February is not supposed to be about shorts, the roar of motorcycles, and the breeding call of native songbirds, but that’s been the reality and with that it has made southern and coastal ice conditions sketchy. If you’re goal is no-worries hardwater, you really have just one option – head north!
New Hampshire Ice Fishing Report
It took a few attempts even to reach Al from AJs in Meredith, he was so busy attending to customers! It looks as if the “derby hangover” which is an annual post-tournament malaise is officially over and interest is back for Winnipesaukee. The exceptional thaw has been the catalyst to current from not only tributaries, rivers and inlets but in narrow sections between islands. Many are reporting 12” plus of ice in quieter sections but you have to be especially careful out there. Steer clear of marinas where the combination of bubblers and 70 degree weather have eroded nearby ice. Provided you play it safe you’ll find Suissevale sizzling hot lakers and white perch. Anglers hugging sandy shorelines are finding hungry rainbows willing to inhale salmon eggs in only a few feet of water. Coves on the northeast side of Winnipesaukee have a good crappie bite going on while the deeper edges are better for cusk.
Chad from Dover Marine said that he’s been seeing some pre-spawn perch which are enormous coming from Pawtuckaway and even Willand. Now is the best time to best those pot-bellied pound-plus jumbos. A Swedish Pimple with a spike should do the trick.
Joe from Granite State Rod and Reel Repair said that parts of the Nashua River which held ice fishermen just last week are now sporting open water! Apparently, you may not have to wait for spring to get your casting licks in there!. Regarding ice, Joe is loading up anglers with shiners and pointing them up north of out west in the direction of some “insider” locations.
I’m not sure if Felix from Suds ‘N Soda can play the trumpet, but if he could he’d be blaring out taps about now for Great Bay ice! Other than more northern ice fishing prospects, the other option is to bring in gear now for needed resuscitation before things get hectic.
Southern Maine Ice Fishing Report
Sebago Lake has long had a storied reputation for a cold-water species Mecca, but in recent years a new top dog has taken over – pike! In fact, it has gotten to where those toothies are not just an aberration but can actually be targeted. Brady Ouellette, who won the togue category in a previous ice fishing derby, set out along with buddy Mike Dumais to see if he could top his previous personal best pike, which was 14 pounds. They dropped a dead smelt on top of a flat and proceeded to land one fat, especially colorful pike which was just under 20 pounds! Fortunately, the proper species are cooperating also as anglers continue to report no shortage of togue. If you’d like to share that good fishing with a few hundred new friends, then you are in luck since the annual Sebago Lake Rotary Club Ice Fishing Derby takes place this Saturday and Sunday.
Scotty from Dag’s has been fielding a lot of inquiries about local ice and field reports are that it is still fine. Common sense applies: watch out for sunny shorelines, moving water and old auger holes which have eroded. It is getting to be prime time for pike as the females are full of eggs and are on the feed. Sabattus and the Andro remain two of Maine’s best bets for pike. Thompson Lake has been steady for togue with the exception being during high pressure fronts which are almost always bite killers. If you’re looking to increase your odds of catching consider Scotty who is a Maine registered guide. His tip for the upcoming Sebago tournament – go with white.
Maine, New Hampshire And Vermont Fishing Forecast
Current is the conditions killer on Lake Winnipesaukee, but thankfully the rainbows are grubbing around on sandy/gravely bottom tight to the shoreline. Maine’s version is Lake Sebago, and it looks as if their heralded derby is on this weekend. The top fish will be in the togue category and the pike category. Obviously, pike will be far shallower, find a flat and drop a dead fresh bait to the bottom and you may catch a prize and your personal best.
Does anyone know when the flounder well show up around Kittery?