Salvinias fontinalis, the eastern brook trout, is New Hampshire’s state freshwater fish. It has played a pivotal role in the history of the Granite State. From indigenous peoples following the brook trout’s migration, to settlers surviving on fresh and smoked brook trout, to families during …
It is no secret that this angler spends a chunk of time searching out wild brook trout on remote ponds. A remote pond is classified as a water body that requires hiking in for access. These ponds are fished using float tubes as the mode of fishing. Before float tubes, hardy anglers would car…
Fly anglers are a knowledgeable bunch. They are constantly looking for more information to make the angling experience enjoyable. And since there is no one right way to fly fish, the angling landscape is littered with books expounding on this is the way to fly fish and be successful.
The thermometer in the Jeep showed 47 degrees on Wednesday morning. It was the first time that number had been shown since May. After the brutal 95-degree temperatures, it was a welcome relief. It was a sign that fall would soon be here.
The heatwave over the last couple of weeks, combined with the lack of rain, has put stress on our cold-water resources and the fish that inhabit those waters. Trout fishing has been put on hold until the weather breaks and cooler waters prevail.
One of the things that makes owning the North Country Angler so enjoyable is working with several young anglers. As every business owner knows, it is the next generation that will make or break an industry. The heart palpitates every time a youngster and their adult fishing buddy or parent w…
Trout anglers across the Granite State took a deep breath at the beginning of the year as 2025 was the start of the fish hatchery modernization program. The plan included reducing fish at one hatchery to meet EPA effluent guidelines and the total demolition of another fish hatchery, where th…
Musings and observations while trying to determine if T-shirts or sweatshirts are the appropriate morning apparel.
When you have been fly fishing for over 50 years, some places hold a special place in the heart and in the mind. They are the places that taught valuable lessons and built valuable friendships.
As the chair of the Trout Management Committee for the New Hampshire Council of Trout Unlimited, I work with the Saco Swift River Local Advisory Committee on permits that they receive from the state Department of Environmental Services with regard to the watershed.
The text messages from the confidential informant were coming in fast and furious. Pictures of large wild brook trout accompanied the text messages. A pond in the Great North Woods had seen the emergence of the hexagenia limbata or hex as it is commonly known to fly anglers.
It wasn’t long ago when spring fishing season was a time when insulated pants were worn under waders and long sleeve shirts with insulated vest were the staples of early June fishing. There was many a Memorial Day when guides in the rod iced up and a quick fire in the woodstove rewarmed bone…
The Old Timer had finished supper and walked into his study. In the corner was his Orvis Far & Fine fly rod and his fly vest. He walked over to the corner and picked up both. He plopped down in his easy chair next to the floor lamp and the side table with his evening glass of brown liquo…
Fly anglers are a curious lot. Forever looking for the magic fly that will catch many fish. Or big fish. Fly anglers are also creatures of habit. They have flies in their fly box that they will never go to the water with at least two of that pattern in their fly box.
Every youngster who is interested in fishing needs a mentor. Someone to show them the ropes. Someone who can quicken the learning curve and get the fishing jones firmly planted in the psyche of the youngster.
This Wednesday I went twice to the 305 acre Alice Bemis Thompson Wildlife Sanctuary in Sandwich, once in the morning and once in the afternoon. Yet I went to two different places.