Many view early-season trolling for salmon as the pinnacle of Sportfishing in northern New England. If the first full week on Lake Winnipesaukee as well many Maine water bodies is any indication than the season is kicking off in fine form.
New Hampshire Fishing Report
Al from AJs Bait in Meredith said that opening week of open water fishing on Lake Winnipesaukee was stellar. The salmon and to a lesser extent lakers and rainbow trout are shadowing schools of smelt by rivers and inlets where trolling has been effective. The shop carries smelt and you can’t beat the real thing. Artificial aficionados are catching with Grey Ghost and Winnie Squid streamers as well as DB smelt and Mooselok Wobbler spoons. For salmon stick to the top 20’ while for lakers you’ll fare better fishing 30-40 feet down.
Joe from Granite State Rod and Reel Repair told me that his grandson Trevor caught a 6-pound, 5-ounce largemouth bass out of Turkey Pond. Joe didn’t say with what, but I’ve spoken to Trevor in the past and I know he’s a jerkbait and crankbait kind of guy. Access is tough here making entry by kayak, canoe or pram almost a necessity. Gorham Pond has been good for perch and other types of panfish. For smallmouth bass vertical jigging marked fish in Lake Winnipesaukee has been effective. Saltwater options are just beginning to take shape with among the most consistent the salter white perch run on the Exeter and Squamscott Rivers. Kayak fishermen are having an especially good go of it due to almost limitless access
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Southern Maine Fishng Report
When a hardcore angler such as Brady from Dag’s Bait & Sportgoods in Auburn is spending more time dip-netting smelt than fishing then you know that the shop is not lacking bait! Salmon-seekers are putting those smelt to good use at Thompson Lake and Lake Auburn. Sebago has been good also, especially by the mouth of the Songo River. The difference between catching and getting skunked often has to do with leader visibility and length, go light and long – 30’ and no more than 8 pound test fluorocarbon! With all the attention on open water/cold water species trolling, now might be a good time to fish less-pressured pike in Sabbattus Lake or the Androscoggin River. The GOM haddock season opens April 15th and anecdotal inshore reports by lobstermen are favorable since there is less commercial effort because of COVID-15. If you have a boat at the ready the haddock haul should be really good.
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New Hampshire And Southern Maine Fishing Forecast
Rivers offer some of the more intriguing fishing options at the moment. The rivers/inlets of Lake Winnipesaukee are concentrating smelt and salmon making for impressive fishing. The same conditions are taking place in Sebago Lake at the Songo River. Other river possibilities are pike in the Androscoggin River as well as salter white perch in the Great Bay tributaries. If salters aren’t quite salty enough for you then how about haddock with the season kicking off on April 15th?
fishing for white perch on the great bay tributaries do you need a salt or freshwater license?
Generally the rule for coastal rivers is salt water to “head of the tide”. NewHampshire has specific rules for different rivers, and sections of rivers. Go to the Fish and Game website and download copies of the fresh and saltwater digest.They contain the rules you need to know.
Does anyone know if you can catch haddock close to shore from Hampton? If so, could you please tell me where to go? I have a 18 foot boat and don’t really want to go to far!
This is my 1st OTW report of 2020. Last week hit FLORIDA lake. Wind at 5 mph so threw frogs and poppers. No kayak put-in so walked the dam area. 1 pickerel, 18 inch. It’s going to be a good year. Martin inFreeport