This week, the ever-enthusiastic Mark Beauchesne brings fly-fishing news from parts north, tackle and technique tips for those out bassin'-- and a challenge: how many species can you chase this month?

Click for fish stocking information.

Buy your fishing license online, any time -- www.nhfishandgame.com.

Want to get this Fishing Report by e-mail? Click here to sign up!

Fish New Hampshire and Relax... We have what you're looking for.

This past month was loaded with spectacular fishing. From the Great North Woods to the coast, the fish have been cooperating and the anglers smiling.

Let's start up north: If you spent only the morning on the water this fourth of July, you may have missed some high-quality fishing -- especially in the trophy section of the Connecticut River in Pittsburg. Multiple mayfly hatches were happening throughout the afternoon. This section of the river holds some nice rainbows and browns and the high-flying landlocked salmon.

July has proven in the past to be THE time to fish the river. Hopefully the occasional rainstorm will help keep the water levels ideal for trout and people. Keep an eye out for the afternoon blue-wing olive hatch. Connecticut River fish will feast on the smaller mayfly when it is available.

The Androscoggin River looked outstanding -- water levels good for fishing. I had to stop by and check things out. The alderfly hatch was on. This legendary hatch happens for several weeks, with varying amounts of insects -- one day heavy, the next not so heavy. The so-called "alderfly" is really a member of the caddis family. This caddis is known as the zebra caddis because of the variegation on the wings. But, "alderfly" works for me. If you want to know if they are around you, just shake an alder.

North Country ponds will be seeing their annual hatches in days and weeks to come. The Hex on Back Lake should be happening now. This giant mayfly brings up the big ones.

East Inlet would be my choice for fishing and moose watching. Could there be a better North Country experience?!

Warm-water anglers, don't despair. New Hampshire's lakes are in full prime summer bass-fishing pattern. When the wind blows, fish the windy points. When the weather is calm, fish the drops from twelve to twenty feet. Windy days we toss the spinner bait. On the calm days you can't go wrong with a crayfish imitation. I like to fish soft plastic mudbugs, slow and on the bottom. Now, the real thing works great this time of the year also -- collect your own or go to the bait shop. Live crayfish for bait is definitely a productive way to catch smallmouth bass.

I was on Lake Umbagog the last Monday of June. I was left surprised by the Hex hatch on this great smallmouth lake. The bass were all over these insects, to the point where they were keyed in on the giant snack. This will be the last time I go fishing without the entire arsenal of flies. We managed to catch a number of fish on soft plastic jerk-baits, casting to the location of the fish rising to an insect. At one point in the evening, the entire lake had the look of rain. But, this was not rain -- the sun had just set and it was wonderful. I will be there next year, ready with the fly rod.

Akers Pond and Mirror Lake have been producing some jumbo largemouth bass. These small ponds can be fished easily from a canoe or small boat.

Moore Reservoir is another favorite. Bass fishing on this lake gets better every time I go. That could be because I'm learning more spots. This lake can be intimidating for the first-timer. Just stick to the basics, look for the dropoff points and rocks. The fish will be there. Be aware that you may hook into a pike. (This is a good thing -- that is, unless he takes your favorite lure.)

July is also the month of the panfish. Giant bluegills and slab-sided crappies are the name of the game. Use small jigs around pads and weedlines. Once the sun gets low, try popping bugs and dry flies on the fly rod.

For all you purists out there -- you are missing out! New Hampshire has a multitude of fish species, all of them renowned for their size. Matching your tackle to the fish makes all the difference in your success and enjoyment.

I am looking forward to the rest of July. This is the month for multi-species trips. Can you catch five or more different species in one trip? How about on the fly rod? I will tell you about my continuing New Hampshire fishing adventures in my next report.

I also just got the word that the bluefish are in. I'm still interested in trying for bluefish with the fly rod.

Great fishing!!!
Mark

A User-Pay, User-Benefit Program