IceShanty.com's Ice Fishing Community
New Hampshire => Ice Fishing New Hampshire => Topic started by: FSH4FN on Jan 20, 2020, 03:20 PM
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Curiosity was peaking today, probably from the lack of ice fishing the last few weeks...
Obviously, we have our laws here in New Hampshire regarding salmon during the ice fishing season but I am noticing other states where people ice fish for salmon and take them through during the season. Bored and browsing other forums for different states.
Is it because of the type of salmon we have in New Hampshire?
Is it because of the quality of fishery for salmon in New Hampshire... not a strong enough fishery to support it?
Really just a genuine thought about it. In brainstorming, I thought maybe it had to do with the type of salmon or because we don't have the type of salmon fisheries that other states have.
Anyone thought about this before or know why?
Not looking to change anything because I support not taking them through the ice and supporting the growth and spawning season but just wondering why other states choose to...
Chad
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The NH salmon are there for the rich folks with their expensive boats. F&G doesn't want the winter slobs to put a dent in the population.
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https://www.iceshanty.com/ice_fishing/index.php?topic=101599.0
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https://www.iceshanty.com/ice_fishing/index.php?topic=101599.0
Thank you for the link... there’s definitely some interesting thoughts thrown out there on that thread.
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The NH salmon are there for the rich folks with their expensive boats. F&G doesn't want the winter slobs to put a dent in the population.
I think this is pretty much it.
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I catch Winni salmon out of my old Starcraft ($3000 +-). How much does a wheeler or snow machine cost to fish Winni?.
Winning salmon fishing is far better than Maine or Vermont.
I don't think NH biologists care much about politics or rich fishermen.
Dick
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this maybe true but another reason is that there is not enough wild salmon reproduction like there is in Maine. They are very easy to catch in the winter. Other reason is valid too but think its more a supply issue.
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this maybe true but another reason is that there is not enough wild salmon reproduction like there is in Maine. They are very easy to catch in the winter. Other reason is valid too but think its more a supply issue.
Agreed, I feel I could personally crash a salmon pop in the smaller lakes single handedly if targeting
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Agreed, I feel I could personally crash a salmon pop in the smaller lakes single handedly if targeting
true I mean in Maine there is a 4 fish limit and it comes fast. I know guys that ice fish everyday 2 salmon a day say during the derby would do some real damage.
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this maybe true but another reason is that there is not enough wild salmon reproduction like there is in Maine. They are very easy to catch in the winter. Other reason is valid too but think its more a supply issue.
Some great feedback and an interesting perspective on the ease of catch during the winter.
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I've caught plenty of salmon from shore, especially early season, also caught my share trolling the edge of the ice with a canoe.(a 1965 Grumman, handed down from.my Dad) .. personally, I enjoy the opening day aspect... if/ when I hook a salmon through the ice, I still get the best part, the fight, the fish gets the release of life and I get the thrill of battle, we both win... white perch taste better anyway.
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I've caught plenty of salmon from shore, especially early season, also caught my share trolling the edge of the ice with a canoe.(a 1965 Grumman, handed down from.my Dad) .. personally, I enjoy the opening day aspect... if/ when I hook a salmon through the ice, I still get the best part, the fight, the fish gets the release of life and I get the thrill of battle, we both win... white perch taste better anyway.
Definitely agree with that... white perch are my favorite coming through the ice!
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true I mean in Maine there is a 4 fish limit and it comes fast. I know guys that ice fish everyday 2 salmon a day say during the derby would do some real damage.
And some lakes have similar refs to ours. No salon through the ice etc.
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They're wayyyy too easy through the ice... I mean a buddy told me that. But on a serious note, I don't think our small NH lakes dont have the reproductive means/support. In Maine they are considered a nuisance in some fisheries.
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They are on some waters up there. I believe on Cross lake there is no limit on salmon under 14". I spoke to a biologist up on moosehead 2 years ago and said it would be like that for at least 5 years
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Not looking to change anything because I support not taking them through the ice and supporting the growth and spawning season but just wondering why other states choose to
Most of ME and all of NH & VT have the same Landlocked Atlantic salmon. In fact, a lot of those salmon were derived from Sebago Lake salmon genetics. ME still has a few sea run Atlantic salmon also.
Re: spawning season, less than 2% of NH's salmon are spawned naturally.The rest are all stocked.
Winning salmon fishing is far better than Maine or Vermont.
It's often times hard to understand what Dick's trying to say or saying? ::) If he's trying to say Winni salmon fishing is far better than ME or VT, don't believe a word of it! That's just ignorant and/or foolish talk!
He definitely should know better!
Since alewives were introduced in Champ around 2000, that's a far better fishery than Winni. Winni salmon fishing has not been great for a couple years. The upcoming year is destined to be a disaster for Winni salmon fishing. Hopefully, when this year's federal hatchery salmon stocking mature, the following year, Winni will start to rebound. If so, it will be at least a couple years in the making.
There are other great salmon lakes in both ME and VT.
Don't misunderstand me. Winni has had some very good salmon fishing in the past. The quality, as a rule doesn't compete with Champ, though.
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White perch ..or Crappie..through the ice. Which tastes better ?
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White perch ..or Crappie..through the ice. Which tastes better ?
Crappie
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Crappie
Aggrree
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X3 on the Crappie, I'd only put cusk above for fresh water...
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Most of ME and all of NH & VT have the same Landlocked Atlantic salmon. In fact, a lot of those salmon were derived from Sebago Lake salmon genetics. ME still has a few sea run Atlantic salmon also.
Re: spawning season, less than 2% of NH's salmon are spawned naturally.The rest are all stocked.
It's often times hard to understand what Dick's trying to say or saying? ::) If he's trying to say Winni salmon fishing is far better than ME or VT, don't believe a word of it! That's just ignorant and/or foolish talk!
He definitely should know better!
Since alewives were introduced in Champ around 2000, that's a far better fishery than Winni. Winni salmon fishing has not been great for a couple years. The upcoming year is destined to be a disaster for Winni salmon fishing. Hopefully, when this year's federal hatchery salmon stocking mature, the following year, Winni will start to rebound. If so, it will be at least a couple years in the making.
There are other great salmon lakes in both ME and VT.
Don't misunderstand me. Winni has had some very good salmon fishing in the past. The quality, as a rule doesn't compete with Champ, though.
I've only come to the salmon trolling game recently besides the few times my father took me back in the day. I just use lead core (no down riggers) and I troll from my tritoon boat.
I see people doing the same with kayaks on up to the commercial guys and all their equipment. ANYONE can go out there and troll with a boat and a license. That said, the statement of it being "rich man's game" is baloney! I have done pretty well after a very generous, long time salmon fisherman invited me aboard his boat a few years back to show me some tips...he even handed me some of his flies at the end of our outing. That's what the sport is about.
My wife and I have decided to start looking for a better "fishing" boat that gives some protection from the elements VS the open pontoon boat but my point is that anyone can get out there and have fun, There have been times when my wife and I have been hooked up in the middle of the guide boats and had our limits by 8am and the guys in the guide boats would be hollering congrats to us after watching us being successful. Again, sportsmanship rules the day.
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White perch ..or Crappie..through the ice. Which tastes better ?
Crappie
Yup!
Especially when you can get into some slabs like these! Yum. (From last weekend)
(https://i.postimg.cc/7CG1jtv5/IMG-20200119-123439203-HDR.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/7CG1jtv5)
(https://i.postimg.cc/KKD90stt/31086.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/KKD90stt)
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Yep, I’ve done it myself in a leaky, 14 ft POS John boat and a 5 horse. Right after ice-out it’s anyone’s game, and a small boat or canoe gives you the edge of hugging shore and shoals you couldnt work with a big $ boat. It’s too easy to catch salmon through ice, much like AA said. I think they get banged up pretty bad just being caught and released by many. Side note, there are some lakes in ME, like Rangely, Richardson, and I believe Mooselookemeguntic; amazing native brook trout and LL Salmon fisheries, and you can’t put a line in them period, through the ice.
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I would agree with the others that the main reason is how easy they are to catch via ice... I'd say just about any time I'm out after trout I will get at least 1 salmon. Got one yesterday on a jawjacker that was 5lbs easy.. had to say, one of the bigger ones I've seen through the ice though as most are the 2 - 2.5 lbs cookie cutter ones.. but they still fight like mad. I wouldn't keep them if I could as they're way too good for the fight to take home and fish out IMO. Took my buddy at least 10 mins to land it yesterday as it ran from the hole about 7 times.. I thought it was a donkey bow at first.. until the 5th time to the hole and I saw the silver... fat as can be though and off she went for another day. Had to cut the hook as she had taken it pretty good... I hate doing that, but better than keeping her out of the water, especially as cold and windy as it was. Would have like to see her during the spring.. oh well.
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Once you've caught a real salmon you realize that NH salmon are not special, and you wonder what all the hype is about.
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As far as $$$$ is concerned, I don't see how that even makes sense. They could bring in a lot of winter revenue if they allowed salmon through the ice. Same as if they got rid of the trout pond restrictions and two trap lakes.
I personally would love to try for samon and lakers as well as hit some native brookie ponds. I'd spend all kinds of $$$$ on food, bait, gas and lodging. At a time of year when the vacation economy is not producing much.
When I do my saltwater trips to RI, I go after tourist season is done and businesses are struggling. I typically make at least one long weekend and spend plenty $$$$.
Those restrictions are what discourage me. I would still release most of my salmon and brook trout. I'd just want to use my five traps, hit some trout ponds and maybe have the option to at least snap a quick pic of a decent salmon.
Having said that, NH obviously just feels trout and salmon are too vulnerable to ice fishing. I actually agree with that and support their effort to manage their fishery wisely. They pass up the chance for more money to protect the stocks.
Not alot of state put fish before revenue.
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Once you've caught a real salmon you realize that NH salmon are not special, and you wonder what all the hype is about.
True. I've caught nicer salmon in other states. But... I guess it's just the location factor. It's convenient in our home state. It's what we got, gotta do the best with it.
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True. I've caught nicer salmon in other states. But... I guess it's just the location factor. It's convenient in our home state. It's what we got, gotta do the best with it.
It’s hard to beat a LLS doing cartwheels on light line. They don’t get big, but the fight is outstanding.
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Once you've caught a real salmon you realize that NH salmon are not special, and you wonder what all the hype is about.
true, they are not 30 lb kings, but I don't have to drive 9 hours either...
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It’s hard to beat a LLS doing cartwheels on light line. They don’t get big, but the fight is outstanding.
Absolutely agree! That's kind of what I meant. I was just commenting on luv2hunts post. They're not monsters, but It's in our backyard.
And like Joe said below, we don't have to drive 9 hours.
But....if we want to travel and chase huge trophies, we can.
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As far as $$$$ is concerned, I don't see how that even makes sense. They could bring in a lot of winter revenue if they allowed salmon through the ice. Same as if they got rid of the trout pond restrictions and two trap lakes.
I personally would love to try for samon and lakers as well as hit some native brookie ponds. I'd spend all kinds of $$$$ on food, bait, gas and lodging. At a time of year when the vacation economy is not producing much.
When I do my saltwater trips to RI, I go after tourist season is done and businesses are struggling. I typically make at least one long weekend and spend plenty $$$$.
Those restrictions are what discourage me. I would still release most of my salmon and brook trout. I'd just want to use my five traps, hit some trout ponds and maybe have the option to at least snap a quick pic of a decent salmon.
Having said that, NH obviously just feels trout and salmon are too vulnerable to ice fishing. I actually agree with that and support their effort to manage their fishery wisely. They pass up the chance for more money to protect the stocks.
Not alot of state put fish before revenue.
The problem is that sure, you can spend a lot of $$ and catch some salmon. But then EVERYONE will be catching salmon, and if/when the population crashes, all those anglers and their $$ will go somewhere else, perhaps MAINE or VERMONT.
If the state has to supplement the LLS population with stocking every year then there is evidentially a problem with the fish stocks and their natural reproduction. They are doing what they should do to "maintain" a viable population of fish.
By allowing salmon to be fished year round, it would put additional stress on the population.
Oh, and here in MA, they only have regulations for species-specific fishing in our major reservoirs.
Everywhere else it's all a "put & take" fishery. They put them in for us top take them out. MA has essentially given up on salmon and basically any "self-sustaining" fishery in the state.
Now that's all for the $$!!!!
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It's unrealistic to think that a lake can produce trophy caliber fish when it has rainbows, lakers, and salmon in it. I think the state wants it all, but it's just not doable. Wouldn't you rather catch a 10lb laker or a 5lb rainbow over a 3lb salmon? A three pound salmon is very fun to catch but it's not really a big fish, and crap you can't even get a picture of it through the ice. Winnipesaukee should be able to produce large #s of trophy trout, yet it rarely coughs up a 10lb laker or a 5lb rainbow, or a salmon over 5lbs.
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All the talk of $$$$$ spent if seasons were changed - Fish and Game would see very little if any additional income. All "new monies" would flow into the General Fund. F&G doesn't get even a small percentage of say the room and meals tax. You get the idea. That's why the department is the poor child living on a shoe string!
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Most of ME and all of NH & VT have the same Landlocked Atlantic salmon. In fact, a lot of those salmon were derived from Sebago Lake salmon genetics. ME still has a few sea run Atlantic salmon also.
Re: spawning season, less than 2% of NH's salmon are spawned naturally.The rest are all stocked.
I didn't know that... always assumed (my fault with assuming) that it was the spawning. 2% is really low!
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White perch ..or Crappie..through the ice. Which tastes better ?
I am going to say white perch but that's because I never get on any crappie... it's mostly white perch for me. I am sure crappie tastes amazing!
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Yup!
Especially when you can get into some slabs like these! Yum. (From last weekend)
(https://i.postimg.cc/7CG1jtv5/IMG-20200119-123439203-HDR.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/7CG1jtv5)
(https://i.postimg.cc/KKD90stt/31086.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/KKD90stt)
Great looking fish right there!
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I've only come to the salmon trolling game recently besides the few times my father took me back in the day. I just use lead core (no down riggers) and I troll from my tritoon boat.
I see people doing the same with kayaks on up to the commercial guys and all their equipment. ANYONE can go out there and troll with a boat and a license. That said, the statement of it being "rich man's game" is baloney! I have done pretty well after a very generous, long time salmon fisherman invited me aboard his boat a few years back to show me some tips...he even handed me some of his flies at the end of our outing. That's what the sport is about.
My wife and I have decided to start looking for a better "fishing" boat that gives some protection from the elements VS the open pontoon boat but my point is that anyone can get out there and have fun, There have been times when my wife and I have been hooked up in the middle of the guide boats and had our limits by 8am and the guys in the guide boats would be hollering congrats to us after watching us being successful. Again, sportsmanship rules the day.
Yep, I’ve done it myself in a leaky, 14 ft POS John boat and a 5 horse.
I don't like the "rich man's game" theory either. :(
You can use what you have or are willing to spend on the sport. It's all relative! At ice out, you can catch salmon from shore or even bridge fish, if that's your thing. Consider bass fishing? You can catch bass with one rod from a dock or spend tens of thousands of dollars on just the go fast boat. To each their own.
Personally, I've never been jealous of anyone that had more than myself. And, there's a lot of those out there! If I wanted something, I'd work hard to get it. If I knew it was beyond my means, I put it out of my mind, DONE!
To put the subject in an IS perspective, all you "need" to go ice fishing is your grandfather's or yard sale spud, an ice scoop and a jig stick! How many of us on here, strike out with just those?
Mow, both lead core and riggers are good tools to have in the arsenal. I've seen plenty of days when they fished about equal. Have also seen days when one definitely out fished the other. I've been out the day after one of those days, and had it reverse!
I have a good friend who trolled for decades like it was his job! He was an excellent troller and kept meticulous records of each outing. Besides fishing with him often (in several states) I was privy to his "annual reports/logs". Ultimately, the riggers out fished the cores.
There are other ways to get depths from line, like dipsies, trip Z's, jet & slide divers and dive bombs etc..
It's all about what fits your program and suits your fancy.
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Well said CD... It's all about effort, just like the money thing, it's all about effort...
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I don't like the "rich man's game" theory either. :(
You can use what you have or are willing to spend on the sport. It's all relative! At ice out, you can catch salmon from shore or even bridge fish, if that's your thing. Consider bass fishing? You can catch bass with one rod from a dock or spend tens of thousands of dollars on just the go fast boat. To each their own.
Personally, I've never been jealous of anyone that had more than myself. And, there's a lot of those out there! If I wanted something, I'd work hard to get it. If I knew it was beyond my means, I put it out of my mind, DONE!
To put the subject in an IS perspective, all you "need" to go ice fishing is your grandfather's or yard sale spud, an ice scoop and a jig stick! How many of us on here, strike out with just those?
Mow, both lead core and riggers are good tools to have in the arsenal. I've seen plenty of days when they fished about equal. Have also seen days when one definitely out fished the other. I've been out the day after one of those days, and had it reverse!
I have a good friend who trolled for decades like it was his job! He was an excellent troller and kept meticulous records of each outing. Besides fishing with him often (in several states) I was privy to his "annual reports/logs". Ultimately, the riggers out fished the cores.
There are other ways to get depths from line, like dipsies, trip Z's, jet & slide divers and dive bombs etc..
It's all about what fits your program and suits your fancy.
Great post CD! We do have a new “weapon” to try out this coming season...the guy that manufactures the SKIJIGGER is back in business and we bought one before Christmas. Looking forward to see how it works for us...he is also selling streamer flies as well. I guess his father was a local legend in that area.
If you are a salmon fisherman you probably know who I’m talking about but if not, PM me and I’ll give you his information.
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good point Roccus and lv2.. I also have caught 25 -30lb kings.. on Ontario and that's quite an "animal". reminds me of catching a small tuna. However, getting a 5lber on a tiny ice rod is quite the ride as well. Especially when you're not planning on it or targeting them...
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The Kings are a blast! I love the couple long runs they make on 15 lb line. I’ve caught a ton of those 25+ pound fish. I actually prefer to hook up on Silvers or Steelies out there, far better fight with more action during imo. All better than anything here though. I’ve caught some absolute slob Browns out there to that are well past the football shape and just deformed lol. I miss fishing NY before kids and mortgages I useto but my non res license and head there Friday mid day and head home to be at work 6 am Monday and fish non stop I don’t think I could physically do that now anyhow.
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Great post CD! We do have a new “weapon” to try out this coming season...the guy that manufactures the SKIJIGGER is back in business and we bought one before Christmas. Looking forward to see how it works for us...he is also selling streamer flies as well. I guess his father was a local legend in that area.
If you are a salmon fisherman you probably know who I’m talking about but if not, PM me and I’ll give you his information.
I've chased a few salmon. I know exactly who you're talking about (Paul). That ski jigger will definitely help your core fishing. I've fished with a few different friends that use and swear by them. I never owned any, cuz I was usually pulling 2 or 3 cores on each side with Otter boards. His streamers are very well tied and effective. Note: Don't over look single flies tied by others. They work well all season. Not just when the YOY are prevalent.
Well said CD... It's all about effort, just like the money thing, it's all about effort...
True statement, Stealth!
I've reeled in a few of those big Lake O Kings. You know you have a real good one on, when your rigger rod has 1,000' of line on it, your almost spooled and you have to turn the boat around.
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I've chased a few salmon. I know exactly who you're talking about (Paul). That ski jigger will definitely help your core fishing. I've fished with a few different friends that use and swear by them. I never owned any, cuz I was usually pulling 2 or 3 cores on each side with Otter boards. His streamers are very well tied and effective. Note: Don't over look single flies tied by others. They work well all season. Not just when the YOY are prevalent.
Single hook streamers is all I have been using per the recommendation by the gent that took me out to give me hands on tips!
When the bite has shut off I have tried tandems with no luck...not sure I’ll change just yet! Besides, Paul said he would tie anything for me on request!