“Springing” In To Action?

In a couple of words … not quite. As is typical of the spring fishing in northern New Hampshire, we’re having a bit of a slow start to our spring season. There might be a few contributing factors to what’s been happening (or not happening) however.

First, the water levels of the Connecticut Lakes and the Connecticut River have been lower than normal this year because of a lack of snow this past winter and a relatively dry spring. Thankfully, we have had some rain the last couple of weeks, but it will take a lot more to make up the difference from what we typically have.

Low water levels makes for some awfully spooky fish, and fish that might not be there at all, in the case of the salmon that annually run up the Magalloway inlet chasing smelt each spring. There’s certainly some salmon there, but not nearly in the numbers that we typically see them, due to the low lake level and river flow at the inlet.

The story is the same at Lake Francis Inlet – lower lake and river flows coming in to the inlet makes for wary trout and salmon that may be “hanging up” in the deeper water where they are safer. Also, if the smelt aren’t running up the inlet, there will probably be less predatory trout and salmon seeking to make them a dinner guest …

Okay, this all sounds bad, but there’s help on the way. The weather will be mostly unsettled and cool this week, which should help keep water temps constant, and the cloud cover should help the fishing some. Some rain will help keep the river flow “fresh” too. Still, my best advice is to bring a boat, canoe or kayak to help get you to where the fish are – the deeper water in the inlets. Bring your sinking lines and a box of streamers and you could have yourself a good time.

If the river/inlet fishing is slow, focus on Back Lake or one of the outer ponds (Moose, Middle, Round) that are accessible by vehicle right now – all of these areas have likely been stocked this spring, so there’s fish there and they’re probably ready to eat. Speaking of stocking, the annual trout stocking by the Pittsburg Anglers Association will happen next Sunday, May 16, so the Trophy Stretch will be a good option after that.

Of course, it’s always better being on the water than not, so tight lines everybody!