Rainbows

[dickb]

Going to try fishing for the rainbow again. Have never had the luck of catching
one before. Actually don't have much luck catching anything, but I have a
good time anyway.

Does anyone have some advise on catching rainbows. Rainbow habitat, bait to
use and any other helpful hints?

:patriot: :patriot: :patriot:

[Rattlesnake Gal]

This is the only rainbow I've been able to catch on Winnipesaukee and it's not a very good one! :laugh: There was no pot of gold. :eek:
Good luck!
http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/data/526/medium/176IM000595.JPG

[JohnNH]

Dickb,

Do you plan on trying to ice fish for the Rainbows or open water in the spring??

Let us know and there is plenty of experience on this board = you should get some good input.

John/NH

[dickb]

Hey Rattlesnake Gal - nice picture. Reminds me of Rangeley Lakes region quite
a few years back. Pots of gold only keep the dreams alive to enjoy.


JohnNH - just through the ice. Have no time for open water fishing. Every year
say I will, but always to busy.

[JohnNH]

If your in search of Rainbows through the ice on Winnipesaukee, try these spots:

Ellacoya -- stay in the sand/gravel at 4 to 8 feet of water.
Melvin Village - stay in the sand at 3 to 10 feet = straight out in front of Melvin Village Marina ( stay off the channel = thin ice).

In both cases, drill a few holes, drop a few (3 or 4) Salmon eggs in the hole. In a couple of holes, set up your trap with a 5x leader and a size 12 or 14 hook with little or no weight ( brass or composite) and a single Salmon egg on the hook. Keep the egg on the bottom. Keep looking at the holes that you dropped the eggs in and see if the eggs have been taken. When the eggs have attracted attention, drop a trap in that hole.

I normally use a jig rod, lay on the ice and look down in the hole to watch the eggs to see if there is any interest. The Rainbows will move in and scoop them up. When I see this amazing site, I drop my jig rod line down the hole with 2 or 4 lb. test line and a single egg and watch the attack. I am always amazed how they can take a Salmon egg off the hook and leave you wondering how they manage to do that without getting hooked = they are real pro's at that.

It may sound a bit strange to some, but it works.

Note, I always bring a couple of old vehicle floor mats or a 6' carpet runner with me and lay on that so the ice doesn't draw the heat out of your body too fast.

Enjoy,
John/NH

[dickb]

John/NH

Thanks for the info. 2 more questions.

1. Where can I buy soundings maps of the
lake? I tried the fish and wildlife dept without success.

2. We are staying in the Guilford/Laconia area. Does anyone know of
restaurants open early for breakfast?

[JohnNH]

You can get a map at Martel's Bait Shop, Bay st., Laconia.

John/NH