Fishing Forecast for 2005

Southeast Waters Await Your Line
By Mark Beauchesne, Let's Go Fishing Coordinator

Tourists come from near and far to experience New Hampshire’s quality fishing. A happy visitor from Texas proudly displays her N.H. catch. (Photo: Mark Beauchesne)

You drive by or cross over the mighty Merrimack River -- but have you fished it? Having grown up in Concord, I remember a time when the river was one the most polluted in the nation... and have been fortunate to witness the rebirth of this treasured river. Access is outstanding all along the length of the river and I, for one, can't get enough of the Merrimack!

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The Merrimack, which begins where the Pemigewasset and the Winnipesaukee rivers join forces, provides opportunities for more than a dozen sought-after sportfish. In Franklin, you'll find good shorebank and canoe access. This wonderful section of the river -- home to big trout, brood stock salmon, and smallmouth bass -- is fun throughout the season. (Special regulations apply -- be sure to check the latest Freshwater Fishing Digest.) The faster waters hold trout and salmon. Find the slack or slower water, and hold on -- river smallmouths aren't fish, they're bulldogs!

When the river warms, the bass fishing picks up. Now this doesn't mean that the trout fishing is over, because the river has plenty of deep, cool pools. During hot summer days, fish the cooler morning and evening hours.

Where the river slows down, around Concord, you will encounter the most plentiful fish. Look for bends in the river, obvious weeds or grass, and pay extra attention to snags (piles of tree and other wood debris), which provide fish with food, a break from the current, and a place to hide. It's normal to lose tackle in a snag, so if you get hung up, give out some line and try letting the current pull you free.

Concord looks very different from the water. We often encounter deer along the way. If I had to choose only one place to fish, the Merrimack would be it. And I've only mentioned the first 30 miles -- there are another 40-plus to explore. Think of the possibilities...

Being a huge fishing fanatic, and given how varied and enjoyable our local waters are, it's almost impossible for me to nail down only a few recommendations for southeast/Merrimack Valley anglers. But the Contoocook, which has been a big part of my angling life, would be near the top of the list in any case. This historic south-to-north flowing river has outstanding trout fishing, especially the Hillsboro and Henniker sections. The lower river is smallmouth water; there's nothing like a summer afternoon fishing along the cornfields of Hopkinton.

If you follow the Soucook River from its beginning in Loudon you will encounter some of the most underused trout waters in the state. Sure, you see plenty of folks fishing around the bridges -- but for an unforgettable time, try getting off the beaten path. Brookies and rainbows on a flyrod are my choice right now; but small spinners, small lures, and of course worms work well. Fish your way upstream -- this way, you won't stir up the bottom and give away your presence to those wary fish.

The same story holds for many of the mid-sized rivers in southeast New Hampshire. My must-fish short-list:

• Suncook River
• Exeter River
• Lamprey River
• Isinglass River
• Mad River
• Blackwater River
• Academy Brook

Needless to say, fishing opportunities are not limited to rivers and streams in the Merrimack Valley and southeastern New Hampshire, where ponds and lakes dot the landscape. One lake that stands out is Pawtuckaway Lake, part of the large state park. For years, this has been one of my favorites for largemouth and smallmouth bass, yellow perch, and black crappie.

Turree Pond in Bow is one of those "get away from it all, but still be close to home" ponds. It's a very pretty pond, with good largemouth bass and plenty of panfish to keep you busy.

Canobie Lake in Salem has both cold and warmwater fishing opportunities; good rainbow trout fishing early in the season, and bass later on. Lucas Pond in Deerfield is one of a few waters stocked with tiger trout (a cross between brook and brown trout). This fish is absolutely feisty! Lucas also offers brown trout and several warmwater species. You have it all on this pond.

Trout ponds are plentiful in this part of the state. Many of these I return to year after year. Hot Hole Pond in Loudon, Archery Pond in Allenstown, Clough Pond in Loudon, Stone House Pond on Barrington, and Stirrup Iron Pond in Boscawen offer a quality trout fishing experience. See the chart below for lots more ideas of where to fish, close to home.

 
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