Only in New England do outdoorsmen have options that run the gamut from holdover Bay State stripers to Down East Maine pike on the ice and trophy hardwater brook trout from Northern New Hampshire – all in the span of one week! Unquestionably we have it good and some of that is already being pulled through the ice of Northern New England.
New Hampshire Fishing Report
I had a sneaky suspicion that the center for all things fish-related in the Winnipesaukee region – AJs in Meredith – would have some frozen-water fun to talk about and I wasn’t disappointed! I spoke to Al and he said that anglers were already creeping out on black ice searching for warm water species and having a blast catching bass, crappie, perch, pickerel and even trout! These trout aren’t any old stockies either as some of the shop’s patrons have been putting a hurt on true trophy brook trout up to 4 pounds! Considering that the season is in its infancy and the ice is just getting started, Al from AJs in Meredith was reluctant to publicize where the reports are coming from. He did say to scout around the local smaller spots and chances are you’ll find safe ice. I’m betting that if you swing in the shop and bait up, Al, Harold or one of the other fine folks in the shop will steer you in the right direction! The other shops I will be getting fresh ice intel from – Granite State Rod and Reel, Suds ‘N Soda and Dover Marine – are all set with gear and customers poised to make some auger holes soon!
Maine Fishing Report
It’s always great to touch up with my friends from Dag’s Bait in Auburn but especially so when there are pike being pulled through the ice to talk about! If you’re clearing your schedule to get out on what you hope is first ice on the Androscoggin River, you’d be a bit late as folks have already been chasing flags on 5 to 6 inches of ice. If you’re keeping an eye on the weather forecast, you’re aware that Mother Nature is only going to be making more! In addition to good ice on the quieter coves of the Andro, there has even been some foot traffic and holes in the ice on Sabattus! This major water body can be hazardous, however, so I suggest you enlist the services of a guide until it locks up completely and solid. If you plan on getting your bait at Dag’s – and there are reason’s you should – than you are already at the right place to enlist the services of a Maine Registered Guide since Scotty Bragdon is just that!
Regarding my comments on the need to grab your bait from Dag’s, it’s a simple fact that demand for big bait will outlast supply, so come and get it! Combine that with the generally held belief that first ice is best ice than it would behoove you to plan a trip asap! In addition to northerns, higher elevation, shallow ponds within a half hour drive from the shop are already sporting solid ice and many of those places were stocked heavily in the fall with brook trout and brown trout.
I spoke to a smattering of smelt camps among the southern Maine estuaries and I repeatedly heard the same word: “Soon!” When those shanties are set up and ready to go, I’ll be filling you in.
Fishing Forecast For New Hampshire and Maine
The frozen party is just getting started and I’m betting there will be no shortage of options in the following week’s report. For those who simply cannot wait, the smaller warm-water-species ponds in the Lake Winnipesaukee region already have anglers catching bass and panfish. For something a little more sinister and a lot bigger, the pike bite is already on Maine’s Androscoggin River and very soon – Sabattus!