If you’ve taken a peek at the Massachusetts report you may have noticed a big change in the Bay State – stripers have arrived all the way into the North Shore! That begs the question: when do you folks get them? Meanwhile the haddock haul continues to be very impressive.
New Hampshire Fishing Report
Captain Andy of Adventure and Catch Charters is making achieving limits of haddock look like child’s play! A month into the season this year is looking like the exact opposite of last year which concerned many groundfishing fans. The bite has been best between Northern Jeffrey’s Ledge and Platt’s Ledge. As good as the quantity is, the quality might be even more impressive with 6 pound plus fish reported! Mackerel chunks/strips and clams have been working well but in a pinch frozen supermarket shrimp are more than adequate.
Captain Bob Weathersby of Seacoast NH Sportfishing said that haddock fishing on Jeffrey’s remains stellar with many days fish of over 7 pounds in the mix. That contrasts nicely with last year at this time! There have also been a smattering of cusk, redfish and pollock. Having a fast retrieve reel helps to keep your catch from becoming the “catch” of porbeagle sharks.
Southern Maine Fishing Report
Brady from Dag’s Bait & Sportgoods in Auburn said that salmon fishing in Lake Auburn has been outstanding! Landlockeds have been generally found within the top 15’ of the water column. Smelt along with brightly colored Mooselok Wobblers. DB Smelt and streamers are all working well. Rangely Lake has had even more impressive salmon reports with East and West Grand Lakes also fishing well. For bass and crappie, Sabattus, the Andro and China Lake get the nod.
Brandy is back at the helm of Webhannet Bait and Tackle/Boatyard and so will be her reports – but not so much this week! The good news is that river herring are running the Saco River with shad a possibility as well. Solid ground fishing off Jeffrey’s Ledge and Platt’s has been prevalent. Tantas just might hold a few fish as well and it’s a lot closer to most at port.
• Want to get in on the bite? Find an OTW-approved Charter Fishing Captain for Maine!
New Hampshire And Southern Maine Fishing Forecast
With the striper swarm ready to descend on northern New England, expect fresh fish in the Piscataqua River any day now! Once you get a few schoolies under your belt start focusing on the herring runs in Great Bay and the Saco River where early season big bass will be found. Elsewhere the groundfishing remains great with limits of big fish a regularity.