Well gang, this is it! Though there's lots of fall fishing action still to come, our weekly fishing report is now officially out of season. Read on for a "round-up" of NH fishing activities, and thanks for reading. See you in spring!
Fish New Hampshire and Relax... We have what
you're looking for.
Plenty of action on tap for fall anglers By John Viar, Fisheries Biologist, Region 2/New Hampton
Well, another fishing season has come and gone...or has it? Fall fishing provides some of the best action of the year, with unsurpassed scenery, few or no biting insects, and much less company on the water. And for anglers turned hunters with decreased time for fishing in the fall, consider a "cast and blast" trip combining the best of both worlds -- you'll be glad you did.
Designated trout ponds remain open until October 15, and I can assure you a hike-in trip to a remote pond (click here) catching brookies as bright as the foliage will be a cherished memory. Also, did you know there are nearly 100 lakes and ponds open to trout fishing year round (click here), where trout that haven't seen a line in weeks, maybe months, are now eagerly patrolling the cooling shorelines?
If moving water is your game, check out the rivers and streams open year round (click here), as well as those with special regulations open until the end of October (e.g. Newfound and Merrymeeting rivers) which provide some fantastic seasonal opportunities.
Fall is big bass time; with their upcoming winter period of slowed metabolism and relative inactivity, both large and smallmouth bass are now lined up at the feed trough. Other than possibly the pre-spawn period, some of the largest bass of the season are taken in fall. Work remaining deep vegetation lines for largemouth, and follow the bait schools (perch, smelt) near deeper wintering areas for smallmouth. Jigs shine for both as the water cools (jig/pig for largemouth; vertical jigging baits for smallmouth).
And what would fall be without a chain pickerel and/or northern pike trip? Cool water is actually preferred by these species, especially the larger individuals, which will remain active right through ice up. Those large specimens which seem to have disappeared in the heat of summer all of a sudden terrorize vegetation lines once again, to the chagrin of anything they can get their teeth into.
Don't forget the spinning or fly rod when you grab for the bow or rifle -- double the fun, double the memories in the splendor of a New Hampshire autumn.
Beautiful brookies in North Country streams By Andrew Schafermeyer, Fisheries Biologist, Region 1/Lancaster
Nice smallie, Andy!
I don't really like the idea of a "wrap-up" fishing article because it implies that things should be winding down. In reality, the last week has shown us that summer is still hanging on. With water temperatures experiencing a quick spike, many game fish are responding by feeding aggressively and ultimately benefiting from an extended growing season. Both warm and coldwater fish will provide many more days of great New Hampshire fishing.
Recent electrofishing samples in North Country trout streams have turned up some of the most beautiful brook trout that one can imagine. Trout in Nash Stream are in full spawning color and appear to be spread out all over the watershed. With daylight ending around seven o'clock, an energetic angler can hit some of the late-day hatches and still make it home in time for the Red Sox game.
While fishing a smallmouth pond last Friday, I was pleased to see the water temperature still hovering in the mid-60s. A heavy fog in the morning allowed me to fish some big surface lures like a Zara Spook and a Sammy. The fish were aggressive and hit the surface well past 11 o'clock, when I switched to a heavy-sinking plastic and landed a few more.
With many good opportunities still left to the season, keep your lines tight and stay tuned for some ice fishing reports!
Walleye on the Connecticut By Gabe Gries, Fisheries Biologist, Region 4/Keene
Take advantage of your best opportunity in New Hampshire to catch a 5-pound (or larger) walleye and come fish the Connecticut River in Southern New Hampshire this fall. The river is cooling down nicely and as the weather continues to move into more fall-like conditions, the walleye fishing will only get better. Walleye fishing from mid-September to ice-in can be some of the best of the year.
Although walleye feed actively all summer long, their metabolism rate is high due to the warm water conditions, meaning their weight gain during summer is minimal. As waters cool in fall, the walleye's metabolism slows down and they are able to put on some much-needed weight to ensure adequate winter survival and spring egg production.
Walleye that were scattered during the summer will begin to school in the fall and concentrate in areas that hold large numbers of baitfish. Areas to try include just below dams, the mouths of tributaries, steep ledges, and gravel bars with adjacent deep water. I have been having some luck trolling crankbaits, while other anglers I know swear by using a "walleye spinner harness rig" baited with a night crawler and slowly trolling or drifting. Once you locate a school of walleye, trying bouncing a jig-head and plastic grub on the bottom to maximize your success rate.
...And pike, too! By Mark Beauchesne, Marketing & Promotions
A fabulous summer fishing season has passed. Some new discoveries and some old reliable tactics and fish provided some great new memories and revived good old ones. But wait -- fishing season is far from over! Last weekend I adventured up to the Connecticut River for pike.
I fished two days and landed several pike, along with walleye, bass and perch. The river is my favorite fall fishing hole. Water temps last weekend were in the upper 60s to low 70s, so I'd say the best fishing is yet to come.
Pike and other game fishing will be on the feed over the next month. That means you could catch that fish of a lifetime. Mid-October should be prime time, provided the weather does not get to dramatically cold over the next few weeks.
I'll struggle with splitting my time between hunting, fishing and family. Something will have to give. Like the bumper sticker says, "I'm gonna miss her..."
Pike tactics in the fall include fly fishing or spin fishing. Lures that catch pike are in-line spinners like the Mepps, along with minnow baits and spoons. Flies are big and bright also. For both the fly rod and spinning gear, the tactic is the same: Move the bait fast. Be sure to use some sort of wire leader. You will need it against these toothy critters.
Walleye tactics include bottom bouncing a ball-head jig with a plastic grub. Sometimes I tip the entire thing with a small piece of night crawler. Focus on deeper eddy holes with water depths in the 20-foot range. Walleye can also be taken with trolled lure and spoons, but I prefer the jigging method. These fish are VERY light biters; keep a light touch on your rod to help detect the strike.
Walleye are fabulous in the pan. Keep only what you can use. Please release the rest.
Great fishing!!! Mark
ANGLERS - HELP STOP THE SPREAD OF "ROCK SNOT"
If you're fishing New Hampshire's rivers, keep a sharp eye out for the aquatic nuisance algae known as "Didymo" or "rock snot." This nasty invader has been discovered in the northern reaches of the Connecticut River and potentially is on the move in New Hampshire. Dydimo can infest new areas by even just one cell of the alga breaking off and drifting downstream. It is very easily spread by waders, fishing gear, paddles and any equipment that touches the bottoms of streams in infested areas, so it is critical to check and clean your fishing gear. Do your part to protect New Hampshire's waters.
If you observe Didymo in New Hampshire, contact Amy Smagula at the N.H. Department of Environmental Services: 603-271-2248 or asmagula@des.state.nh.us.
REMINDER FOR LAKE WINNIPESAUKEE BASS ANGLERS:
N.H. Fish and Game continues to count on help from anglers for an ongoing study of the movement of largemouth and smallmouth bass after bass tournament release. Angler captures of tagged bass are the major source of information for this study. Bass are being tagged upon release from tournament weigh-ins at Ames Farm Inn on Lake Winnipesaukee, identified with a numbered yellow tag at the base of the fish's dorsal fin. IF YOU CATCH A TAGGED BASS - PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE THE TAG!!
Bass Movement Study contact: Gabe Gries, Fish and Game Warmwater Fisheries Project Leader: NHFG Region 4, 15 Ash Brook Court, Keene, NH 03431; phone 603-352-9669; fax 603-352-8798; or email ggries@nhfgd.org.
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