June/July fishing in NH

[schuured]

:D

Greetings and congratulations on initiating your site. It's clear that a lot of thought and dedication have gone into this already. I'm sure it will be more successful than your grandest hopes.

I'd like to ask for some fishing guidance:

I'm from South-Central Pennsylvania and make an annual trip up to visit relatives in the Southern Merrimack Valley (Andover, NH). I usually tote along some of my fly-fishing gear with the hopes of escaping for an evening (or even a full day if I'm really lucky).

Can anyone offer suggestions for a good location to hit in late June/early July (pre-4th) in that region or within a 90-minute drive. I'd prefer something that I could wade, and the exact species doesn't really matter, although my fly-box is heavily weighted toward cold water species.

Thanks in advance for any and all suggestions. Again, great job on the website. It's already added to my "Favorites".

[fessiewig]

There are several options. You've got the Smith River in Grafton & Danbury. A really good river is the Contoocook. The section between Hillsboro and Henniker is fly fishing / single hook lure only. The Newfound in Bristol is good, also fly fishing only. The Pemi in Bristol is also good. Get yourself a map and see which ones will be easiest for you to get to. Hope that helps. Perhaps others have additional information.

[sbeausol]

Winnipesaukee River isn't bad -- follow it down to the Merrimack. Depending on water temps this area can be resonably productive.

From Andover, I don't think you are far (less than 90 min) from the White Mountain region, which is has many streams filled with native brookies. Not big fish, but fun, and the temps are usually ideal all summer.

[Gerry]

Ed, in addition to the spots already mentioned, the Mascoma R. is not too far from Andover, and it has a FFO section. Also the Sugar R. has a FFO section, as well. The hex hatch should start about the time you indicated, so look to the the ponds for some late-day action. Check with the WS Hunter fly shop in New London for specifics.
Gerry

[schuured]

:lol:
Thanks, gents.

I'll look into all of the above. Thanks for the info on the flyshop, too.

If any of you are interested in an outing around that time, let me know. I'd be happy to reciprocate with a day on some of my local streams if you're ever down this way. Perhaps you've heard of some of them...Yellow Breeches, Letort, Falling Spring...:-)

[fessiewig]

My son went to school just south of Harrisburg. The Yellow Breeches flowed right through the campus.

[schuured]

:?:

Did he ever actually study with that distraction? Sure know I would have had a hard time.

[fessiewig]

Actually, I somehow failed to pass on the fishing, let alone fly fishing, gene. He's a great young man, but baseball is his passion.