The snowmelt has shop owners euphoric as access coupled with warm weather is translating to increased effort—which means folks are buying bait again! The chosen bait for Winnipesauke white perch is a grub stuck on a Clam drop jig. A shiner suspended just above a school of crappie in Pawtuckaway Lake shouldn’t last long. For a brook trout best bet, Maine’s Lower Range Pond is the place for you.
New Hampshire Fishing Report
Jim was covering for AJ, who was making like a snowbird in more southern climes when we spoke. The question on nearly everyone’s lips is, “Where are the perch”? White perch of course! Jim gave me an alternative answer for those who believe Winnipesauke is code for white perch, namely Pemigewasset Pond. Flying somewhat under the broad radar of the big lake is this smaller pond where the perch are somewhat easier to find since there are only a few drop-offs in it and it is there you’re most likely to find the perch. Of course something can be said for big water/big fish and if nothing Winnipesauke is known for monstrous white perch thanks to the robust rainbow smelt population. Jim suggests Melvin Village as a good starting point for perch. Lakers have drifted off more to deeper water. If you prefer targeting rainbow trout than look for inlets which are just beginning to flow.
Jason from Suds ‘N Soda weighed in a corker calico recently which was all but a shiner away from the state record. Mike Lynch slammed the slab, which taped out at 17″ and weighed 2.99 pounds! The fish hit a jig/grub combo at Pawtuckaway Lake. For a chance at catching your own crappies Jason suggests you look for suspending fish over humps. A few white perch have been caught recently at the Lamprey which also is pretty good for crappie and largemouth bass.
Joe from Granite State Rod and Reel Repair is stoked because – he is selling shiners! That seemed like the impossible dream three weeks ago when most anglers were gripping shovels rather than augers. Timing is good because the bass are active at Mill Pond and Beaver Lake. Potanipo has been productive for pickerel and perch as well as largemouth bass. If you’re yearning for trout, they’re taking a few out of Massabesic, Pleasant, Canobie and Cobbetts. In addition to rainbows, the latter has been giving up a few brown trout. A local angling association stocks Cobbetts and because of that most who fish there practice catch and release regarding the trout.
Chad from Dover Marine said that finally anglers are getting out and about as conditions have gotten comfortable. There talking trout at Willand Pond and Bow Lake. For crappie, Bellamy Reservoir is a best bet. And if some jumbo perch and nice ‘gills get you going, including the occasional bull ‘gill, try Baxter Lake.
Southern Maine Fishing Report
Dylan from Dag’s said that snowmelt has melted and compressed much of the white stuff making the going pleasant. Not surprisingly angling effort is high. The Lower Range in Poland was recently stocked with 500 12″ brook trout and 100 brood stock brookies in preparation for a kids tournament. While I’m sure some in attendance were future sharpies, most were a work in progress. The result is that there are plenty of unmolested brook trout swimming around right now in the Lower Range Pond. Stick close to the shoreline with smelt and trout worms the winning offerings. Rainbow trout should be sticking their maws right into the flow of inlets in Norway Lake right now. If bass are your preferred quarry haul out to Horseshoe Pond. There is a lot of flow here and it gets chocked out by weeds in the summer. Winter weed die back frees up pockets of fish and allows anglers to target relatively unpressured bass.
If you’ve been itching for some smelt fishing but you’ve been putting it off than this weekend is your last chance! As of March 15th, the limit drops to only 2 quarts allowed. In response to that many camps are pulling their shanties. However, I spoke to Worthing’s and was told that this was the best season in quite a while and they are still catching smelt! They are on the Kennebec River and can be reached at (207) 582-3199. Before you kick yourself for missing another opportunity to partake of a uniquely New England tradition, call now!
Fishing Forecast
Whip a few of those wicked white perch from Winnipesauke, now is prime time in the Melville Village area. If small water yet big thrill are more to your liking target trout at Pleasant Lake or those Pawtucket calicos. Brook trout are often the buzz in Maine and you can get your fix at the Lower Range Pond. For something small in stature but sure to lead to big grins during dinner, reserve a shanty at Worthing’s Smelt Camp real quick because you’re running out of time!