Under rated

[fessiewig]

Using the same list as in the "Best Trout River" poll, what is the most UNDERRATED trout river in New Hampshire?

For my money, it's the Pemi.

[RichShady603]

I could never call the pemi under rated.. state record rainbow was pulled out of the upper pemi.

[RichShady603]

from the list I would have to say the most under rated "trout" river there would be the Merrimack. I think it's more know for it's Salmon and bass. I get quite a few trout out of it each year though.

[PW]

The Souhegan

Only because I grew up in Milford and know the river better than the others Pemmi, Merrimack, Conn. etc. Now that Fletcher's paint is gone and no longer poisoning the water it's bounced back. The state would be stocking fingerling salmon if it didn't have potential. Once caught a 22" rainbow holdover behind the IGA.

Paul-

[PW]

Opps didn't proof that one. "The state wouldn't be stocking"

[Squaretail]

For my money the most underrated river is the Sugar. There are a couple of FFO spots over in the Newport area that always produce well for me as well as the North Branch in and around Croydon that I never hear about but have pulled a lot of fish out of. Lots of easy access and "trouty" water.[/quote]

[Steve H.]

I like Branch Brook in Union. I've had some really good dry fly action there for brookies and browns. There are supposed to be some large brown trout that come up from Milton Three Ponds in the fall but I haven't encountered these.....yet.

Hey, does anyone fish the Swift River up in Chocurua (not the Kanc)?? It's FFO, and looks very trouty but I've never stopped to fish it.

[Boneylegs]

Hey Steve!

Are you talking about the Swift in the Tamworth area? Once upon a time (the early-mid 80's) when I lived in the Laconia area, I fished the Swift (113 off of rt 25) on a regular basis. Always cold water year round and plenty of trout and salmon. I haven't been back since I moved away...maybe this year. I also used to take the jeep trails from there over the ridge to the Mad River (?) and fish for some huge brookies in the smallest streams on the way. It never ceased to amaze me the size of the fish compared to the amount of water. Spooky as hell, though!

[catchnrelease]

The Conn just South of West Leb. in low water <1000 CFS produces some monster bows and browns... 18-22"+. 4-6# not uncommon, gotta bounce bottom with somthing meaty though... little lobstosities seem to work the best, and in that current leave your 5wt home! Most folks consider this to be bass and walleye water, and it is mostly. Find the deep rips that have some boulders hiding on the bottom and your in for some thrills. :shock:

[Steve H.]

Hi Boneylegs...
Yeah, that's the stream I'm talking about. I try to hike Mt. Chocurua every year and always pass by this stream while driving up to the Liberty Trail trailhead. Looks like a nice spot....have always wanted to make a few casts. Definitely gotta check it out.
-Steve H.

[Gerry]

My vote for must under rated river is the Merrimack. From Franklin on down, you can catch trout, salmon and smallmouth just about any month of the year.
Gerry