NH Fishing Report: 5.11.12

North Country

Smelt are running strong in the North Country lakes—and big trout, salmon and bass are on their heels.
The river systems that connect Lake Francis and First and Second Connecticut are presenting great opportunities as large fish enter in pursuit of smelt.

Lakes Region

Word is out that the white perch are beginning their spawning runs in area lakes.
Lake Winnisquam perch are staging at the Winnipesaukee River mouth as it enters the lake. Increased flows will draw these white perch up into the river to spawn.
Areas south of Mosquito Bridge on Winnisquam will also have their share of white perch. Work the shorelines with bait or jigs to find them.
Lochmere Dam (Silver Lake) and numerous bays on Lake Winnipesaukee are also producing perch.
Water temps in the big lakes are still in the low to mid-50 degree range, but the smallmouth spawn should start soon.

Southeast NH/Merrimack Valley

Great time to target broodstock Atlantic salmon the Pemigewasset and Merrimack Rivers.
Overwintering conditions appear to have been ideal for survival.

Seacoast

Groundfishing has been up and down.
Strong tides coupled with the haddock dispersing after spawning made for a rough fishing week.
This weekend will also be a good time to start looking for stripers.
Stripers reported in Lamprey River in Newmarket and the Cocheco River in Dover.
River herring are running strong again.
Winter flounder off to a slow start, bait supply may be factor.