salmon fishing 2021

[bbatch]

So far we've boated 4 salmon. All beautiful fish, 3+ lbs., 22-24". For the 2nd year in a row the usual predominate class of 2 -2.5 pounders seem to be missing. But its a small sample size.

[WINNI BOB]

Was freezing last weekend, but managed to net a couple of decent salmon. 23" and about 3 1/2 lbs each. Very slow. Hope the warming temps increase the bite.

[Flyfisha]

Headed up this week for a few days. Are you guys using flies on the surface?? Love the fight!!!

[WINNI BOB]

Hi;

In response to the people that are headed up for the weekend. My group has fished the past two weekends, and the results have not been good.....only three salmon all around 23" and 3 and 1/2 lbs. They were very healthy looking and when we cleaned and gutted the fish, they all had about 15 to 20 very tiny smelt in their bellies.
What luck we had was all from drifting and slow-trolling "live" smelt and shiners.

Good luck!

[swnoel]

Originally Posted by WINNI BOB

Hi;

In response to the people that are headed up for the weekend. My group has fished the past two weekends, and the results have not been good.....only three salmon all around 23" and 3 and 1/2 lbs. They were very healthy looking and when we cleaned and gutted the fish, they all had about 15 to 20 very tiny smelt in their bellies.
What luck we had was all from drifting and slow-trolling "live" smelt and shiners.

Good luck!

If you don't mind me asking... how do you hook up the live bait to troll?

[WINNI BOB]

Originally Posted by swnoel

If you don't mind me asking... how do you hook up the live bait to troll?

Hi;

Run a very small # 6 or 8 hook across the smelt's upper lip only..entering either the left or right side and exiting on the opposite side, this allows the smelt to open its mouth and breathe. But some run the hook up through the lower lip and exit through the upper lip.
When drifting or trolling the smelt, it is important to tie a very small swivel to your main line, and, then tie a 6-8' piece of 4 lb fluorocarbon from that swivel to your hook. this allows the smelt to swim straight and true. Sometimes, when the wind is stiff, you might want to add a very small split-shot at the swivel. Let the live bait out carefully, do not cast. Let it out a good 40-50 yds.
Add an elastic band around your rod handle just forward of the reel bail, and slide your line under the elastic band in a loop. Make sure your reel bail is open while drifting or trolling....That way when the fish grabs the smelt, it will pull the line out from under the elastic, easily, and the fish will be off and free running till you can get to your rod, close the bail, and set the hook. Make sure your drag is set to about 3 lbs. Also, if you prefer to troll rather than drift...trolling speeds of 1 to 2 mph is ideal...no faster.
Be very careful when putting the hook in...do it as quickly as possible, and do not make the holes any bigger than necessary. If you aren't careful, the smelt can swim right off the hook with its erratic movements. Check the baits every 20 minutes or so, reel them in slowly, so as not to make the hooks make bigger holes in their lips.

[bbatch]

We've been trolling streamers up top and close to shore; Golden Smelt, Winnepesaukee smelt, mickey finn, Bob smelt. 2.5 -3 mph. The fishing better when its a little rough. Too calm the past few days.

[Treerider]

I heard of an 11.5 lb salmon caught in NH, just an unconfirmed rumor.......can anyone corroborate??