N.H. Weekly Fishing Report -- 2009

[Brandon-K]

N.H. WEEKLY FISHING REPORT -- July 2, 2009

This week, fisheries biologist Jason Carrier goes wacky for jerk baits.

Happy Independence Day, everybody! Have a wonderful weekend.

FISH STOCKING: As of this week, fish stocking is complete for the season. For the final list of sites stocked, visit: N.H. Fish Stocking Report - N.H. Fish and Game.

GOT TEENS? DEADLINE 7/10! Thanks to generous benefactors, the cost of the NH Natural Leaders Program, an environmental leadership program that includes a two-week residential camp this summer, is now just $500 (including room and board) for New Hampshire resident youth between the ages of 13-17. The summer camp, based out of Kimball Union Academy in Meriden, N.H., runs July 19 - August 1, 2009. Info and application: Natural Leaders -- Now Just $500 for N.H. Resident Teens - 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. Kids under 16 fish free in N.H.!

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

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SUMMERTIME SOFT PLASTIC JERKS FOR BASS
By Jason Carrier, Fisheries Biologist, Region 4/Keene

There are so many different types of soft jerkbaits on the market today that it can be quite time-consuming just picking out what style, color, or size to purchase at a tackle shop. Soft jerkbaits are probably one of the most popular baits used among bass fisherman today. You would be surprised to peek into a bass angler's boat and not see at least one rod rigged with some sort of soft plastic jerkbait. The two basic styles of soft jerkbaits are the minnow style and the worm style, with many different variations in sizes and shapes. Whatever choice you make, there are multiple ways to fish that jerkbait.

Worm-style jerkbaits rigged "wacky" have been the craze the last few years. This is a plastic worm, usually four to six inches long, hooked right in the middle. This is typically fished weightless; the worm falls horizontally in the water column, and is very effective on fish that are not very active, because of its slow-falling nature. This can be fished around shoreline structure, weed beds, and rocky areas. Wacky rigging is not snag-proof, because the hook point is exposed.

Minnow and worm-style jerkbaits that float, sink, or have neutral buoyancy can be very effective when rigged in these four ways: Carolina, Texas, drop shot, or straight rig (no weight). I don't think I can adequately describe how to set up these rigs here, so you'll want to search the web for examples and diagrams of those you're not familiar with. "Carolina" rigging a worm or minnow bait can be very effective during the summer months; this is usually fished in deeper water near or adjacent to weed edges or main water structures like points or humps, and is slowly dragged or bounced on the bottom. Using a floating worm or minnow will raise your presentation off the bottom, giving it a different look.

"Texas" rigging a jerk bait is very effective when fished in and around heavy cover. The hook point is not exposed, so the bait is practically snag proof. "Drop shot" rigs can be used shallow or deep, and are usually used with a downsized worm or minnow jerkbait, three to four inches in length. This presentation is typically, but not always, used in open water on flats or around main lake structure. Using a "straight rig" is the easiest and most snag-resistant way to rig a soft plastic worm or minnow. This rig allows the angler to really change up the cadence of the bait to let the fish know what they really want.

Two of my most recent fishing trips produced some nice largemouths in and around vegetation. The mornings were calm and I just had to try top-water, but the vegetation was so thick that I needed something that wouldn't get snagged. I went with a floating minnow jerkbait, straight rigged. I just twitched it along the surface of the vegetation, making it look like a struggling minnow. I got many hits on it and managed to boat a fair number of bass once I got the timing of the strike and the hook set down. Once the bass would hit it I had to be patient and wait 2-3 seconds before setting the hook.

Get out on the water this summer and experiment with these different types of rigs for your soft plastic jerkbaits. Try different jerkbait styles, sizes, and colors and find out what works best for you. Good luck!

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P.S. to anglers fishing Lake Winnipesaukee: watch for tagged largemouth and smallmouth bass; they're tagged as part of a NH Fish and Game Warmwater Fisheries Management Program study. For info or to report a tagged bass: Bass Movement Study - N.H. Fish and Game.

[Brandon-K]

N.H. WEEKLY FISHING REPORT -- July 16, 2009

This week, Marine Division staffer Becky Heuss revs up for the arrival of bluefish along New Hampshire's coast.

FISH STOCKING: Stocking is complete for the season. Last week, the Pemigewasset River was stocked in Lincoln, Thornton and Woodstock, and Russell Pond was stocked. Check the stocking page (N.H. Fish Stocking Report - N.H. Fish and Game) for sites stocked over the course of the season.

Purchase your fishing license online at N.H. Fish and Game Department - Welcome, or from any Fish and Game license agent. Kids under 16 fish free in N.H.!

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

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GO FOR BLUEFISH, AND CATCH SOME EXCITEMENT!
By Becky Heuss, Biological Technician

Some of my fondest memories are of the Atlantic coast and bluefish during the summertime. Anglers line the rocky shoreline, shouting, "The blues are running!" Schools of bluefish chase baitfish like Atlantic menhaden or "pogies" into the shallows, and the water erupts with excitement. Each cast brings about another struggle between man and fish. I remember this scene well, but what sticks out in my mind the most is the smell, days afterward, when "pogies" still baked in the sun, having beached themselves during the feeding frenzy. I have not experienced a bluefish "run" since my youth, but I am still able to recapture the excitement each summer aboard the party boats in New Hampshire.

Toward the middle of July, we feel the anticipation of another bluefish season. Well, guess what? They're here! Bluefish, like stripers, will follow baitfish up into the coastal rivers, so they may be caught anywhere from off of the Hampton coast to up in the river by Dover Point, and even in Great Bay at times. Many qualities make bluefish a popular saltwater target. They are a voracious predator and the excitement of a feeding frenzy is hard to match. They are a schooling fish, so where there is one, there are likely to be many more. Blues also put up a good fight -- when you reel them in, watch out for their sharp teeth!

Bluefish have long gotten a bad rap by picky eaters, because they really are tastiest when fresh. After you catch them, eat them within 24 hours; they are an oily fish and can taste "fishy" if left for too long. Try marinating them in milk -- I've been told this is a good way to draw out the oils. There are some that insist the best way to eat a blue is grilled fresh with lemon juice, skin side down to let the oil drip off. They are also good poached, broiled or smoked.

Want to catch some of the excitement but don't have a boat? There are many locations along New Hampshire's coast that are prime real-estate for bluefishing. Check out the new "Take Me Fishing! Seashore Fishing Guide" at http://www.wildnh.com/marine/marine_..._TMF_guide.pdf for some great fishing spots where you can catch bluefish, stripers and other saltwater fish from shore. If you are looking for a day on the water or want some help for your first time bluefishing, join one of the many party boat companies along New Hampshire's coast. They will supply you with bait and bring you right to the blues. (Party boat info: New Hampshire Nautical Links and Deep Sea Fishing, Whale Watch, Sailing and Charter Boats - NH.)

There is no better way to shake off those rainy day blues than a day out fishing. Get out and make some lasting memories with your kids this summer.

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For more about fishing the New Hampshire coast, don't miss the July-August N.H. Wildlife Journal magazine -- Fish and Game's annual coastal issue -- with articles on striped bass, harvesting Great Bay, and more. Read sample articles and subscribe at Wildlife Journal Magazine - N.H. Fish and Game.

And while you're on the shore, don't miss our Great Bay programs for children and families at the Discovery Center on Depot Road in Greenland/Stratham - Explore Great Bay at Summer Programs for Kids and Families - N.H. Fish and Game.

[cold waters]

There are genuine summertime blitzes just outside of the Salem and Beverly harbors, as 25-inch-plus schoolies appear to be feeding on brit herring. Manchester and Magnolia harbors are home to 30-inch fish that have been taking Fin-S Fish lures. And Liz from Surfland had every intention of taking a dip on Plum Island Beach over the weekend but was interrupted by blitzing fish, which quickly called in the cavalry of casters who took mid-to-upper 20-inch fish on topwater plugs, spoons and soft plastics. Again, the forage appears to be brit herring. River herring fry usually don’t tumble into the sea until later on in the summer, around the new moon. Although July 21st, the next new moon, may be worth a try at the mouths of known river herring runs. Under these conditions, I’ve done well with a 5/8-ounce, black Yo-Zuri Mag Darter.
And can anywhere top Great Bay for great saltwater fishing at the moment? It looks as if this is the hottest area around according to Shane of Suds ‘N Soda, where a number of big bass including some 40-pound fish have recently been registered into the shops season long striper tourney. It’s all happening at the Piscatagua River where live mackerel that are jigged up by the 2KR Can are drifted along the river. Three-waying is working well as is fishing with an egg sinker above a swivel. Currents are swift and you’ll need sinkers as heavy as six-ounces. The graveyard shift is doing equally as well with eels. The best locations on the Piscatagua are by the General Sullivan and Rte.95 Bridges. Tuna occasionally storm the Isle of Shoals with mixed sizes of fish from 50 to 200 pounds.

[Brandon-K]

Sorry, missed a couple.
N.H. WEEKLY FISHING REPORT -- July 23, 2009

This week, fisheries tech Christopher Perkins offers a tantalizing trout itinerary for those fishing in New Hampshire's North Country.

Purchase your fishing license online at http://www.FishNH.com, or from any Fish and Game license agent. Kids under 16 fish free in N.H.!

FISH STOCKING: Stocking is complete for the season. Check the stocking page (http://www.fishnh.com/Fishing/fish_stock_current.htm) for sites stocked in 2009.

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

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TROUT AND ABOUT
By Christopher Perkins, Seasonal Fisheries Technician

The relentless rains of June have lifted, and it is finally time to load up the family, dust off the light tackle, and head into the Great North Woods of New Hampshire for cool water and fast fishing.

While heading toward the Kancamagus Highway this weekend, my family decided to break along the East Branch of the Pemigewassett River. While my children played along the bank, I carefully rigged a small plastic power bait jig and tossed it into a nearby shaded hole. To my surprise, it was instantly inhaled by a nice 12-inch rainbow trout! After carefully removing the hook (and giving a quick catch-and-release lesson to my daughter), we decided that it was time to move on to the next spot.

The Kancamagus Highway is stunning this time of year. The mountains are blanketed with soft shades of green and brown and all of its rivers and streams are filled with cool, crystal clear water. There are many stops along the way that get overlooked as productive brook trout fisheries. If you can get to these locations during the week when the crowds are at a minimum, you will reap the rewards.

The Otter Rocks rest area is located on the Hancock Branch and holds a surprising number of fish. It is 5 feet at it deepest point, and there are always numerous fish holding at the base near the highly oxygenated water flow. I caught and released 7 brook trout out of this pool before moving on after just an hour.

As you continue along the highway, the Swift River follows you to your left. The Swift River offers amazing fishing this time of year. You could easily spend all day zipping flies or throwing blue fox spinners (size 1 in gold is my weapon of choice) into all the holes at the lower falls area. I was fortunate to win a light tackle wrestling match with a 16-inch beauty. Yes, you heard me correctly, a 16-inch brook trout. The Swift is heavily stocked with sizeable brook trout every year, and this year there were many additional surplus fish added as well. Life is good in the North Country.

As fantastic summer fishing finally gets underway, it's difficult to imagine that hunting season is already around the corner. As fly fishermen and light tackle enthusiasts match wits with the Eastern brook trout, bowhunting enthusiasts are changing strings and sighting pins. Well, that's the New Hampshire outdoors for you. So much to do...so little time.

(Christopher Perkins of Alexandria, N.H. has been employed with Fish and Game for the past 2 years, assisting with the Eastern Brook Trout Joint Venture as a seasonal fisheries technician, and is a volunteer for the various anadromous fish restoration projects.)

[Brandon-K]

N.H. WEEKLY FISHING REPORT -- July 30, 2009

This week, coldwater fisheries project leader Dianne Timmins returns to her post with a fresh outlook on fishing, reflecting on her childhood experiences and planning some fishing adventures for her family as her new baby gets older.

Purchase your fishing license online at http://www.FishNH.com, or from any Fish and Game license agent. Kids under 16 fish free in N.H.!

FISH STOCKING: Stocking is complete for the season. Check the stocking page (http://www.fishnh.com/Fishing/fish_stock_current.htm) for sites stocked in 2009.

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

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A NEW PERSPECTIVE:
It's never too soon to plan a child's first fishing adventure

By Dianne Timmins, Fisheries Biologist, Region 1/Lancaster

I remember my mom taking me fishing on Powwow Pond (Kingston) with my brothers. We'd purchase worms and head out for a morning or afternoon of targeting perch, with the bonus being a hefty smallmouth or largemouth bass. I remember my brother Kurt's interest fading the fastest and brother Jay was not big into worms, but I could have stayed all day or night long. If it wasn't for the biplane-sized mosquitoes, I think we would have. We'd also do some fishing on Kingston Lake (Great Pond) and catch sunfish. It has been a long time since I have angled those waterbodies, but rumor has it they still provide good warmwater fisheries.

Now it's my turn to pass on the tradition: I'm a new mom with a fourteen-week-old daughter. In recent months, adult conversation and thoughts of fisheries were not a part of my immediate world. Two weeks ago, I returned to my work as a fisheries biologist and Coldwater Project Leader for NH Fish and Game. Now that I am back, I see things in a whole new way...

At home in the evening, when I stare down into my daughter's eyes and she flashes her full-hearted smile, I can't help but think of what it will be like to take her fishing. I will start out as my mom did, with warmwater areas like Burns Lake and Forest Lake, both in Whitefield. There's nothing like sweet success to get a child hooked on fishing. Start by targeting sunfish and then moving into more challenging gamefish like bass, pickerel and pike. Another area to try is Partridge Lake in Littleton, where Fish and Game's most recent netting results indicated populations of both smallmouth and largemouth bass, above-average sized brown bullheads (catfish/horned pout), pickerel, pike and, of course, sunfish.

Then, I'll get my little girl into brook trout fishing, starting with small streams and moving into larger rivers. We can head out to the Ellis River in Jackson -- or any small headwater stream, for that matter. Electrofishing surveys show that Ellis River contains only brook trout in its headwaters. We might start there, where the stream channel is narrow, and target pool habitats. I'll explain to her the importance of various types of habitats and how each one plays a critical role in a fish's life cycle. She will most likely call me a biology nerd or something, but I will still enjoy explaining what I do for work.

As my daughter gets older, I'll call on my husband to assist in teaching her how to fly-fish. He is the one who taught me, and I am still learning new bits and pieces each time I go. We can then take family trips to the Connecticut River or the Androscoggin. Perhaps we'll head south to the Pemigewasset. The East Branch parallels the Kancamagus Highway. It will be fun to show her all our favorite parts of New Hampshire as she gets older, exploring each lake, river and mountain trail in turn.

All of a sudden, a coo and squeak break my concentration. I look down to a little chubba with eyes full of glee. "Hi there!" I exclaim. "I was just thinking of you."

[Brandon-K]

N.H. WEEKLY FISHING REPORT -- August 6, 2009

This week, fisheries biologist Gabe Gries tells the story of Forest Lake in Winchester, where anglers came together to solve an access problem, and are today once again able to enjoy a fantastic fishery.

Purchase your fishing license online at N.H. Fish and Game Department - Welcome, or from any Fish and Game license agent. Kids under 16 fish free in N.H.!

FISH STOCKING: Stocking is complete for the season. Check the stocking page (N.H. Fish Stocking Report - N.H. Fish and Game) for sites stocked in 2009.

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

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Community Action Brings Back Public Access at Forest Lake in Winchester
By Gabe Gries, Fisheries Biologist, Region 4/Keene

Forest Lake in Winchester is a beautiful 87-acre waterbody located in Southwestern NH, 7 miles from the Massachusetts border and 12 miles south of Keene. The lake has always been a very popular fishing location for local and out-of-state anglers and for anglers that stay at the Forest Lake Campground. A privately-owned boat launch allowed boaters access to the lake for decades until it was closed in 2004.

Prior to the boat ramp closure, the lake offered a wonderful two-story (cold and warmwater) fishery which was made up of largemouth bass, chain pickerel, brown trout and rainbow trout. With the boat ramp closure in 2004, trout stocking was discontinued, as the general public no longer had reasonable access to Forest Lake. The closure was followed by a huge outcry from local anglers, now unable to access one of their favorite trout and bass waters.

In an effort to regain public boat access to Forest Lake, the NH Fish and Game Department made attempts in 2005 to purchase a small parcel of land containing the existing boat ramp. Unfortunately, the purchase was never finalized and it looked as if public boat access to Forest Lake would remain a memory.

That all changed in 2009! Sue LaPoint, a local sportswoman, and President of the Mt. Pisgah Sportsmen's Club in Winchester, decided that local anglers had waited long enough. She began talking with the landowner, town officials, local businesses, and area residents in an attempt to have the Sportsmen's Club purchase the property surrounding the boat ramp. Sue worked tirelessly on this endeavor and was met with support and positive feedback from all she contacted.

After months of meetings, discussions and planning, the sub-division needed in order to purchase the property was approved by the NH Department of Environmental Services and the town of Winchester. Effective July 17, 2009, the Mt. Pisgah Sportsmen's Club became the proud new owners of the "Phillips/Conant Public Boat Ramp" on Forest Lake. Financial assistance with the purchase was also provided by a number of area businesses and individuals within the community.

"We couldn't have done this without the support of the community, the previous landowner (Margaret Conant), and various donors," said LaPoint.

On July 22, brown and rainbow trout were stocked again in the lake for the first time in five years! The NH Fish and Game Department will continue to offer the Club suggestions on parking location strategies and any advice they might need on boat ramp maintenance. The Forest Lake Improvement Association and the Winchester Conservation Commission are offering their support as well.

Area anglers are excited to once again be able to wet a line in Forest Lake. Sean Graves, a bass angler from Chesterfield, stopped by the office this week to make sure that the ramp had been re-opened. "I am thrilled that the Mt. Pisgah Sportsmen's Club is so supportive of local anglers. I can't wait to take my son fishing there," said Graves.

The Sportsmen's Club members, of which there are 70, hold fundraisers throughout the year in order to provide support to local youth and community organizations. Among other community activities, they host a "Christmas in the Park" event, an Easter Egg hunt, two youth fishing derbies, and a "learn to fly-fish" event each year.

When I talked with Sue LaPoint a few days ago, she was thrilled with the purchase. "We received overwhelming assistance, both financial and otherwise, to make this happen. This community always seems to come together to support projects like this," LaPoint said. "Happy fishing and safe boating," she added.

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@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.

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