Pictured above: Mike Dumais turned a smelt camp smelt bite into this 17 pound northern pike!
Shop owners could be suffering from the adage, “be careful what you wish for because you just might get it!” The “wish” from many was to have a better season than the last two sketchy ice fishing seasons, the “get” part is that demand has been so high that the shops are running out of bait most weekends.
New Hampshire Ice Fishing Report
Joe from Granite State Rod and Reel Repair in Nashua had his ear to the phone and eyes glued to the window, hoping that the bait distributor would arrive. With an almost universal 8” plus of solid ice and but a dusting of snow, the conditions could not be better. And from most accounts the warm-water species bite from Mill Pond, Rocky Pond and Potanipo rivals the conditions. For trout, in addition to the two Cs – Canobie and Cobbett’s – Joe recommends Beaver Lake and Massabessic for rainbows. Just get to the shop early, before the shop sells out – again!
Chad from Dover Marine said that crappie catching has been the rage. For numbers, he suggests Bellamy but for a shot at a slab, Pawtuckaway and Willand get the nod. Willand has been a surprise regarding the heretofore non-existent white perch. And as anyone who encounters a sudden appearance of a “new” species can attest, the first wave of white perch usually contains the biggest. The Broads from Lake Winnipesaukee have been fishing best for lake trout and reports of harvested fish point to a healthy smelt population. Speaking of smelt, Chad said limits have been achievable among the estuaries of Great Bay.
Al from AJs said that cusk are being caught among rocky bottom on Winnipesaukee as long as the bait or jig/sucker skin is close or on the bottom. Registered guide Tim Moore of TimMooreOutdoors has been icing some particularly healthy looking lakers in 34’ of water on Leech Flutter spoons.
Southern Maine Ice Fishing Report
Biting smelt among the estuaries can lead to a conundrum – does one eat them or “feed” them to something else. Such was the pickle that Mike Dumais and chums found themselves at the Riverbend camp recently. When the decision ultimately can result in a 40” northern pike, the choice is obviously a lot easier! Later Mike put those smelt to good use as he found cooperative fish up to 17 pounds. The goal for pike people is a 20-pounder and Mike figures it’s only a matter of time, now that he has such premium bait. Another option for pike is herring. Toothy tacklers from the Bay State take along a flat of sea herring and make a killing with those things. Unlike their smaller pickerel cousins, pike have no issue picking up a dead baitfish from the bottom. Just split the belly to get a nice scent trail going. Another scent option is BioEdge smelt or herring potion, which you can soak the bait in the day before. This stuff is Made in Maine and is deadly. Pick up On The Water’s February issue for not only the ins-and-outs of pike fishing in Maine but a listing of some superb spots!
The bait supply for many shops has been an issue lately because of the demand but Dylan of Dag’s told me that he pre-planned and has plenty including large shiners. That’s a good thing considering the ferocious laker bite taking place right now on Sebago Lake. If you recall, there was no safe ice over the last two seasons on this ice fishing Mecca and the lack of pressure is showing in size and numbers of fish. Upper slot-sized fish – 23” to 33” – have been common and also common are catches of 40 to 50 fish per day. As for spots, Dylan suggested that you sound for the sweet spot of 100-120 feet of water, drop a jig/sucker strip combo in front of the targeted togue and it is almost too easy!
Maine, New Hampshire And Vermont Fishing Forecast
Winnipesaukee white perch among the bends and depth contours among the bays is one of New Hampshire’s best bets. Try the Broads with a Leech Flutter spoon for a chance at a solid laker. Cusk can be caught with a jig/strip among hard bottom. Smelt are still cooperating among the estuarial camps of Southern Maine and make for a delectable dinner for both the angler and northern pike!