There’s nothing like a good old New England cold snap to cap over ponds and trigger anglers into thinking of ice fishing! While smaller ponds are getting the bulk of hardwater love, coves in decidedly larger lakes are staring to set up also.
New Hampshire Fishing Report
While I would have been perfectly content with hearing of ice fishing success most anywhere, I was more than glad to hear Jim, from the The Tackle Shack in Meredith, talk of Winnipesaukee! It seems that coves and bays, such as 19 Mile Bay, are locking up nicely with some reports putting ice at 6-7”! Also of interest to those looking for bigger water is that Little Squam is sporting ice and should have plenty by this weekend. Meanwhile smaller water remains a surer bet with good action coming out of Bearcamp Pond, Little Pond, White Lake and Hawkins Pond. Joe from Granite State Rod and Reel Repair in Nashua told me that in anticipation of a bustling weekend he’s doubling down on bait orders. His tip for local bass and panfish are Mill Pond, Rocky Pond and Potanipo Pond. There’s also a chance of Canobie Lake and Cobbett’s – both of which hold trout – having solid ice.
Southern Maine Fishing Report
Dylan from Dag’s Bait & Sportgoods in Auburn noted that anglers are predictable creatures of habit and in spite of good local ice it took some snowfall to sound the “let’s go ice fishing” call! In addition to the Androscoggin River and Sabattus for pike there are Hobbs and Hall which hold nice Sallys. Something worth considering is a trip along Route 4, which should not be an option for someone with a stiff neck. To the left and then to the right you’re likely to be turning your head ogling water body after water body. Best bets along that route are Bartlett, Brettuns, Long and Round Ponds, all of which hold warm water species as well as brook trout. According to Fisheries Resource Supervisor James Pellerin regarding promising January gems in the Sebago region, “ Early season anglers should target smaller-medium sized waters, which will typically have safer ice. Also, if you like to target brook trout and/or salmon then this is the time to go as these species are very vulnerable to ice fishing and their numbers in stocked waters diminish quickly as the season progresses. Check the annual stocking report for fall yearling (12-14”) brook trout stockings to narrow down your list of places to try, these fall stockings are too numerous throughout the region to name. In addition, many of these same waters get stocked with a small number of larger, retired brood brookies. Some good bets for early season salmon in the region – assuming safe ice – include: Mousam Lake (Shapleigh), Moose Pond (Bridgton), Kezar Lake (Lovell), and Bryant Pond (Woodstock)”.
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New Hampshire And Southern Maine Fishing Forecast
As winter expands so will ice fishing options, particularly among larger lakes but meanwhile there’s a lot to love about the supporting cast of smaller ponds and lakes. There’s a good chance that Mill Pond and Rocky Pond in Southern New Hampshire will have solid, first ice by this weekend and we know how productive first ice can be! Of course there’s always the surer thing which is Little Squam and White Lake in the Winnipesaukee area. An interesting option is what is available off of Route 4 in the Androscoggin area in Southern Maine: a plethora of ponds, one after the other, just loaded with brook trout!