1. Add definitions for a "cast of artificial flies" and "Man-made opening" (the latter refers to ice-fishing).
2. Prohibit the branching of a line for taking fish and the use of a gaff to take fish from freshwater.
3. Allow cusk fishing devices to be used only on waters where cusk can be found.
4. Change the daily limit for brook trout in Dublin Lake, Dublin, from 3 fish to 3 fish or 5 pounds of fish, which ever limit is reached first.
5. Reduce the minimum size limit for lake trout in South Pond, in Stark, from 18 inches to 15 inches.
6. Allow a single barbed hook on artificial lures in all waters managed for "delayed harvest" which includes portions of the Cocheco River, Lamprey River and South Branch Piscataquog River.
7. Implement catch-and-release regulations on a portion of the Diamond River.
8. Make changes in the New Hampshire/Maine interstate water fishing rules as follows:
   a)  Change boundary descriptions for Horn Pond and the Salmon Falls River.
   b)  Change the ice-fishing season to January 1 through March 31.
   c)  Change the closing time for taking smelt at night from 10 p.m. to midnight.
   d)  Change the open-water fishing season in the Salmon Falls River to January 1 through December 31.
   e)  Change the area of Lake Umbagog that is closed to ice-fishing.

Trout fishing on Lake Winnepesaukee

Another proposed rule that will be discussed at the hearing would allow the Department to adopt previously effective rules that have expired and to readopt, with no changes, those that will be expiring at various times in 2008. These rules affect persons taking bait, bait dealers and persons participating in the trophy and state record fish programs. This item does not propose any changes to what is in current rule or had previously existed in rule.

The complete fishing rule-making notice forms, with the original and proposed rule language, may be found at: www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Legislative/Notices_summary.htm. Written comments on the proposed changes may be submitted by August 3, 2007. Send comments via e-mail to: comments@wildlife.nh.gov.  In the subject line of your e-mail, specify "Comments On Fishing Rules". You can also mail your comments to:  Executive Director, N.H. Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, N.H. 03301. For those who prefer faxing, Fish and Game’s fax number is: (603) 271-1438.

All in all, however, attending the hearing is a positive, offering a chance to speak out on the subjects at hand directly to the Fish and Game Commissioners and the Director. Hope to see you there.