Report 6/1/19: All species on deck

What we have all been waiting for, very patiently, spring. The last bits of snow are quickly melting from the larger peaks in the White Mountains which is allowing the rivers to come down and warm up a bit. Insect activity has been minimal with the exception of some BWO's, midges, and small caddis hatches. All hatches are about a week or more late this year. The only fish I have seen come to the surface has surprisingly enough been a walleye that was feeding on caddis just before dark. Trout ponds are at their best right now as far as fishing goes, but the black flies, mosquitos, and ticks are abundant this year and can easily ruin your time on the water if you aren't prepared for them.

Walleye on the fly and on foot, anything is possible!

Streamer fishing for smallmouth has been excellent in both rivers and still waters. The spawn is just beginning in central NH and VT. All fish I have caught so far have been in deeper water on drop offs or near submerged wood. I have seen no bass on nests yet, but they are well on their way now I'm sure.

Small bass, big fly.

Trout fishing with small dries, nymphs, and of course streamers is still the go to tactic. Leech patterns have been great this spring, the fish seem to want a larger meal than normal, and leeches fit that bill perfectly. It was a long cold winter so they must pack on the pounds fast. Many of the salmon I caught this year were very underweight and overly eager to hit a fly.

Big LLS from NH lakes region.

Pike fishing should start to pick up soon, fish are coming out of their post spawn slumber and should be actively chasing smaller baitfish in weedy shallow flats and drop offs. I like to fish a smaller fly for pike this time of year than I do in the fall because the pike seem to enjoy chasing small baitfish around rather than laying up near a log or some other piece of structure and waiting for food to come by.

The Dr. Jekyll, from CATCH Fly-fishing, a perfect fly for spring pike.

The smaller fly also won't spook a pike that is chasing in the shallows. Look for V wakes and small bait jumping, sometimes onto the shore bank in order to escape the pike that is after them. I have seen this on a number of occasions on the CT river. Now is the best time to fish for any piscivorous species, especially large bass and pike. If you are interested in a trip, contact me at jonzuk90@gmail.com for information on NH trout guides and VT pike and bass guides.