By GEORGE LISET, WRITING ON THE FLY
The hazy, lazy days of summer are upon us. This spring and summer in New Hampshire has been different. Usually by this time in July, the grass is turning brown, the rivers are low and like bath water. This year, however, my lawn is luscious green and the bushes are out of control. There is hay standing in the fields because it is too wet to mow. The corn that got planted early is off to a great start. The rivers, especially in the western part of the state and along the Connecticut River Valley, are at flood level and making it problematic for wade fishing.
Fly fishers this time of year have some options. Here on the Seacoast we can chase Stripers. Fly fishing for Stripers has become increasingly popular. Many anglers use boats and follow the seagulls and terns. Stripers will chase bait fish who will gather in a “bait ball” and attack them. The birds will swoop down and pick off the injured or stunned fish. So fishermen follow the birds.
Fishermen can also fish for them from shore, bridges and docks. Evenings and early mornings are the best times. Fly fishers should know the rules. New Hampshire Fish and Game states that as of May, 26, 2023, recreational anglers may take, possess or transport only one fish between 28-31 inches. All other rules are unchanged. Fly fishers usually use an eight weight rod. Six weights are fun when fishing Great Bay. Eldridge Brothers Fly Shop in York, Maine is a great resource for equipment, guides and general info.
Another option is hitting the trout ponds. New Hampshire Fish and Game has a list of stocked trout ponds on their website. Some are accessible for boats and canoes and other small watercraft. Others that require a hike in can be accessed with float tubes. Float tubes are comparable to sitting in your easy chair on the water with a fly rod in your hand. Some even come equipped with a cup holder and a snack tray, although my son said the tray is for measuring your fish. That explains the numbers. There are also a number of bass ponds that really heat up when the water gets warm. Six weight rods are suggested.
When the bass start biting you can have a lot of fun. Throwing bass bugs and poppers along the shore line can elicit a great response. I remember casting against the shore and watching the water explode when a nice three pond bass took my fly. I also remember when my son Reed, caught a five pound bass which took him for a float-tube ride before he reeled him in.
A third option, and one that most fly fishers who fish primarily for trout take, is heading north and finding cold water. I head up to the White Mountain National Park and Mount Washington Valley. There is nothing more fun than breaking out your light- three weight fly rod and catching native brook trout. People come from all over the country to fish for these New Hampshire gems. They are so gorgeous when they have their mating and fall colors on.
The North Country Angler fly shop in North Conway is a must stop. Owner Steve Angers has maps and flies that are sure to get you into a nice fish.
For those that get tired catching fish, you can always grab a good book and sit on the porch and read. If you need a few chuckles you can always read some of my past articles. Whatever you choose to do, get out and enjoy the summer.