NH WEEKLY FISHING REPORT -- April 4, 2008

[cold waters]

By Ron Powers This is it – crunch-time, time to bring on the A-game! Saltwater fishing is now approaching a fever-pitch, and most superlatives simply do not do it justice. The bays and banks from Plymouth to Portland are thick with bait ranging from silversides to pogies. Striper statistics are reaching a whole new level, as bigger fish arrive to feast on the masses on baitfish. On the North Shore, striper affairs are being called “the best in years,” which is also how flounder fishermen are describing the bite around Boston Harbor. And thanks to a certain 16-pound lake trout that was weighed in, photographed and then released, there are still plenty of reasons to consider fresh water!

Big stripers moving through the Cape Cod Canal will pause to take a swipe at a plug, like this 43-incher landed by Brandon Soule of Middleboro, Massachusetts.
Do you have a current great catch photo? Email it to
us and you might just see it in the fishing report.
Send photos to kevin@onthewater.com, and
be sure to include the angler's name and the size of fish.

Dense schools of pogies seem to have infiltrated all the waters from Plymouth Bay to Saco Bay, but try not to focus on these super-herring; there are better bait choices available that will increase your odds of putting a big bass in the boat. Plenty of mackerel can be found just outside the Gurnet to the New Inlet buoy, Minot Light, Graves Light, outside of Salem Harbor, past Thacher Island and up to Boon Island, and some nice stripers – such as the 32-pound, 12-ouncer taken by nine-year-old Mike Kennely – are shadowing the mackerel schools. Some anglers live-lining mackerel with size 2/0 Daiichi Bleeding Bait treble hooks and egg sinkers have been surprised by cod in the 28- to 30-inch range. According to Pete Belsan of Scituate, the magical depth for the mackerel, bass and cod seems to be around 50 feet.
Diamond jigs are working well for the inshore cod, as are Shimano Butterfly jigs, which are rapidly winning over cod fishermen just as they did tuna fishermen last year. The timeliness of the inshore cod migration could not be better, considering that gas prices will not likely let up any time soon. One patron of Green Harbor Bait and Tackle who has been into some beautiful market-sized cod off Farnham Bell suggested that there’s no need to steam out to Stellwagen when the fishing is so good so close to the South Shore. Bass hovering around the 20-pound bracket are feasting on herring in the North River from the Route 3A bridge to Bridge Street. Folks are even picking up a few hickory shad at the mouth of the river on lures intended for stripers.
The consensus of nearly all my sources is that the flounder fishing is fantastic. The only problem is that it isn’t exactly a secret, so if you hit some of these spots during the weekend, you can expect to have plenty of company. The consistently good locations are Scituate Harbor, Green Harbor, Peddocks Island, the south side of Rainsford Island, Hospital Shoals, Sculpin Ledge, the Deer Island Flats and Faun Bar. You will catch fish in all these locations, but for a unique flounder experience, don’t be afraid to experiment. Russ Eastman of Monahan Marine in Weymouth loaned his considerable angling expertise to an acquaintance recently and advised him to settle down for a little flounder fishing rather than chase after god-know-what. These locations delivered almost constant action for fish in the 14-inch range, including a few double-headers, and Russ decided that conditions were prime to roll the dice a bit. He ventured out to the outer islands of Boston Harbor and began sinking seaworms in the middle of rocky chasms and ledges, places where the pack doesn’t ordinarily go. Suddenly the flounder shot up in size to between 18 and 20 inches! Sometimes it pays off to be a little daring.
According to Rick Newcomb of Fore River, the Weymouth Back River is still sizzling hot by Great Esker and Bare Cove parks. I would give nearby Abigail Adams Park a shot as well. David Do has been taking plenty of fish on clams and swim shads at the Back. The Neponset River remains good from the John Quincy Adams Inn to the coves at the mouth of the river, with some fish in the mid-40-inch range falling for a drifted sea worm or a Berkley Gulp imitation. Other alternatives are live mackerel off Graves Light, which produced a 19-pound, 4-ouncer for Pan Kearney, and the venerable tube-and-worm rig, which has helped Bobby Pike take bass of all sizes from Veezie Rocks to Hangman Island.
Regarding tubes, the patented Santini tube has been putting the hex on more than a few mid-20-pound linesiders around Spectacle Island and out along Deer Island. Local tube technician Joey Chung has been doing especially good with the red and honey mustard colors. Another gargantuan cod was taken this week, a 70-pounder weighed in at Fishing FINatics. Although Pete forgot the angler’s name, he said that a Saltwater Fishing Derby affidavit was filled out, and he believes the fish was taken off Newburyport.
For me, the season wouldn’t be complete if I didn’t get my late-spring tautog fix. Although I had less than an hour to spare, I’ve been familiar with the drill for years, so I made my way next to a bridge pilling in the Lynn Marsh and dropped a plump sea worm up-current. In less than five minutes, I was playing tug-of-war with a hard-pulling fish. While it’s not likely to win any beauty contests, this 7-pound ‘tog was nonetheless a sight to behold. I snapped a couple quick shots and let the egg-laden female go to spawn. Although I had to go due to time constraints, I know I could have taken more. If you can fit it in, there are more big tautog collecting among bridges of estuaries right now than you would believe. We only have about one more week before they move offshore, however.
I asked First Light Anglers co-owner Nat Moody, “When will they be here?” referring, of course, to tuna! This tuna outpost on the North Shore is almost always the first source for when bluefin will be caught, and I knew it would be soon, but I was still surprised by Nat’s reply: “Days away!” Conditions are ripe, there are scads of sand eels on Stellwagen, and Jeffreys is a herring hub. It just might be time to get those Rock On squid bars and Butterfly jigs out and ready to go.
In the meantime, bigger bass are present from Salem northward, earlier than they have been in years! Rivers that feature herring runs are attracting some big bass, which are feasting on “drop-backs.” The Merrimack is especially good on the outgoing tide, and Plum Island Sound fishes well around higher tide. There are also nice fish in the Parker River and the rocks off Cape Ann. Words to live by: rivers on the outgoing and off the ocean front around high tide. Herring pattern streamers are doing the trick, as are Fin-S Fish jerkbaits. Shad are at their peak right now at the Lawrence Dam.
The bait parade has made its way into Great Bay in New Hampshire and beyond. There is herring aplenty, mackerel just off the coast, and even pogies are around. And with this plethora of forage, you can expect lots of nice linesiders around.
The annual occurrence of big cod by the Isles of Shoals is occurring right now – the gaggle of party boats in this area tends to give it away! This Saturday I intend on being in the thick of the cod bite with my friends Captain Jason Colby and Willy Goldsmith. Willy has proposed that we target these shallow-water behemoths with a level of respect typically reserved for game fish: with a light spinning rod and a big swim shad. If all goes as planned and he manages to dupe one of the big breeders, he intends on letting it go after a few mega-pixel moments. Willy just might be on to something!
“I’ve never seen pogies this early before,” admitted Craig Bergeron of Saco Bay in Maine. And according to Craig, some of these fish are 13 inches. There hasn’t been any news of big bass busting on them yet, but look for that to change soon. Mackerel are just offshore and should push shoreward soon; with them will come big bass and some inshore cod. Shad are slamming darts at the Cataract Dam, and there are plenty of stripers there as well. The Fingers section of Jeffreys Ledge has been producing cod and haddock; teasers spiced with clams are working for the haddock, while shiny jigs (which imitate the prevalent sea herring) are the ticket for cod up to 30 pounds.
And if you haven’t put that freshwater rod away just yet, your instinct might be dead-on. The Wachusett Reservoir just gave up a 15-pound, 15-ounce lake trout off the Gate 35 section, and the same area is producing nice smallmouth bass for those bouncing soft-plastic worms off the bottom. And just when I thought the crappie had beat a retreat out to deeper water, the Oakdale section of the reservoir recently rewarded a fly fisherman with a pin-sized 1-pound, 10-ouncer that inhaled a Hornberg fly. The Gate 8 side of the Quabbin has been the hottest section around, with 4- to 5-pound landlocked salmon being fairly common on top at first light and then dropping down; that two to three colors of leadcore is needed come late morning. Miller River is a Connecticut River Valley trout Mecca, with browns rising for elk hair caddis flies and Usuals in the late afternoon.

[Brandon-K]

N.H. WEEKLY FISHING REPORT - June 5, 2008

In today's report, fisheries biologist John Viar gives us the lowdown on "the gamest fish that swims" -- the smallmouth bass -- and the best ways to find and catch them while avoiding disrupting nesting males. (Happy Fathers Day, fish dads!)

Stocking report: N.H. Fish Stocking Report - N.H. Fish and Game.

Purchase your fishing license online at http://www.FishNH.com, or from any Fish and Game license agent. Why not bring a new fishing buddy on your next trip! This Saturday, June 7, is New Hampshire's annual FREE FISHING DAY -- and of course, kids under 16 always fish free in N.H.

For past fishing reports and all your NH fishing info, visit Fish and Game's fishing page at Fishing in New Hampshire - N.H. Fish and Game.

Kids Fishing Photo Contest: Here's extra incentive to take your camera along when you fish with the youngsters this summer! Fish and Game is co-sponsoring a kids fishing photo contest with NH-based Kidz Rule USA magazine. A great snapshot of your under-age-13 child or grandchild with his or her catch could win the grand prize: a guided NH fishing trip, to be filmed for Fish and Game's MyOutdoors on MyTV! To enter, follow the instructions at Children's magazine- Education, Arts and Crafts, & Family Fun-Kidz Rule US.

If you know someone who might like to sign up for the Fishing Report, send them to Inside Fish and Game - Join a Mailing List.

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

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SMALL MOUTH, BIG HEART
By John Viar - Fisheries Biologist, Region 2/New Hampton

Many anglers agree with the famous "inch for inch and pound for pound, the gamest fish that swims" adage attributed to the smallmouth bass. Once you've seen the rare combination of forceful bulldogging and aerial acrobatics generously employed by the "bronzeback," you will become a believer, too. Mid-May through June and the first half of July are prime times to test this old adage in New Hampshire's Lakes Region. This time frame will encompass the pre-spawn, spawn, and post-spawn period on most of the large glacial lakes such as Winnipesaukee and Big Squam.

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Pre-Spawn Madness

Unfortunately, some anglers miss the pre-spawn feeding binge when some of the largest, typically female, smallmouth bass are caught -- probably because they believe the water is still "too cold." Actually, this "bite" starts even before the ice is out (as evidenced by many late-ice monster bass taken by ice anglers), but in practical "casting" terms, it begins when the water reaches the upper 40s to low-mid 50 degree F range (although vertical jigging, live bait, float and fly, and other subtle methods can shine at colder temperatures). Prepare your wrist and forearms, because this is when a well-known tool, known as the suspending jerkbait, comes into play. There are many varieties and everyone has their favorite, but the real key is twitching these suspending lures sharply, and then pausing to let the lure remain motionless -- the pause being dictated by the water temperature -- colder water, longer pause. Be ready, because when this bite is "on," your forearms will ache
from pulling in numerous chunky pre-spawn bass adjacent to spawning flats. Twitch, twitch, pause -- BOOM!

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Dad's Babysitting Duty

By the mid-high 50 degree F range, smallmouth bass have begun the physical act of spawning. Males construct gravel nests, or beds, by forcefully pulsating their caudal fin (tail) along the bottom until clean gravel is present. An egg-laden female is coaxed into the nest where she releases eggs and the male, alongside, releases milt (sperm) to fertilize the adhesive eggs. The female may spawn in more than one male's nest. Now, Bass Dad begins the arduous task of diligently guarding the nest/eggs/hatched fry from a myriad of predators (see photo at online version of this report, N.H. Weekly Fishing Reports - N.H. Fish and Game). As you can tell, Dad does yeoman's work in bass family affairs!

Anglers can help male guardian bass by refraining from "picking beds" -- the practice of coaxing the male to bite lures intentionally placed in or near the nest. With no interest in food during his guard duties, the male will not "eat" the lure, but will grab it with his mouth to move it away from the nest site. The stress on these fish is already enormous without the additional rigors of being caught multiple times. No guardian male, and you can guess what will happen to the eggs or fry -- gulp! It only takes seconds for a whole nest to be lost to a predator. Repeated removal of guardian males can lead to nest failure, either from predators or simple abandonment. Multiple hook wounds and even lures are frequently observed in guardian males' jaws or lodged on the bottom in or near the nest.

Keep in mind, not all bass spawn at exactly the same time on a given waterbody, so there are always other options -- pre-or post-spawn fish that are legitimately feeding can be found in deeper water near the spawning grounds (including the larger females noted above) or in different parts of the lake where temperatures can be several degrees lower or higher. Fish and Game does not recommend targeting nested guardian male bass, and catch and release is mandatory from May 15 to June 15 per statewide regulations. Additionally, only artificial lures and flies may be used to target bass during the month-long catch and release period. Remember, the eggs and/or fry in those nests are the future of the fishery.

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Post-Spawn Popping

Once Dad has completed the grueling task of guardian duties and eventually relinquishes his school of "black fry" around the nest site to their fate, he goes on a full-throttle feeding mission, joining the ladies for fine dining. This period is approximately mid-late June through the first half of July, and as with the other "fish calendar" periods, exact timing depends on factors such as weather, water temperature, individual lake location (north, south) and size, and location within the lake. Water temperatures during this period are typically from mid 60s to 70 degrees F. Welcome to topwater fishing heaven -- floating stickbaits and poppers (spin or fly tackle) lead to some water shattering strikes -- as well as gentle "suction" takes as if Mr. Smallie were subtly sipping a mayfly. It is debatable if there is anything more powerful and juiced with stamina (again, the old adage) than even a modest-sized smallmouth taken on a sporting-weight fly rod via popper surface take.
The further time elapses during this period, generally speaking, the better the smallmouth topwater action will be from dawn through early morning, and at dusk. Likewise through the period, larger smallmouth will generally move deeper, until they take up their mid-late summer haunts in as much as 20-40+ feet of water in our clear glacial lakes, where they will chase juvenile perch, rainbow smelt, and crayfish.

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Large Lakes Landlocked Salmon and Rainbow Trout Catch and Release Reminder

A reminder to all large lakes coldwater anglers, particularly at this time of year -- one-year-old rainbow trout and landlocked salmon have been or will soon be stocked and will be feeding ravenously. These fish have a minimum length limit of 15 inches in most large lakes, and great care should be exercised in their release. Severe hook wounds impede their growth, as they must divert calories into repair instead of growth and body condition. Fish and Game fall netting surveys have revealed that hook-wounded fish of the same age class can be several inches shorter and a pound or more less than non-hook-wounded counterparts. At Lake Winnipesaukee, for example, hook-wounded landlocked salmon comprise 22% of the population; this means a nearly a quarter of the fish will never grow to full potential and/or trophy size. Remember, yearling/sub-legal fish are the future 3-5 lbs. quality size fish we all enjoy catching. And since stocking levels are balanced to the amount of forage
fish available in large lakes, and cannot be increased, this is a finite resource -- each fish should be treated as such. To minimize the effects of hook wounding, consider the following:

* Use extreme care when unhooking and releasing fish -- have pliers/hemostats/other gear organized and prepared; minimize handling and exposure time; NEVER shake a fish off the hook, NEVER attempt to unhook a fish suspended in the air, NEVER sharply pull hooks out while the fish is moving and twisting.

* Use rubber or other "fish friendly" landing nets when catch and releasing, whether from shore, wading, or boat -- rubber nets can even be better than no net, since they allow you to cradle the fish upside down in a stationary position, with less stress, and quickly and efficiently remove the hook. Rubber nets prevent loss of slime coat and scales, fin splitting, and other damage, as well as minimize or eliminate fishing gear/hook/net tangles.

* If choosing to harvest/keep fish, select those more severely wounded.

* Consider harvesting/keeping a previously hook-wounded fish instead of a more robust fish which is lightly hooked and thus more easily released -- the latter has more potential to become a "trophy"/quality salmon in the future.

* Remember, all hooks can and do cause damage -- many variables come into play such as fish size and hooking location, as well as angler experience and execution in proper handling/release techniques.

[Brandon-K]

N.H. WEEKLY FISHING REPORT - June 12, 2008

This week, fisheries biologist Ben Nugent reports on current fishing conditions and research goings-on.

Stocking report: N.H. Fish Stocking Report - N.H. Fish and Game.

Purchase your fishing license online at http://www.FishNH.com, or from any Fish and Game license agent. 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 Fishing in New Hampshire - N.H. Fish and Game.

Fishing Rule Hearing: NH Fish and Game will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, June 18, 2008, at 6:30 p.m., at Fish and Game on Hazen Drive in Concord, regarding proposed changes in the regulations affecting 2009 freshwater fishing in New Hampshire and the application procedure for bass tournaments. Info: Hearing Set for Proposed Rules on 2009 Freshwater Fishing; Bass Tournaments -- N.H. Fish and Game.

If you know someone who might like to sign up for the Fishing Report, send them to Inside Fish and Game - Join a Mailing List.

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

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FABULOUS FORAGE MAKES FISH FAT AND FINICKY!
By Ben Nugent, fisheries biologist

With all the options for a successful fishing experience at this time of year, it is difficult to write about one particular waterbody or species. Water temperatures are still cool enough for early morning and evening surface action for trout and salmon, and we're starting to see the post-spawn feed pick up for both largemouth and smallmouth bass.

Recent fishing trips targeting smallmouth and/or largemouth bass -- including Northwood Lake, Umbagog Lake, and several smaller lakes in the central part of the state -- have resulted in respectful catch rates and some quality-sized fish. Soft plastics, either Carolina or wacky rigged, fished with patience and tight to shore have been effective. Topwater fishing continues to be effective throughout the day, but particularly when the sun begins to set or right at dawn.

The insect activity at this time of year can make fishing for trout and salmon slightly challenging. With all the forage sources in the water, these fish can afford to be finicky. Because of this, a slightly lower catch rate now may be compensated with larger fish in the near future. One of the football-shaped rainbows I caught trolling Lake Winnisquam last weekend was filled to capacity with large flying ants, wasps and beetles.

While many Atlantic salmon broodstock anglers are reporting multi-fish days, there should be ample fish remaining to provide a good chance of catching one. Warming river temperatures mean limiting dry fly action to dusk and dawn and subsurface tactics for most of the day. These fish may begin to nose into tributaries that enter the Merrimack and Pemigewasset rivers to find thermal refuge (cooler water). Good days have been reported at Sewalls Falls, downstream of the Franklin Hydro facility, and the Coolidge Rd. section in Sanbornton.

The field season is underway for many of the Fish and Game staff. Here are some examples of what we're doing.

><> The Eastern Brook Trout Joint Venture

Intensive efforts have begun to identify wild brook trout populations throughout New Hampshire as part of a multi-state agency, federal, and private organization partnership spanning from Georgia to Maine. While there is plenty of qualitative and anecdotal information regarding brook trout presence in New Hampshire; volunteers, summer staff, and biologists will be electro-fishing streams to develop a more quantitative map of where wild brook trout exist. This map will be combined with associated stream habitat features to predict fish species presence in areas where no sampling data exists. Results of this map will be used to identify and prioritize conservation and restoration strategies. More information about the Eastern Brook Trout Joint Venture can be found at EBTJV - Home.

><> American Brook Lamprey Mapping Project

New Hampshire has around 65 native and nonnative fish species that utilize freshwater habitats for at least one point during their life stage. While all fish are susceptible to impacts to their environment, there are some species that, for a variety of reasons, can be more sensitive to disturbance jeopardizing their future existence. One fish species of concern we are actively surveying is the American Brook Lamprey. This fish species has been documented in only the Oyster River Watershed (Barrington, Durham, Lee, and Madbury). The rapid rate of development within this particular area of the state can lead to the degradation of habitat needed for the brook lamprey to continue to survive.

Unlike the sea lamprey, the American brook lamprey is small and non-parasitic, and spends its entire life in fresh water. The brook lamprey has two distinct life stages. This fish spends its juvenile (ammocete) stage burrowed in the stream substrate, filter feeding in way similar to a mussel or clam. During the ammocete stage, the fish lacks eyes and teeth. After 4 to 5 years the fish develops into an adult during the fall season. Here, eyes and teeth are readily visible. (See photo at online version of this report, N.H. Weekly Fishing Reports - N.H. Fish and Game.) The species spends the winter in the stream not feeding. During the following spring, the species uses its teeth to move small stones in order to construct a redd (nest) within slightly faster parts of the stream. The species then spawns and dies shortly after.

Aquatic impacts such as excessive sedimentation, barriers to migration (i.e. perched culverts), and the removal of riparian vegetation along streambanks threatens the future sustainability of the species. In 2006, a watershed wide survey was initiated to identify specific locations of where the species is present. We anticipate completion of the approximately 16-mile-long survey this year. Locations where we have found the fish will be passed onto local planners, road designers, and conservation organizations. We anticipate working with these groups to develop a watershed management plan that does not necessarily stop development but ensures that it occurs in a more environmentally conscious way.

[Brandon-K]

N.H. WEEKLY FISHING REPORT - June 19, 2008

This week, a report from the North Country, where Fish and Game biologists and partners are hard at work trying to learn more about the movements of brook trout and smallmouth bass...and dodging raindrops to get in some late-spring fishing, too.

Stocking report: N.H. Fish Stocking Report - N.H. Fish and Game.

Purchase your fishing license online at N.H. Fish and Game Department - Welcome, or from any Fish and Game license agent. Why not bring a new fishing buddy on your next trip! Don't forget -- kids under 16 fish free in N.H.

Kids Fishing Photo Contest: Here's extra incentive to take your camera along when you fish with the youngsters this summer! Fish and Game is co-sponsoring a kids fishing photo contest with NH-based Kidz Rule USA magazine. A great snapshot of your under-age-13 child or grandchild with his or her catch could win the grand prize: a guided NH fishing trip, to be filmed for Fish and Game's MyOutdoors on MyTV! To enter, follow the instructions at Children's magazine- Education, Arts and Crafts, & Family Fun-Kidz Rule US.

For past fishing reports and all your NH fishing info, visit Fish and Game's fishing page at Fishing in New Hampshire - N.H. Fish and Game.

If you know someone who might like to sign up for the Fishing Report, send them to Inside Fish and Game - Join a Mailing List.

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

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A Day with Dianne:
MONITORING THE MOVEMENTS OF EASTERN BROOK TROUT AND SMALLMOUTH BASS

By Shari Rosenberg, seasonal staff, Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge, and Dianne Timmins, coldwater project leader, Region 1/Lancaster

We've had nothing but rain in the North Country. Temperatures are increasing along with the rain and mugginess. Stocking is right on schedule, with remote ponds getting stocked this week. So break out your hiking gear and float tubes and hit the ponds. The hatches have been broken up slightly by the rain, but are squeezing in heavy when it stops. Also, there is nothing like fishing Cedar Pond in Milan and Martin Meadow after the rain. The surface is like glass and you can see the rises from across the pond.

Don't neglect the rivers, either. (The water levels have been fluctuating, so be careful.) If you hit it right, the salmon, rainbows and browns have been hitting all up and down the Androscoggin. Try a flying ant pattern or a small midge. The black flies, mosquitoes, and deer flies have been the worst we've seen, but you never seem to notice when you have a 23" brown or rainbow trout on!

Although most of our readers probably go fishing as a way to relax, Dianne Timmins, Region I Fisheries Biologist for New Hampshire Fish and Game, goes fishing for an entirely different reason. Dianne is in her fourth year of an ongoing study to learn about the migration patterns and habitat overlap of eastern brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis). Her latest addition to this study includes monitoring habitat overlap by smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) in the Magalloway and Diamond Rivers. To Dianne and her hard-working team of scientists, every trout or bass caught is a clue to how these fish behave and interact. After completing the study, they hope to understand brook trout behavior, habitat needs, and interspecies relationships in order to protect brook trout populations into the future.

According to Dianne, brook trout are in decline in their native range, which stretches from Maine to Georgia. The Diamond River is one of the few natural, large rivers that hosts wild brook trout. Unfortunately, smallmouth bass were illegally introduced into Lake Umbagog in the late 1980s, and have since spread throughout the region. The populations are monitored by placing radio transmitters in caught fish ("tagging" them) and then releasing them back into the river so they can be tracked over an extended period of time. By studying trout behavior in a natural river, she has learned how they behave without human interference (dams) in the waterway. This information can be used in designing better restoration projects within "closed systems" (where movement is restricted by structure, such as a dam) to create a better environment for fish to flourish.

So far, the study has made the surprising discovery that between breeding, feeding, and wintering, some of the brook trout migrated over fifty miles in this natural system! In 2005, the weather was hot and dry, and most of the tagged fish left the main rivers for cooler waters prior to spawning. The average distance traveled by the fish during this time was 3.98 miles. In 2006, the weather pattern was wet and cool with severe flooding. This group of tagged fish moved more in the summer (2.77 miles) than in autumn (0.99 miles). These same fish moved the most during the winter dispersal phase (3.33 miles). We used leftover tags in 2007 and were able to track the fish into October before the batteries in the tags died.

Unlike in 2005, the weather conditions for fish in 2007 were ideal: there was not a tremendous amount of rain, and air temperatures were relatively cool throughout the summer. The average seasonal migration distances calculated for the tagged fish in 2007 demonstrates this. The fish traveled much shorter distances than in previous years, and they stayed in the Diamond River system throughout spawning. The average distance in autumn was 0.44 miles, and we were able to observe and document spawning in the Diamond River system for the first time. The previous year's data was inconclusive in that respect. Nonetheless, the study was able to determine that there is still a viable population of trout in the Dead Diamond River. These findings are currently being used to show the need for connectivity for migrating trout in dam-controlled waterways.

So, when you see one of those flyers encouraging anglers to return tagged fish to the river, you can understand why it's so important that everyone helps out in the effort to better understand our natural environment. Although Dianne and her team are making tremendous progress in better understanding the fish populations in the area, ultimately, she relies on everyone who spends time on the water to help her make a difference. For more information, call Dianne Timmins at 603-788-3164.

[Brandon-K]

N.H. WEEKLY FISHING REPORT - June 26, 2008

Want to out-fish Mark Beauchesne? You've got to get up early. This week, a round-up of fishing action on local waters.

Stocking report: N.H. Fish Stocking Report - N.H. Fish and Game.

Purchase your fishing license online at N.H. Fish and Game Department - Welcome, or from any Fish and Game license agent. Why not bring a new fishing buddy on your next trip! Don't forget -- kids under 16 fish free in N.H.

FYI for Hooksett-area boaters: the Lambert Park Boat Ramp on the Merrimack River in Hooksett will be closed for repairs from July 7 to August 15, 2008, as Fish and Game conducts repairs to the existing boat ramp. The parking area will remain open, but there will be no launching of boats 7/7-8/15.

And in the good news department: Fish and Game's new boat access facility on Winnisquam Lake in Laconia (at the end of Water Street) opens for business on July 1!

For past fishing reports and all your NH fishing info, visit Fish and Game's fishing page at Fishing in New Hampshire - N.H. Fish and Game.

If you know someone who might like to sign up for the Fishing Report, send them to Inside Fish and Game - Join a Mailing List.

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

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WHAT, NO FISH? CHANGE YOUR BAIT...
So many fish and so many ways to catch them!
By Mark Beauchesne, Marketing and Promotions Coordinator

I took Tuesday morning off for an early morning fishing trip on Winni. Three-thirty a.m. came mighty early, but I wanted to fish topwater baits. I launched out of Moultonborough and headed south toward the "graveyard." This is an area known for its collection of large rocks, and it's ideal for smallmouth bass: post-spawn smallies use areas like this to feed on crayfish, insects and small fish.

A few casts with a popper in the early morning light brought explosive strikes! This lure is great when the water is relatively flat. But, as the morning progressed, so did the wind. I changed over to a propeller bait called the Tiny Torpedo. This lure makes a bunch of disturbance on the surface. I fought, landed and released several more nice bass in the 17-inch range.

By 8:00, the surface bite slowed down, so I changed over to the old reliable grub-and-jig. This lure is a great imitation of a crayfish. If you fish it correctly, you will eventually hang it up in the rocks. (Here is a trick for you to help prevent lost jigs: When you first come in contact with a rock, make sure it is not a fish before you set the hook. With your rod tip held high, shake the rod tip on a slack line. Most of the time, the jig is only held by the tension you are putting on it.)

By 11:30 I had managed 25 smallies. Not a bad morning of fishing.

This past month has been great fishing on the big lake. I found that the smallmouths in Wolfeboro really like the Zoom Super Fluke. I fished with two friends on Friday the 13th. No bad luck here. We managed over 50 fish, all on the Fluke. We found most of the fish on the edge of the dropoffs, in about 10 feet of water. I think that the heat wave we had earlier in the month moved the fish into to deeper water sooner than normal. No worries -- we figured them out.

I've had a few fishing trips in the kayak this month also. This little boat is so cool. Once it's loaded on the car, I'm free to drop it into the Merrimack after work. I'm really getting used to the idea of not having to maneuver a boat trailer. The kayak is perfect for sneaking back into the little ponds on the river -- the places where the best fishing and wildlife watching can be found.

I targeted black crappie on my latest Merrimack/kayak trip. With the vegetation up now, the crappies can be anywhere. I like to focus on the weed edges. I found an area where the weeds came out from shore 40 feet, and then the water dropped off to 12 feet deep. I went 9 for 9 along this weed edge. 9 casts, 9 fish, all of them on a silly little pink jig. This technique should hold through the summer, so bring along a friend.

Be on the lookout for large mayflies! The "hex" hatch is just around the corner. I will be up on Profile Lake later this week to check on the hatch. This hatch almost always happens the last week of June to around the Fourth of July. Once these big bugs show up, the trout feed heavily on them. Other fish take advantage of them also. Large mayfly imitations like the "usual" should be in your box now. (Don't fly fish? No worries, small poppers will work when the feeding frenzy is on.) Look for these giant mayflies to start hatching in the late evening, known as the magic hour, that last hour before dark. Don't go home too soon or you will miss the action. The hatch will happen well into darkness. Come morning, there will be an unreal amount of nymph shucks on the water, and maybe some adults flying around. This hatch can last up to a week. So lose some sleep and go fishing.

Great fishing!!!
Mark

[Brandon-K]

N.H. WEEKLY FISHING REPORT - July 3, 2008

Today, some tips for catching smallies in a river setting, courtesy of summer staffer Mike Norkun.

Have a happy Independence Day weekend, everyone! Looks like there's some pretty nice weather in store the next few days, so I hope you and your families will have some time on the water along with grilling, parades, and fireworks!

Stocking report: N.H. Fish Stocking Report - N.H. Fish and Game.

Purchase your fishing license online at N.H. Fish and Game Department - Welcome, or from any Fish and Game license agent. 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 Fishing in New Hampshire - N.H. Fish and Game.

If you know someone who might like to sign up for the Fishing Report, send them to Inside Fish and Game - Join a Mailing List.

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

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SEEKING SUMMER SMALLMOUTH
By Mike Norkun, seasonal fisheries staff, Region 4/Keene

The level of the Connecticut River has calmed down since the early spring, and recent daily showers are keeping the water level at a great fishable height. The walleye run is well over, but they are still feeding aggressively if you can get out to the deeper holes and vertical jig. Now is the time to get out for walleye while the baitfish are still really small. The hungry walleye will be looking for a larger meal, like a 1/2 oz chartreuse jighead tipped with a grub. You can also get some decent walleye by trolling crankbaits slowly through areas adjacent to the deep holes.

This is my favorite time to get out for lunker smallmouth on the Connecticut River. The spawn is over, the fish are hungry, and they are typically very aggressive during the evening hours right at sunset until an hour after sunset. The dawn-patrol runs also provide a hot bite, but you've got to get on it early, before the sun. Anyone can get out and catch those 10 to 13-inch smallies, but the nice 4-pounders take a little more work. The smallmouth is a schooling fish, and they tend to school in groups of similar sizes, so if you are out for that lunker, be aware of the size fish you are catching. If you catch a 12-inch fish, most likely the majority of fish in that area are the same size. Regardless of their size, inch for inch, a river smallmouth will outfight one from a lake or pond. These fish spend their lives swimming against current, and they are as toned and strong as a New England Patriots runningback.

I like to move around from spot to spot, targeting woody debris, boulders, ledge rock, gravel, and any change in conditions. For example, if you are floating down the Connecticut River and see a section that seems really muddy, then turns to gravel, fish along that change in habitat. Smallies like to linger in places where habitat shifts. Another ideal spot is to look for rock clusters forming eddies, or causing any change in water velocity. Those lunkers like to tuck right up in those tricky casting spots.

I have found that fishing a crayfish pattern right on the bottom produces bigger fish. Typically I will find a log jam or a rock pile and cast a Booyah Baby Boo jig tipped with a 3-inch Yum plastic crayfish and work every angle really really really slow. The fish are aggressive, but you also have to make that crayfish look real to trick those lunkers. If the water level is up, try casting in one of those spots, let your lure sink, then let the current do the work for you. The bite is really light, it will feel like you're stuck on the bottom, but pull up slowly and hang on for a serious fight. Another great pattern is to throw a black spinner bait with one large teardrop-shaped blade. Again, run the