 2012 N.H. Freshwater Fishing Digest for a complete list of waters. To ensure the future of high-quality landlocked salmon fisheries, anglers must take extra care when releasing salmon, as the percentage of hook-wounded fish continues to be a problem. Hook wounded/scarred fish are significantly shorter and poorer in body condition than non-hook-wounded counterparts of the same age. Using rubber nets and proper release techniques (for example, don’t “shake” fish off the hook) -- and releasing lightly hooked healthy salmon, while choosing to harvest previously hook-wounded fish – are ways to minimize the negative effects of hook wounding, thereby increasing the number of trophy salmon available in the future. To that end, N.H. Fish and Game is encouraging anglers to take the Landlocked Salmon Anglers’ Pledge, a cooperative, volunteer effort to help sustain quality landlocked salmon fisheries in New Hampshire’s large lakes. Learn more at http://www.fishnh.com/Fishing/salmon_anglers_pledge.html
N.H. fishing licenses can be purchased online at http://www.fishnh.com, or from any Fish and Game license agent. Annual resident fishing licenses are $35. Resident one-day licenses are just $10. Annual nonresident fishing licenses are $53. One-, three- and seven-day nonresident licenses are also available.
Reel in lots more information on fishing in New Hampshire, from depth maps to tackle tips -- and download the 2012 N.H. Freshwater Fishing Digest -- at http://www.fishnh.com/pubs/fishing.html.
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NH Weekly Fishing Report – September 16, 2011
Good morning, fishing fans – we’ve got 3 regional reports today. This is probably the last fishing report for the spring/summer season, so ... thanks for reading, have a wonderful autumn, and we’ll check in with you during ice-fishing time! For more NH fish and fishing info all year long, follow us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/nhfishandgame. (You don't need to be a Facebook user to see our stuff!)
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><> Lakes Region/White Mountains
The recent rains in the lakes region have not affected the fishing for salmonid species at all. A recent trip on Lake Winnisquam produced some fantastic lake trout fishing! Again, the pattern of close trolling to shoreline, in water less than 50 feet deep, produced multiple catches of nice lake trout. Only a handful of trout were sublegal (under 18 inches), while most were 20 inches or better. The downrigger proved to be very important in regulating the depth (very quickly), as the bottom near shore consists of humps that rise up 20 feet in some cases. Baitfish pods were evident along the shore, again I think most were young-of-the-year white perch, with some smelt schools also evident. Lure size is critical, with the small (2-inch) Mooselook wobblers producing the majority of fish. We didn’t try flies, but I bet a small white streamer would also do the trick. We fished near numerous loons, with one brave soul approaching the boat within 15 feet! I always keep a lookout for waterfowl, such as mergansers, cormorants and loons, they reveal where the baitfish are congregating.
I’ll be fishing a bit more in the weeks to come, some trips to Winnipesaukee to try for salmon, and definitely a couple trips on Winnisquam, looking for that big laker!
The river flows south of the White Mountains are great now, and brook trout will be spawning soon in these areas. It’s a great time to get out and enjoy these days of early fall, for they will not last very long. - Don Miller, Regional Fisheries Biologist
><> Southeast NH/Merrimack Valley
We have been busy evaluating Atlantic salmon parr survival and growth throughout the Merrimack and Connecticut watersheds. Perhaps the biggest obstacle this year is trying to plan around the weather and high flows. High flows with increased turbidity can make electrofishing very difficult to see fish when they are temporarily immobilized. As the field season winds down, we still hope to continue looking for wild brook trout populations in the southeastern part of the state, particularly within the Lamprey River watershed, before we shift gears and focus on the fall netting season in the lakes region.
Our need to collect more information on the round whitefish, a fish species of concern, took us out of southern New Hampshire this week. Recent records indicate the species may only be present in Newfound Lake and upper reaches of the Connecticut River. While we have been able to find an effective way to sample the species on Newfound Lake, the population in the Connecticut River presented more challenges. Through the use of boat electrofishing, we were able to capture close to 30 juveniles and adults within the stretch of river between Colebrook and West Stewartstown. As a bonus, we were also able to capture a 22-inch-long brown trout adorned in a great example of spawning colors. In the future, we hope to radio tag these whitefish to determine what seasonal habitats they prefer as well as the areas they tend to avoid. This information will be invaluable to the future sustainability of the species. – Ben Nugent, Regional Fisheries Biologist
><> Seacoast Area
This past weekend I decided to poke around Rye Harbor using a snorkel, just to see what I could see. I entered the water at slack high tide over by the boat ramp at the marina and made my way to the jetty at the state park. The visibility was good, down to about 15 feet. There were no winter flounder to be seen; these most likely abandoned the harbor a while ago due to the warmer water temps in the shallows. To my surprise, I did see a school of stripers! About halfway through my journey, I observed about 15 to 20 of them - mostly schoolies, but there were a couple that appeared to be of legal size. As I continued on, they were following me! I noticed a few anglers on the jetty and decided to take advantage of the fishes’ behavior, bringing them right to the anglers; unfortunately as we neared the jetty the stripers wised up and moved into deeper waters. Strangely, I did not see any baitfish around; the stripers must have been attracted into the harbor by the commercial boats.
Striper fishing has picked up in recent days. Anglers are reporting catching them in the rivers, bay, and ocean side. Most of these fish are being caught with live mackerel, which are also still available just outside the river. A growing number of people are fly fishing for stripers; it is becoming increasingly popular to fly fish off of bridges, just dropping the fly into the water, no casting involved.
Groundfishing is still decent, boats coming in from Jeffreys Ledge report good catches of pollock and haddock. A few of my colleagues also had luck out at Old and New Scantum at the beginning of September. - Robert Eckert, Marine Biologist FEDERAL AID IN WILDLIFE AND SPORT FISH AND RESTORATION: A User-Pay, User-Benefit Program. Researching and managing fisheries and teaching people about aquatic ecosystems are funded by your license dollars and by the Federal Aid in Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program. Your purchases of fishing equipment and motorboat fuels make a difference to New Hampshire's fisheries. To learn more: http://www.wildnh.com/SFWR_program/sfwr_program.htm.
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Copyright 2011 New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301. Comments or questions concerning this list should be directed to jane.vachon@wildlife.nh.gov.
NH Weekly Fishing Report – September 9, 2011
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><> North Country
As I stood in the Ammonoosuc River yesterday, I watched leaves float by and stick to the rocks. I can't honestly tell whether they had fallen because it is mid-September or because the rain and wind have been knocking them down. Northern New Hampshire has been a dynamic place concerning the weather of the last few weeks and it has been hard to get any fishing in. Water levels are constantly changing and the heavy rain is causing temperatures to fluctuate wildly. I look forward to fishing some remote trout ponds over the next few weeks, and I'm not sure what to expect. Trio Ponds and Whitcomb Pond in the Nash Stream headwaters can both be awesome places to spend a September afternoon. I also hope to out-smart some brown trout in Connecticut River pool habitats around Stratford and Columbia. I will also make an effort to hit a few of our local bass ponds before the end of the month. I have had some great fall days on Forest Lake in Whitefield. I will approach my tackle choice as an effort to explore as much of the water column as I need to find fish. Plastic baits fished as a drop shot or Texas-rigged will get me to the deep water. A suspending jerk bait or slow-moving crank bait will cover water from 10 to 20 feet deep. I will also throw spinner baits and floating stick baits in shallower water. As mentioned, the goal is to cover varying depths. With all of these approaches, it makes me feel less guilty when I spend the winter buying fishing gear. – Andy Schafermeyer, Regional Fisheries Biologist
><> Lakes Region/White Mountains
We continue to experience high lake levels in the lakes region. Both Winnipesaukee and Winnisquam are above full-pool levels. The salmon bite continues to be excellent in Winnipesaukee, with the strong two-year-old age class of salmon predominant in the catch. The water temperature has stabilized at 70 degrees, so the thermocline is still down a good 35 feet at least. This is not to say that you won’t find the occasional rainbow feeding near the surface in the early morning hours. Big Squam is slow, with an occasional trophy salmon caught after several hours of fishing, but isn’t that the way a trophy fishery operates? In New Hampshire we are blessed with 15 landlocked salmon lakes to chase these beauties, and each lake brings a different fishery and attitude to the table for our anglers. Ossipee Lake is often overlooked, but we have had reports of some decent two-year olds and an occasional big brown trout (dropdown from the Bearcamp River) being caught. A little further north is Conway Lake, a real North Country gem, with tea-stained water and some nice salmon lurking in this moderately deep (50 feet) lake. Winnisquam continues to produce some nice lake trout for me and my fishing companions. The same pattern holds true - small Mooselook wobblers are just the ticket as these trout are feeding heavily on young-of-the-year white perch, along the eastern shoreline in 40-50 feet of water. Definitely try some close shoreline trolling in the vicinity of the streams and brooks, which are flowing heavily into our lakes now. A recent trip up north has revealed dropping stream water levels to the point where angling is more feasible now. Try the deeper pools, where many fish may have taken refuge during our recent heavy rain events. The Pemigewasset River is good now, water clarity has improved greatly, and conditions are excellent, especially in the Bristol/New Hampton areas. Get out and fish now, the season closes for salmon on September 30! - Don Miller, Regional Fisheries Biologist
><> Monadnock/Upper Valley
In the next several weeks, we will be conducting our annual young-of-the-year (YOY) bass surveys. These electrofishing boat surveys target largemouth and smallmouth bass that were hatched this spring. Surveys are conducted on Spofford Lake, Big Squam Lake, Lake Winnipesaukee, Forest Lake (Whitefield), and two sections of the Connecticut River (Claremont and Hinsdale). The same areas of each waterbody are sampled each year, allowing us to determine year-class strength as well as fish size, species composition, and to track how these factors change from year to year within a waterbody and also how they change within a year from north to south within the state. These samples are important in that documenting a poor (or good) year-class will help us to predict and/or explain good or poor fishing success in the future. For example, a poor year-class of smallmouth bass in Spofford Lake in 2011 would help explain angler dissatisfaction with the fishery in seven to eight years as that year-class reach a size that most anglers wish to catch. Additionally, over-winter survival of YOY bass during their first winter has been shown to be positively related to their length in fall; examining YOY bass size also helps allow us to predict future success of a particular year-class. – Gabe Gries, Regional Fisheries Biologist
><> Southeast NH/Merrimack Valley
Sorry folks, no report this week. – Ben Nugent, Regional Fisheries Biologist
><> Seacoast Area
Stripers are few and far between these days. While you wait for their fall migration to begin, you will have more luck fishing the coast from a boat. The migration will begin as the water cools and baitfish leave our estuaries and harbors; this is aided by all the rain we are experiencing. The river herring that ascended our coastal rivers this spring, and brought stripers up with them, deposited their eggs in freshwater; these have by now developed into three to four inch juveniles. The juvenile river herring are in the midst of their journey out of their nursery grounds and this rain should trigger more movement. Stripers are on the lookout for schools of these and other baitfish, gorging themselves before the winter ahead. A good way to simulate these schools and attract the attention of the scattered striper is an umbrella rig. Use one of these rigs while trolling the coast. These can be purchased pre-rigged or unrigged for those that have a favorite lure, be sure to use the same color lure on a single umbrella as it is simulating a school of fish. If you want to vary the color you may use two umbrella rigs, one on each side of the boat. Try to position these so they are just above the depth of the stripers you are trying to catch. When using this setup, it is easy to tangle the lines so put it in the water with ease and let your line out slowly.
Anglers are still catching mackerel and picking away at bluefish, and nice-sized pollock are being caught offshore. Softshell clam season began September 6 (everywhere except Hampton/Seabrook Estuary); the season is Saturdays only and is subject to closing due to bacteria levels or red tide. Check http://www.wildnh.com/Fishing/clam_flat_status.htm or call 1-800-43-CLAMS for the current open/closed status of NH shellfish areas. Shellfishing maps and other great resources can be found at http://www.wildnh.com/marine/shellfishing.html. There is still time to get out and enjoy all of what our lovely coast has to offer! - Becky Heuss, Marine Biologist
><> ><> ><> ><> ><> FEDERAL AID IN WILDLIFE AND SPORT FISH AND RESTORATION: A User-Pay, User-Benefit Program. Researching and managing fisheries and teaching people about aquatic ecosystems are funded by your license dollars and by the Federal Aid in Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program. Your purchases of fishing equipment and motorboat fuels make a difference to New Hampshire's fisheries. To learn more: http://www.wildnh.com/SFWR_program/sfwr_program.htm.
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NH Weekly Fishing Report – August 11, 2011
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><> North Country
If landing a brook trout on a four-weight fly rod gets your blood pumping as much as landing a smallmouth on an ultra-light spinning rod, I have a challenge for you. Why not target one of New Hampshire's most aggressive predator fish that can grow over 20 pounds and 40+ inches long? I'm suggesting a battle with a northern pike. If an angler could create a sportfish from scratch, I can't imagine that the desired characteristics would be much different from that of the northern pike. Imagine a fish that eats anything. Insects, other fish, reptiles, amphibians, ducklings, mice, and any other organism that gets near the water is at risk. This makes your fishing approach as varied as you'd like it. To add intensity to the battle, downsize your gear! A medium-light action rod and six to eight-pound test line may allow you to really sneak up on these monsters. Whatever your terminal tackle may be, you must anticipate a toothy hook-up and prepare your leader accordingly. One of my most important rules for pike fishing is simple: speed things up. I retrieve spinner-baits at a speed twice that which I use on bass. I will retrieve a crank-bait in the same fashion. It is important to remember to be ready for a strike at any moment. When your lure is a few feet from the boat and you are looking for your next spot to cast, you must still be prepared for a surface-smashing strike. The best North Country opportunities for pike include Partridge Lake in Littleton, Jericho Lake in Berlin, Moore Reservoir, and Martin Meadow Pond in Lancaster. – Andy Schafermeyer, Regional Fisheries Biologist
><> Lakes Region/White Mountains
Smelt surveys continue on the big lakes, and so far, everything looks good. Young-of-the-year (YOY) smelt numbers looked great at Newfound Lake recently. Newfound, by the way, is rapidly becoming a wonderful rainbow trout fishery. Reports of some rainbows over 3 pounds continue to trickle in, with numerous rainbows from this year’s stocking showing up, nearly at the 15 inch minimum. We are waiting for this lake to show some nice salmon in the catch…perhaps by this September! Recent rains have kept lake levels up, and the Hexagenia mayfly hatch lingers on the big lakes, with numerous individuals appearing on our research vessel Forager during our night-time surveys. The rains are good news for stream anglers as well. Late last week, I ventured north to “stretch” the legs on a hike in the Sandwich Wilderness area. This area encompasses a broad reach of country, Mounts Passaconaway and Tripyramid to the north, and the Sandwich range to the south. There are numerous headwater brooks in this area; I fished one in the southern end of the range up to an elevation of 2000 feet! All you need is a good pair of boots, a fly rod (I use an old Eagle Claw Trailmaster 7 ½ foot), and a reliable companion, mine is a six year old yellow lab, “Miss Penny”, who must be restrained from the pools until I’ve had a chance to fish them! I find total relaxation up here in the mountains, working my way along the rocky banks to the next crystal clear pool. I use a rather large hopper imitation size 6, in order to keep the “little guys” off the hook! Every once in awhile, you will be treated to a monster brookie at 6 inches long! My meal for the night was two trout, one male and female. At this time of year up in the mountains, brookies are nearly ready to spawn, evidenced by the mature eggs in the 6 inch female. Don’t forget the camera, these trout display colors you thought were only found in an oil painting! I wasn’t that far away (in miles) from my trolling boat tied up on Lake Winnisquam, but I was literally in a different world up in these mountains. - Don Miller, Regional Fisheries Biologist
><> Monadnock/Upper Valley
During the month of August, I am always torn between bass fishing and fishing for lake trout. I love both types of fishing and I tend to second-guess myself a lot when deciding on what to fish for on a particular day. “Will the lakers be on today or are they going to be the unresponsive to my efforts?” “Will there be a good topwater bite for largemouths today?” This past weekend, I decided to not make a decision and just fish for both. I went to Nubanusit Lake (Hancock/Nelson) on Saturday with my friend Ed, who has never fished for lake trout before. We fished from 10 to 4 and ended up landing nine lakers by trolling and vertical jigging. He was impressed with the fight and how beautiful these fish are. Lake trout in NH are not stocked and we released all these naturally produced fish. Nubanusit, Spoonwood Lake (Nelson), and Silver Lake (Harrisville) all have lake trout and are great places to get your laker fix without having to travel to the Lakes Region. Anglers have been catching some decent rainbows and salmon at Nubanusit in the past weeks as well. On Sunday I fished by myself at a small bass pond near Winchester. The hot sticky weather in conjunction with being on the water lent itself to numerous swims and a half dozen largemouth. Nothing over two pounds, but still a nice way to spend the afternoon. Fish all came on 4” plastic worms used on either a shaky jig head or a drop shot rig. I didn’t find any fish on downed trees or rocks and the fish I caught were at random spots close to aquatic vegetation. Without any real pattern to go on besides casting to vegetation, I was happy to get as many fish as I did. – Gabe Gries, Regional Fisheries Biologist
><> Southeast NH/Merrimack Valley
Amongst other recent surveys, we've spent some time in the Lamprey River watershed documenting the distribution of bridle shiners and wild brook trout. The bridle shiner is the only state listed threatened species. (Two other fish species are at an elevated level of concern; both the American brook lamprey and shortnose sturgeon are state endangered.) Bridle shiners are an indicator species of healthy and undisturbed warmwater rivers, lakes and ponds. These fish average only two inches in length and they compensate for relatively poor swimming ability by living, feeding, and breeding in dense aquatic vegetation in waters with minimal turbidity. Without densely vegetated habitats, the species can become easy fare for countless predator fish. They have a life expectancy that rarely exceeds two years, meaning if a catastrophic event occurred, the potential for losing the species can be high. Although bridle shiners may not be considered valuable to some anglers, the presence or absence of the species can be used as a gauge on our impacts to aquatic ecosystems and water quality. Despite a variety of different stream habitats within the Lamprey watershed, the distribution of wild brook trout appears to be restricted only to very small streams. It is likely the larger stream habitats may not offer suitable spawning habitats and reach undesirable water temperatures for the species. In some times of the year, it is likely wild brook trout may occupy these larger streams but during the summer months, the brook trout need to find thermal refuge in cooler tributaries. This emphasizes the need to have aquatic connectivity. Road/stream crossings (i.e. perched culverts) and dams are examples of barriers that would prevent this sensitive species from finding necessary habitats. More and more, we are learning the value of spring-fed streams, especially in the southeastern part of the state, and the need to protect these very small (sometimes only one or two feet wide) streams. To some extent and within reason, the existing impacts to the surrounding landscape of a brook trout stream can be offset by having a steady supply of ground water recharge from springs. – Ben Nugent, Regional Fisheries Biologist
><> Seacoast Area
The fishing is still good on the New Hampshire coast this week. I saw flounder and pollock caught from local jetties. From the open water private boats are still bringing stripers and plenty of mackerel back to the docks.
I also had the pleasure of speaking with several spear fishermen as they returned to land. Most of them were quite successful in getting a creel full of flounder in as little as an hour! If you are going to try spear fishing, remember that fish appear larger as seen underwater. Make sure you’re confident that your quarry is of legal size before you take aim. There is no catch and release in spear fishing.
Hope to see you out there! - Jessica Devoid, Marine Biological Aide
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FEDERAL AID IN WILDLIFE AND SPORT FISH AND RESTORATION: A User-Pay, User-Benefit Program. Researching and managing fisheries and teaching people about aquatic ecosystems are funded by your license dollars and by the Federal Aid in Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program. Your purchases of fishing equipment and motorboat fuels make a difference to New Hampshire's fisheries. To learn more: http://www.wildnh.com/SFWR_program/sfwr_program.htm.
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NH Weekly Fishing Report - July 28, 2011
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><> North Country
New Hampshire anglers have it pretty good. Our waterbodies are healthy and fish of all different types can be found throughout. We don’t have the opportunity to catch a 100-pound catfish like the Ozark Rivers of my youth, but the trade-off seems acceptable to me. This week, I was sampling some very small brooks in the Ammonoosuc River Watershed. To the casual observer, they would not seem like an opportunity to fish. They were literally 6 inches wide in spots, looked warm and were experiencing very slow flow rates. With a touch of my electro-fishing wand, however, brook trout boiled up out of every pool. They were also in undercut banks and woody material. When fishing small brooks and considering the growth rates of these fish, it becomes important to adjust your idea of what a “trophy fish” is. Brook trout 4 or 5 inches in size may be four years old, and should be considered the bullies on their block. These types of fisheries can present some real challenges to the angler. Most are enshrouded in overhanging vegetation that can make casting difficult. Getting your bait (fly, worm, or whatever) to the fish will require some creativity and patience. An angler in these situations may also have to employ some stealth - the fish spook very easily and once they flee, it will be hard to get them to bite. If everything falls into place, the fish that end up in your net will be among the most beautiful you’ve ever seen. Still months away from spawning season, small-water brookies will still have deep and vibrant coloration and make you glad you brought your camera. - Andy Schafermeyer, Regional Fisheries Biologist
><> Lakes Region/White Mountains
Recently I took the opportunity to check out the new Fish and Game access site on Purity Lake in Eaton. The site is located on the northern end of the lake, right on NH Route 153, about a half-mile north of King Pine Ski Area. The access will accommodate small, cartop boats, canoes, and kayaks and parking for about 10-12 vehicles. The access consists of a gradually sloping set of stairs constructed of gravel and pressure treated lumber. The design of the site uses modern erosion control technology. We launched a canoe and paddled and fished a little. Purity Lake is a gin-clear but productive body of water. Among the abundant submerged and floating aquatic vegetation we observed several bass, as well as sunfish, yellow perch, a pickerel or two, and schools of shiners. There is also a decent smelt population in the lake, as the deeper waters are cold and supersaturated with oxygen. Now that Fish and Game has secured a public access here, we are considering stocking some rainbow trout for anglers to enjoy in the near future. Stay tuned! - Don Miller, Regional Fisheries Biologist
><> Monadnock/Upper Valley
During the last few weeks we have been unable to do much fishing due to our warmwater sampling surveys, which occur at night. We conduct our surveys with an electrofishing boat that sends an electric current into the water and stuns the fish momentarily while we net them and put them into a livewell in the boat unharmed. We start these surveys at dark and can go on until one or two o’clock in the morning, depending on the size of the waterbody and how many fish we collect. We started our season on French Pond in Henniker where we found an abundance of small bluegills, some golden shiners, yellow bullhead, and to our surprise, fathead minnows, which only occur in a few waterbodies around the state. We were also surprised to not see any pickerel or perch, which are common throughout most ponds and lakes around the state. We electrofished Harrisville Pond in Harrisville to get a community assessment prior to us deploying Christmas trees for habitat improvement this fall. The bass we sampled were found concentrated in a certain area of the pond where there was vegetation with rocks and nearshore drop-offs. Only one of our five runs produced numbers of largemouth and smallmouth bass. We also found common sunfish, golden shiners, and black crappie. Horseshoe Pond in Merrimack was our most recent outing and it was during the hottest, most humid night of the summer, last Thursday. This pond nearly has it all - bluegill, yellow perch, pickerel, common sunfish, common white suckers, bullhead, black crappie, eel, carp, and largemouth bass. We shocked up some carp that were from 15 to 30 pounds! The bass numbers were good, fish were healthy, and there was a good mix of age classes. Hopefully we can get out on our own time soon and sample some of these waterbodies and others with rod and reel. – Jason Carrier, Regional Fisheries Biologist
><> Southeast NH/Merrimack Valley
I try to fly cast for sunfish species (bluegill, pumpkinseeds, black crappie, etc.) a few times of year. Although there are no guarantees when it comes to fishing, having a successful day with these smaller predators can come close. I enjoy the simplicity of this type of fishing as well as the respect I have for these species in both fight and appearance. There isn't a need for fish finders, high quality rods and reels or a large assortment of different types of tackle, and a canoe can fish as well as another other type of larger boat. A modest but adequate fly rod and reel setup with a small box of panfish plugs/poppers are all that is needed. I prefer to use floating fly line with a rod's length long leader of 6 pound monofilament and a rod around the 5 weight range. Five weight fly rods could be considered overkill, but it will give you enough support to land a larger fish if you happen to entice a larger bass or hook a larger pickerel in the outer part of its mouth. It is important to size the poppers appropriately to your target species. There are several different kits available on the market that covers an assortment of colors and sizes. It's best to be well equipped with at least a few different options to offer. When it comes to hook size, 1/0 hooks are suitable for larger fish species (and it couldn't hurt to carry a few of these if the bass are shallow) but a #8 or #10 size popper should be suitable. If you routinely observe your popper getting struck without a hookup, try downsizing. Some of recommended ponds to try within southeastern New Hampshire include: Bellamy Reservoir (Madbury), Brindle Pond (Barnstead), Heads Pond (Hooksett), Horseshoe Pond (Merrimack), and Shellcamp Pond (Gilmanton). – Ben Nugent, Regional Fisheries Biologist
><> Seacoast Area
This week we finally got some relief in the form of cool air. Thankfully the fishing is still hot! If you really want to have some fun, there have been numerous reports of bluefin tuna just past the shoals, about 8 miles out. Bluefin tuna is a highly migratory species and the fishery is regulated by NOAA Fisheries. Participation in this fishery requires a permit issued by NOAA Fisheries, for more information call (888) 872-8862 or visit http://www.nmfspermits.com. The bluefish are finally around but they have been elusive thus far, one caught here and there. We’ve had reports of them in the river and at the mouth of Hampton Harbor, but no real frenzies yet. Try something new and check out your local jetty! These are great spots to find bait as well as trophy fish. There is a list of seashore access sites on the web at http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/marine/marine_PDFs/seacoast_TMF_guide.pdf. If you aren’t interested in hiking out over rocks, an easy way to catch some fish and have a great time is on a party or charter boat; these captains have years of experience and can track down where the fish are hiding. Not sure what to do with those fish once you get them home? Here are a few simple ideas on how to cook your ocean catch, from my colleague Jessica Fischer: Melt about 1/2 stick of butter and transfer to a bowl. Add 1 sleeve of crushed up Ritz crackers and stir to coat the Ritz with the butter. Place fish in a baking dish and pour the Ritz crackers over the fish. Bake at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes (depending on the size of the fillets). The fish is done when it flakes with a fork but is still milky looking. This works best with cod or haddock or cusk. If you happen to catch a flounder you can make baked stuffed flounder almost as easily. To make the stuffing take a can of lump crab meat and add Ritz to your liking. I like more crab than Ritz so I only use about a half of a sleeve. Then place the stuffing in the center of the fillet and roll the sides up around the stuffing and place in a baking dish with the seams down. Bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes depending on the thickness. Serve with a salad and it is a great summer meal. - Robert Eckert, Marine Biologist
><> FEDERAL AID IN WILDLIFE AND SPORT FISH AND RESTORATION: A User-Pay, User-Benefit Program. Researching and managing fisheries and teaching people about aquatic ecosystems are funded by your license dollars and by the Federal Aid in Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program. Your purchases of fishing equipment and motorboat fuels make a difference to New Hampshire's fisheries. To learn more: http://www.wildnh.com/SFWR_program/sfwr_program.htm.
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NH Weekly Fishing Report - July 14, 2011
Stocking report: www.fishnh.com/Fishing/Stocking/current.html
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2012 Fishing Rules: Weigh in on proposed changes to NH fishing rules at a public hearing on July 26 at 6:30 p.m. in Concord. More info at http://www.fishnh.com/Newsroom/News_2011/News_2011_Q3/fish_rule_hrg_071311.html Send the young’uns to Fish Camp! July 31 – August 5: http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Newsroom/News_2011/News_2011_Q2/BCC_Spaces_062111.html
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><> North Country
Water temperatures may be the single most important abiotic condition in fish biology. It is for this reason that the most successful anglers are those who understand the relationship between temperature and fish behavior. This morning, Little Diamond Pond in West Stewartstown was 78 degrees F. At this temperature, trout are going to be existing at the upper limit of their optimal conditions. If these temperatures continue with no reprieve, fish (and fishing) will suffer. On the other hand, the Upper Connecticut River in Pittsburg has a water temperature in the mid to upper fifties. During my last visit, I saw trout rising in almost every pool. They were sipping mayflies (pale morning duns) and metabolizing at a healthy rate. As summer progresses, it is important to keep this relationship in mind as you decide which waterbody to fish. Beginning about four weeks ago, a large cream-colored mayfly began arriving on waterbodies in Northern New Hampshire. They belong to the genus Hexagenia and are some of the largest mayflies in the world. Referred to as a “Hex-hatch”, these mayflies serve as a dinner-bell for hungry fish. Almost every type of fish will rise for these flies and they are an important food in both their adult (terrestrial) and nymph or emerger (aquatic) stages. Both cold and warmwater fishermen can be seen casting these imitations. Watching a fish rise for a surface strike is as good as fishing gets for me. – Andy Schafermeyer, Regional Fisheries Biologist
><> Lakes Region/White Mountains
Things are heating up in the Lakes Region. Winnipesaukee water temp is running around 75 degrees. The bass have moved to cooler waters, 15-25 feet deep. Even my dusk exploits with bass poppers on Winnisquam have turned off, with only an occasional fallfish cruising the shoreline. I have some new neighbors who are renting a camp for the week on Winnisquam, but have had little luck fishing from the shoreline over a sandy flat of 6 foot deep water. This family has a great bunch of kids, all outfitted with spinning rods, and quite proficient with their casting ability. I talked with my neighbor and told him of a spot I often took a bunch of kids fishing on the lake. I steered him to Mosquito Bridge, which crosses Winnisquam near the southern end, and is the direct route for traffic heading to Laconia. Fishing near the outside bridge abutments at this time of year, from a boat, can yield a variety of fish species. Cool, deep, shaded water near the bridge is a natural attraction for schools of young-of-the-year (YOY) fish, which include yellow and white perch, sunfish, shiners and rock bass. This food supply, of course attracts small and largemouth bass and the occasional pickerel to the area. I told my neighbor to bring plenty of worms and a supply of hooks with him, as the last time I fished there with kids I ran out of worms in a half hour! I can think of many bridge crossings in the Lakes Region where this feat can be duplicated. Cover and structure are what warmwater fish thrive in, and bridges provide just that. Enjoy a day with the kids at these locations; it will bring a smile to your face! - Don Miller, Regional Fisheries Biologist
><> Monadnock/Upper Valley
This is a great time of the year to spend time on the Connecticut River. Whether you like to fish, boat, paddle, swim, or view wildlife, the NH/VT border has it all. In our region, I like to spend a summer day on the river anywhere from Walpole to Hinsdale. I usually head out early if I am going to fish, because boat traffic will pick-up on the weekends during hot days. Trolling is a great way to learn and cover a lot of the river and will likely result in a mixed bag of fish like walleye, smallmouth bass, pike, pickerel, yellow and white perch. Drifting with the current and casting to near shore structure like wood, rocks, vegetation, or even current breaks are effective ways to fish the river. Once the mid-day sun starts to get to me, I look for one of the many spots on the river that are great for tying up the boat and lounging by the river. Bring a picnic lunch some chairs and do a little swimming. Not a bad way to spend a summer day! – Jason Carrier, Regional Fisheries Biologist
><> Southeast NH/Merrimack Valley
Anglers often jump on I-93 and head to the central or northern part of the state in pursuit of trophy bass waters. What some may not realize is that when driving, they are paralleling some quality bass fishing opportunities closer to home. The Merrimack River has several public access points from Nashua to Boscawen. Anglers can expect to encounter a variety of habitats consisting of submerged and emergent aquatic vegetation, fallen trees, rock piles, sand bars, and tributary confluences. Most of these locations can be fished with any type of vessel from a small kayak to large bass boat. One of my favorite access points is at the New Hampshire Technical Institute in Concord. This launch puts you in a section of river with a lot of different options. You can drift the current downstream and fish the habitat created by fallen maples and white pines as well some rocky sections and other habitat created by bridges. If you head straight across from the launch, you will encounter a large vegetated cove. Here, as water levels recede to sometime levels, smaller watercraft may have an advantage. There a several oxbows and shallow water sections loaded with aquatic vegetation that holds fish year round. Some of these areas have narrow and shallow entrances but then open up into large pond like areas. – Ben Nugent, Regional Fisheries Biologist
><> Seacoast Area
I had the opportunity to join one of New Hampshire’s headboat companies on a two-hour night fishing trip this past weekend. Nearly half of the boat had never fished before!!! The trip started off a little slow but we moved around until we found some action and lots of it. Mackerel were coming over the sides one after another; one young man was surprised to have two mackerel to a hook. We returned to Hampton Harbor as the sun was setting; what a great way to spend an evening! Everyone had a great time, especially those that had never been fishing before; I think it is safe to say they will be back! They are targeting mackerel and striped bass on the two-hour night trips right now, but usually switch over to blues once they come in strong, so pick up the phone before you head down. I highly recommend these trips. They are always a blast, not to mention short enough for a youngster’s attention span.
As of July 1, the NH Recreational Saltwater Fishing License is now $11! (You don't need a license if you are fishing from a party boat.) - Becky Heuss, Marine Biologist
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Copyright 2011 New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301. Comments or questions concerning this list should be directed to jane.vachon@wildlife.nh.gov.
NH Weekly Fishing Report - July 7, 2011
Stocking report: www.fishnh.com/Fishing/Stocking/current.html
Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/nhfishandgame
Send the young’uns to Fish Camp! July 31 – August 5: http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Newsroom/News_2011/News_2011_Q2/BCC_Spaces_062111.html
><> North Country
We were able to hike into Sheehan Pond this past week. Water temperatures were ideal for fishing (high 60s). The slight breeze was ideal to keep the horseflies down and four Canada geese graced our presence. The water temperatures, at least in the North Country, have been below average for this time of year. Rivers are still in the low 60s and ponds have been averaging in the high 60s. Perfect for catching that trophy fish you have been dreaming about. Even with the high air temperatures over the holiday weekend, water temperatures have held their own.
It is a beautiful time of year to try a new waterbody. Take a hike into one of our remote ponds. Try Sessions Pond (Dummer) or Munn Pond (Errol). I’ve heard great news on the status and health of the brook trout in these waters. You could also try your luck with pickerel in Cherry Pond (Jefferson). Umbagog is still fishing well if you’d like some bigger water for bass; and so are Profile and Streeter for brookies and rainbows, respectively. Enjoy New Hampshire! – Dianne Timmins, Regional Fisheries Biologist
><> Lakes Region/White Mountains
This report is entitled “Hot and Cold.” It’s July and the heat has arrived! Big lake temps are running in the 72-74 degree range, and that means the landlocked salmon and lake trout are down….salmon at least 35 feet, lake trout even more. Early morning anglers (0430 hrs!) will often find salmon and especially rainbow trout a lot closer to the surface. By the end of July, as young-of-the- year (YOY) smelt gain some size, rainbows and salmon will be feeding on schools of these smelt in the surface waters, and will be noticeable by boils in the water, not unlike bluefish slashing at baitfish. You definitely want to be on the water early, as this is vacation time, and it seems that the water-skiers have learned to take advantage of the morning calm. Hexagenia mayflies are hatching on Winnisquam now, providing rainbows and salmon with a change of diet. These are the days that our salmon and rainbow trout put on weight, as food is readily available, and with the YOY smelt growing to size, it’s the “good times” out there! Streamer flies, long shank size 6 and smaller spoons will work well now. I continue to remind anglers of the “Landlocked Salmon Anglers Pledge” (http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Fishing/salmon_anglers_pledge.html) and the basic theme…protect and enjoy our salmon fishery, it is finite, and fragile, and the actions of every angler are critical to sustain it. Now the “cold” part! I recently travelled to far northern NH to stock Kennebago (Maine strain) brook trout fingerlings into a remote pond that was not stocked by helicopter. Although you can get close to this pond by 4X4 truck…I wouldn’t venture in there without a good, high ground clearance vehicle. Even then, there is a muddy slog through a swamp to gain access to the shoreline. Once there, I was amazed by the boats tied (and chained) to trees…a very good sign that this pond provides some good fishing for brookies! I was joined by North Country biologists Dianne Emerson and Andy Schafermeyer, in addition to my fellow Region 2 biologist John Viar. A special guest was my long-time hunting and fishing pal, Roger (he brought his canoe) and his friend Rich. All together, we stocked approximately 50 pounds of fingerlings (120 per lb) into this most beautiful cold-water pond (temp 65 degrees). I must tell you, the drive is long, but that country is so far removed from what we are accustomed to; we are blessed to have ponds like this to explore. And, by the way, Roger and Rich stayed and fished after the work was over, and enjoyed a summer afternoon of watching deer (doe and fawn) swimming across the pond, and also caught some nice brookies! - Don Miller, Regional Fisheries Biologist
><> Monadnock/Upper Valley
We
’ve been out electrofishing and dealing with a fish kill on Spofford Lake recently, so not much to report this week from an angling perspective – Gabe Gries, Regional Fisheries Biologist ><> Southeast NH/Merrimack Valley
Now that the shad transfer season has wound down, our annual surveys to assess populations of wild brook trout and their habitats are about to begin. For the past three field seasons, staff from NH Fish and Game have worked to fine tune the current wild brook trout distribution in the state and also record and increase public awareness on the issues that lead to degrading of both aquatic habitat and water quality. We've learned that partnerships formed with local conservation groups and angling groups can be an invaluable resource, not only to help with the surveys but also incorporate the data collected to use in land use planning and headwater stream protection. Although local conservation groups can have different priorities, a mutual desire to identify areas that contain clean, cool, well oxygenated water and protect them is shared. This month, we plan to work with the Hanover and Bath conservation commissions to evaluate parts of the Mink Brook and Ammonoosuc River watersheds. Given that these areas will likely have intact populations of wild brook trout, it is hoped that the information collected will be used in town level planning that emphasized the protection of both wild, self-sustaining populations of wild brook trout and water quality. In August, it is expected that we will return back to the southeastern part of the state to learn more about the isolated populations of wild brook trout found there. – Ben Nugent, Regional Fisheries Biologist
><> Seacoast Area
This past weekend was as much hit or miss with the fishing as it was with the weather. Heavy boat traffic over the long weekend was not conducive to fishing. Mackerel are still around, but they are requiring a little more effort and people are starting to pick up bigger ones now, not just the tinkers we had a week ago. We have received our first reports of bluefish (don’t say it too loud, you might scare them away!) which could also account for the slower fishing. These are being caught a little ways offshore, so you shore fishers will have to wait a while longer for your chance at them. Whaleback is open to groundfishing as of July 1.
Here’s to low traffic, nice weather, and more fish! - Becky Heuss, Marine Biologist
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NH Weekly Fishing Report - June 16, 2011
Stocking report: www.fishnh.com/Fishing/fish_stock_current.htm
Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/nhfishandgame
Taking a dad fishing for Father’s Day this Sunday? Good idea! http://wildlife.state.nh.us/Newsroom/News_2011/News_2011_Q2/fathers_day_2011.html
Fishing Camp: Know a kid age 10-16 who wants to learn how to fish or improve their skills? Sign them up for the "Let's Go Fishing" week at Barry Conservation Camp (July 31-August 5). Cost for the overnight week at camp is $475. Register at http://extension.unh.edu/4H/4HCamps.htm.
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><> North Country
The North Country seems to be feast or famine this last week. Once again the cool nights have deterred fish from moving and feeding frequently but warmer weather yesterday flicked the switch. I saw a great photo of a 5-year old holding a two-year old rainbow from Pearl Lake. The 14-inch trout was no match for the length of the boy’s smile while holding his prize. The lower portion of Indian Stream fished well yesterday, and so did the upper Connecticut. Stocking has been in full swing for the past month so most waterbodies have been stocked at least once at this point. The lower Androscoggin has been giving up some beautiful brown trout, greater than 12 inches. Weather is touch and go for this weekend, with thunderstorms in Pittsburg predicted and sunny weather in Littleton. That’s the surprise of the North Country; once you pass through Franconia Notch it’s anyone’s guess. Check the weather first, but I bet this weekend and next week are going to be hot fishing up north. Be the first to head into one of the remote ponds for 2011. You may want to check with the Regional Office (http://www.wildnh.com/Inside_FandG/Reg_Office_directions.htm) as some local roads washed out after the tremendous storms we experienced this spring. Try Umbagog Lake for some fun with bass. This time of year (post-spawn) can really be exciting. – Dianne Timmins, Regional Fisheries Biologist
><> Lakes Region/White Mountains
We’ve just experienced a “throwback” to early spring here in the lakes region of New Hampshire. Several days of low clouds, rain/drizzle and a hard east wind (with temps in the 50s) haven’t done much for fishing in this area. The water temperature in Winnipesaukee is still hanging in the mid-60 degree range. Bass remain on the nests in the open areas of the big lakes, while the back coves, where temps may be slightly higher may see the fry around the nests, are in the early stages of dispersal. A recent electroshocking survey on Opechee Lake revealed several bass (large and smallmouth) cruising the shorelines near the sites of “old” nests. Sunfish nests were quite apparent also in the shallow water in coves. It was interesting to find several landlocked salmon still in the tailrace of the Lakeport Dam! This is highly fishable water right now, because flows out of Winnipesaukee are extremely low, 250 cubic feet per second (cfs). The salmon were definitely excited by the current field! Also, don’t forget that Opechee is a “destination” fishery for rainbow trout as it is stocked annually with yearling rainbows. Opechee is not a lake trout/landlocked salmon lake, therefore general rules apply for the rainbows, 5 fish or 5 pounds, whichever is reached first, with no length limit. There is a fine boat launch near the southern end of the lake. Trout ponds still afford some good fishing, although day-time anglers will find the fish a bit deeper, while there are some fine insect hatches occurring at dusk. White Pond (Ossipee) (fly-fishing-only), White Lake (Tamworth) and Conner Pond (Ossipee) are all beautiful ponds to fish in the southern White Mt. Area. And don’t forget Duncan Lake (Ossipee), all feature some real nice brook trout. Stream fishing is at its peak now, and water levels are dropping, so don’t waste any time in getting out there! Aerial trout stocking of our remote trout ponds will occur soon. If you like to hike and enjoy a good meal of trout by the campfire, try one of our 48 remote ponds this spring/summer, the experience is memorable! - Don Miller, Regional Fisheries Biologist
><> Monadnock/Upper Valley
The recent weather pattern has been keeping trout anglers very happy. Last week’s temperatures were really starting to warm water temps up and stream flows were running at summer-time lows. These cool temperatures and scattered showers will keep streams cool and trout scattered and actively feeding. Now is the time to hit your local trout streams before the summer heat comes in full force. A few days ago I fished a local pond that is managed for brook trout, except I was fishing for smallmouth bass. It was a cold, damp day, but the bass were on fire. Fish were post-spawn and actively feeding (these fish could also have been fish in the population that didn’t spawn this year). In four hours of fishing we caught around 30 bass. Wacky-rigged worms, shaky-head worms, and tubes fished along near shore drop-offs with scattered rocks was the ticket. I need to get out and fish more of these smallmouth ponds and lakes in the next couple of weeks before water temps really warm up and the smallmouth head out to deep water for the summer, which makes them more difficult to locate and catch. – Jason Carrier, Regional Fisheries Biologist
><> Southeast NH/Merrimack Valley
As with our counterparts in the Monadnock/Upper Valley area, who are working to increase spawning success of American shad in the Connecticut River, we are charged with the same restoration program within the Merrimack River watershed. To date, around 700 pre-spawn American shad have been released in the upper portions of the Merrimack River in Boscawen and Concord. This section of river has been identified as suitable spawning habitat, a location once thought to be utilized freely by American shad before impoundments restricted access here. These shad are initially trapped at the fish lift in the Essex Dam (Lawrence, Mass.). The Connecticut River inherently has a more productive shad migration than what has been observed in the Merrimack River. As of this week, over 244,000 shad have been counted in the Connecticut while slightly over 11,000 shad have been counted in the Merrimack. On a positive note, the Atlantic salmon returns for the Merrimack River are at near record numbers. Between 1982 and 2010, records indicate the best return year was 1991 with 332 Atlantic salmon returning to the Merrimack River. As of this week, already 315 salmon have been trapped at the Essex Dam. We expect to continue to see Atlantic salmon being trapped for at least three more weeks. These fish are utilized for future egg production to sustain the restoration of the species. This year, some Atlantic salmon will be tagged and released in southern New Hampshire to monitor habitat selection and evaluate efforts to establish a more natural form of reproduction and restoration. Earlier this month, the second annual McQuesten Brook and Pond cleanup was held in Manchester and Bedford. Many thanks are owed to the staff from the Department of Environmental Services, NH Rivers Council, the city of Manchester, NH Fish and Game, and volunteers from the Anheuser Busch and the Manchester Fly Fishing Association. Despite a cleanup occurring last year, I was amazed at the amount of trash and litter still found. For example, 18 tires, 27 trash bags, a full size heating oil tank, 3 propane tanks, and 2 shopping carts, amongst much more was collected this year. Both McQuesten Brook and Pond are important urban habitats for countless fish and other species associated with aquatic habitats. – Ben Nugent, Regional Fisheries Biologist
><> Seacoast Area
I often get strange looks when I tell people that I’m a vegetarian. “You work with recreational fisheries and you don’t eat fish!?” I know, it’s a bit odd. It’s not that I have an ethical problem with eating animals; it’s simply that I don’t like meat. This fact does make me a bit of an oddity but it also makes me a great fishing partner (please, take mine!). My fishing preferences are also affected by my aversion, as mackerel fishing is my all-time favorite. Most people think of mackerel solely as a bait fish, they catch a few macks in preparation for their striper fishing. While striper fishing is fun, unless they are hitting hard my attention span is much too short for the effort that this prized fish demands. When the mackerel are in, they will hit on any small shiny lure, but mackerel jigs and mackerel trees are most commonly used. As I am only interested in the fishing, there is no reason to catch more than one at a time so I will use a single lure as apposed to the tree. They are a small fish -- but as they are related to the much larger tuna, they put up a good fight for their size. Great Island Common in New Castle is a popular and highly productive spot for mackerel; anglers have been having good results there recently. You could also try the jetties in Rye or Hampton; the jetties at Fort Stark and Odiorne Point are seemingly underutilized as well. Mackerel fishing, it’s not just for kids (but kids like it too)! – Becky Heuss, Marine Biologist
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NH Weekly Fishing Report - June 9, 2011
NH Weekly Fish
NH Weekly Fish Stocking report: www.fishnh.com/Fishing/fish_stock_current.htm
NH Weekly Fish Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/nhfishandgame
NH Weekly Fish Fishing Camp: Know a kid age 10-16 who wants to learn how to fish or improve their skills? Sign them up for the "Let's Go Fishing" week at Barry Conservation Camp (July 31-August 5). Cost for the overnight week at camp is $475. Register at http://extension.unh.edu/4H/4HCamps.htm.
NH Weekly Fish Kayak Fishing in Rye: Learn how to fish for striped bass from your kayak at a class on Friday, June 17, from 3:00 -7:00 p.m. Leaves from Odiorne Point Boat Launch in Rye. Participants must be 18 or older. Cost is $25. Pre-registration required. To sign up, call 603-778-0015 and ask for Kelle Loughlin.
NH Weekly Fish Ct. River Boat Access Alert: Trailered boaters should avoid using the following boat ramps on the Connecticut River until further notice: Ashley Ferry Boat Ramp in Claremont, Bedell Bridge Boat Ramp in Haverhill, and the ramp in Orford. Significant mud and silt accumulation on the ramps means you risk getting stuck in the mud. These sites are okay for cartop boat launching.
NH Weekly Fish ><> North Country
NH Weekly Fish Whoa, talk about crazy weather! It is amazing what one week can do…Last week at this time it was rainy and cold. Tornado warnings in the North Country? Yes, plus high winds and storms with large hail. Water temperatures were in the low 40s in some locations during the morning hours. This week is the exact opposite: oppressing humidity and air temperatures in the high 80s. Water temperatures in some locations hit 70. Today it is supposed to change; let’s hope. These hot, bright sunny days are not good for fishing. Fishing yesterday in Indian Stream was pretty much over by 10 a.m. when the heat started rising. When the sun is bright and river temperatures begin to rise, trout seek refuge. It could result from the depth of a pool or venturing into a completely different waterbody. They will find it and forget about feeding until they are comfortable again. When that happens, you should think about taking a break too. Warm temperatures can be lethal to trout that are caught and released, even if they seem fit as they swim away -- delayed mortality is a common occurrence during heat waves. Trout like cold water, so when the surface temperatures exceed the low 60s, their return to the water can be quite a shock. If you want to keep the trout happy, fish when the air temperatures are cool and the bright sun is hiding. Now that water levels have dropped substantially, try your luck on the Connecticut River below Murphy Dam. It stays cool and the drop in water level has really turned on the feeding. Try a bead head nymph this time of year. It mimics many different aquatic insects in their juvenile stage. The weather this weekend is suppose to be much cooler, perfect for making a few casts into your favorite pond. Streeter Pond and Martin Meadow come to mind. – Dianne Timmins, Regional Fisheries Biologist
NH Weekly Fish ><> Lakes Region/White Mountains
NH Weekly Fish The landlocked salmon fishing has started to heat up, just as our surface waters have climbed into the mid-60 degree range! Reports of some big numbers are filtering in from the area lakes. Most fish caught are two-year-olds (adipose clip) with a sprinkling of some older age-classes, especially from Big Squam. A lucky angler recently stopped by the office with a couple salmon in the 5-6 pound range from Big Squam. Now, those in the know realize this is not a common occurrence on any of our salmon lakes, but it is heartening to hear of these impressive catches. Another tremendous salmon was caught recently from Pleasant Lake/New London -- it weighed a shade over 11 pounds! All this being said, remember, the two-year-olds are the future three-year-olds (real quality salmon) that are the mainstay of our fisheries. Please take a few minutes to review our “salmon anglers pledge” at http://www.wildnh.com/Fishing/salmon_anglers_pledge.html. It details proper handling techniques for salmon, and is “good” reading for anyone who is concerned about this valuable yet fragile fishery we are blessed to have in New Hampshire. Smallmouth bass are still sitting on their beds in most of our large lakes…I expect the fry to move up and off the nests in the next week. From mid-June through the first week of July, my favorite bass fishing occurs…..fly rods and poppers on hungry bass cruising the flats! Trout ponds from the lakes region north now have some great insect hatches occurring at dusk. Profile Lake has been producing some great brook trout, as well as the “next door” lake, Echo. Weekday evenings are best, we are getting into the summer tourist season and weekends in the notch can be really busy. - Don Miller, Regional Fisheries Biologist
NH Weekly Fish ><> Monadnock/Upper Valley
NH Weekly Fish Water levels in area streams and rivers are dropping at a fast rate and the weather is getting hot and steamy. With weather like this, I like to get out for some stream trout early in the day and then again right at dusk. Sunscreen and bug dope are a must, as are some old sneakers and shorts for wet wading. Based on the reports I have been getting, I am definitely getting out for trout this weekend and so should you. The trout fishing on the upper Ashuelot River in Surry, Marlow, and Gilsum is hot right now! Anglers have been calling and stopping by the office telling us about the gorgeous rainbow and brown trout they are catching. Some of the rainbows are stretching the tape at 20 inches. I passed an angler on my way to work this morning on the lower Ashuelot River in Winchester and had to stop and see how he was doing. He had just started fishing, but said that in the past week he has been doing very well on trout, even catching a few holdovers. Reports from the Cold River in Walpole and Alstead have been good as well. Trout anglers are also doing well in lakes and ponds. Anglers are having trouble keeping trout off their lines in Forest Lake (Winchester) with some of the rainbows pushing three lbs. A fly troller I know caught an 18 inch brown trout in Gustin Pond (Marlow) just a few days ago. Some other hot fishing trout lakes and ponds to try include Swanzey Lake (Swanzey), Spofford Lake (Chesterfield), and Center Pond (Nelson). – Gabe Gries, Regional Fisheries Biologist ><> Southeast NH/Merrimack Valley The intense heat from this week causing an increase of water temperatures will be pushing trout species down to cooler depths. For those who tend to reduce their efforts fishing for trout during this time of year because of the challenge of fishing deeper, there are several available options that can be used that are both effective and relatively inexpensive. These items can be used easily in all watercraft including canoes, kayaks, and rowboats. Dodgers (sometimes referred to as flashers) can be tied directly to the terminal line. A short leader (typically less than three feet) is tied to the back of the dodger and the bait, lure, or fly is then tied to the terminal end of the line. Dodgers serve several purposes. They spin erratically giving your lure, bait, or fly a lot of action. The reflective material on them attracts inquisitive predators. They also provide a method to sink the line to greater depths. It is important to check the movement of both the dodger and your lure to ensure it has the proper motion at the speed you are trolling. Another simple tool one can use to access greater depths is lead-core line. This larger sized line typically requires a larger reel. The line is color coded, allowing anglers the ability to keep track of the amount of line out and approximate depth. The rate of line descent depends on trolling speed. While trolling for trout, I prefer longer leaders tied off of the lead core line. At a minimum, I prefer 50 feet of light pound (4 or 6 pound monofilament or fluorocarbon line). A small barrel swivel tied 4 to 6 feet up from your lure, fly, or bait is essential to prevent line twist. Windy days tend to work best while using lead core because the rocking of the boat can add action to the line. Our Inland Fisheries Program Supervisor, Scott Decker, has been doing well with lead core line at Pleasant Lake in Deerfield lately. He says trout are hitting between three and four colors right now on small Mooselook wobblers, during the early evening hours. There are some disadvantages of using lead core or dodgers. Since heavier lines and objects providing resistance are being used, these types of equipment can dampen the fight. Also, more distance is needed to make turns while trolling. This can be a challenge in some of our smaller trout ponds. That being said, anglers need to be particularly careful when fishing for trout when surface water temperatures are at their summertime levels. Appropriate gear (pliers, hemostats, rubber net, etc.) should be readily accessible to avoid additional exposure to uncomfortable conditions for trout. Anglers should also avoid handling fish with dry hands and equipment. – Ben Nugent, Regional Fisheries Biologist ><> Seacoast Area Anglers have been reporting large schools of mackerel at the mouth of the Piscataqua. These schools have attracted the attention of the stripers. I suggest fishing in Great Bay and in the Piscataqua if you want to catch a striper. The charters and headboats are still catching cod and haddock if you’re interested in deep sea fishing. Just a reminder that the headboat companies on the coast have begun their summer schedules, with half-day inshore trips targeting mackerel. This past week, two colleagues and I went scuba diving for winter flounder along the coast. Equipped with gigs and a catch bag, we dove into the cold, rough seas in an area with a sandy/muddy bottom, ideal for flounder. Once under water everything was calm and I began to see dozens of impressions in the mud were the flounder had been. It was not long before I saw a winter flounder and made a quick estimate to make sure it was larger than the 12 inch size limit and then took aim with the gig. The three of us saw a dozen-plus flounders and took a half dozen home, ranging from 14.5 inches to 18 inches. It was a great experience that I recommend to those who have the right gear and skills; just make sure the flounder is legal size before you shoot. – Robert Eckert, Marine Biologist
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ng Report - May 26, 2011
Mark your calendar and round up your friends for NH Free Fishing Day – next Saturday, June 4! http://www.fishnh.com/Events/free_fishing_day.html
Stocking report: www.fishnh.com/Fishing/fish_stock_current.htm
Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/nhfishandgame
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NORTH COUNTRY
Sorry folks, we weren’t able to get a report for you this week. Look for us on June 2! – Dianne Timmins, Regional Fisheries Biologist
LAKES REGION/WHITE MOUNTAINS
As I write this report, I am blinded by the sun…which has finally made an appearance here in the Lakes Region after what seems like a month! The Lake Winnipesaukee water temperature has made it into the mid-50s, with many shallow bays and coves near 60 degrees. Bass spawning has commenced at last, a bit later than usual. Remember, our catch/release season on bass is May 15-June 15, artificial lures and flies only, and immediate release at the site of capture. Try fishing on the drop-offs where many non-spawning bass may lurk. Only a certain percentage of bass in a lake spawn for a variety of reasons, those are the bass that are “off” the flats. The white perch run in the Winnipesaukee River in Laconia is still “on,” and while fishing the river, you just might catch a variety of other species. I recently met two young fishermen behind Martel’s Bait & Sport Shop in Laconia, situated on the Winnipesaukee River, who had a couple nice lake trout on a stringer, caught with worms! Laconia, “the City on the Lake,” is a great spot to spend some time fishing. The Winnipesaukee River runs right through downtown Laconia, and shoreline fishing in this area can be very exciting. Rainbow (and lake) trout are found in the river along with landlocked salmon, bass, pickerel and of course, white perch, now on their spawning run. Avery Dam, near the historic Belknap Mill, the outlet structure for Opechee Lake, creates a deep plunge pool below its turbines, where I have seen salmon caught well into late June! Further upstream is Opechee Lake, which holds stocked rainbow trout and numerous landlocked salmon that “drop down” from Lake Winnipesaukee. The outlet of Winnipesaukee, Lakeport Dam, also is home to a very popular tailrace fishery below the dam where rainbow trout and salmon are caught each spring. Further south, on Lake Winnisquam, is Lochmere Dam, another fine place to fish, where the short stretch of river flows into Silver Lake. Look for good perch action here in the spring (white and yellow) with some great smallmouth and largemouth bass thrown in for good measure. While water temperatures remain in the 50-degree range, you will also encounter rainbow and brown trout here. The Pemigewasset River is still running high; we’re waiting for a few “dry” days for this river to begin to recede. As soon as we “dry out,” hit the streams because the insect hatches are on right now! - Don Miller, Regional Fisheries Biologist
MONADNOCK/UPPER VALLEY
Just heard a few reports of anglers doing very well on rainbow trout in Forest Lake (Winchester) and Silver Lake (Harrisville). An angler reported catching a 19” holdover rainbow at Silver Lake this week. I also heard from an angler fishing Willard Pond (Antrim) who has been catching all three species of trout stocked there (tiger trout, rainbow trout, brook trout). Additionally, he reported landing a 17-inch tiger trout, which is definitely a holdover fish! In addition to the good fishing, Willard Pond is a beautiful place to fish. It is just under a hundred acres and undeveloped, with a totally wooded shoreline mostly owned by NH Audubon. There is a gravel ramp and gas motors are prohibited. The pond is fly-fishing only and trout pond regulations apply.
I received a note the other day from an angler I have been emailing with for a number of years and finally met this past winter while fishing Nubanusit Lake. Brian and his son, Brian, Jr., seem to get out on the water (or ice) every chance they get. They are both very interested in learning new techniques and fishing for everything that swims. Turns out that last week, predicted storms kept them close to home and so instead of fishing a lake trout/salmon lake, they fished a nearby bass pond. After striking out on one shoreline, they figured out that given the still-low water temperatures, they should be fishing the opposite shoreline as it receives the most sun. First cast on the new shoreline with a floating Rapala resulted in a nice 2-lb. largemouth. After that, it was game on, and the father and son team caught and released over a dozen largemouth. – Gabe Gries, Regional Fisheries Biologist
SOUTHEAST NH/MERRIMACK VALLEY
We expect to be able to release more broodstock Atlantic salmon soon. If flow rates continue to subside, it is expected that all of these fish will be out by the middle of next week. The watersheds of the Pemigewasset and Winnipesaukee rivers have taken a lot of time to drain this year. We have already received reports of multiple fish being caught in the Pemigewasset River in Bristol/New Hampton. I'd like to say thank you to our volunteers for all the help this past week while stocking trout in the Cocheco River. During the annual Cocheco River Clean Up Day, organized by Great Bay Trout Unlimited, hundreds of brook, brown, and rainbow trout were scattered in the river by the local boy scout troop and students from local schools. A trip to the Cocheco River in Dover is highly recommended. The Liberty Mutual/Measured Progress trail provides ideal access to this scenic river on the northern side of the river beginning at Watson Road. – Ben Nugent, Regional Fisheries Biologist
SEACOAST AREA
The stripers are hitting! Anglers have been reeling them in on the Town Landing in Newmarket and the Swasey Parkway in Exeter. If you have yet to try striper fishing, now’s your chance. It can be quite a thrill to have a striper on your line. If you land one you may find yourself “hooked” on striper fishing. It’s open season for winter flounder. You can try angling for these delicious flatfish from various jetties and bridges on the coast, although you may have more success from a boat. Whichever mode of fishing you choose, stay close to the mouths of estuaries and harbors for greater success. Remember that these fish have small mouths, so use small hooks. Winter flounder have a minimum length of 12 inches and a bag limit of 8 fish per day. Groundfishing has been “hit or miss” lately and many fishing attempts have been thwarted by rough seas. However, this past Sunday seemed to be an all around good day. Despite the closure on Whaleback, you don’t have to go all the way out to Jeffery’s to catch cod. Anglers have been doing well on Old Scantum, which is much closer and therefore more accessible to smaller vessels – Jessica Devoid, Marine Biological Aide
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The weather data contained herein is offered without any warranties expressed or implied, and is meant to supplement NOAA weather forecasts and information..