Smaller water bodies throughout New Hampshire and Maine are providing fast-paced early season action while many are anticipating the bigger water, bigger fish options which will begin after the first of the year. Something can be said for big thrills thanks to small fish; the smelt camps of Southern Maine are itching to drag their shacks out.
New Hampshire Fishing Report
In anticipation of a bustling opening day (January 1st) for many blue-ribbon New Hampshire water bodies, Al from AJs Bait in Meredith said that the shop will be bringing in smelt to go along with the shiners and suckers they already have in stock. The word on Winnipesaukee is that some of the Northeast section of the lake such as State Landing in Moultonborough has caught. When asked what species is the best bet there, Al said – crappie! Much of Winnisquam also has ice but for a safer, start to the season Al suggests anglers check out the potpourri of smaller water bodies, some of which were stocked with broodstock brook trout. Consider Hawkins Pond, Forest Lake, Mirror Lake and White Lake.
Chad from Dover Marine told me nearby Willand Pond has had anglers catching trout there. For a “crappie day”, the perennially productive Bellamy Reservoir should be on your list as should be Pawtuckaway Lake. The latter however is a big lake which may not have locked up yet so prior cautious scouting would be a good idea.
Joe from Granite State Rod and Reel Repair said that on average there is about 5” of ice on Potanipo, Rocky and Mill Ponds. The coves of the Nashua River will have to wait however but once locked up, can reward with nice bass.
Jason of Suds ‘N Soda in Greenland confirmed the great crappie fishing taking place at Bellamy Reservoir. He also said that he heard of a few crappie and largemouth bass landed from the coves of the Lamprey River.
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Southern Maine Fishng Report
Scotty from Dag’s in Auburn said that in spite of it’s high-profile, it’s hard to top Lake Sabattus for pike. Ice is good right now and so is the catching! Some are also pulling pike from the Belgrade Lakes. For brook trout try the Otter Ponds, Littlefield Pond, Barker Pond, Knights Pond and Hall Pond. The latter two of which are also renowned for big smallmouth bass.
Some of these spots have been the beneficiaries of early fall/late fall brook trout stockings with some brood stock approaching 20”! Brook trout are a first-ice favorite because they are aggressive and cruise close to the shoreline feeding on nymphs and minnows. It’s hard to top first ice brookies for action and for close-to-shore safety. Farther north there is Lovejoy Pond in T 35 which is often stocked with fingerling brookies as well as yearlings. Phillips Lake in Dedham has smelt, salmon and togue as well as the recent addition of brook trout which have been stocked in response to those looking for more action. The wait is on regarding smelt camps of the Kennebec River/Merrymeeting Bay and for good reason – last year was a good one!
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New Hampshire And Southern Maine Fishing Forecast
Check in with the fine folks from AJs Bait in Meredith before you go but the leeward Northeast section of Winnipesaukee may be a go after opening day on January 1st! Winnisquam may be an option as well. Something can be said however for taking it slow and warming up to the season on smaller water bodies such as Hawkins Pond or Mirror Lake. The fertile Lake Sabattus is a southern Maine best bet for numbers of pike while the Belgrade Lakes may be better suited to give up that trophy.