NH WEEKLY FISHING REPORT -- April 4, 2008

[Brandon-K]

N.H. WEEKLY FISHING REPORT - JULY 31, 2008

In today's report, we hear about huge lake trout coming out of Lake Nubanusit and get some savvy advice for bass fishing during the dog days of summer in southwestern N.H.

Purchase your fishing license online at N.H. Fish and Game Department - Welcome, or from any Fish and Game license agent. Don't forget -- kids under 16 fish free in N.H.

Fish stocking is done for the season. Previous stocking reports can be seen at N.H. Fish Stocking Report - N.H. Fish and Game.

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.

Head for the coast on August 16-17, 2008 -- Kayak race, lobster bake and striper tournament to benefit the Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve and other organizations working together to protect the estuary. Visit Celebrate the Bay, Benefiting the Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. August 16th - 17th, 2008.

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.

--------------------------------------

LUNKER LAKE TROUT AND BASS ACTION
By Michael Racine/Gabe Gries, Region 4 Fisheries Biologists, Monadnock/Upper Valley Region

Downriggers? Who needs those for lake trout and salmon in the middle of the summer? Apparently not Don LaValley of Swanzey. On July 9, Don managed to boat a lake trout from Nubanusit Lake that weighed 25 lb. 10 oz., was 39 and 3/4 inches long and had a girth of 23 and 3/4 inches. This fish was actually a quarter-inch longer than the state record lake trout, but fell shy in weight by 2 lbs., 14 oz. Don could have had himself the state record if this fish had snacked on a few stocked rainbows before getting caught, but Don was out of luck, as its stomach was empty. If my memory serves me right from geometry class many years ago, the diameter of this fish is over 7 and 1/2 inches! Try pulling that through an 8-inch hole ice fishing! Don tells us he had a couple hundred feet of wire line out trolling - no different in depth than if he had been using downriggers. We keep scratching our heads at the Region 4 office, wondering how many big fish Nubanusit Lake actually holds.

The landlocked salmon stocking initiative that was started in 2006 at Nubanusit Lake has already produced salmon reaching up to 23 inches this year. We plan on conducting forage fish assessments here this summer, followed by fall netting to assess salmon and rainbow trout growth and survival. So get out there and try your luck for lakers, salmon and the thousands of rainbow trout stocked annually. Oh yeah, don't forget about the great smallmouth bass fishing, too.

Lake trout anglers in southwestern New Hampshire have another option for catching big fish. Silver Lake in Harrisville produced larger-size lakers this past winter than in previous winters. A lucky angler at the beginning of June landed a 15-lb. 2-oz., 36 and 1/2-inch lake trout from Silver Lake while trolling, and a 13-lb. lake trout was caught in July. Anglers living in southwestern New Hampshire can consider saving some gas and fishing locally.

BEAT THE HEAT BY GOING BASSIN'
For anglers wishing to fish smaller waterbodies, the options are plentiful. Since we are in the "dog days" of summer, let's concentrate on bass lakes/ponds. Options for big largemouth bass abound all over southwestern New Hampshire. Locations to target include Warren Lake (Alstead), Highland Lake (Stoddard), Island Pond (Stoddard), Greg Lake (Antrim), Scott Pond (Fitzwilliam), Wilson Pond (Swanzey) and Potanipo Lake (Brookline).

Don't be afraid to fish thick aquatic vegetation, especially if it is isolated, during the middle of a hot summer day. Vegetation not only provides cover and shade for big bass, but also draws in smaller fish for the bass to eat. Keep your boat a safe distance away so you don't spook the fish and flip a jig or softbait to the edge of the vegetation. You can also do well by using your trolling motor to slowly maneuver towards any small openings in the vegetation and then gently dropping a jig. This is not for the faint of heart and requires a heavy action rod and line of at least 20-lb test. If it is too hot out for you during the day, try fishing your favorite bass pond at night. Headlamps and flashlights are a must for this, and make sure you are very familiar with the waterbody before venturing out after dark. Try dark-colored spinnerbaits, large rubber worms or topwater lures.

For those who prefer the high-flying antics of smallmouth bass, you won't be disappointed with the options or results. The Connecticut River, Spofford Lake (Spofford), Pleasant Lake (Francestown), Spofford Lake (Chesterfield) and Sand Pond in Marlow are just a few places to try. Look to try spinnerbaits and crankbaits on windy days and stick to "finesse" methods when the weather is calm.

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 (352-9669; or reg4@wildlife.nh.gov) if you have any questions.

For a list of popular water bodies to fish for by species, please consult the "Suggested Fishing Locations for the Monadnock Region/Southwest N.H," which can be found at Suggested Fishing Locations: Monadnock Region/Southwest N.H. - N.H. Fish and Game.

[Brandon-K]

N.H. WEEKLY FISHING REPORT - August 7, 2008

In today's report, fisheries biologist Andrew Schafermeyer finds a sunny side for anglers during this soggy summer season -- in some ways, the wet weather creates good conditions for fish.

Purchase your fishing license online at N.H. Fish and Game Department - Welcome, or from any Fish and Game license agent. Don't forget -- kids under 16 fish free in N.H.

Speaking of which... Have you taken any great pictures of your kids fishing this summer? Enter the Kids Fishing Photo Contest, co-sponsored by Fish and Game and NH-based Kidz Rule USA magazine. A great snapshot of your child or grandchild (under age 13) 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.

Fish stocking is done for the season. Previous stocking reports can be seen at N.H. Fish Stocking Report - 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.

><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><>

THOSE RAIN CLOUDS MAY HAVE A SILVER LINING
By Andrew Schafermeyer, Fisheries Biologist, Region1/Lancaster

For those familiar with my fishing column, you'll know that I always stress change. In order to regularly catch fish in New Hampshire, anglers must be prepared to move around, try new baits, explore new waterbodies, and target different species. In following with this theme, anytime I write about fishing in August, I'll try to suggest good bass ponds or hotspots for horned pout. It seems that trout fishermen often have to put their efforts on hold as low water with high temperatures make trout a very difficult target. 2008 is proving to be a very different season.

It's possible that this year will go down as the wettest on record. This can mean many different things for trout anglers. One of the most obvious conclusions is that water levels are such that fish have access to a lot of habitat. In-stream structure that may not always be available this time of year might now provide refuge for weary fish. Those fish normally restricted to pool habitat could now be found in any combination of areas, including undercut banks or overhanging vegetation.

The water temperatures associated with many rain events can be very helpful to fish that normally struggle through our hottest months. When fish are living in non-stressful conditions, they feed and grow at a more efficient rate. This may translate into some aggressive feeding patterns and bouts of productive fishing.

Insects can also benefit from a rainy season. Anyone with a basic understanding of coldwater fishing can respect the relationship between our trout and the bugs they eat. High water provides nutrient inputs of many kinds, including an increased insect population that may include mayflies, stoneflies, and caddisflies.

WHEN DOES A LOT OF RAIN BECOME TOO MUCH RAIN?

One of the disadvantages of heavy rain events can be washouts of roads and culverts. This type of dramatic stream change can cause major sedimentation and habitat destruction. As fish become stressed and struggle to navigate heavy flows, they respirate more and their gills may not filter heavy sediment, making the oxygen exchange inefficient or impossible. Sediment may also be harmful if it covers valuable substrate necessary for spawning or maintaining insect life.

High water may also present challenges to anglers as they walk in and around fast currents. Water that may have been safe to wade through one day may be treacherous the next. A constant or steady rain may also make rocks and boulders slippery and unsafe. If you don't have a wading staff, find a stout piece of beaver-chewed aspen to help steady yourself while walking through water.

Don't let the wet weather keep you from getting outside to fish -- just be careful around the water, and you may find there's some unusually good fishing to be had during this soggy summer.

[Brandon-K]

N.H. WEEKLY FISHING REPORT - August 14, 2008

Today, fisheries biologist Don Miller and fisheries pathologist Dr. Joel Bader report from the Lakes Region.

Purchase your fishing license online at N.H. Fish and Game Department - Welcome, or from any Fish and Game license agent. Don't forget -- kids under 16 fish free in N.H.

Head for the coast this weekend (August 16-17) for the Celebrate the Bay event, including a kayak race, lobster bake and striper tournament to benefit the Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve and other organizations working together to protect the estuary. Visit Celebrate the Bay, Benefiting the Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. August 16th - 17th, 2008.

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.

Fish stocking is done for the season. Previous stocking reports can be seen at N.H. Fish Stocking Report - 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.

><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><>

BIG LAKES REPORT
By Donald R. Miller, Region 2 Fisheries Biologist

Summer in the lakes region has certainly been wet. At Lakeport Dam, the area has received almost 8 inches of rain since August 1!! Lake levels are well above full pool, with much debris and silt in the lakes. The lake temperature has dropped 4 degrees in the past week. The good news: anglers who've been able to get out and fish before the onset of our many thunderstorms have done well on landlocked salmon, rainbows and lake trout. The thermocline (the water depth where a cool layer below meets a warmer layer above) has set up well, approximately 35 feet down from the surface. DB and the popular Guide spoons have accounted for the majority of the catches. My fellow biologist John Viar has done well on Winnipesaukee, using small flies and a jigging box. If you don't have a jig box, don't despair. Just pick up that rod and use good old-fashioned arm power to impart the fleeting action on the flies. Colors, I will leave up to the individual angler, as we all know the fish will
hit the lure or fly that is currently tied to your line. I try to not waste time changing spoons or flies, usually only as a last resort when all else fails.

Our new Fish and Game boat access facility recently opened on Lake Winnisquam and has been well received by the public. Winnisquam is loaded with lake trout. Troll 6 to 7 colors of lead core with a Sutton or the aforementioned spoons and you will catch trout. Try to stay in water 60-80 feet deep, as lake trout like to stay near structure.

><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><>

SUMMER BASS FISHING
By Dr. Joel A. Bader, Fisheries Pathologist

Most anglers agree bass fishing is best in the spring and fall seasons. As a tournament bass fisherman, however, summer is one of my favorite times. Fishing in the summer can be slow, but it is always rewarding.

During the last few weeks, I have found surface waters to be very warm during the day in the larger two-tier fishery lakes ("two-tier" is a waterbody that contains both warmwater and coldwater species). The optimal temperatures for the smallmouth bass are between 65-75 degrees F and 75-85 degrees F for largemouth. Waters that contain temperatures around 75-80 degrees F will most likely contain both species. These temperatures have forced the smallmouth deep. Most of my fish have come from depths from 15 to 30 feet, in areas where I find optimal bass feeding temperatures. They tend to be schooled around rocks piles and hunting in small groups around boulders. Almost always bait schools are present or they have been feeding on crayfish. Fish have been taken with Carolina-rigged lizards, drop-shotted worms, tube jigs and swim jigs. Sinko-type baits and creature baits have also accounted for my early limits.

The warmwater lakes and ponds are higher than normal because of all the rain and the floods. The high water levels have forced the largemouth out of their summer ambush points below weed beds, docks and floating swim platforms (in 10-12 feet of water), up into shallow new habitat, less than 10 feet of water. This new shallow habitat is rich with food and places for hitting baitfish. The flooding has caused a feeding frenzy and a well-delivered bait cast up, almost onto the bank, will account for the majority of your better fish. My best limits have come from fishing Texas-rigged Sinko-type baits, creature baits, topwater frog-baits. A good rule for catching largemouth this season: Floods drive fish up and droughts drive fish down.

If you're doing any bass fishing on Lake Winnipesaukee this summer and you land a tagged fish, don't forget to contact Fish and Game. Check out the latest on our bass tagging and movement study, with updates including date of release, date of recapture and distance moved: BMS--Recapture Updates - N.H. Fish and Game.

[cold waters]

On the north shore bluefish up to 10 pounds have made for some exciting surf and boat fishing from Marblehead to the Parker River Wildlife Reservation. Morning blitzes have caused anglers to dash from their cars, flailing Ranger Roberts and other top water plugs to mix it up with some toothies. I’m sure that more than a few have been late for work, weary but grateful. Joppa Flats has been quiet except for smaller fish, with the larger linesiders in the area falling in the Merrimack River for live pogies. Tuna occasionally are spotted skyrocketing through the air just outside of Thatchers Island in Gloucester and Andrews Point in Rockport.
“Take it to the River” is the mantra being spouted lately by Kyle Walsh of Suds and Soda in Greenland, New Hampshire. Bouncing chunks along the bottom of the Piscataqua River is the key to picking off summer doldrums stripers. On slack tide or just as it begins to ebb, you can often elect no sinker and still do well, but when the tide is ripping, you’ll need up to 6 ounces of lead. An egg sinker, barrel swivel and two-feet of fluorocarbon leader is the preferred practice in the Piscataqua. Some do well off the Route 4 Bridge or General Sullivan Bridge with chunks or eels. And the twilight crowd chunk up cows off the Hampton and Rye beaches with mackerel or pogies.
Southern Maine is not immune to the bluefish invasion, as some decent-sized blues have put a bead on the mackerel schools in the Saco Bay area. Bass fishing is a bit on the ropes since commercial seiners broke up the pogy schools last week. Similar to New Hampshire, the better action is taking place come nightfall along beaches such as Old Orchard and Higgins as well as Scarborough Marsh. Casters catch their share with Yo-Zuri Crystal Minnow Magnums in holographic black at night. Anglers fishing Tantas Ledge are telling tales of being spooled by either giant tuna or sharks while fishing for school bluefin.

[Brandon-K]

N.H. WEEKLY FISHING REPORT -- AUGUST 21, 2008

Today, angling enthusiast Mark Beauchesne reports on finding success in cool waters that are keeping the fishing lively in New Hampshire lakes and ponds this summer.

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

Check out Fish and Game's hot fishing tips on streaming video at Fish and Game Channel - streaming video - N.H. Fish and Game. Delectable pike, landlock salmon, motorcycle fishing, N.H. smelt, Winnipesaukee bass, Winnisquam access and more!

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 stocking is done for the season. Previous stocking reports can be seen at N.H. Fish Stocking Report - N.H. Fish and Game.

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

><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><>

PRODUCTIVE FISHING ON N.H. PONDS AND LAKES THIS AUGUST
By Mark Beauchesne, Marketing and Promotions Coordinator

The forecast is for sunny fishing weather. I don't know about you, but I did not hear that forecast much in the past month. No doubt the recent rain limited the amount of fishing trips I took... of course, "limited," for me, means fewer than two trips a week!

In a typical year, fishing during the month of August (for me) means hitting the rivers. Normally, I would have been on the Merrimack, Connecticut and Contoocook rivers. No way was that happening THIS August; with flows higher than this past spring's runoff, I kept to the lakes and ponds for the most part. (A river safety advisory was issued on August 14; view it at Safety Advisory Issued for Swimmers, Canoeists, Kayakers -- N.H. Fish and Game.)

Rain is not all bad when it comes to fishing -- it lowered the water temps to nearly early spring levels. Conditions are ideal on many of New Hampshire's trout ponds. Most years, too many folks stop fishing these ponds after July because the water gets too warm. Not so this summer.

Bodies of water like Profile Lake had water temps reading in the upper 50s for mid-August -- unheard of! The word on Profile is there are some BIG brookies being caught from kayaks trolling weighted flies and streamers. I will probably get in trouble for giving up the hot fly. But, hey, I want you to experience this cool fishery. A No. 8 woolly bugger with extra flash is getting the attention of the "breeders" in Profile.

I kayaked Hopkins Pond in Andover this past weekend. This was a sightseeing tour, no fishing. But I did take note of the cool water temperatures and noticed several fish coming to the surface. There are dozens of off-the-beaten-path ponds like Hopkins that are worth exploring by kayak or canoe. Throw in a float tube and the pond is yours.

For a listing of New Hampshire's "remote" ponds, visit
Remote Trout Fisheries in N.H. - N.H. Fish and Game. This is just a listing -- there are no directions or map coordinates. That part is up to you. But with tools like Google Maps, you will be able to find your way to these gems. Many of them are hike-in only. Be sure you are prepared with proper equipment and physical ability for these hike-in ponds.

Warmwater ponds always fish well in August...add the cooler water temperatures and you have the recipe for a fun time. My local favorite, Turtle Pond, did not disappoint this month. Having this great warmwater fishery just minutes from downtown Concord is so convenient for anyone in the area. This is not the first time I have boasted about this pond. There is a great parking area and plenty of space for some shorebank angling. The last trip out, we managed to boat enough black crappie for a fish fry for both families. We worked the weed edge with the smallest curltail grub I could find. I could not tell you if color made a difference, since we never changed from the olive/brown grub.

Mixed in were a number of nice bluegills -- "nice" meaning 10 inches plus! When pitted against ultralight tackle, bluegills are a challenge. No doubt they pull hard, I'd say as hard as fish twice their size. Turtle Pond is also home to largemouth bass. We managed to hook a few by accident. After a long struggle, I landed one that went 16 inches. Not bad for fishing ultra-light.

Without meaning to sound redundant, there are plenty of ponds around the state that are very much like Turtle Pond. Check out our lists of suggested fishing locations at Fishing in New Hampshire - N.H. Fish and Game.

I also managed a few bass-fishing trips to New Hampshire's big lakes this summer. In fact, I almost hit them all. The new launch on Winnisquam is just amazing. I had a slight challenge with the center dock -- I guess it's just getting used to the idea that there is dock on both sides of the boat. After overcoming that, I realized just how well designed this launch is. I love it. In fact, I fished more this past month on Winnisquam than I did in the past three years.

No doubt Lake Winnisquam has some great rainbows and lake trout -- I've seen and hooked them in the winter during ice fishing season. A big surprise for many anglers is the high-quality smallmouth bass in the lake. A good map will get you to the humps and mid-lake structure that hold summertime smallies. We found fish in 8-18 feet of water. On one hump, we hooked fish in water as deep as 23 feet. Personally, I'm not all that crazy about bass fishing in 20 or more feet of water -- but it works when you find them.

Largemouth bass are also found in good numbers on Winnisquam. By the time August comes around, the weed lines are well defined. We found one such weed line in 12 feet of water, with a dropoff to 25 feet running alongside the weed edge. Needless to say, we did not leave this spot all afternoon. We managed a bunch of largemouth -- up to three pounds apiece.

Before I let you off the hook, keep some time open this fall. No doubt the rivers will be fishing better than ever. Think about it, for the major part of the summer the rivers had very little pressure. You will find me in Pittsburg this fall. Cool air and brightly colored brook trout competing with the foliage for artistic bragging rights. It doesn't get any better than that!

Great fishing!!!
Mark

Don't forget -- if you're doing any bass fishing on Lake Winnipesaukee this summer and you land a tagged fish, be sure to contact Fish and Game. You can print a reporting form to send in and see the latest data from our bass tagging and movement study at Bass Movement Study - N.H. Fish and Game.

[Brandon-K]

N.H. WEEKLY FISHING REPORT -- AUGUST 28, 2008

Reporting in from the seacoast, Marine Biologist Kevin Sullivan says its been a bit of an unusual year for saltwater anglers, but if you go with the flow, there's always something biting!

The Intermediate Fly Fishing Workshop for women September 26-28 at Purity Spring Resort in Madison, N.H., still has space, so spread the word. Registration form and course description are at the Becoming an Outdoors-Woman website at Welcome to Becoming an OutDoors Woman in New Hampshire or call (603) 271-3212.

Fish and Game's boat ramp on Turtletown Pond (aka Turtle Pond) in Concord, N.H., will be closed for repairs from September 8-30. The boat launch will be closed, but the canoe/kayak area and parking will be available on weekends from 4:00 p.m. Friday through Sunday evening.

Check out Fish and Game's hot fishing tips on streaming video at Fish and Game Channel - streaming video - N.H. Fish and Game.

Fish stocking is done for the season. Previous stocking reports are posted at 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. 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.

-----------------------------

NOT YOUR AVERAGE FISHING TRIP
By Kevin Sullivan, Marine Biologist, N.H. Fish and Game Department

The mid-summer months on New Hampshire's seacoast are generally slower and anglers have to work a little harder at locating the fish and enticing a bite, but it's no secret that this summer the fishing has been TOUGH! We have had a few sporadic events where the big stripers have been hitting hard and consistently for about a week, but then the fishing seems to turn off completely. In addition, the bluefish were extremely late arriving, although they are finally here in large numbers now.

So what is the coastal angler to do at times like these? ...Change your target! Versatility is key, and a good fisherman knows that if the fish you intended to catch aren't biting, there are plenty others that will.


SWITCH TO FLOUNDER

Shore fisherman who generally target striped bass from the bridges and jetties may consider targeting flounder or cunner instead. We have interviewed anglers fishing in the Hampton Harbor area this summer, who have had fairly nice catches of both blackbacks (winter flounder) and fluke (summer flounder). To target the winter flounder, as always, you should use long-shanked hooks baited with very thin strips of clams or seaworms, and double your odds by using a spreader rig.

Fluke, on the other hand, have much larger mouths and are very aggressive, so they can be caught on larger lures, like jigs or chunked herring. However, my favorite method is to try to locate live mummichogs at your local bait shop, or, better yet, obtain a coastal harvester's permit from the N.H. Fish and Game Department and catch your own. If you are able to find some mummichogs, fish them in the same way you would fish a freshwater shiner for bass. I recommend a small hook through the upper jaw, approximately 24 inches of leader and a small egg sinker so the fish will remain near the bottom, but is still free to swim. A great spot to try this method for fluke is in the Blackwater River in Seabrook, or at either of the railroad trestles in Hampton.


GO FOR BLUES OR GROUNDFISH

If you're fishing from a boat and are having a difficult time catching striped bass, try finding the bluefish. First cruise the harbors and shoreline looking for any working birds. If you can't see birds, it doesn't necessarily mean the blues aren't around, but I can tell you that it is going to be a little harder to find them!

On days like these, you might want to consider going for groundfish instead. Take out your chart and try to locate inshore "humps" where the groundfish will congregate, even through the summer months. The easiest way to find these areas is to find contour lines on the chart where the depth rises from 200+ feet to about 100 to 120 feet. There are plenty of these areas well inside the usual offshore location of Jeffreys Ledge. When groundfishing on nice days, when the wind and current allow, it is best to start at the peak of the rise and drift off the edge, making sure to keep your bait or jig just off the bottom as it slopes down. These inshore areas can produce keeper codfish, plenty of Pollock, and the occasional Atlantic wolfish and hake. If you are able to land a cod on one of these inshore locations, you will be amazed at the coloration of what is known to fisherman as "Rock Cod." The usual pale brown cod caught offshore don't compare to these fish, which will be
bright cardinal red or even purple at times, but don't be fooled -- it's the same fish.


CATCH A STRIPER BEFORE THEY TAKE OFF

Finally, for those die-hard striped bass anglers, hopefully there will be some light at the end of the tunnel, because the summer is ending and, as we all know, the southern migration will be beginning shortly (September/October). This time of year allows the coastal angler to see just how big those cow stripers become after feeding all summer. Fall fishing for striped bass is generally best just outside the harbors and along the immediate coastline as the fish begin to group up before heading south. Night fishing along the sandy beaches (Wallis Sands, Jenness Beach, North Hampton Beach) works great for large fish, and the bait of choice is usually chunked mackerel or live eels.

----------------------------------------

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

[Brandon-K]

N.H. WEEKLY FISHING REPORT - September 4, 2008

In today's report, fisheries biologist Andrew Schafermeyer is thinking ahead -- to the fall and winter fishing opportunities created by stocking of surplus hatchery fish.

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.

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

><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><>

SURPLUS HATCHERY FISH: STOCKING NOW MAKES FOR BETTER LATE-SEASON ANGLING...AND ICE-FISHING THIS WINTER

By Andrew Schafermeyer, Fisheries Biologist, Region 1/ Lancaster

"Fish culture" -- the art and science of cultivating fish -- has made progress in many exciting ways. From nutritional breakthroughs to genetic advancements, the process of raising coldwater fish in New Hampshire is efficient and sound. Like any production involving large numbers, however, calculating and planning is never perfect. An outcome of this mathematical shortfall can be lower-than-expected target numbers... or sometimes, the happy opposite: surplus fish.

What's considered an acceptable margin of error for us fisheries folks may turn out to be an advantage to anglers. As regularly scheduled stocking concludes in summer, fish culturists, biologists, and Conservation Officers plan for the best use of extra fish. Because it's fall, ice-fishing destinations become great candidates for surplus hatchery-raised fish. Often older, larger, or broodstock fish, these