N.H. WEEKLY FISHING REPORT -- April 6, 2006
We're back! Welcome to a new season of the NH Weekly Fishing Report.
For past reports and all your NH fishing info, visit Fish and Game's
fishing page at http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Fishing/fishing.htm. This
week, fisheries biologist John Viar kicks off the year with a report
from the Lakes Region.
Buy your fishing license and salmon permit online, any time -- at
http://www.nhfishandgame.com.
Stocking has begun! Fish stocking information:
http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Fishing/fish_stock_current.htm.
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.
Fish NH! New for 2006 -- one-day licenses for New Hampshire residents
are just $10. Why not bring a new fishing buddy on your next trip!
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IF YOU DON'T LIKE THE WEATHER...
By John A. Viar, Region 2 Fisheries Biologist
You know the saying about New England's weather. As I look out the
window today (April 4), last week's sunshine and veritable spring heat wave
have been promptly replaced by wet snow falling sideways and the
mercury struggling to hit 40 degrees F. Springtime in New Hampshire -- it's a
wonderful thing. And what better way to celebrate it than to soak it
all in (sometimes literally) on your favorite lake, pond, river, or
stream.
Mother Nature was kind enough to provide the rare treat of huge
expanses of open water available for fishing on the April 1 large-lake opener;
in fact, one of the four earliest ice-outs ever recorded on Lake
Winnipesaukee was officially declared this Monday, April 3. It was clear many
had taken advantage of the early opportunities this past Saturday. I
could only gaze with wonder at the massive fleet of boats on Lake
Winnipesaukee -- kayaks, canoes, aluminum 12-14 footers, center console
striper boats, tuna boats (so they appeared), and everything in between - a
cornucopia of craft plying the frigid 37-41 degree F waters for a shot
at one of the "Big Lake's" famed landlocked salmon.
Opening day/weekend results were as mixed bag as the recent weather.
While some anglers reported little to no luck at all, others reported
nice catches of anywhere from two to a dozen robust landlocked salmon in
the 18-21 inch 2.5-3.5 lbs. range, with several in the 4+lbs. range,
caught on everything from DB smelt spoons to traditional streamer flies
(e.g. Maynard's Marvel), and an early season favorite, live smelt on
sliding rigs. Typical for early season, most fish were caught from the
surface to about 15 feet down, primarily trolling, with everything from
planer board set-ups to simple monofilament flat lines 100-150 feet behind
the boat. When the wind kicked in, drifting live smelt in the waves
became very effective.
The highlight of the past weekend had to be a monster 31 inch 8.5 lbs.
landlocked salmon reported from the town docks at Meredith Bay (see
photo at the online version of this report -
http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Fishing/fishing_reports.htm); this fish
was taken on live smelt by Bill Foren of Warren NH, proving just how
effective fishing from shore/docks/bridge areas can be this time of year!
Don't be fooled into thinking a boat is needed to catch some nice
spring salmon. Also look for hot shore action in the Winnipesaukee River in
Laconia, for salmon and rainbows, which dropped down from the lake
during last fall's heavy rains. Some nice catches were reported at Lakeport
Dam on opening weekend, with nothing more than a modest spincasting
rod/reel combo.
Although it can be challenging to "pattern" the fish at this time of
year, finding warmer water (even a degree or two), windy shorelines,
inside turns and bays, shallow flats near deeper water, tributary inlets,
and pods of smelt (shallow this time of year as they are running
shorelines and tributaries to spawn) are all keys to improving success. Once
you find them, keep working the area. You can go from no fish to a half
dozen in less than an hour, once you find them and offer a convincing
presentation.
Another large lake (e.g. Winnipesaukee, Big Squam, Winnisquam, to name
a few) early-season opportunity that should not be missed is pre-spawn
smallmouth bass fishing. While working several flats for salmon we
hooked into some bronze beauties, which reminded me it was also time to get
the bass gear out. Some of your biggest smallmouth of the year will
come very early in the season, in surprisingly cold water. Work suspending
stick baits with long pauses on drop offs near flats/bars warmed by the
spring sun and you will not be disappointed. Or if still very cold
water temps, try the "float and fly" trick (a quick online search will give
you more details).
And don't forget, trout stocking trucks are rolling. I have already
heard great reports from rivers and streams in the southern tier of the
state. Stocking is working its way northward with New Hampton/Lakes
Region trucks rolling within the next week or so. Several central NH trout
ponds will be stocked and ready for the April 22 Designated Trout Pond
opener. I would highly suggest taking the kids to Saltmarsh Pond in
Gilford for some early spring stocked-trout action.
No matter what conditions Mother Nature throws at you this spring, get
out and enjoy some time on the water or at its edge with family and
friends. If the weather's looking wet and cold, or the fish aren't biting,
remember...just wait a minute...it's soon to change.
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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 2006 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.
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