01-09-2007, 10:10 PM
CONCORD, N.H. -- The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department advises anglers that lake trout and salmon lakes in the state that have not frozen over because of unseasonably warm weather conditions are not open for fishing. Fish and Game regulations state that from January 1 through March 31, fish may be taken from these designated lakes by ice fishing only.
"It can be confusing for people, because it's so unusual for us to have open water on these lakes this time of year," said Lt. Bruce Bonenfant of Fish and Game's Law Enforcement Division. "But the regulations clearly state that only ice-fishing is allowed on lake trout and salmon lakes during this time period. You can't fish the open water in these lakes - either from a boat or from the shore - until April 1."
Bonenfant noted that the entire waterbody does not have to be frozen over to meet the regulation; if coves have formed ice that is thick and safe enough for ice-fishing, anglers may fish through manmade holes in the ice on these areas. Anglers are advised that treacherous ice conditions prevail throughout the state, however, and extreme caution should be used.
"Even in parts of the state that have experienced freezing temperatures, it hasn't been cold enough long enough for the ice to be considered safe," Bonenfant said. "We're all eager to get out and do some fishing, but please play it safe."
Rules regarding Lake Trout and/or Salmon Lakes in New Hampshire can be found on pages 19-20 of the "2007 N.H. Freshwater Fishing Digest," which can be viewed at http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Fishing/fishing.htm. Lakes and ponds designated as Lake Trout and/or Salmon Lakes are noted in the listing of "Lakes and Ponds with Special Rules," which begins on page 25 of the Digest.
To download the publication "Safety on Ice," visit http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Fishing/fishing.htm and click on the publication cover.
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.wildlife.state.nh.us.
"It can be confusing for people, because it's so unusual for us to have open water on these lakes this time of year," said Lt. Bruce Bonenfant of Fish and Game's Law Enforcement Division. "But the regulations clearly state that only ice-fishing is allowed on lake trout and salmon lakes during this time period. You can't fish the open water in these lakes - either from a boat or from the shore - until April 1."
Bonenfant noted that the entire waterbody does not have to be frozen over to meet the regulation; if coves have formed ice that is thick and safe enough for ice-fishing, anglers may fish through manmade holes in the ice on these areas. Anglers are advised that treacherous ice conditions prevail throughout the state, however, and extreme caution should be used.
"Even in parts of the state that have experienced freezing temperatures, it hasn't been cold enough long enough for the ice to be considered safe," Bonenfant said. "We're all eager to get out and do some fishing, but please play it safe."
Rules regarding Lake Trout and/or Salmon Lakes in New Hampshire can be found on pages 19-20 of the "2007 N.H. Freshwater Fishing Digest," which can be viewed at http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Fishing/fishing.htm. Lakes and ponds designated as Lake Trout and/or Salmon Lakes are noted in the listing of "Lakes and Ponds with Special Rules," which begins on page 25 of the Digest.
To download the publication "Safety on Ice," visit http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Fishing/fishing.htm and click on the publication cover.
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.wildlife.state.nh.us.