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N.H. FISHING RULE CHANGES FOR 2008CONCORD, N.H. - As the start of the new year approaches, the New Hampshire Fish andGame Department wants anglers to be aware of several administrative rule changesthat will take effect in 2008. "These new rules don't reflect major statewide changes for anglers," said ScottDecker, Inland Fisheries Program Supervisor for N.H. Fish and Game. "However, theuse of certain types of fishing gear has changed - the use of cusk fishing deviceswill be limited to specific waterbodies with cusk populations, and the use of a gaffto take fish in any fresh waters of the state is now prohibited. It's also importantfor anglers who fish certain waters to be aware of specific changes affecting thosewaterbodies." The following 2008 administrative rule changes affecting anglers take effect January 1:Use of Cusk Fishing Devices: The use of cusk fishing devices is restricted to thefollowing waters: First Connecticut Lake, Second Connecticut Lake, Third ConnecticutLake and Lake Francis (all in Pittsburg); Newfound Lake (Bristol, Alexandria,Bridgewater, Hebron); Silver Lake (Madison); Big Squam Lake (Holderness, CenterHarbor, Sandwich, Moultonboro); Little Squam Lake (Holderness, Ashland); South Pond(Stark); Sunapee Lake (Newbury, New London, Sunapee); Lake Winnipesaukee (Alton,Center Harbor, Gilford, Laconia, Meredith, Moultonboro, Tuftonboro, Wolfeboro); andWinnisquam Lake (Belmont, Sanbornton, Laconia, Tilton, Meredith).Use of a gaff: Use of a gaff (a hand-held metal hook used on large fish) to takefish in any fresh waters of the state is prohibited. Manmade Openings: This rule clarifies the definition of "manmade opening" to mean ahole in the ice made by an ice-cutting tool, including, but not limited to, augers,chisels and saws. Manmade openings shall not include areas that remain ice-freebecause of current and movement created by dock aerators and similar devices. Diamond River (Second College Grant): The fishing rules on the Diamond River, fromthe Dead Diamond River and Swift Diamond River confluences down to the mouth at theMagalloway River confluence will change to catch-and-release regulations. This meansthere is no closed season, all fish must be immediately released; only single-hookartificial lures and flies can be used; and, all hooks must be barbless or have allbarbs pinched.Dublin Lake (Dublin): The daily limit for brook trout caught from Dublin Lake willbe modified to 3 fish or a total of 5 pounds of fish, whichever limit is reachedfirst. South Pond (Stark): The minimum length for lake trout will be reduced from 18 inchesto 15 inches.Umbagog Lake: The portion of Umbagog Lake north of a straight line between MollsRock; Errol, N.H.; and the red post between Spillman and Glassby Coves, MagallowayPlantation, Maine, is closed to ice-fishing.Interstate waters between New Hampshire and Maine: The ice fishing season for allspecies except salmon will run from January 1 to March 31 in these waters. Lower Kimball Pond in Chatham, N.H., and Fryeburg, Maine: During the open season,smelt can be taken up until 12 midnight. Horn Pond and Salmon Falls River in Wakefield, N.H., and Acton, Maine: The northernterminus of Horn Pond will be delineated by signage in Wakefield, N.H. and Acton,Maine. The upper reach of the Salmon Falls River in Wakefield, Milton, Rochester,Somersworth and Rollinsford, N.H., and Acton, Berwick and South Berwick, Maine, willbe defined as beginning at the outlet dam of Great East Lake (also known as StateLine Canal) and extending to a point downstream marked by signage delineating thenorthern terminus of Horn Pond.Salmon Falls River in Wakefield, Milton, Rochester, Somersworth, and Rollinsford,N.H. and Acton, Berwick and South Berwick, Maine: The open water season will runfrom January 1 to December 31. For more information on New Hampshire fishing rules, consult the 2008 New HampshireFishing Digest, available at http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Fishing/fishing.htm(click on the blue publication cover) or from license agents across the state. The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department is the guardian of the state's fish,wildlife and marine resources and their habitats. Visit http://www.FishNH.com.