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+--- Thread: HATCHERIES GEARING UP FOR SPRING FISH STOCKING (/showthread.php?tid=731694)
HATCHERIES GEARING UP FOR SPRING FISH STOCKING - FishNews - 03-27-2012
CONCORD, N.H. -- Now that our surprisingly warm and short winter has come to
an end, New Hampshire Fish and Game Hatcheries Supervisor Jason Smith can't<br />
help but get excited about open water angling, and more specifically, trout<br />
fishing. Fish Culturists at New Hampshire's state hatcheries have had<br />
another great growing season, and stocking trucks are ready to get rolling<br />
in April. In fact, some of the state's southern waterbodies received fish in<br />
late March. New Hampshire hatcheries have close to 1 million catchable-size<br />
trout ready for this season.
"Anglers - including me -- are champing at the bit, but despite the early<br />
warm weather that's allowed us to put a few fish in already in southern<br />
areas, we're expecting to stick fairly close to our normal stocking<br />
protocols," said Smith.
Smith explained that even if brooks appear to be at "fishable" levels, most<br />
trout species are reluctant to bite until the streams reach temperatures in<br />
the high 40's. "We don't want to stock too early and risk potential<br />
high-water events later in the season that could wash out our stocked fish,"<br />
said Smith. "We're fortunate to have Conservation Officers in the field that<br />
can monitor water conditions and make slight modifications to their stocking<br />
schedules when required."
One potential adjustment could come if warm temperatures persist and the<br />
water warms up quicker than usual late in the season. "If that happens, we<br />
may have to condense the stocking season a little bit by stocking more<br />
frequently once the season gets going," said Smith. "This will allow stocked<br />
fish to better acclimate and later seek out habitats that provide thermal<br />
relief from rising temperatures."
"The early ice-out is helpful in that it gives stocking trucks access to<br />
trout ponds to ensure stocking prior to the designated trout pond season<br />
opening on the fourth Saturday in April," said Smith. Many ponds north of<br />
Concord still have some ice cover, so pond temperatures should remain<br />
relatively cool even under these unusual spring conditions.
Raising a million trout each year is no small task. New Hampshire's hatchery<br />
system, funded by fishing license sales and federal Sport Fish Restoration<br />
funds, includes six facilities across the state.
The Berlin Fish Hatchery provides the three primary trout species to the<br />
North Country, including Coos County and the northern reaches of Grafton and<br />
Carroll Counties.
The Twin Mountain and Warren hatcheries provide trout to the White Mountain<br />
Region. The Warren Hatchery also will provide roughly 850,000 Atlantic<br />
salmon fry for stocking as part of the ongoing Merrimack River Anadromous<br />
Fish Restoration Program.
Powder Mill Hatchery in New Durham provides trout from the seacoast through<br />
the Lakes Region and into Carroll County. Powder Mill Hatchery also provides<br />
the Lakes Region with rainbow trout and landlocked salmon for New<br />
Hampshire's large lakes program. April 1 is the opening for salmon season in<br />
lakes managed for landlocked salmon. Avid salmon anglers are encouraged to<br />
help sustain this fishery by taking the Landlocked Salmon Anglers' Pledge<br />
(visit http://www.fishnh.com/Fishing/salmon_anglers_pledge.html).
In the Southwest region, Fish and Game's Milford Fish Hatchery has gained<br />
the reputation of growing "the big ones," and with good reason. Well water<br />
provides favorable growing temperatures for trout year round, giving this<br />
hatchery a slight advantage over other facilities during the winter months.
New Hampton Hatchery is responsible for providing trout from central New<br />
Hampshire up to the White Mountains. In June, fingerling brook trout raised<br />
at New Hampton Hatchery will literally take flight, as they are stocked by<br />
helicopter into remote ponds in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. These<br />
remote ponds provide a special opportunity for those who wish to get off the<br />
beaten path and spend a day hiking and fishing in the White<br />
Mountains. "Remote pond fishing is a great experience and one of my<br />
favorites," says Smith. The fishing season for designated trout ponds,<br />
including remote ponds, opens on the fourth Saturday in April (April 28,<br />
2012).
To help fund the remote pond aerial stocking program, the Wildlife Heritage<br />
Foundation of New Hampshire has established a dedicated donation account.<br />
Those who enjoy this experience and wish to contribute to the remote pond<br />
stocking program can donate online at http://www.nhwildlifefoundation.org;<br />
be sure to specify "remote pond stocking fund."
Now that we have a jump start on spring, Jason Smith and thousands of other<br />
New Hampshire anglers are eager to welcome the open-water fishing season.<br />
Visit http://www.fishnh.com to find boatloads of fishing information,<br />
fishing reports, stocking updates, and to buy your license online.
New Hampshire Fish and Game Department - connecting you to life outdoors.