Open-water Fishing Starts April 1

[Rattlesnake Gal]

Don Miller of N.H. Fish and Game Department (http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Newsroom/News_2006/News_2006_Q1/Spring_Fishing_Kickoff_032206.htm) is quoted in this article saying

"After poor ice conditions and lighter than normal ice fishing pressure last winter, you should be able to experience some early and fast spring salmon action,"

Good Luck!

Fishing and hunting licenses (http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Licensing/licenses.htm#how) are available online.
Gift Certificates (http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Shop/order_form_gift_cert.htm) are also available for that special someone.

[mcdude]

Bait Shops Busy As Opening Day Approaches...

see Concord Monitor (http://www.concordmonitor.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060331/REPOSITORY/60331001/1031) article.

[Merrymeeting]

This morning I took my first look at the Ice-out cams at 7:01 AM. On the Broadview cam there were at least 7 boats in the view, all heading out for the first day of fishing. Ten minutes later, no boats were in view.

Is there a 7 AM starting time for the fishing season or did I just happen to catch a bunch of buddies all heading out at the same time?

[Skip]

These folks are out first thing this morning on the webcam! My first sighting, anyway...:)

738

[Paugus Bay Resident]

I drove by Ames Farm this morning and thought I woke up in July :) The parking lot was full as can be. People were lined up at Ellacoya to launch. People all over the Mount's pier in Alton and on the Parker River bridge. What a difference a day makes!

[MAXUM]

Hey all-

Well Saturday I was one of quite a few fisherman to hit the water early and enjoy what turned out to be a spectacular morning on the lake. I hope these links work because I could not upload them directly into the forum due to size restrictions. I'll post them later on in my member gallery. So here we go, first shot off of Ellacoya looking due north across the broads. Doesn't get ANY better than that.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a156/men1967/Johns Boating/2ce4d2e0.jpg

This next shot is a close up of some remaining ice bergs that were floating around just due north/northwest of Rattlesnake Is, trolling through this stuff I was thinking I was in Alaska!


http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a156/men1967/Johns Boating/100_1597.jpg

Finally, this shot was taken before I pulled out, to the left of the frame is Rattlesnake IS, looking south/east towards Wolfeboro. This was all ice in the morning and a stiff westerly wind cleared the entire area before our eyes. Amazing!


http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a156/men1967/Johns Boating/100_1602.jpg


All in all a beautiful day, but no fish, not even a bite. Hear tell nobody that was out where we were had much luck. Oh well didn't matter, it was so beautiful out there and one of the rare times when it's quiet, just the distant rattle of another outboard motor trolling by.

I'm not sure how any of the bays are doing but with the warmth and winds on Satruday and Sunday I cannot imagine it will be long.

Maxum

[hazelnut]

Nice shots Maxum. More importantly... What did you catch???;)

[mcdude]

I also was astounded at the crowd at Ames Farm!

Follow the Concord Monitor Link (http://www.concordmonitor.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060403/REPOSITORY/60403001/1012/NEWS) to read about the drunken canoeist who was arrested at 6:40 a.m. off of Locke's Island. Do you think he'll lose his driver's license?:confused:

Here's more on OPENING DAY (http://www.concordmonitor.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060402/REPOSITORY/604020399/1007/SPORTS) (Fishing....not Baseball!!!)

[Grant]

Check out the guy on www.fishlakewinni.com who landed his first-ever salmon on opening day -- from a dock -- it was 8+ pounds and 31 inches!!!

Nice catch! That must be a five or six year old salmon.

http://www.fishlakewinni.com/eightlbs.jpg

[Erbyjoe]

Now that's what I call a Salmon.what a great looking fish:liplick: Would have loved to get her on a fly rod!!