By Tim Moore:
October seemed to come and go in a flash. However, the fishing was better than average. Cod fishing closed at the end of the month with some lunkers being caught. The pan fish schooled up over deep basins and began their pre-winter feeding frenzy, making for some of the best crappie and bluegill fishing of the year. Trout fishing closed in most of New Hampshire’s waters with a few exceptions, and striper and black sea bass fishing has slowed to a crawl along the New Hampshire coast. November holds many fishing opportunities for those willing and able to battle cooler temperatures.
Some of the state’s trout ponds have no closed season for trout. Many of them are fall stocked for winter anglers to enjoy. Many ponds receive a healthy share of brood stock brook, brown, and rainbow trout. Check the NH Fish & Game website for a list of trout ponds with no closed season. Flies or spinners trolled around 1.5 MPH is an extremely effective method for catching fall trout. Joe’s Flies are one of our favorite lures. Joe’s Favorite is our favorite.
Black crappie should hold over deep basins throughout November. Expect them to continue feeding aggressively, especially early and late in the day. As water temperatures fall closer to the 40 degree mark, warm water fish like crappie and bluegill will begin looking for easier meals. Try downsizing your bait; a#12 tungsten drop jig by Clam Pro tackle with soft plastic by Maki Plastic is a deadly combination. Look for fish to be suspended about half-way down in the water column.
Die hard striper anglers will be out picking away at the few remaining striped bass. These dedicated anglers will be fishing around the rocky coast with live bait when they can get it, chunk mackerel, and tube & worm. The fresher your bait the better!
Just because cod fishing has closed doesn’t mean offshore anglers need to quit. Those who can find calm enough days between the rough seas that fall usually brings will be targeting tuna, haddock, and Pollock throughout November. Most of these species will move closer to our in-shore waters which will feel good when it comes time to fuel your boat.
Tim Moore, (603) 842-3572. Tim is owner of Tim Moore Outdoors LLC,offering NH kayak and ice fishing charters, deer and turkey hunting, and is Pro Staff for Clam, Ice Team, Vexilar, Maki Plastic, and Release Reels. Visit www.TimMooreOutdoors.com for more information.
