Designated Trout and Fly-Fishing Only Ponds Open Saturday, April 25, 2009

It seems like the waiting has been forever. Now, our designated trout and fly-fishing only ponds will open for action tomorrow. I thought the season would never get here. April 25th offers anglers the chance to experience some exciting trout fishing in some of New Hampshire’s most scenic trout waters. These ponds are managed specifically for trout and fishing is allowed through October 15.

New Hampshire Fish and Game Department Fisheries Biologist, Don Miller, says, “These trout ponds are often the best waters in a given area for a variety of reasons. They contain excellent habitat, low species competition and the fact that these ponds are closed to ice-fishing allow these waters to be managed for trout fishing enthusiasts.” Further, Miller explains that ponds managed for trout may be stocked with one or more species, including brook, brown and rainbow trout, with age classes ranging from yearlings (8 to 12 inc hes), 2-year-olds (12 to 15 inches) and three plus year-olds that are measured in pounds.

“Trout are prized by anglers because they can be challenging and elusive, and fishing for them is one of the traditional rites of spring,” Miller said. “Whether your passion is a multi-colored brook trout, a leaping rainbow trout, or the determined fight of a brown trout, there’s a New Hampshire trout pond within reasonable driving distance for you to fish.”

Locally, we have Mount William Pond, in Weare, Hot Hole Pond and Clough Pond in Loudon, French Pond, in Henniker, Lucas Pond, in Northwood. Whittemore Lake, in Bennington and Dublin Lake, in Dublin, are two other good trout fishing waters. Another pond where I also enjoy fishing for trout is Willard Pond in Antrim. This pond contains brook, brown, rainbow and tiger trout. There are bass here, too. It is a pond that is beautiful and a place where wildlife can often be viewed while you’re fishing. However, keep in mind that Willard Pond is fly-fishing only waters. Also, other than paddling and/or rowing, only electric motors are allowed. If your boat has both an electric motor and a gasoline motor, the gasoline motor must be removed or else the boat will not be permitted on the pond. Having the gasoline motor on your boat is considered prima-facie evidence that you are violating the rules and you will be ticketed by Fish and Game.

Rivers that have been fishable for trout since January 1, may have already received a stocking.  However, the current rains have caused water levels to rise and current speeds to increase, so anglers would do well to be safe by being prepared. If you are wading, carry a wading staff to better feel out the bottom structure of the river or stream and give you better support. Wearing an inflatable life vest is also a good idea when wading rivers and streams. And, if you are wearing chest waders, use a good belt to cinch the middle around your waist. Should you fall into the water, it will greatly help in keeping your waders from filling up fast with water and turning into a very life threatening scenario.

For a list of trout ponds and fly-fishing only ponds in the state, as well as a description of special rules that apply to certain ponds, be sure to get a copy of the 2009 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, available from any Fish and Game license agent. The digest is also available on line at: www.fishnh.com/Fishing/fishing.htm. Good luck and tight lines.

Bob Harris can be reached via e-mail at: outwriter2@aol.com

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DISCLAIMER:  The opinions expressed by Mr. Harris are not necessarily those of the Goffstown Residents Association or its members

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