With ice fishing options beginning to wither away, some are longing for casting opportunities. Of course, there are still the hardwater diehards who are reveling in fishing with fewer crowds while wearing less layers.
New Hampshire Fishing Report
Southern New Hampshire ice is getting unpredictable according to Joe from Granite State Rod and Reel. In fact, despite warnings, one of Joe’s customers went out and promptly fell through the ice! While there is plenty of solid ice up north and among higher elevations it’s time to call it quits in more southern environs. Fortunately, the news isn’t all bad and it even involves – casting! Joe’s grandson has been slow rolling chatterbaits among the coves of the Nashua River and picking up awakening largemouth bass!
Chad from Dover Marine said that the white perch bite on Lake Winnipesaukee is on fire! He’s heard good reports regarding Alton Bay, 19 Mile Bay and Winter Harbor. If you find a relatively weedy cove you are likely to find pre-spawn crappie, including the occasional slab!
There’s not much going on locally according to Jason from Suds ‘N Soda as folks there are transitioning towards eventual open water. Anglers can expect the following options to open up roughly in chronological order: white perch in the Exeter/Squamscott Rivers, flounder in Rye and Hampton Harbors, and haddock in the GOM! As for freshwater, many are gearing up in anticipation of the opening season among designated trout water bodies which will be the fourth Saturday of April.
Southern Maine Fishing Report
For many, perception is reality and that is the case among ice fishing circles in Maine according to Scotty from Dag’s. Very simply, most have had it! But not all at Sebago Lake where the lake trout are still cooperating at the “big bay.” Just this past weekend, Scotty found willing fish up to 25” long in 20 to 40 feet of water next to drop offs. Sea smelt have been the best bait with white teasers/jigs a close second. Sadly, the smelt camps of Southern Maine are calling it a year as conditions deteriorate. The season however is ending on a high note as it proved to be a superior year which bodes well for the future of the smelt stock in Maine! If you’re dying to cast towards something which might show interest, consider the Mousam and Ogunquit Rivers which have salter brown trout fisheries. These twin rivers are perfect for the fly fishermen who will often out-fish the spinner. Forage at this time of the year is usually very small, making a delicate scud or minnow pattern more appealing to the wily brown trout than a spin fisherman’s offering.
Fishing Forecast for Maine and New Hampshire
Frenzied Winnipesaukee white perch which are feeding in close are making some regret that the season is drawing to a close on March 31st! But that’s not the case yet as you’ll find plenty of them in tight at Winter Harbor and Meredith Harbor. Sebago is featuring about 10 to 12 inches of ice and a solid lake trout bite on the big bay. However, if what you wouldd rather do is get in some casting licks, bass are stirring in the Nashua River and there’s always the stealthy salter brown trout option in the Ogunquit and Mousam Rivers.