CONTACT:
Steve Perry, Fisheries: (603) 271-2501
Sandra Falicon: (603) 271-3511   
Jane Vachon: (603) 271-3211
July 13, 2007

Hearing Set for Proposed 2008 Freshwater Fishing Rules

CONCORD, N.H. -- Freshwater anglers should note that the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department will hold a public hearing on proposed changes in the regulations affecting 2008 freshwater fishing in New Hampshire on Tuesday, July 24, 2007, at 6:30 p.m., at Fish and Game headquarters on Hazen Drive in Concord. 

N.H. Fish and Game is proposing the following changes to the fish rules for 2008:

• Add definitions for "a cast of artificial flies" and "manmade opening" (the latter reference is to ice-fishing);
• Prohibit the branching of a line for taking fish and the use of a gaff to take fish from freshwater;
• Allow cusk fishing devices to be used only on waters where cusk can be found;
• Change the daily limit for brook trout in Dublin Lake, Dublin, from "3 fish" to "3 fish or 5 pounds of fish, whichever limit is reached first";
• Reduce the minimum size limit for lake trout in South Pond in Stark from 18 inches to 15 inches;
• Allow a single barbed hook on artificial lures in all waters managed for "delayed harvest," which includes portions of the Cocheco River, Lamprey River, and South Branch Piscataquog River;
• Implement catch-and-release regulations on a portion of the Diamond River;
• Make changes to the New Hampshire/Maine interstate water fishing rules to:
  • change boundary descriptions for Horn Pond and the Salmon Falls River;
  • change the ice fishing season to January 1 - March 31;
  • change the closing time for taking smelt at night from 10 p.m. to midnight;
  • change the open water fishing season  in the Salmon Falls River to January 1 - December 31; and
  • change the area of Lake Umbagog that is closed to ice fishing.
    

Another proposed rule being discussed at the hearing would allow the Department to adopt previously effective rules that have expired and to readopt with no changes those that will be expiring at various times in 2008.  These rules affect persons taking bait, bait dealers and persons participating in the trophy and state record fish programs.  This item does not propose any changes to what is in current rule or had previously existed in rule.

For the complete fishing rulemaking notice forms, with original and proposed rule language, click here.

Written comments on the proposed changes may be submitted by August 3, 2007.  E-mail to comments@wildlife.nh.gov (please specify  "Comments on Fishing Rules" in subject line); fax to (603) 271-1438; or mail to Executive Director, N.H. Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301. 

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department is the guardian of the state's fish, wildlife and marine resources and their habitats.

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