photo: Scotty from Dag’s put Paul from LL Bean onto nice pike fishing recently on the Androscoggin River.
The New Year may officially not begin until Monday, but for hardwater junkies the celebration has already begun!
New Hampshire Ice Fishing Report
It’s looking as if Al from AJs gut instincts were good last week when he called it that Winnipesaukee would catch by the first of the year. Coves, bays and other leeward areas are locking up and anglers are firing up their augers in anticipation of Monday! The prospects for a good season are multi-folded. In addition to the early start, due to the erratic conditions of last year, pressure was relatively light. Every bit as important was the anecdotal evidence that numbers and size of smelt are on the uptick and they are the principle forage base for salmonoids and white perch. All arrows are pointing towards a great year on this great lake. Meanwhile, AJs goodwill ambassador Harold told me that he’s hearing good things about nearby brook trout ponds such as Huckins and Hunkins.
Hardwater homers are shrugging off the frigid temperatures and taking advantage of early ice in big numbers according to Joe from Granite State Rod and Reel Repair in Nashua. There’s good ice and angling effort at Flints Pond, which is a perch factory, Mill Pond, Rocky Pond, Greens Pond and Round Pond. In addition to the 4”-7” most are finding if you need any more incentive, something can be said for that saying “first ice is best ice!” Joe also suspects that Cobbetts Pond and Canobie Lake will be a go by this weekend if they are not already.
Fishing reports aside, Chad from Dover Marine had a lot to say about the volume of ice fishing gear, in fact the shop is stocked to the hilt with all the hardwater right stuff, including a variety of different augers. Willand Pond has been a winner for warm water species and it also has rainbow trout. For brookies, including broodstock, set your sights on Whites Lake. As is the case with most trout, stick your offering close to shore especially by beaches, the sandy bottoms of which hold nymphs and minnows. For several species of trout look at Pleasant Lake in Deerfield. And for crappie, there’s the regional favorite – Bellamy Reservoir.
Southern Maine Ice Fishing Report
After a dud of an ice fishing season last year, the minus temperatures in the Sebago Lake area have been welcomed by ice fishermen who can’t wait to fish this place. The word from Sebago Bait is that the Raymond Beach area has ice and it is expected that The Station will be next to catch. While you’re not likely to tug in a togue or two out of Little Sebago or Highland Lake, they do offer solid largemouth and smallmouth bass fishing and there’s no waiting!
Scotty from Dag’s in Auburn reminded me that the “official” Maine ice fishing season begins on January 1. Prior to that, selective ice fishing is allowed but the first of the year rings in state-wide fishing. The caveat is that the IFW divides Maine into Southern and Northern halves, with the designation being that the priority for the south is put-and-take fishing, while up north the nod is to wild, self-sustaining salmonoids. Because of that, regulations up north are much more restrictive so do your homework and familiarize yourself with water-body-specific regulations before hatching plans to fish. While there’s been terrific trout fishing among the “Ranges” as well as plenty of pike from the “Andro”, many “Mainiacs” most enjoy fishing for togue in such lakes as Thompson, which should be ready to go January 1st. Should you hook a salmon, you must release the fish at the hole without taking it out. The priority is to maximize fishing opportunities for the regal landlocked salmon.
There’s good news regarding the Southern Maine Smelt Camps – a few are planning on opening this weekend! I personally heard from James Eddy, where shacks were being set up on Thursday. I’ve also heard reports that Worthing’s and Jim’s were also planning on opening by the weekend. And just like other ice-fishing endeavors, first ice for smelt fishing is often the best. In this case, early ice puts those shacks right over the main body of fish before they disperse upstream in anticipation of spawning.
Fishing Forecast
Prior to the first of the year, take advantage of “smaller” water and warm water species, while you await the larger lakes to lock up safely. Rocky Pond is a good bet for warm water species in New Hampshire while the same can be said for Maine’s Little Sebago. Keep tabs with AJs in New Hampshire and keep your fingers crossed that Winnipesaukee will catch before opening day on January first. While the smelt make that big Granite State gem special, some think smelt are something special on their own right and the good news for them is that many of the Maine Smelt Camps are opening for business this weekend! Happy New Year one and all, enjoy the ice and be safe out there!