As the season stretches on, anglers are beginning to look for less-harried hardwater. Relief can come in a number of ways with some finding it just after a high stakes derby with many suffering from tournament-hangover. The other options are a trip farther up north or sometimes to smaller water bodies which often fall by the wayside as many heed the call from “big water!”
New Hampshire Fishing Report
Now that the Winnipesaukee-based ice fishing tournament is in the rearview mirror, you would expect Al from AJs in Meredith to be able to catch his breath – not a chance! In spite of his desire to fish, he hasn’t been able to spend a single day on the ice because demands of the shop are so high! The shops signature jigs with a strip of sucker skin have resulted in double-digit lakers from Winnipesaukee, Winnisquam and Newfound Lake. Would you like a tip from the guy who makes them? He suggests that you seek out humps that border drop-offs! Sonar is a must if for no other reason than to mark bait! It’s a simple case of finding the prey and then expecting to find the predator. Preferred colors have been yellow/white and red/white. White perch on Lake Winnipesaukee are hit or miss as these nomads roam before settling in tight to the bays as they prepare to spawn next month.
Jason from Suds ‘ N Soda said that shacks have once again been dragged out on the Exeter/Squamscott Rivers for those searching for smelt. The shop owner did not order seaworms because of the incessant thaws which broke up the ice earlier so he’s not hearing from patrons how well the bite is. He did however hear that the Maine smelt camps of James Eddy, Riverbend and Leighton’s are all fishing well. Locally there has been a lot of love at the Lamprey River coves, as well as Pleasant, Bellamy and Pawtuckaway for bass, crappie and in the former the occasional trout.
Southern Maine Fishing Report
Renee from Sebago Bait said that there was at least a foot of ice over most of Sebago Lake and there are no shortage of anglers taking advantage of it, including her! Be on guard however, there is a significant pressure ridge by The Station which resulted in a few 4 wheelers crashing through! It’s not every year that the big lake catches completely so with the spotlight so firmly shining on Sebago, there’s scant attention being paid to smaller neighboring water bodies resulting in a drop in pressure. The shops suggestion for a less hectic experience is Little Sebago where a variety of warm water species swim as well as big brown trout! It’s not unusual for brown trout of 4 to 5 pounds to be caught here.
Scotty from Dag’s in Auburn said that last weekend’s “free fishing” brought wannabe anglers out in droves! Those that fished for cusk in relatively shallow water in Thompson Lake got even more value out of the license-free weekend as they found willing cusk in 30-40 feet of water with both bait and jigs accounting for good fish. These freshwater cousins of the cod make for scrumptious fish cakes, not unlike pollock! Big water and more northerly options such as Moosehead Lake, West Grand Lake and East Grand Lake have been slow with many hours logged for just a few good fish. But the fish caught have been special with double-digit togue not unusual and in the case of Moosehead, big brook trout! Scotty put in a few hours recently in the Andro with panfish his preferred quarry and he scored well on crappie and yellow perch. While most prefer pike in this place, for someone who likes the light tackle action of jigging for panfish, the Androscoggin River can be special.
Fishing Forecast for Maine and New Hampshire
Much interest is currently focused on exploring the “big water” of Lake Winnipesaukee making neighboring Newfound Lake and Winnisquam a bit less pressured and possibly more productive, especially for big lake trout. Maine’s Androscoggin River is one of the more popular pike producers in Southern Maine but with big bait drying up, this less chance of finding something of interest to such a big fish. For sheer action, you’re time may be better served looking for alternative quarry such as panfish. While an epoxy jig/grub and wispy jigging rod is a far cry from what is used to target pike, don’t mistake light for less when it comes to pure fun!