If that mid-March sun and 50 degree temperatures are making you think it’s time to mothball the traps until next year, think again! Smaller water bodies in many circumstances are sporting up to 18” of ice and the “big water” of Winnipesaukee and Sebago are looking like there’s no end in sight!
New Hampshire Fishing Report
According to AJs in Meredith, the thaw has resulted in angling participation dropping off precipitously after the current warm spell. It’s only human nature and anglers aren’t immune to getting bored after months of ice fishing. However those who have been observed jigging up lakers near Leavitt Park appear to be anything but bored! A few cusk are being caught there as well. For those who would Iike to plan for eventual open water, Harold suspects that among the earliest options for those dying to start trolling in April will be Lake Winnisquam and Opechee Bay, both of which should show some open water early next month. Top techniques for trolling for landlocked salmon are live or sewn-on smelt, spoons such as Mooselok Wobblers and DB smelts and streamers such as Winnie Squids and Purple Smelts.
When Winnipesaukee finally does lose the ice, anglers will be perched on marina docks and by tributaries floating shiners under bobbers for rainbows and salmon. Jason of Suds ‘N Soda said that the earliest options will be Cocheeco River in Dover and the Lamprey River in Newmarket. Both of these rivers were stocked with trout in the fall and thanks to catch and release tactics, there should be plenty of holdovers available.
Southern Maine Fishing Report
Scotty from Dag’s said that there was still plenty of ice on the Androscoggin River and as anyone who knows a thing or two about pike knows that late March is money for the breeders! In spite of the prospects of a big pike and good ice, anglers in droves have quit the ice. It’s just something which happens after a long season: by late March fatigue sets in. Some, however are heading up north and finding good fishing for brook trout at Lake Moosehead. Scotty suggests that anglers stick their wares as close as they can safely get to inlets and other places where there is current. Trout are generally fond of flow, but especially after ice out. Salmon movements mirror that of their prey – rainbow smelt. In April smelt migrate into the Crooked River on the north side of Sebago to spawn and the salmon will not be far behind. Troll between Thompson’s Point and Cub Cove, which is near the Sebago State Park. In spite of nothing but ice as far as you can see, it doesn’t hurt to dream if you’re dying for open water.
Fishing Forecast for Maine and New Hampshire
If you’re still in the game than chances are you’ll find a lot less competition jigging for lakers off Leavitt Park on Lake Winnipesaukee. The north side of Sebago seems to be fishing best for togue and while pike pursuers along the Androscoggin River have in many cases quit, you’ll find no such behavior from the pike which will be feeding insatiably in response to the spawn which will happen just as soon as ice is out!
PLAN ON FISHING ICE OUT AT WINNI, DOES ANYONE HAVE OR IS SELLING THOSE JIGGING MACHINES THAT MOVE YOUR RODS BACK AND FORTH WHILE TROLLING DOWN THE LAKE WITH STREAMERS OR FLYS. LOOKING FOR 2 . THANKS