With the Winnipesaukee-centered ice fishing derby in the rearview mirror, some are looking forward to significantly less pressure on the big lake. Regarding big lake ice fishing derbies, the predicted freeze is giving hopes to many that the Sebago Lake Derby which is scheduled for the following weekend, will go off without a hitch.
New Hampshire Fishing Report
According to Jim from AJs Bait in Meredith, the annual Greater Meredith Rotary Ice Fishing Tournament was a smashing success, but then again many of you have first-hand knowledge about that. Some greatly anticipate the follow-up weekend feeling that the anticlimax after this event leads to less pressure! Jim said that he has been advising most to stay away from The Broads but that might change with the predicted big chill. Due to the good results tricking in from Center Harbor and Leavitt Park you may decide that the chance/journey is not necessary. When asked what was cooperating among the two Winnipesaukee spots mentioned, Jim said that pretty much everything was hitting. In spite of the brisk business of the last weekend, the shop is still carrying smelt!
Roland, who is a registered New Hampshire guide, was covering the Suds ‘N Soda in Greenland shop when we spoke and he had some interesting alternatives to Lake Winnipesaukee. Customers of the shop have been catching at Newfound Lake, Webster Lake as well as Big and Little Diamond. His patrons who have been putting in time at Winnipesaukee have been finding lakers loaded with “pin-smelt” and finding close to 10” of ice among bays and coves making a long trek superfluous.
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Southern Maine Fishng Report
Renee from Sebago Bait and Tackle said that with the highly anticipated Sebago Lake ice fishing tournament scheduled the weekend after this many are anxious. As of now, anglers are only venturing out among the Raymond Beach area and The Station. With an Artic blast predicted for Friday, it is hoped that more Sebago prospects will become available. Meanwhile, the reports are of 6 inches of ice and plenty of togue. Salmon have been taken at Long Lake and there has been a pretty good perch bite on Little Sebago with an occasional brown trout added to the mix.
Scotty from Dag’s Bait & Sportgoods in Auburn is feeling confident that the Sebago Lake ice fishing tournament will go off without a problem, thanks to the predicted hat trick of below zero temperatures predicted. Right now there have been four wheelers navigating the Lower Station.
Pike have moved into shallow/weedy areas in anticipation of spawning. Anglers sticking to the same spots which produced a month ago are predictably bemoaning the “slow bite” but the ones who are moving closer are catching. Two toothy picks of the week are Long Pond and Cobboseecontee. Regarding the smelt camps, we are reaching the end of the run with some camps such as Bakers pulling their shacks while Worthings is still a go.
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New Hampshire And Southern Maine Fishing Forecast
With a favorable weather forecast and less angling pressure, some are viewing this weekend as the perfect time to try for lakers among the Leavitt Park section of Lake Winnipesaukee. If the multi-day freeze is accurate there may even be better opportunities awaiting at The Broads. Sebago appears to be catching at just the right time with. the big derby on that lake a little more than a week away. Already 4 wheelers are roaming around the Lower Station where the laker bite has been good. Those who are putting their pike bait in close among weed stalks are catching pike which are preparing to spawn with Long Lake and Cobboseecontee two of the top trophy pike picks.
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