Lake Winni

[Squaretail]

Read an article yesterday saying that this year they expect a huge 3 year old (18-20" fish) LL Salmon Population in Winnipesaukee. The smelt population is very healthy and they had a very good survival rate of that year's fish. They based their findings of test nettings late last fall. I know I don't fish Lake W. very often- I guess I have the perception that it is mostly a trolling lake for salmonoids. Anyone care to share any FF experiences? I took a drive up to the merrymeeting R,. Two springs ago and in Late May there was only a trickle of water. I was very disappointed and had to head over to the Pemi in Bristol.

[fessiewig]

Right after ice out in Alton Bay can be spectacular. Fly fishing from shore or dock with a floating line and streamers. Or float tube or boat. Anywhere from Sandy Point in.

[NHBowman]

Winni can be very good if you know where to fish. Sometimes you can be hammering the fish but your fishing buddy right next to you wont be doing anything. The biggest salmon I caught out of Winni went four pounds. My dad caught a six pounder on a gray ghost one year and my brother landed an atlantic salmon that we estimated went around three pounds. I'm not sure what the story was with that fish. I think they might have tried stocking them one year.

[granger]

I have fished it yearly for 37 years. It is well worth getting to know. The fish are very healthy, since smelt harvesting was cut back the fish are footballs and the nice rainbows are a welcome bonus. Grab a map and start exploring the mouths of brooks. Access can be an issue as some of the trophy home owners don't want you around so be respectful. Fish the mouths of these brooks now until a week or two after ice out. If you are willing to pay your dues you can start your season out with a few trophy fish. To me any salmon or rainbow over 20" is a nice fish and they are not uncommon, although this is not a game of big numbers of fish. It is a matter of hitting it right, like most fishing. some years I do, some I don't. Last year was exceptional. I like to get out in a kayak before ice out in the mouth of these brooks and cast streamers. I like this better than trolling. Once the ice is out the fish begin to disperse more as the smelt run is over and the trolling begins, by then the trout ponds are hitting their prime so I'm off to them.

Winni can get crowded. Another option to look at the state list of all lakes in the "Large Lakes Rainbow Program" such as bow lake or ossipee etc. Any stream mouth will or even up into the first good pool or two will find these rainbows in them early. Be persistant, I have walked the same stream 5 times and not seen a fish, then the next time it has a dozen fish in two pools all 16 to 22 inches. You must use some stealth when appraoching these good fish in these tiny streams or the gigs up. Often they are thick with alders and casting is down right tough. This isn't for everyone as it is NOT easy, and when you get one on in a little brook all hell breaks loose, you may not even land them. Imagine a fish of three to five pounds in a brook that usually would only hold a six inch brook trout and you get the picture. Most people honestly do not enjoy this kind of bush wacking and prefer to stay out in the mouth of the brook and cast around in the lake, this can be productive but once again it is hit or miss.

[Fish_King_7]

Has anyone fished it righ in meredith at the docks or at the bridge where the mill fals water fall comes out? I plan to fish it there this weekend as well as any other close place. Are there any of these little brooks and what no with in kayaking distance of the docks? How about in Center Harbor or Wolfboro? I could use all the help I can get as this type of fishing is somewhat new to me, but I love exploring so I think I will really lik it.

Caleb

P.S. If anyone else is in this area this wekend maybe they would want to meet me somewhere and show me the ropes a little.

[fessiewig]

Caleb,

What town are you in?

[Fish_King_7]

Well I live in Holderness, but my dad's girlfriend has a house right in Meredith bay and center Harbor is really close also so really I could met u in any of those towns. I will probably fish meredith docks as well as in holderness the inlet to big squam, right in town there.

Caleb

[fessiewig]

How bout I meet you someplace in Holderness Saturday AM (but not real early)? If that works for you PM me.