The recent snow didn’t dampen the efforts of the hardwater addicted in the least, as anglers continue to explore other options. Some of those options are simply another neighborhood pond while for others it’s exploring a big water bay miles away from familiarity.
New Hampshire Fishing Report
Joe from Granite State Rod and Reel Repair in Nashua is torn between whittling down the pile of reels he’s tasked with repairing and the temptation of ice fishing thanks to encouraging reports. However, don’t let Joe’s workload dissuade you from dropping your gear off for first aid, he just loves keeping busy! Patrons have been busy for bass, pickerel and perch from Mill Pond, Robinson Pond, and Beaver Lake. Joe’s son and grandson tugged in a few trout recently from Emerald Lake and some shop regulars have been crossing the border into Methuen Mass and doing well for brown and rainbow trout from Forest Lake. No word on the multi-species melange of the Nashua River but the setbacks/oxbows of the Connecticut River in the Hinsdale area are producing pike and walleye!
White perch fishing remains the big draw on Lake Winnipesaukee and according to Michael from The Tackle Shack in Meredith, Center Harbor has been among the hottest locations. Lakers up to 7 pounds have been active in the Leavitt Park area. Epoxy jigs tipped with a grub are one of the preferred baits for those slab perch while bucktail jigs/sucker strip combos are effective for lakers. Of course some are just sounding smelt below tilts and doing fine! Sonar shortens the catching curve and not necessarily because of marking gamefish but sometimes more importantly – bait! The predator never does wander far from it’s prey.
Southern Maine Fishing Report
According to Andrew from Sebago Bait and Tackle, Maine has some impressive white perch fishing as well, especially at Little Sebago! Andrew uses a lure similar to a Hali jig which consists of a spoon/chain/single hook rig topped off with a minnow head or grub! You could also put that rig to good use in Forest Lake where smallmouth bass and white perch are among the most popular species.
Scotty from Dag’s Bait & Sportgoods in Auburn was hatching plans to fish Sebago when we spoke. His hunch for lunker lakers would be the Lower Bay. The Androscoggin River may be known for pike but it’s also a good little crappie destination. Some are targeting smallmouth bass from Hobbs Pond and browns and brookies from Hall Pond. After a dip in activity, the smelt camps are experiencing good catch rates again according to Scotty.
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New Hampshire And Southern Maine Fishing Forecast
In Southern New Hampshire if you’re looking for action try for a host of warm water species such as yellow perch, pickerel and largemouth bass from Mill Pond and Robinson Pond. Beaver Lake and Willand Pond are known to produce trout as well as a panoply of warm water species. Winnipesaukee white perch are one of the main draws on this huge lake with Center Harbor lakers and cusk all having their fans. Crappie from the Androscoggin River as well as smallmouth bass from Hobbs and Hall brown trout are adding spice to Southern Maine. Sebago Lake lakers are cooperating in the Harmond Beach area as are white perch and smallmouth bass from Forest Lake!