04.28.2008

FINS & FEATHERS

FISHING IN AND AROUND WATERVILLEVALLEY

Raymond Kucharski

      Nathaniel Greeley built a farmhouse on the floor of the valley sometime around 1845 and found the MadRiver and its tributaries loaded with large native, wild brook trout. Shortly after moving in, fishermen began arriving and asked to stay at the farmhouse. As word spread around Boston and business improved, a hotel was planned. An ardent admirer wrote in the Boston Journal  “Trouting is a great attraction for the gentlemen, many brooks prolific in the spotted beauty emptying themselves into the main river”.

      A 1868 advertisement for Greeley’s House read, “It is situated in the midst of the wildest mountain scenery, with a climate remarkable for its cool and equal temperature, with numerous streams and ponds in the immediate vicinity, comprising the best trout fishing grounds in the State”.

       Trout only live in beautiful places and WatervilleValley has more than its fair share of beautiful places. The MadRiver and its tributaries continue to [comprising]hold wild brook trout. The New Hampshire Fish & Game stocks the river with one and two-year-old brook and rainbow trout along with Atlantic salmon fry in an attempt to bring back the Atlantic salmon to the Merrimack and PemigewassetRivers. The small salmon resemble brown trout and must be released immediately. In Town Square, Corcorans Pond provides accessible fishing for the younger set. For the more experienced angler Livermore’s Greeley Ponds and Flat Mountain Pond provides a hike-in wilderness experience.

      Within a short drive there are many rivers and lakes available. Challenging trout fishing can be found in some of the larger rivers, such as the Pemigewasset along Route 3, the Ammonoosuc along Route 302 and the Androscoggin along Route 16. Trout fishing smaller streams include the Baker, Beebe, Smith and SwiftRivers. There are too many tributary brooks to mention, but most have a population of wild squaretails.

      Trout can also be found in many of the nearby ponds. Campton Pond, Echo Lake, Ellsworth Pond, Hildreth Dam Pond, Kiah Pond, Little Pond, Long Pond, Mirror Lake, Oliverian Pond, Perch Pond, Russell Pond, Spectacle Pond, Stinson Lake along with Winona Lake are all managed for trout. If you like hiking in to remote ponds try East, Guinea, lower and middle Hall, Peaked Hill, or Three Ponds. For trout waters with special regulations and restricted to fly-fishing, try the Newfound River, Swift River, Upper Hall Pond, Profile Lake, Sky Pond or hike in to Cole Pond.

      For fishing the larger rivers and lakes, I recommend a 9 foot 5 weight rod. A 7 to 8 foot 3 weight is ideal for smaller streams and ponds. A fly box containing a few high floating dry flies, some generic nymphs, terrestrial imitators and a few streamers will cover most conditions. Felt sole waders are recommended for wading rivers. Be aware of the recently discovered aquatic nuisance algae known commonly as "Didymo" or "rock snot" located in the upper Connecticut River and Vermont’s White River drainage and de-contaminate felt sole wading boots to prevent spreading the exotic algae.

      The area is best known for its trout fishing, but the large lakes located south of WatervilleValley, Newfound, Squam, Winnipesaukee and Winnisquam have respectable fishing for land-lock salmon, small mouth bass and large mouth bass. For those interested in more exotic species the Connecticut River has a population of walleyed pike and northern pike.

      Everyone over the age of 16 requires a valid New Hampshire fishing license that can be purchased at the WatervilleValleyTown Hall, RecreationCenter or online at the NH Fish & Game web site,http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us .