The recent freeze has fortified/expanded hardwater opportunities throughout New England. Smaller southern water bodies even have reports of better ice. However the word coming from open, wind-swept, larger lakes is to be ever-cautious if you venture far from shore.
New Hampshire
Joe of Granite State Rod and Reel Repair in Nashua told me that there is still plenty of ice fishing activity in his area! Anglers are out and about for warmwater species at Robinson Pond, Potanipo Pond and Mill Pond. Anglers who really know these water bodies are all saying that ice thickness is unusually varied on many ponds and lakes and fishermen must be cautious.
Jim from AJ’s Bait and Tackle in Meredith gave me a timely tip for those who want to give Winnipesaukee a shot but are intimidated by its enormity. He recommends Leavitt Park which offers parking, ease of access thanks to a gradually sloping beach and best of all good laker action not far out! He has been hearing of good catches of slab white perch from Moultonborough and Suissevale as well.
Scott from Suds ‘N Soda said that brown trout fishing at Pleasant Lake in Deerfield has been good for fish up to 5 pounds! In spite of pressure, Pawtuckaway Lake also remains a productive perch and crappie place with the added element of big ‘gills and largemouth bass.
The saltwater game in Seabrook continues aboard Eastman’s Fleet which are still setting sail and limiting out on haddock a few times a week when weather permits.
Southern Maine
The “other” highly anticipated New England ice fishing derby – the Sebago Lake Rotary Club Ice Fishing Derby – will take place this weekend. Scotty from Dag’s sampled the goods at The Station just prior to the flakes flying during the last storm and along with a few buddies tore into a nice 24-laker outing for fish up to 6 1/4 pounds! Three-quarter ounce glow jigs tipped with a 3-inch glow swim baits did the damage in about 127 feet of water. Ice consistency was about 10 inches with 3 to 4 inches of black ice and the rest white ice. As far as he could see, there appeared to be nothing but ice, but he has no firsthand knowledge of actual ice conditions farther out.
Last Saturday at Lake Sabattus he and a crew caught pike up to 9 pounds. He had so much fun, he’s taking another crew out there this Saturday! As for whether the smelt camps were still in business, he did say that a buddy took in a tide recently at Worthing’s but there was no word on the results.
Anglers have been catching whitefish at West Grand Lake. Renee of Sebago Bait said that with the relatively mild conditions expected for the weekend, it is expected that there will be a terrific turnout for the tournament. As for a hint where to fish, Renee did hear of 10- to 15-pound lakers being caught off Raymond Beach!
Fishing Forecast for Northern New England
The week-long freeze followed by a mild weekend should make for perfect conditions for a little frozen water fun! Salmon aside, some view those slab white perch as the most fun fish to focus on in Winnipesaukee, and it looks as if they have moved into the Moultonborough and Suissevale sections. For southern New Hampshire options, there is Robinson Pond for warm water species and Pleasant Lake for trout. The Sebago Ice Fishing Derby this weekend is the big news in southern Maine and by the looks of what they have been catching, it should be one terrific togue tournament!
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