fishing report 4/7

N.H. WEEKLY FISHING REPORT -- April 7, 2005

We're back! In our first fishing report of the spring season, Let's Go 
Fishing coordinator Mark Beauchesne lays out his own ambitious fishing 
itinerary for the season. What's on your fishing schedule? 

Buy your fishing license and salmon permit online, any time -- 
http://www.nhfishandgame.com. Moose lottery apps are available, too.

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.

P.S.: Fish stocking just started this week. Our first stocking report 
of the season will be released next Thursday.

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

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              MANY WATERS TO FISH... BETTER GET STARTED!
           By Mark Beauchesne, Let's Go Fishing coordinator

A long, successful ice fishing season has come to a close. What a year 
we had! Big lakers taken all over the state. Great panfish action, 
along with plenty of rainbows through the ice. Now, with the ice gear 
stored, it's time to get ready for open water.

If you have to ask, "What's the big deal about getting ready for the 
upcoming fishing season?" -- you need to go fishing more often. I could 
go on about getting your gear ready for the season. But, I decided 
instead to write about my own plans for a season on the water. (Editor's 
note: Check out Mark's early-season report from last year for more on 
preparing your gear and your brain for the season: 
http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Fishing/Fishing_Reports/Fishing_

Reports_2004/fishing_report_040804.htm)

Early spring, I'll be fishing any open water I can find. I have to make 
the trip to Ellacoya State Park. Standing waist-deep in icy water 
casting for salmon and rainbows is the official kickoff to the open water 
season for me. 

The boat comes out a week later. The first trip will be a shakedown 
cruise, with some fishing thrown in for good measure. 

Late April to mid-May is pike fishing time. The Connecticut River now 
calls to me in my sleep. My dreams are filled with visions of three-foot 
long pike chasing my fly. If you are new to pike fishing, you will soon 
learn why this toothy fish is so exciting! We focus on the oxbows and 
setbacks. Often when pike fishing we encounter big yellow perch, bass 
and walleye. That is the best thing about fishing the river in the spring 
-- you never know what you will catch next.

This year, I will fish for trout more often. I will be float tubing the 
ponds around the state. Willard Pond (Antrim) is on the list, along 
with Smith Pond and Millen Lake in Washington, Stirrup Iron Brook 
(Salisbury/Boscawen), Hot Hole Pond (Loudon) and of course the North Country 
ponds. Most of these ponds are less than two hours from Concord. What 
does that mean? Well, that means even on workdays I'm on the water by 7:00 
p.m. I have the best part of the day to fish. Quite often during the 
week I'm the only angler out there.

Stream fishing for trout has been ingrained into my being. Sure, I talk 
and write about fishing for warmwater fish like the smallmouth and 
pike. But, I know the outstanding river and stream fishing we have in New 
Hampshire. You probably know about the great rivers in the North Country 
-- the Connecticut, Ammonoosuc, Saco, Androscoggin -- they're all 
awesome. Well, we also have some wonderful rivers not too far from Concord. 
Right in Concord is the often-overlooked Soucook River. Growing up in 
town, a good portion of my youth was spent fishing this river. Then 
there is the Suncook, and the Merrimack River is a must-fish. The 
Contoocook River is a classic -- great insect hatches along with plenty of 
opportunities for the spinfisher. I will find the time to knock off a number 
of smaller rivers, too -- the Souhegan, Piscataquog, Smith and 
Blackwater rivers, and Shedd Brook.

The word around here is that we will be having a banner salmon season 
on the lakes. When the biologists get excited about the fishery, you 
know it's going to be good. I'm planning a couple of salmon trolling trips 
for sure!

I have planned several camping trips to Lake Umbagog, too. I can't 
wait! This lake is wonderful. Wildlife and great fishing, combined with the 
peace and serenity of the North Country. Remembering what happened last 
July, when I witnessed an incredible hex hatch, I will not be without a 
selection of dry flies. If my timing is right I will be doing more than 
watching the insects, I will be hooking the fish that eat them.

Be sure to take time out this season to fish with your friends and 
family.

Great fishing !!!
Mark

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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.


-- 
Copyright 2005 New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, 
Concord, NH 03301.  Comments or questions concerning this list should 
be directed to lpoinier@wildlife.state.nh.us.