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2007 Fishing Reports

N.H. WEEKLY FISHING REPORT - September 27, 2007

Well gang, this is it! Though there's lots of fall fishing action still to come, our weekly fishing report is now officially out of season. Read on for a "round-up" of NH fishing activities, and thanks for reading. See you in spring!

Buy your fishing license and salmon permit online, any time -- at http://www.nhfishandgame.com. One-day licenses for New Hampshire residents are just $10, and $35 annual licenses are good through Dec. 31. Kids under 16 fish free in N.H.

For past fishing reports and all your NH fishing info, visit Fish and Game's fishing page at http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Fishing/fishing.htm.

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

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PLENTY OF ACTION ON TAP FOR FALL ANGLERS

By John Viar, Fisheries Biologist, Region 2/New Hampton

Well, another fishing season has come and gone...or has it? Fall fishing provides some of the best action of the year, with unsurpassed scenery, few or no biting insects, and much less company on the water. And for anglers turned hunters with decreased time for fishing in the fall, consider a "cast and blast" trip combining the best of both worlds -- you'll be glad you did.

Designated trout ponds remain open until October 15, and I can assure you a hike-in trip to a remote pond (http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Fishing/trout_remote.htm ) catching brookies as bright as the foliage will be a cherished memory. Also, did you know there are nearly 100 lakes and ponds open to trout fishing year round (http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Fishing/year_round_trout_ponds.htm), where trout that haven't seen a line in weeks, maybe months, are now eagerly patrolling the cooling shorelines?

If moving water is your game, check out the rivers and streams open year round (http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Fishing/year_round_trout_streams.htm), as well as those with special regulations open until the end of October (e.g. Newfound and Merrymeeting rivers) which provide some fantastic seasonal opportunities.

Fall is big bass time; with their upcoming winter period of slowed metabolism and relative inactivity, both large and smallmouth bass are now lined up at the feed trough. Other than possibly the pre-spawn period, some of the largest bass of the season are taken in fall. Work remaining deep vegetation lines for largemouth, and follow the bait schools (perch, smelt) near deeper wintering areas for smallmouth. Jigs shine for both as the water cools (jig/pig for largemouth; vertical jigging baits for smallmouth).

And what would fall be without a chain pickerel and/or northern pike trip? Cool water is actually preferred by these species, especially the larger individuals, which will remain active right through ice up. Those large specimens which seem to have disappeared in the heat of summer all of a sudden terrorize vegetation lines once again, to the chagrin of anything they can get their teeth into.

Don't forget the spinning or fly rod when you grab for the bow or rifle -- double the fun, double the memories in the splendor of a New Hampshire autumn.

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BEAUTIFUL BROOKIES IN NORTH COUNTRY STREAMS

By Andrew Schafermeyer, Fisheries Biologist, Region 1/Lancaster

I don't really like the idea of a "wrap-up" fishing article because it implies that things should be winding down. In reality, the last week has shown us that summer is still hanging on. With water temperatures experiencing a quick spike, many game fish are responding by feeding aggressively and ultimately benefiting from an extended growing season. Both warm and coldwater fish will provide many more days of great New Hampshire fishing.

Recent electrofishing samples in North Country trout streams have turned up some of the most beautiful brook trout that one can imagine. Trout in Nash Stream are in full spawning color and appear to be spread out all over the watershed. With daylight ending around seven o'clock, an energetic angler can hit some of the late-day hatches and still make it home in time for the Red Sox game.

While fishing a smallmouth pond last Friday, I was pleased to see the water temperature still hovering in the mid-60s. A heavy fog in the morning allowed me to fish some big surface lures like a Zara Spook and a Sammy. The fish were aggressive and hit the surface well past 11 o'clock, when I switched to a heavy-sinking plastic and landed a few more.

With many good opportunities still left to the season, keep your lines tight and stay tuned for some ice fishing reports!

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WALLEYE ON THE CONNECTICUT

By Gabe Gries, Fisheries Biologist, Region 4/Keene

Take advantage of your best opportunity in New Hampshire to catch a 5-pound (or larger) walleye and come fish the Connecticut River in Southern New Hampshire this fall. The river is cooling down nicely and as the weather continues to move into more fall-like conditions, the walleye fishing will only get better. Walleye fishing from mid-September to ice-in can be some of the best of the year.

Although walleye feed actively all summer long, their metabolism rate is high due to the warm water conditions, meaning their weight gain during summer is minimal. As waters cool in fall, the walleye's metabolism slows down and they are able to put on some much-needed weight to ensure adequate winter survival and spring egg production.

Walleye that were scattered during the summer will begin to school in the fall and concentrate in areas that hold large numbers of baitfish. Areas to try include just below dams, the mouths of tributaries, steep ledges, and gravel bars with adjacent deep water. I have been having some luck trolling crankbaits, while other anglers I know swear by using a "walleye spinner harness rig" baited with a night crawler and slowly trolling or drifting. Once you locate a school of walleye, trying bouncing a jig-head and plastic grub on the bottom to maximize your success rate.

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...AND PIKE, TOO!

By Mark Beauchesne - Marketing & Promotions

A fabulous summer fishing season has passed. Some new discoveries and some old reliable tactics and fish provided some great new memories and revived good old ones. But wait -- fishing season is far from over! Last weekend I adventured up to the Connecticut River for pike.

I fished two days and landed several pike, along with walleye, bass and perch. The river is my favorite fall fishing hole. Water temps last weekend were in the upper 60s to low 70s, so I'd say the best fishing is yet to come.

Pike and other game fishing will be on the feed over the next month. That means you could catch that fish of a lifetime. Mid-October should be prime time, provided the weather does not get to dramatically cold over the next few weeks.

I'll struggle with splitting my time between hunting, fishing and family. Something will have to give. Like the bumper sticker says, "I'm gonna miss her..."

Pike tactics in the fall include fly fishing or spin fishing. Lures that catch pike are in-line spinners like the Mepps, along with minnow baits and spoons. Flies are big and bright also. For both the fly rod and spinning gear, the tactic is the same: Move the bait fast.

Be sure to use some sort of wire leader. You will need it against these toothy critters.

Walleye tactics include bottom bouncing a ball-head jig with a plastic grub. Sometimes I tip the entire thing with a small piece of night crawler. Focus on deeper eddy holes with water depths in the 20-foot range. Walleye can also be taken with trolled lure and spoons, but I prefer the jigging method. These fish are VERY light biters; keep a light touch on your rod to help detect the strike.

Walleye are fabulous in the pan. Keep only what you can use. Please release the rest.

Great fishing!!!

Mark

N.H. WEEKLY FISHING REPORT - September 20, 2007

This week, news from the fish stocking experts: More than a thousand big brood stock Atlantic salmon are being released this month for your fall fishing pleasure, along with thousands of rainbow, brook, and brown trout -- many of which you can expect to pull up through the ice later in winter!

For past fishing reports and all your NH fishing info, visit Fish and Game's fishing page at http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Fishing/fishing.htm.

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

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FALL FISHING FOR BROOD STOCK SALMON

By Matt Carpenter, Fisheries Biologist, Anadromous Fisheries Restoration Program

October and November are prime months for fall salmon fishing in New Hampshire. In early October, Fish and Game will stock the Merrimack basin with 1,100 brood stock Atlantic salmon, averaging 2.5 pounds each. While the average is 2.5 pounds, there is a wide range in size, with some fish approaching 4 pounds. We just finished tagging these fish and we hope to have them stocked by the end of September. I was amazed at the quality of fish produced this year by the US Fish and Wildlife Service staff at their Nashua Hatchery. These fish are very large for two-year-olds. They are all strong and healthy looking. So strong, in fact, that some fish were nearly impossible to hold onto during the tagging process. Any angler who hooks into one of these fish will be in for quite a fight.

The two stocking sites will be below the Eastman Falls Dam in Franklin and the Ayers Island Dam in Bristol. All salmon caught from October 1 through March 31 must be released immediately. To fish for brood stock salmon, you need a current N.H. fishing license and an $11 brood stock salmon permit; both are available at http://www.FishNH.com or from license agents statewide. Get out and enjoy the fall foliage while catching the King of Fish!

Brood stock Atlantic salmon program: http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Fishing/atlantic_salmon.htm

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TROUT STOCKED FOR WINTER ANGLERS

By Robert Fawcett, Fish Culture Operations Supervisor

Winter anglers in New Hampshire will have some trout stocked especially for them once again this fall. New Hampshire Fish and Game stocks trout every year during the fall months, mostly to bolster the winter ice fishery, which should translate into some exciting action for winter anglers this year.

Anglers going after trout can find lists of waters that remain open to the taking of trout year round on the Fish and Game website:

><> Lakes and ponds - http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Fishing/year_round_trout_ponds.htm

><> Rivers and streams - http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Fishing/year_round_trout_streams.htm

Rules for waterbodies with special regulations are listed in the N.H. Freshwater Fishing Digest, available from license agents or on the Fish and Game website.

During the fall of 2007, Fish and Game will stock trout into a total of 24 New Hampshire lakes and ponds managed for trout with no closed season -- putting in more than 11,230 rainbow trout, 6,000 eastern brook trout yearlings and 2,950 brown trout.

Following is a list of New Hampshire lakes and ponds managed as a "two-tier" fishery (that is, bass and trout) with no closed season that will be stocked during the fall of 2007 (please note that many more N.H. waterbodies are open for year-round fishing than are included on this list):

Beaver Lake, Derry

Massabesic Lake, Manchester

Opechee Lake, Laconia

Waukewan Lake, Meredith

Winona Lake, Center Harbor

Chocorua Lake, Tamworth

Wentworth Lake, Wolfeboro

Crystal Lake, Gilmanton

Akers Pond, Errol

Cedar Pond, Milan

Martin Meadow Pond, Lancaster

Sunapee Lake (Little), New London

Stinson Lake, Rumney

Pearl Lake, Lisbon

Laurel Lake, Fitzwilliam

Mirror Lake, Woodstock

Gustin Pond, Marlow

Newell Pond, Alstead

Warren Lake, Alstead

Big Pea Porridge Pond, Madison

Webster Lake, Franklin

Tewksbury Pond, Grafton

Little Dan Hole Pond, Ossipee

White Lake, Tamworth

Needless to say, fall stocking is welcomed by winter anglers. In addition, biologists sometimes mark trout and then perform creel surveys to determine what percentage of various species of fish are caught through the ice. Winter creel survey data has shown that up to one-fourth of the winter trout harvest is made up of fall-stocked trout.

I, for one, am already looking forward to getting out and enjoying the upcoming ice-fishing season, and not only because of the fall stocking. I'll use my 2007-model homemade smelt-fishing rigs and hammock rope-harnessed pack (made from a small plastic drum) to carry my equipment. Last year, I decided I wanted to use something a little bigger than a 5-gallon bucket to get my gear out on the ice -- though I like to travel light and keep it simple! I enjoy making my own equipment and fishing by tidbits of knowledge and experience, without the aid of electronic fish finders that seem to be the rage these days, or power augers. I do confess to using a high-tech design hand chisel that out-performs the old handmade one I once loaned to a friend and haven't seen since...

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ANGLERS - HELP STOP THE SPREAD OF "ROCK SNOT"

If you're fishing New Hampshire's rivers, keep a sharp eye out for the aquatic nuisance algae known as "Didymo" or "rock snot." This nasty invader has been discovered in the northern reaches of the Connecticut River and potentially is on the move in New Hampshire. Dydimo can infest new areas by even just one cell of the alga breaking off and drifting downstream. It is very easily spread by waders, fishing gear, paddles and any equipment that touches the bottoms of streams in infested areas, so it is critical to check and clean your fishing gear. Do your part to protect New Hampshire's waters.

For information on Didymo and how anglers and boaters can help stop its spread, visit http://wildlife.state.nh.us/Fishing/Didymo_invasive.html.

The N.H. Department of Environmental Services web page on Didymo includes frequently asked questions, identification photos and additional details on regional sightings. Visit http://www.des.state.nh.us/wmb/exoticspecies/didymo/index.html.

If you observe Didymo in New Hampshire, contact Amy Smagula at the N.H. Department of Environmental Services: 603-271-2248 or asmagula@des.state.nh.us.

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REMINDER FOR LAKE WINNIPESAUKEE BASS ANGLERS:

N.H. Fish and Game continues to count on help from anglers for an ongoing study of the movement of largemouth and smallmouth bass after bass tournament release. Angler captures of tagged bass are the major source of information for this study. Bass are being tagged upon release from tournament weigh-ins at Ames Farm Inn on Lake Winnipesaukee, identified with a numbered yellow tag at the base of the fish's dorsal fin. IF YOU CATCH A TAGGED BASS - PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE THE TAG!!

Download and print a reporting form here: http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Fishing/fisheries_management/Bass_Movement_Study_data_sheet_June07.pdf):

Regular updates of tagging and recapture for study are now being posted at http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Fishing/fisheries_management/Bass_Movement_Updates_2007.html.

Bass Movement Study contact: Gabe Gries, Fish and Game Warmwater Fisheries Project Leader: NHFG Region 4, 15 Ash Brook Court, Keene, NH 03431; phone 603-352-9669; fax 603-352-8798; or email ggries@nhfgd.org.

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FEDERAL AID IN SPORT FISH AND WILDLIFE 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 Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration Program. Your purchases of fishing equipment and motorboat fuels make a difference to New Hampshire's fisheries. To learn more, visit http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/SFWR_program/sfwr_program.htm.

N.H. WEEKLY FISHING REPORT -- AUGUST 23, 2007

This week, Fish and Game's fisheries habitat expert John Magee gives an overview of recent habitat protection and restoration efforts in New Hampshire.

For past fishing reports and all your NH fishing info, visit Fish and Game's fishing page at http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Fishing/fishing.htm.

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

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FISH HABITAT - PROTECTION AND RESTORATION

By John Magee, Fish Habitat Biologist

People don't always think of New Hampshire's waterbodies as "habitat" -- but that's what our rivers and streams, lakes and ponds are to fish and other aquatic creatures. One of the Fisheries Division's responsibilities is to monitor, protect and restore important habitats throughout the state. We've been making good progress on a number of fish habitat issues this season.

In terms of protection, NH Fish and Game staff have recently authored, along with a diverse group of stakeholders and experts in the field, a comprehensive guidance document on the design and construction of stream crossings. Stream crossings (culverts and bridges) can impact stream habitat by altering the natural flow of water, wood and sediment, and can fragment fish populations by creating impassable barriers to fish.

There is plentiful data on what kinds of conditions at stream crossings -- in general -- prevent fish from moving upstream. Fish and Game began a research project with the US Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) and US Geological Survey's Conte Lab, with 100% funding from the USFWS, to evaluate the passability of two culverts in the Nash Stream Watershed. One objective of this research is to determine what effect the culverts throughout the watershed have had on the genetic integrity of wild brook trout there.

That research project ties into the Nash Stream Restoration Project, which is a joint effort between Fish and Game, the Division of Forests and Lands (NH Department of Resources and Economic Development) and Trout Unlimited. This is truly a watershed project in that the objective is to restore fish habitat, specifically for wild brook trout and Atlantic salmon, along nine miles of the mainstem of Nash Stream to the entire watershed. Furthermore, the project will ensure that there are no human-created barriers to fish movement in the watershed. We are currently in the assessment stage for the mainstem restoration, and anticipate on-the-ground restoration of Nash Stream to start in summer 2008 and continue into 2011. By next summer, we plan to remove two culverts in the watershed, and replace another with a bridge.

We have also been working on a number of dam removal projects. Two are specifically to restore fish passage to two large rivers in the state. The Homestead Woolen Mills Dam on the Ashuelot River in Swanzey is in disrepair and the owner wishes to remove it. The Ashuelot is an important river for American shad, river herring and Atlantic salmon, and restoring fish passage there is an important component of Connecticut River anadromous fish restoration plans.

The Merrimack Village Dam in Merrimack is on the Souhegan River, a tributary about 1/2 mile upstream from the Merrimack River. Removing this dam will provide fish passage to about fourteen miles of the Souhegan River and five miles of its tributaries. American shad, river herring and Atlantic salmon -- migratory fish that need to travel upriver to complete their reproductive cycles -- will once again be able to access more of their historical spawning and rearing habitat.

Working with the Piscataquog Watershed Association, the NH Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) and the Town of Weare, the Fish Habitat Program plans to construct a small water control structure at Lake Horace Marsh to minimize the impacts that the winter drawdown of Lake Horace currently causes in the marsh. Because of the drawdown, only several aquatic plant species thrive in the marsh, and surveys by Fish and Game have documented that the spawning and rearing habitat for yellow perch and chain pickerel are nearly nonexistent in the marsh. Providing a more natural water level regime will allow the necessary aquatic vegetation to proliferate and the fish habitat (and fish populations) to be restored in the marsh. Construction is planned for 2008. We are currently finalizing the engineering designs and permitting. Fish and Game has committed to provide up to $35,000 for the project from the fisheries habitat fund, with most of the project costs coming from NHDES and

the Town of Weare Conservation Commission.

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ANGLERS - HELP STOP THE SPREAD OF "ROCK SNOT"

For information on Didymo and how anglers and boaters can help stop its spread, visit http://wildlife.state.nh.us/Fishing/Didymo_invasive.html.

If you observe Didymo in New Hampshire, contact Amy Smagula at the N.H. Department of Environmental Services: 603-271-2248 or asmagula@des.state.nh.us.

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REMINDER FOR LAKE WINNIPESAUKEE BASS ANGLERS:

Download and print a reporting form here: http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Fishing/fisheries_management/Bass_Movement_Study_data_sheet_June07.pdf):

Regular updates of tagging and recapture for study are now being posted at http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Fishing/fisheries_management/Bass_Movement_Updates_2007.html.

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FEDERAL AID IN SPORT FISH AND WILDLIFE RESTORATION

A User-Pay, User-Benefit Program

Fisheries biologists Don Miller and John Viar have been out many nights sampling forage fish populations in the Lakes Region on the research vessel Forager. They are finding lots of smelt in Winnepesaukee this year, which is good news for anglers!

We have a few last slots left in the intermediate fly-fishing weekend for women coming up September 28 - 30 at Purity Spring Resort in Madison, N.H. Some fly-fishing experience is required. Applications at http://www.nhbow.com or call (603) 271-3212.

For past fishing reports and all your NH fishing info, visit Fish and Game's fishing page at http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Fishing/fishing.htm.

FISH STOCKING: Fish stocking is over for the season, and the stocking report has been suspended until next spring. For past 2007 stocking reports, go to http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Fishing/fish_stock_current.htm.

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

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THE KEY TO NEW HAMPSHIRE'S LARGE-LAKE FISHERIES

by John A. Viar, Region 2 Fisheries Biologist

When you're fixed on hooking big fish, it's easy to forget about the small ones. The really small fish -- forage fish smaller than your pinky -- are surprisingly important. Without rainbow smelt, managing salmonids (landlocked salmon, lake and rainbow trout) in our large lakes would be difficult, if not impossible. Although lake and rainbow trout will prey on a variety of food items, salmon ultimately depend on a thriving population of smelt. The growth rate and body condition of our large-lake salmonids is highly proportionate to the abundance of smelt.

Successful anglers on New Hampshire's large lakes like Winnipesaukee have reported most activity from 30-50 feet. There's a good reason for that. Experienced anglers know this band of water represents the thermocline, a layer of quickly descending water temperatures sandwiched between warmer surface and colder bottom water - a key to consistently finding mid- to late-summer salmonid action.

Smelt populations are extremely difficult to manage. A variety of natural factors such as spring precipitation and nutrient levels can affect year-class strength and overall abundance. Young-of-the-year/age-0 smelt (born this spring, about 1.5-2 inches long right now) account for the bulk of most New Hampshire smelt populations. Their availability is critical, since salmon, particularly age-1 fish stocked earlier in the year, need them for rapid growth. Another important pelagic (open water) forage fish in New Hampshire's large lakes is juvenile white perch, which are also readily gobbled up by salmonids.

Balancing this predator/prey relationship is imperative -- which is why we need an estimate of forage fish abundance in order to stock appropriate numbers of salmon. If too many salmon are stocked, forage is decimated and salmon growth and body condition suffers greatly. When smelt populations are healthy and stable, the typical stocking rate is about 0.5 salmon per acre of surface water. In Winnipesaukee, for example, this translates to about 22,000 yearling salmon stocked each spring - again, ultimately dependent upon forage fish resources.

The tool for the job is called the Forager, a converted 22-foot Eastern lobster boat that has been set up to survey our large-lake forage-fish populations. The boat cruises along transect lines while a sophisticated hydroacoustic unit (sonar "fish-finder") counts the number and size of fish targets. This tells us how many forage fish there are. But to verify the species and condition, we use a large trawl net designed to catch small young-of-the-year fish. As you may expect, most fish caught are smelt, but we also catch young-of-the-year white and yellow perch. Although we trawl slowly, and bigger fish are able to avoid the net for the most part, occasionally we catch adult smelt and the odd lake trout or salmon.

All work is done at night, when smelt move into the thermocline to feed on zooplankton (tiny animals). Most smelt hold near bottom during the brightest daylight hours to try to avoid predation by salmonids (smelt are sitting ducks high in the water column). This explains why dusk and particularly dawn are usually the best fishing times. Salmonids are primarily sight feeders, so limited feeding occurs at night. By dawn, they're voracious and ready for a hearty breakfast. The first traces of daylight let them hunt effectively, slashing upward (most predatory fish prefer to feed upward, since their prey has a blind spot directly beneath them) into schools of smelt, which are just beginning to descend to the bottom, after their night of feeding.

To date, we have completed sampling on Newfound Lake and are about halfway done on Lake Winnipesaukee. At Winnipesaukee in particular, age-0 smelt appear to be in excellent abundance. In the next several weeks, we'll also survey Big Squam, Winnisquam and Sunapee.

For more information on New Hampshire's large-lake fisheries management, feel free to contact Fish and Game's Region 2 Fisheries Biologists John A. Viar at jviar@nhfgd.org or Donald R. Miller at dmiller@nhfgd.org.

ANGLERS - HELP STOP THE SPREAD OF "ROCK SNOT"

For information on Didymo and how anglers and boaters can help stop its spread, visit http://wildlife.state.nh.us/Fishing/Didymo_invasive.html. This page includes a link to the N.H. Department of Environmental Services web page on Didymo, which includes frequently asked questions, more identification photos and additional details on regional sightings.

If you observe Didymo in New Hampshire, contact Amy Smagula at the N.H. Department of Environmental Services: 603-271-2248 or asmagula@des.state.nh.us.

REMINDER FOR LAKE WINNIPESAUKEE BASS ANGLERS:

Download and print a reporting form here: http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Fishing/fisheries_management/Bass_Movement_Study_data_sheet_June07.pdf):

Regular updates of tagging and recapture for study are now being posted at http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Fishing/fisheries_management/Bass_Movement_Updates_2007.html.

Bass Movement Study contact: Gabe Gries, Warmwater Fisheries Project Leader: NHFG Region 4, 15 Ash Brook Court, Keene, NH 03431; phone 603-352-9669; fax 603-352-8798; or email ggries@nhfgd.org.

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For the 2007 NH FISHING FORECAST, with suggested fishing waters by region, visit http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Fishing/fishing_forecast.htm.

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N.H. WEEKLY FISHING REPORT - August 16, 2007

This week, fishing fanatic Mark Beauchesne recounts the highlights of his summer fishing.

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

For past fishing reports and all your NH fishing info, visit Fish and Game's fishing page at http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Fishing/fishing.htm.

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

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Summertime fishing splendor!

By Mark Beauchesne, Fish and Game Advertising and Promotions Coordinator

Two months of fishing has passed by since my last report -- two dozen fantastic trips behind me, and a few more to go before the "change over" to hunting.

For me, highlights of the summer included fishing for smallmouth bass on New Hampshire's great lakes. I've spent more time on Winni this summer than in years past. From Wolfeboro to Moultonborough, the big lake was outstanding this year. Several mid-week trips reminded me that, without a doubt, this is the best time to be out. Light boat traffic and light fishing pressure made for very productive trips.

We are fully into summer bass patterns now. Be assured -- where you find weed growth in 12 to 16 feet of water, you will hook up with bass. I've found that when things heat up, spinner baits have been the most productive tool. Moving into deeper water adjacent to rock points or humps, the jig and grub combination always produces on the big lakes.

I took a trip to Squam Lake after one of the longer spells of hot weather. Locating fish of size was a problem. I set up on a small hump of rocks that came up from 24 feet of water, with a rocky spine extending from shore. Both the spine and hump were about ten feet deep. One cast to the marker I placed over the hump produced a satisfying 2-plus pound smallmouth. Great! I had found them.

Well, I had found one. After a half hour or so, I had to go "dirty." Out came the night crawlers. Soon after finding the bottom, my bait was quickly taken up by a fish -- a hard-pulling fish. Soon, a nice 14-inch white perch was in hand. I landed several more over the next two hours.

I celebrated July Fourth with a trip to the Connecticut River for pike and bass on the fly rod. I find warmwater fly fishing on the river is always productive. Fly anglers know that when the weather is calm in the morning, no doubt the wind will blow by 10 a.m. Well, the wind did come, but, it was blowing up river. Great for boat control! The river was lower than I have ever seen it. This was great for exposing weed beds I have never noticed before. I hooked up on several pike and smallmouth. A perfect day, until the sound of an approaching storm drove us back to the boat launch.

I was back on the river a week later, fishing the weed beds. The fish were still there and still biting. What a fun place to fish!

In mid-July, I landed my first fish from a kayak. Until this trip, the kayak was for touring. I was amazed with how easy fishing from a kayak is. The important part is to know the boat and know how to paddle. I kept my gear simple. I wanted to catch crappies with the fly rod, so I took a small box of flies, lanyard with clippers and hemostats. Fly casting, or even spin casting from a tipsy boat, can be unnerving. I learned to keep my upper body quiet. Using smooth casting strokes and letting the rod do the work was the key to effective casting.

In a kayak, you can get very close to structure, like downed trees and overhanging trees -- the places that just look "fishy." A few of my flies are still in those trees. My best success came from an odd fly, a bead chain fly called the "Crazy Charlie." This fly is noted for catching bonefish in the tropics. But I didn't tell the crappies.

The next day, I took along my little 5-foot ultra-light, loaded with four-pound test. Small jig heads with the smallest Slugo you've ever seen brought all kinds of fish to hand.

I had several nights on Turkey Pond in Concord casting for horned pout. There's nothing pretty about fishing for these whisker fish, including a glob of night crawlers on a hook. But catching fish after dark is just too cool, especially when it's too hot to sleep. Being prepared for anything that may come your way in the dark is the key to keeping night fishing enjoyable. My gear list is short but important:

* Bug spray

* Water

* Bait

* Basic tackle

* Rod

* Folding chair

* Flashlight and head lamp

* Pliers

* Fish handling gloves (no matter how careful I am, I always get stuck)

* Five gallon bucket to haul my gear and my catch.

Turkey Pond is still my favorite hornpout'n spot. I had a great time and kept enough for one feed of horned pout.

Observation and reports from fellow anglers revealed good trout fishing in the North Country, though summer can be tough for stream and trout fishing. Your best tactic is to head off the beaten path. Find those shaded holes that stay cool in the summer's heat. I still get a thrill out of taking my old sneakers for a walk up my favorite brook. Adventures like these could lead you to that "secret" beaver pond. I have stood on many of these dams catching brook trout after brook trout. This type of fishing adventure is deep with memories for me. I spent many sweaty days with my Grandfather fishing beaver dams. On the way, we always took note of any deer sign we encountered. The trip back was always tough -- we were hot, tired, muddy and hungry. Our fish fry was only part of the reward. Spending time in New Hampshire's Great North Woods together was the real prize.

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There's still room! Women, sign up now for Intermediate Fly-Fishing Workshop in Madison, 9/28-30

Spread the word -- Fish and Game is offering women a chance to build their fly-fishing skills while enjoying a beautiful New Hampshire weekend getaway. This intermediate fly-fishing workshop for women will be September 28 - 30 at Purity Spring Resort in Madison, N.H. Some fly-fishing experience is required. For an application, visit http://www.nhbow.com or call (603) 271-3212.

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The Dirt on "Rock Snot"

As you've been reading in this report, an aquatic nuisance algae known commonly as "didymo" or "rock snot" has invaded the northern reaches of the Connecticut River, marking the first official report of Didymosphenia geminata in the northeastern U.S.

For information on didymo and how anglers and boaters can help stop its spread, visit http://wildlife.state.nh.us/Fishing/Didymo_invasive.html.

Everyone who boats or fishes needs to be extra-aware that didymo is on the move and easily spread by even just one cell of the alga breaking off and drifting downstream in infested reaches. It is very easily spread by waders, fishing gear and other gear that touches the bottoms of streams in infested areas, so it is critical to check and clean your fishing gear to prevent the spread of didymo and protect New Hampshire's waters.

If you see didymo in New Hampshire, contact Amy Smagula at the N.H. Department of Environmental Services: 603-271-2248 or asmagula@des.state.nh.us.

REMINDER FOR LAKE WINNIPESAUKEE BASS ANGLERS:

N.H. Fish and Game continues to count on help from anglers for a study of the movement of largemouth and smallmouth bass after bass tournament release. Bass are being tagged upon release from tournament weigh-ins at Ames Farm Inn on Lake Winnipesaukee, identified with a numbered yellow tag at the base of the fish's dorsal fin. IF YOU CATCH A TAGGED BASS - PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE THE TAG!!

Angler captures of tagged bass are the major source of information for this study, so tell your bass-fishing friends to look for tagged bass when they fish Lake Winnipesaukee. Download and print a reporting form here: http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Fishing/fisheries_management/Bass_Movement_Study_data_sheet_June07.pdf):

Regular updates of tagging and recapture for the Lake Winnipesaukee tagged bass study are now being posted at http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Fishing/fisheries_management/Bass_Movement_Updates_2007.html.

CONTACT: Gabe Gries, Fish and Game Warmwater Project Leader: Region 4, 15 Ash Brook Court, Keene, NH 03431; phone 603-352-9669; fax 603-352-8798; email ggries@nhfgd.org.

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If you know someone who might like to sign up for the Fishing Report, send them to http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Inside_FandG/join_mail_list.htm.

For the 2007 NH FISHING FORECAST, with suggested fishing waters by region, visit http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Fishing/fishing_forecast.htm.

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N.H. WEEKLY FISHING REPORT - August 9, 2007

This week, Fish and Game's Joshua Borgeson reports from the New Hampshire seacoast with advice for hitting the salt in the peak of summer.

For past fishing reports and all your NH fishing info, visit Fish and Game's fishing page at http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Fishing/fishing.htm.

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

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"FOOTBALL" SEASON FOR THE SALTWATER ANGLER

By Joshua Borgeson, Biological Aide,

N.H. Fish and Game Marine Division/Durham

Now that the dog days of summer are upon us, it's time to start fishing under the cover of night on New Hampshire's seacoast. During May and June, striped bass are active nearly all day, feeding on an abundance of alewives and Atlantic mackerel. Fishing either end of the high and low tides usually produces a fair number of fish. But with warmer water temperatures and a high sun angle, they wait things out until a more opportune time. At night, stripers are pursuing American eels and sand eels just as readily as they would Atlantic mackerel and pollock in June. Using live eels for bait can produce some of the biggest fish of the year, but topwater action can also prove to be very productive and explosive at night. Try fishing the beaches of Hampton and Rye from shore, or around the Schiller Plant in the Piscataqua River with your boat.

All is not lost if you're not a night owl. You can still catch some big stripers during the day using live "harbor" pollock or even cut herring and mackerel. There have also been reports of large schools of pogies in Little Bay near the mouth of the Oyster River. Menhaden make for great bait if you can catch them. Most folks use a large snag hook and cast into a school of fish, hoping to hook an unsuspecting fish. You can also use a cast net or throw net -- but if you're planning to use a cast net, you must have a coastal harvester permit. (These are free and you can get them from Fish and Game's Region 3 office, or call (603) 868-1095 for more information.)

In the past couple of weeks, the Isles of Shoals have been giving up some giant stripers. I have talked to a handful of fishermen that have caught 2 to 6 keepers in a morning of fishing at the Shoals. Just remember, you can't fish for or possess striped bass in out-of-state waters (more than three miles from state shores). The Isles of Shoals are part of New Hampshire and Maine, so make sure you follow the correct regulations.

While we're on the offshore subject, a fair number of "football" bluefin tuna are starting to show up in the Gulf of Maine. These feisty fish put up an incredible fight, especially on light tackle. They rival the pulling power of a small car, peeling line off your reel faster than you can say FISH ON! They also make for great table fare if you choose to keep one. Most guys that target "football" tuna cruise the edges of Jeffreys Ledge, Old and New Scantum, and Boon Island looking for actively feeding and surfacing fish. These schools of fish resemble a pod of dolphins from a distance.

Once a school of tuna is located, most anglers set out their trolling plugs using downriggers or flat lining and commence to trolling. Try using Yo-Zuri Hydro Magnum plugs, Rapala X-Rap High Speed Trolling Magnums, or Blade Runner squid irons while trolling. The real challenge-seekers will cast a fly or even troll teasers until the fish come into range of the caster. Once you hook up, hang on for the fight of your life. Fishing for bluefin tuna requires a federal permit. A recreational Atlantic Tunas permit can be obtained from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) permit shop at http://hmspermits.noaa.gov/default.asp (see next section for info).

><> Recreational Fishing for Tuna?

Get Your Atlantic HMS Angling Permit from FWS <><

All owners/operators of vessels fishing recreationally for and/or retaining regulated Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (Atlantic tunas, sharks, swordfish and billfish) in the Atlantic Ocean, including the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea, must obtain an Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) permit. Similar to Atlantic tunas permits, 2007 Atlantic HMS permits cost $28.00 and are valid from the date of issuance through December 31, 2008.

Remember that the groundfishing in late summer can still produce great catches as well. The haddock fishing last weekend (August 4-5) was great. I spoke with some anglers that caught 12-18 haddock each!! They are also still catching 20-30 pound cod and the pollock should really start to hit in the next couple of weeks all the way into September.

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THERE'S STILL ROOM! Women, sign up now for Intermediate Fly-Fishing Workshop in Madison, 9/28-30

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The Dirt on "Rock Snot"

For information on didymo and how anglers and boaters can help stop its spread, visit http://wildlife.state.nh.us/Fishing/Didymo_invasive.html.

If you see didymo in New Hampshire, contact Amy Smagula at the N.H. Department of Environmental Services: 603-271-2248 or asmagula@des.state.nh.us.

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REMINDER FOR LAKE WINNIPESAUKEE BASS ANGLERS:

CONTACT: Gabe Gries, Fish and Game Warmwater Project Leader: Region 4, 15 Ash Brook Court, Keene, NH 03431; phone 603-352-9669; fax 603-352-8798; email ggries@nhfgd.org.

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If you know someone who might like to sign up for the Fishing Report, send them to http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Inside_FandG/join_mail_list.htm.

For the 2007 NH FISHING FORECAST, with suggested fishing waters by region, visit http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Fishing/fishing_forecast.htm.

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FEDERAL AID IN SPORT FISH AND WILDLIFE RESTORATION

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N.H. WEEKLY FISHING REPORT - August 2, 2007

Fisheries biologist Andy Schafermeyer reports that stream fishing is still awesome in the Great North Woods, and warns anglers to get serious about precautions that can help stop the spread of nuisance plants threatening New Hampshire's waterbodies.

For past fishing reports and all your NH fishing info, visit Fish and Game's fishing page at http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Fishing/fishing.htm.

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

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KEEP YOUR COOL - GET IN SOME NORTH COUNTRY FISHING

By Andrew Schafermeyer, Fisheries Biologist, Region 1/Lancaster

Above-average rainfall in the past 2 months has kept New Hampshire's streams flowing. Our small brooks can begin to disappear in typical August months. This season, however is providing some extended fishing opportunities in such brooks. Nash Stream and all of its cool, productive tributaries are flowing at spring levels and recent electro-fishing sampling has shown that there are many fish spread out over a lot of water. The remoteness of this watershed is one of its greatest benefits. If one were to grab a six-foot ultra-light rod and follow a tributary from pool to pool, the opportunity for beautiful brook trout would be abundant.

UNWELCOME VISITORS

Certain images may come to mind when considering New Hampshire's waterbodies -- "postcard" shots of glistening trout ponds and clear, swift streams. In reality, the warming waters of July and August sometimes bring unwelcome visitors to these otherwise pristine settings. Though some aquatic plants are a very natural and needed piece of an ecosystem, other nonnative or invasive "nuisance" plants can create unsightly and controversial conditions on all types of waterbodies.

The natural propagation of aquatic plants can be a double-edged sword for New Hampshire's anglers. They can provide much-needed cover for fish, helping them avoid predators and direct sunlight. Plant life also provides a healthy environment for the insects, baitfish, reptiles and amphibians that make up much of a fish's diet. On the opposite end, these same plants can choke a shoreline and make fishing and boating difficult. An additional consideration is that as aquatic plants die, they remove oxygen from water, putting a strain on fish during some phases of their lifecycle.

To effectively manage our waters for all users, it becomes very important to understand the role of aquatic plants. If everyone follows a few simple guidelines, we can make every adventure in the water a good one. First, always inspect your boats and trailers as you exit a waterbody. Aquatic "hitchhikers" are quite hearty and can be spread easily from one place to the next. In addition to watercraft, it is important to check rubber boots and waders for anything that doesn't belong there. It's a good idea to soak felt-soled boots for at least 30 minutes in hot water with a generous squirt of dish detergent to neutralize potential stowaways, especially with the recent arrival of "rock snot" (see alert below) in the Upper Connecticut. Finally, please keep a close watch on water that you frequently visit. Monitor changes and report anything that doesn't appear to be normal.

One fish that seems to thrive among aquatic plants is the Northern pike. On July 9, David Morse of Berlin caught a 21-pound monster out of Martin Meadow Pond in Lancaster. He was throwing a spinner-bait and catching some nice bass when the pike hit. At 41 inches long, it provided some excitement that David will remember forever. There are many lakes that offer this type of exciting bass/pike fishing in the North Country. Partridge Lake in Littleton and Jericho Pond in Berlin have been reported to be fishing well this summer.

If I could offer some closing comments, I'd like to stress how wonderful it is to take a child fishing. An outdoor experience may begin with a pail of worms at a shoreline and end with skipping rocks or watching an osprey dive. It seems to be a memory that is at risk of disappearing from the lives of today's youth. Busy lives and the computer age may be keeping young people from learning about the world that is right outside their door.

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Intermediate Fly-Fishing Workshop for Women

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INVASIVE ALERT: The Dirt on "Rock Snot"

In this week's report, fishing news from the seacoast, courtesy of Fish and Game's Robert Royer.

SUMMER STOCKING: For a list of NH waterbodies stocked last week, go to http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Fishing/fish_stock_current.htm.

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

For past fishing reports and all your NH fishing info, visit Fish and Game's fishing page at http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Fishing/fishing.htm.

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

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A GOOD CASE OF THE SUMMER 'BLUES'!

By Robert Royer, biological aide, Marine Division (Region 3/Durham)

Well it has been another exciting early summer on New Hampshire's seacoast. Even though fuel prices are a little higher than last year, that's not stopping the anglers from trying their luck at hooking one of the many species in our waters right now.

Like last year, the big Atlantic cod -- "white bellies" -- were in near shore this spring in good numbers. About 9 miles from shore, the location known as "The Mudhole" produced some very large Atlantic cod, upwards of 60 pounds. It made a short steam for the headboats out of Hampton and Seabrook to get to the big fish. Instead of the approximately 2-hour ride out, it took only about 20 minutes, which made for more fishing time and happy anglers.

The mackerel rush has pretty much come and gone now, with only small numbers being reported in the area. Reports from the creel survey conducted by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department showed that it was a pretty good spring for bait fishing. Atlantic mackerel and "harbor pollock" both used as striper bait were easy to catch on a good number of days.

The story now is that the bluefish are in New Hampshire waters early this year. The reports coming in so far are showing good numbers of bluefish being caught. Talking with some anglers it seems like the evening bluefishing is having better luck at this time. As we go into July, the bluefishing should only get better as the water continues to warm.

In early July, the cod and haddock have moved offshore again. Fishing out at Jeffreys Ledge is fair in midsummer months and some nice cod are still being caught and the haddock seem to just keep coming up. But right now the cusk is the main fish biting out at Jeffreys. We can't forget about the spiny dogfish (even if some of us would like to), which can make it a little hard to get the bait through them to the groundfish below.

It's a great time now to be fishing the waters of New Hampshire -- from the bay to Jeffreys, you should have fun fishing for the many species we have available to catch all summer long!

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ATTENTION LAKE WINNIPESAUKEE BASS ANGLERS:

A study to examine the movement of largemouth and smallmouth bass after bass tournament release has been initiated by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. Upon release from bass tournament weigh-ins at Ames Farm Inn on Lake Winnipesaukee, bass will be tagged with a numbered yellow tag at the base of the fish's dorsal fin (more info and photo of tagged fish at http://wildlife.state.nh.us/Fishing/fisheries_management/Bass_Movement_Study_2007.html). Angler captures of tagged bass will be the major source of information for this study. Please pass the word on to all bass anglers to look for tagged bass as they fish Lake Winnipesaukee.

If you catch a tagged bass, please record the following information and relay it to the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department:

* Tag Number

* Date Of Catch

* Location of Catch (GPS/general location) + Release location (if fish was released)

* Whether fish was kept or released

* Angler contact information (name, phone number)

Tags look like a 2-inch piece of spaghetti and may be covered with algae. Please DO NOT remove the tag from fish that are to be released. Please contact the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department with information on tagged bass or with any questions or concerns regarding the study.

Gabe Gries

Warmwater Project Leader

NHFGD, Region 4, 15 Ash Brook Court, Keene, NH 03431

Phone; 603-352-9669, Fax; 603-352-8798

Email; ggries@nhfgd.org

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EYES OUT FOR EXOTIC RIVER INVADERS

There have been recent concerns in parts of the US, Canada, and New Zealand about a diatom species called didymo (also known as 'rock snot'!). It affects freshwater rivers and streams only, and "pristine" reaches are not safe from this invader.

Didymo has not reached NH, but it's on the move and easily spread by even just once cell of the alga breaking off and drifting downstream in infested reaches. It is also very easily spread by waders, fishing gear, and other gear that touches the bottoms of streams in infested areas.

Please be on the lookout for didymo and if you see it in New Hampshire, contact Amy Smagula at DES, 603-271-2248 or asmagula@des.state.nh.us.

EPA has an excellent website on didymo, which includes tips on how to check your gear and keep it clean; visit http://www.epa.gov/region8/water/didymosphenia.

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If you know someone who might like to sign up for the Fishing Report, send them to http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Inside_FandG/join_mail_list.htm.

For the 2007 NH FISHING FORECAST, with suggested fishing waters by region, visit http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Fishing/fishing_forecast.htm.

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N.H. WEEKLY FISHING REPORT - June 21, 2007

Today, Fish and Game's Ben Nugent shares details of his recent NH fishing escapades, and strategies for keeping track of your experiences to improve your success next time out.

Solstice, the official start of summer, occured today at 2:06. Happy Solstice, everyone -- enjoy the nice long day!

SPRING STOCKING: For a list of NH waterbodies stocked last week, go to http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Fishing/fish_stock_current.htm.

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

For past fishing reports and all your NH fishing info, visit Fish and Game's fishing page at http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Fishing/fishing.htm.

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

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FISH IT, WRITE IT, AND REMEMBER...

By Ben Nugent, fisheries biological technician

One of the most valuable tools for successful fishing can be a fishing journal. Looking back on what tactics worked well during certain conditions and times of year can help provide an angler with guidance for better catch rates. Taking a few minutes to record the details of the fishing trip can really pay off. Besides, it's enjoyable to look back at the end of the year and read it. Here are a few samples of some of my recent entries.

Date: Wednesday, May 9

Location: Big Squam Lake, Sandwich/Moultonborough

Time: 0600-1100h

Water Temp/Air Temp: 61ºF/70ºF

Weather/Wind: Clear Skies/Calm

Species Targeted: Landlocked Salmon

Gear Used: Sink-tip fly line with live bait and small mooselook wobblers (cooper and silver), floating line with Bolshevik streamer, lead core (2-3 colors) with live bait and cooper shrimp streamer

Trolling speed: Varied depending on gear (0.8-2.5mph GPS)

Comments: Hit Sandwich Bay area first. Marked a large amount of forage fish in 15-25 feet of water. Lost one nice salmon and caught several nice smallmouth bass. Game fish were visible just slightly under the surface. Fished the dropoff at Kent Island and landed three two-year-old salmon.

Date: Wednesday, May 9

Location: Lake Winnipesaukee, Meredith

Time: 1600-1930h

Water Temp/Air Temp: 55-60ºF/75ºF

Weather/Wind: Clear Skies/Light SE Wind

Species Targeted: Landlocked Salmon/Smallmouth Bass

Gear Used: Sink-tip fly line and lead core (1-3 colors) with live bait

Trolling speed: 0.8mph GPS

Comments: Fished 10-25 foot depths around the northern and eastern side of Bear Island. Couldn't keep the smallmouth off. They sure are fun on the 5-weight. Smallmouth topped out just under four pounds. Managed one two-year-old and one three-year-old salmon near Dollar Island.

Date: Sunday, May 13

Location: Small Streams in Sanbornton

Time: 1600-1700h

Water Temp/Air Temp: 52ºF/65ºF

Weather/Wind: Partly Cloudy/Calm

Species Targeted: Brook Trout

Gear Used: Live bait/Spinning Rod

Comments: Caught several small wild brook trout in small pools. No fish over six inches, but awesome colors. The quickness and intensity these little fish hit with always impresses me. Found a nice antler from an eight-point buck on my walk to one of the streams.

Date: Thursday, May 31 - Saturday, June 2

Location: Lake Umbagog, Errol

Time: Dawn to Dusk

Water Temp/Air Temp: low 60s/50-60ºF

Weather/Wind: Off and on showers, moments of sun/relentless east wind (5-15mph)

Species Targeted: Smallmouth Bass

Gear Used: Spinning and baitcasting rods with Senkos, poppers and other surface lures, stick baits, jerk baits, crank baits

Comments: Fishing was slow compared to previous trips here, possibly because of the muddy water and fluctuating water temps this spring. Smallies were found tight to shore and up to 15 feet down. All fish looked healthy and put up a great fight. Average fish about 13 inches. Surface lures retrieved in a "walk the dog" fashion seemed to be most productive. Nothing beats camping and fishing on this lake.

Date: Friday, June 8

Location: Atlantic Ocean

Time: 0600-1400h

Water Temp/Air Temp: Low 50s/80ºF

Weather/Wind: Hot and sunny, a few clouds/Calm building to a 10mph south wind

Species Targeted: Cod, Haddock, Mackerel

Gear Used: Live bait (mackerel and shrimp) and jigs

Trolling Speed: Slow drift

Comments: Departed from Rye and hit several troughs out as far as 12 miles. Managed one keeper cod (29 inches) and two keeper haddock (both at 24 inches). Caught several other short cod and haddock along with a red hake and some whiting. The bite was slow and really died off as the day went on. Because the water was initially calm, the surface activity of the mackerel were easily seen. Sabiki rigs worked well. Lots of other boats out there.

Date: Thursday, June 14

Location: Nash Stream, Stratford

Time: 1700-1830h

Water Temp/Air Temp: 55ºF/65ºF

Weather/Wind: Mostly sunny/Light swirling breeze

Species Targeted: Brook Trout

Gear Used: Live bait/Spinning Rod

Comments: Nash Stream always produces. Caught several brook trout with some fish close to 10 inches. Small pockets of slack water created by larger rocks adjacent to faster water contained most of the fish. Although most of these fish are most likely hatchery fish, their colors and condition are phenomenal. Did not see another person but observed three moose and a coyote on Nash Stream Road.

Date: Saturday, June 16

Location: Winona Lake, Center Harbor/New Hampton

Time: 0800-1300h

Water Temp/Air Temp: 68ºF/mid 80s

Weather/Wind: Hot and sunny/Calm wind changing to a light NW breeze (<5mph)

Species Targeted: Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass

Gear Used: Spinning and Baitcasting rods with Senkos, poppers and crank baits

Comments: Textbook. Largemouth bass were found in structure (e.g. docks, fallen trees). Smallies were on the rocky dropoffs from shallow water to deep water. Biggest fish (smallmouth) was just over four pounds. Even numbers of fish were caught on the surface and subsurface. The fishing remained steady the entire time. One monster chain pickerel was also caught.

...You get the idea. Your fishing journal might be as detailed as mine, or just a few lines jotted into a pocket notebook. Keeping track of strategies that work in various places in different kinds of weather and times of day is a great way to ramp up your fishing success.

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If you know someone who might like to sign up for the Fishing Report, send them to http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Inside_FandG/join_mail_list.htm.

For the 2007 NH FISHING FORECAST, with suggested fishing waters by region, visit http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Fishing/fishing_forecast.htm.

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Concord, NH 03301. Comments or questions concerning this list should

be directed to liza.w.poinier@wildlife.nh.gov.

Change your profile or unsubscribe:

http://www.mailermailer.com/x?u=20008593v-388ff7fc

To subscribe to other N.H. Fish and Game lists:

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N.H. WEEKLY FISHING REPORT - June 14, 2007

In this week's report, fisheries biologist Gabe Gries brings fishing news from the southwest part of the state, and tips for keeping children happy on your next angling excursion.

SPRING STOCKING: For a list of NH waterbodies stocked last week, go to http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Fishing/fish_stock_current.htm.

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

For past fishing reports and all your NH fishing info, visit Fish and Game's fishing page at http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Fishing/fishing.htm.

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

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WANT HAPPY KIDS? HELP THEM CATCH SOME FISH.

By Gabe Gries, Fisheries Biologist, Region 4/Keene

While fishing a small pond near Keene with a couple young kids a few nights ago, I was reminded of this simple, yet very important fact: kids don't care what they catch, they just want to catch something. We set out at about 6 pm for what I imagined would be an evening filled with screams of delight from the kids as chunky, rod bending largemouth bass hit our lures moments after they entered the water...

The reality was that the bass bite was pretty slow, while the mosquito bite was pretty intense. After about an hour of slowly moving around the shoreline, the kids had had enough and started to get a little impatient with getting lots of bites, but only on their arms and legs. They kept saying, "Aren't there any fish in here? I just want to catch something." At that point I remembered the "catch anything" kid theory and also remembered that this pond was supposed to have some decent yellow perch in it. I figured the larger perch would be in deeper water, and proceeded to put on a mid-level crankbait and troll the deeper sections of the pond. We hadn't gone more than 100 feet before I could feel a fish on the end of the line. I handed the rod over to one of my young partners and sat back to watch and listen as he excitedly brought in a nice 12-inch yellow perch.

We went on to catch six more perch in the next half-hour, and the boys had a great time. Kids do have to understand that going fishing does not guarantee that you will catch fish, but more importantly, adults have to realize that when fishing with kids, it is important to land some fish, regardless of their size or species.

I had the good fortune last Friday to get a relay of brook trout for some remote pond stocking from Dick Prunier, the Milford State Fish Hatchery manager. While most of you might not know him, Dick is responsible for the big, beautiful stocked trout that anglers have been raving about in southwestern New Hampshire for a number of years. Dick and his staff produce over 150,000 healthy trout each year. Dick will be retiring within the next couple months and we wish him the best.

Reports of good bass fishing have been coming in from along the length of the Connecticut River (hotspots are the setbacks in Hinsdale and the Charlestown-Claremont area), as well as from Lake Warren (Alstead), Highland Lake (Stoddard), Gilmore Pond (Jaffrey), Baboosic Lake (Amherst), and Otter Lake (Greenfield).

Trout anglers are having success on Spofford Lake (Chesterfield), Silver Lake (Harrisville), Swanzey Lake (Swanzey), Nubanusit Lake (Hancock/Nelson), and Mt. Williams Pond (Weare). Anglers are having good luck trolling and also while fishing from shore with worms and powerbait.

Some post-spawn black crappies may still be hanging around close to shore on various waterbodies. Try the Connecticut River setbacks in Hinsdale, Highland Lake (Stoddard), Halfmoon Pond (Washington), Sportsman Pond (Fitzwilliam), and Meetinghouse Pond (Marlborough). If the fish have already left the shallow water, try to locate structure in deeper water. Use small jigs tipped with a minnow or worm and vary the depth at which you are fishing until you locate fish.

We hope you enjoy fishing this year in the Monadnock/Upper Valley Region and don't forget to take a kid fishing anytime you can. We are always happy to talk to you about fish and fishing so please contact us at Region 4 (603-352-9669; reg4@nhfgd.org) if you have any questions. For a list of popular water bodies to fish for by species, please consult Suggested Fishing Locations for the Monadnock Region/Southwest N.H, which can be found at http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Fishing/fishing_forecast/Locations_Southwest.htm.

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If you know someone who might like to sign up for the Fishing Report, send them to http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Inside_FandG/join_mail_list.htm.

For the 2007 NH FISHING FORECAST, with suggested fishing waters by region, visit http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Fishing/fishing_forecast.htm.

N.H. WEEKLY FISHING REPORT - June 7, 2007

June will bring plenty of angling excitement in New Hampshire, Fish and Game's Mark Beauchesne says in this week's report. Don't forget to watch what's hatching!

SPRING STOCKING: For a list of NH waterbodies stocked last week, go to http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Fishing/fish_stock_current.htm.

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

For past fishing reports and all your NH fishing info, visit Fish and Game's fishing page at http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Fishing/fishing.htm.

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

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COME ON IN, THE WATER'S FINE - AND SO ARE THE HATCHES

By Mark Beauchesne, Marketing and Promotions Coordinator,

NH Fish and Game

May fishing madness has come and gone. No doubt that this spring was a challenge. Springlike temps to summer heat overnight... then back to spring temps made fishing hit or miss, at least for me!

I had the good fortune to help out with a fish stocking run in southwestern New Hampshire. The fish produced from our hatcheries are just tremendous. Huge brook trout and rainbow trout are a sight to see -- no wonder the reports coming in from our trout ponds and rivers are filled with great news. For now, our rivers are prime for fishing. Both spin and fly anglers need to get out and take advantage of my favorite month. June brings great water conditions, slightly warmer temps and tons of insect activity. Caddis flies will be everywhere. For fly anglers, that means it's time to pull out the good old elk-hair caddis. Be sure to add plenty of floatant to keep this fly riding high. Tan and dark gray are two must-have colors.

In areas that are not restricted by fly-fishing only, spin anglers can take advantage of insect hatches, too. Casting a fly on spinning gear is not going to happen, but, if you add the weight of a small balsa slip bobber, you will be able to make short casts with dry flies or nymphs. A bobber stop is needed to keep the float from the fly. It's not "fly-fishing" in most people's minds, but it works!

Insect activity continues all summer, but my favorite is the "hex" hatch. I write about it every year, and with good reason: giant bugs are just plain fun. Toward the end of this month, the "hex" emerges in masses around a half hour before sunset and occasionally in the early morning. Fly choice is simple -- the "hex" emerger, dun and spent.

With all this surface action, small poppers will do the trick on bass and white perch. Spin anglers will need to use the slip bobber trick for surface action.

Bass fishing hits the high note this month. Try topwater baits in low-light conditions, or soft plastic baits anytime. I'm looking forward to that warm, rainy day; my experiences have showed that this can be some of the best fishing conditions for bass. Catch-and-release season for bass lasts through June 15.

Brood stock Atlantic salmon fishing is hot right now. I talked to Ben Nugent from Fisheries, who informed me that stocking was complete. The fish are ranging from 5 to 18 pounds! This is a New Hampshire river fishing experience like no other. Many areas of the river are open to spin fishing. Bright colored spoons like the Little Cleo and even inline spinners like the Mepps Alga will also produce fish. Flies of similar bright colors will bring these beasts to bite; the Sewalls Falls Fancy is a must-have. Water conditions are ideal all along the Merrimack River. Temps are also perfect for salmon. Exercise caution while wading in the river -- it moves fast and is still cold. Never turn your back on the river while wading. Don't forget -- you need a special $11 permit to fish the brood stock salmon fishery, which you can buy online, any time. For more information about how and where to catch "the king of fish," go to http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Fishing/atlantic_salmon.htm

June is the magic month for fishing... so much is happening at once. I'll also make a return to striper fishing this month. New friends and old friends have re-lit the fire for saltwater fishing. Here's the plan for my next fishing marathon: I'll fish the early tide for stripers, before the sun comes up; then go bass fishing on Squam Lake until late afternoon; and end with the evening hatch on the Androscoggin. Mid- to late-June on the Andro brings a fun hatch to fish: the alder fly. This bug is really a caddis -- zebra caddis, to be more specific -- but the traditional name of alder fly has stuck for years. I think the "alder fly" obtained its name from where they rest after hatching. You'll see the Androscoggin is lined with alders. If you make it up there this month, give an alder bush a shake, and if a mass of alder flies go scattering, you better plan on fishing.

School's almost out, so start the summer off right and get out fishing this month. I'm sure you'll have a great time. Don't forget that a fishing license makes a cool gift for Fathers' Day or graduation, and it lasts all year!

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