Son’s Favorite Fishing

As our kids get older and must start taking on more responsibilities, those things start cutting into their favorite past times, fishing. So, when a free afternoon comes along, and he wants to go fishing, he gets to pick where we go and how we will be fishing.

He has a favorite lake in New Hampshire that he likes to fish for Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass. His favorite technique at catching some of these fish is to set out tip-ups and bait them with shiners. In New Hampshire, we are allowed 6 lines per angler, so I typically don’t jig so that we can capitalize on the full number of flags to be chasing.

https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/single-post/2018/01/31/Son%25E2%2580%2599s-Favorite-Fishing

Boating Safety Challenge Exam Offered At Providence Boat Show

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is offering a free Boating Safety Challenge Exam at the Providence Boat Show – which kicks off Friday at the Rhode Island Convention Center and runs through Sunday. The Exam, administered by the DEM Division of Law Enforcement, will be held on Saturday, February 3 between 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

The Challenge Exam takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. People should arrive no later than 12:30 p.m. for the test and bring photo identification. Children under the driving age (who do not have photo identification) must have a legal guardian present. Pre-registration is not required. Results will be sent via postal mail following the exam. Individuals who are taking the Exam for certification should complete the online study course and review the Handbook of Rhode Island Laws and Responsibilities in advance of the test. Study packets are also available by calling the DEM Division of Law Enforcement at (401) 222-3070.

http://www.ri.gov/press/view/32396

Switching Lakes

We always plan our fishing trips with high hopes of the plans coming together and making for a memorable time on the ice. This ice season, we have been fortunate for having good ice and allows us to fish waters that we haven’t before or don’t get a lot of opportunities to.

Plan was to fish a lake that we have only fished in the boat and hopefully find some crappies. Decided that with the time of the year, the crappies would probably be using the main basin of the lake, being late morning, and started on the deeper edges.

https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/single-post/2018/01/30/Switching-Lakes

12th Annual No Child Left Inside® Winter Festival

Grab your winter gear, bundle up your children and join us for the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s (DEEP) No Child Left Inside^® 12th annual FREE Winter Festival at Burr Pond State Park, 384 Burr Mountain Road, Torrington.  A full range of fun, outdoor winter activities for the entire family will be happening on Saturday, February 3, 2018, 10 AM to 3 PM.

 

“Join us outdoors with family and friends for an unforgettable winter experience at Burr Pond State Park. Weather permitting, you can try your hand at ice fishing and hopefully reel in a fish, perhaps learn how to snowshoe and play winter games at DEEP’s annual Winter Festival,” said Commissioner Robert Klee.  “Year after year families look forward to this Festival where they can spend the day outdoors, bonding with each other, meeting new friends, and participating in good old-fashioned fun.”

http://www.ct.gov/deep/cwp/view.asp?Q=600458&A=4965

2018 NH Moose Hunt Lottery Opens

New Hampshire's 2018 moose hunt lottery is now open. Enter today to try your luck on the adventure of a lifetime -- hunting moose in the rugged woods of the Granite State.  Entering the lottery costs $15 for New Hampshire residents and $25 for nonresidents.

To enter the New Hampshire moose hunt lottery, visit www.huntnh.com/hunting/moose.html, where you can enter online or print out a mail-in application.  You can also pick up an application at any Fish and Game license agent, Fish and Game Headquarters, or Fish and Game Regional office.

https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/single-post/2018/01/29/2018-NH-Moose-Hunt-Lottery-Opens

VT Fish & Wildlife Offers Fly Tying Courses

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department is offering a series of introductory courses for fly fishing anglers interesting in learning how to tie their own flies. The courses are offered by the department’s Let’s Go Fishing program in partnership with the Mad Dog Chapter of Trout Unlimited and the Green Mountain Fly Tiers. 

These introductory courses will focus on material, hook, and thread terminology. Techniques such as thread control, proportion, tying on materials, dubbing, and wings and tails will be covered while tying a variety of flies. 

https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/single-post/2018/01/26/VT-Fish-Wildlife-Offers-Fly-Tying-Courses

Feeding Frenzy to Finesse

There are some days that we luck into an area where the fish are in a feeding frenzy and this allows you to get away from that finesse fishing that mid-January always brings. We can fish at a faster pace and, get away from those finesse baits for a little while.

Found one of these spots the other day and watching the Vexilar flasher, the fish were stacked up in 18 FOW and were throughout the water column. Using the Clam Outdoors Pro Tackle - Pinhead Jigging Mino tipped with a Maki Mino XL tail, this bait would get quickly to the fish and they were on it just as fast.

https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/single-post/2018/01/24/Feeding-Frenzy-to-Finesse

Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Fly Tying Course Offered

Women who enjoy fly fishing and are interested in a new winter hobby can sign up for a fly-tying course with master fly tiers Jim and Kris Riccardi. The N.H. Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) Program and the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department's Let's Go Fishing Program are teaming up to offer the course, which will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday evenings from March 7 through April 11 at Fox State Forest, 309 Center Rd, Hillsborough, NH.  Participants must attend all five sessions.    

Registration is first-come, first-served at www.nhbow.com. The course is limited to 12 participants and is expected to fill quickly. The fee for the course is $100, which includes all equipment, materials, and instruction.

https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/single-post/2018/01/23/Becoming-an-Outdoors-Woman-Fly-Tying-Course-Offered

Finding Feeding Fish

We as anglers are always looking for information about how the fish are biting and where they are biting the best. I had heard that a small local pond was producing a decent crappie bite and the size of the fish wasn’t bad as well.

Having some information as to the area these fish were using, I started drilling holes and marking fish right away. When searching for feeding fish, typically start out with one of the Clam Outdoors spoons and seeing how the fish were reacting to these presentations.

https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/single-post/2018/01/19/Finding-Feeding-Fish

NH Trophy Fish Program Entries Due by January 31

If you caught a big fish in 2017 and want to enter the NH Fish and Game Department’s Trophy Fish Program, applications must be submitted by January 31, 2018.  You can find an application and see some past New Hampshire trophy fish winners (as well as State Record Fish) at www.fishnh.com/fishing/trophy.html.

New Hampshire's Trophy and Record Fish programs provide opportunities for anglers of all ages to receive recognition while giving biologists important information on the state's fisheries over time.

https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/single-post/2018/01/18/NH-Trophy-Fish-Program-Entries-Due-by-January-31

DEM Stocking Trout For Winter Fishing Season

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is stocking ponds across Rhode Island this month with some 4,200 brook and rainbow trout for the winter trout fishing season.

"Fishing is a popular winter activity for people of all ages, providing an opportunity to connect with nature, unwind, and recharge," said DEM Director Janet Coit. "We hope Rhode Islanders will take time to venture outdoors and experience the thrill of reeling in a brook or rainbow trout at one of these prime fishing locations. What fun!"

http://www.ri.gov/press/view/32315

Tri-state Reciprocal Snowmobile Weekend

The New Hampshire-Vermont-Maine reciprocal snowmobile weekend is fast approaching, coming January 26-28, 2018 (Friday through Sunday). The tri-state event gives snowmobile enthusiasts a chance to explore new trails in northern New England.

"This weekend is one of the highlights of the winter for many resident and non-resident riders, especially with good riding reported in most of the state," said N.H. Fish and Game Captain Dave Walsh, who coordinates Snowmobile and Off Highway Recreational Vehicle enforcement, registration and safety education for New Hampshire.

https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/single-post/2018/01/17/Tri-state-Reciprocal-Snowmobile-Weekend

Visit VT Fish & Wildlife at the Yankee Show, Jan. 19-21

The annual Yankee Sportsman’s Classic show will be held January 19, 20 and 21 at the Champlain Valley Expo in Essex Junction, and the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department is inviting you to visit their exhibits and attend their seminars at the show. 

“We are looking forward to talking with as many people as possible at the show,” said Fish & Wildlife Commissioner Louis Porter. “It’s a great opportunity for us to share the latest information about fish and wildlife, and it gives people a chance to talk with us about fish and wildlife issues. Our wardens, biologists and other staff will be at our exhibit.” 

https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/single-post/2018/01/16/Visit-VT-Fish-Wildlife-at-the-Yankee-Show-Jan-19-21

MDIFW Collars 83 Moose, Continues Fifth Year Of Moose Study

Despite the subzero temperatures and a raging blizzard, MDIFW wildlife biologists and a helicopter-based aerial capture crew located, captured, and collared 83 moose last week and this week in northern and western Maine.

This is the fifth year of the Maine Moose Study which is providing important insight into factors impacting moose reproduction and survival. The research focuses on moose calves and adult female moose in a study area in northern Maine east of the Allagash River and another study area located between Jackman and Moosehead Lake.

https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/single-post/2018/01/15/MDIFW-Collars-83-Moose-Continues-Fifth-Year-Of-Moose-Study

Don't Miss Out: Second Annual Winter Free Fishing Day in NH

Take advantage of New Hampshire’s second annual winter free fishing day on Saturday, January 20, 2018. That’s a day you can fish without a license in New Hampshire. Note that all other regulations must be followed. Learn more about fishing rules by reading the NH Freshwater Fishing or Saltwater Fishing digests at www.fishnh.com/fishing/publications.html.

Persons participating in a fishing tournament must still hold a license, even on free fishing day.

https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/single-post/2018/01/12/Dont-Miss-Out-Second-Annual-Winter-Free-Fishing-Day-in-NH

Let's Go Fishing! Free Winter Ice Fishing Programs Offered

Our recent record-breaking cold weather has formed some great early season ice this year on our lakes and ponds. Why not get outside and enjoy New Hampshire’s ice-covered waterbodies by learning how to ice fish?

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department’s Let’s Go Fishing Program offers free ice fishing classes at many locations around the state. Classes are designed for families and individuals who are new to ice fishing, or people who would like a refresher to get back into the sport. Instructors are trained volunteers who love to teach others the skills needed to get out on the ice.

http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/newsroom/news.html?news=858

Free Snowmobile Weekend is January 26-28, 2018

This winter, the State of Maine is participating in a special weekend to provide enhanced opportunity for snowmobilers.

On January 26-28, 2018 a nonresident (from another state or province) may operate a snowmobile in Maine (no reciprocity necessary) so long as he/she has a valid registration from his/her home state or province.

https://www.maine.gov/ifw/news-events/single-release.html?id=775765

Ice Season Continues

We have been very fortunate this winter and the cold weather has given us some good ice allowing us to be able to fish once again. Many, if not all, of our local waters haven’t been fished in the winter for the last couple of years.

This means that when fishing these waters, we are fishing for fish that haven’t been pressured at this time of year, but at the same time, feels like learning new water all over again. Last fall we tried to fish as many of these to gauge the size of fish so that come the ice season, some of them we won’t be fishing.

https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/single-post/2018/01/11/Ice-Season-Continues

Chopper Overhead Signals Moose Collaring Underway in Northern NH

Northern New Hampshire residents may see a helicopter overhead in the coming weeks as approximately 45 moose cows and calves are collared for the multi-year of a study of moose mortality and productivity.

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department has contracted with Native Range, Inc., to collar the moose. Activity will be weather dependent, but could begin as early as January 9, 2018. During this time, residents of Success, Berlin, Milan, Cambridge, Dummer, Millsfield, Second College Grant, Wentworth’s Location, and Errol may notice a low-flying helicopter. Residents with questions can call Fish and Game's Wildlife Division at (603) 271-2461.

http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/newsroom/news.html?news=853

Volunteers Needed for Winter Cottontail Rabbit Surveys

This winter, wildlife biologists need help from citizen science volunteers to conduct surveys for Eastern cottontail rabbits in southern New Hampshire. On February 3, 2018, from 9:00 a.m. to noon in Hollis, UNH Cooperative Extension and New Hampshire Fish and Game will train volunteers to collect pellets from Eastern cottontail rabbits, a known threat to the state-endangered New England cottontail. Winter is the best time to survey for cottontail rabbits, because they leave telltale signs (pellets) in the snow, making it possible to locate and sample for different species.

https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/single-post/2018/01/09/Volunteers-Needed-for-Winter-Cottontail-Rabbit-Surveys

Vermont’s Free Ice Fishing Day is January 27

Vermont’s fifth annual Free Ice Fishing Day is set for Saturday, January 27, and will be celebrated by a fun-filled ice fishing festival in Castleton. 

Vermont’s Free Ice Fishing Day, which takes place each year on the last Saturday in January, enables both residents and non-residents to go ice fishing on any legal waterbody in Vermont for the day without a license. 

https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/single-post/2018/01/05/Vermont%25E2%2580%2599s-Free-Ice-Fishing-Day-is-January-27

Cold Weather Means Early Ice Fishing Opportunities

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department says recent cold weather has made ice fishing a viable Vermont outdoor activity several weeks earlier than in recent years. 

At least six inches of solid ice is recommended for safe ice fishing, and that much ice hasn’t been present for some time on most lakes until late January. But ice fishing enthusiasts are now finding ample ice on many smaller lakes and the bays of larger lakes. Ice safety precautions, however, are still very important according to Fish & Wildlife. 

http://www.vtfishandwildlife.com/cms/One.aspx?portalId=73163&pageId=11981633

Vermont Hunters Had Successful 2017 Deer Seasons

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department says preliminary numbers show 15,949 deer were taken during Vermont’s 2017 deer hunting seasons. 

Reports from big game check stations indicate hunters had successful deer seasons in 2017, taking 3,585 deer in archery season, 1,461 in youth season, 7,272 in rifle season, and 3,631 in muzzleloader season. The 15,949 deer brought home by hunters yielded more than 3 million meals of local nutritious venison. 

http://www.vtfishandwildlife.com/cms/One.aspx?portalId=73163&pageId=11982291

Light Biting Crappie

Ice fishing this season has gotten off to an early start compared to other years from the past. With the early start, those first ice fishing trips always seemed to have the fish in the feeding mode and catching numbers generally wasn’t too much of an issue.

But this season, as anyone fishing in the northern section of the country can attest, the cold temperatures that we all have been having seems to have the fish in their mid-winter doldrums already. Meaning, finding the fish typically isn’t the problem, getting them to bite is more of a chore and figuring out that right combination for getting them to bite doesn’t come as easy as it should for this time of the year.

https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/single-post/2018/01/04/Light-Biting-Crappie

Time to Sign up! NH BOW Winter Workshop Provides Outdoor Adventures for Women

Registration is open at www.nhbow.com for New Hampshire’s 2018 Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) Winter Workshop, a one-day program where women learn outdoor skills to enjoy during the winter months.

The Winter BOW workshop will be held on Saturday, February 17, 2018, at the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department’s Owl Brook Hunter Education Center in Holderness, NH.  Participants focus on one outdoor activity during the day-long workshop. Choices include ice-fishing, winter outdoor survival, snowshoeing/wildlife tracking, and "'Shoe and Shoot" (woodland target shooting on snowshoes).

https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/single-post/2018/01/03/Time-to-Sign-up-NH-BOW-Winter-Workshop-Provides-Outdoor-Adventures-for-Women

The 2017-2018 Summary of Maine ATV and Snowmobile Laws is now available digitally!

It’s convenient. Even without cell or internet service, smartphone users can access their pre-downloaded law book to check a technical rule, confirm registration fees, etc. If you always keep your phone on you (and charged) to take photos or use the GPS, this is a no-brainer

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MEDIFW/bulletins/1cb7b48

DEM Advises Public On Ice Fishing And Hypothermia Safety

The Department of Environmental Management advises anglers and other winter recreationists to be aware of ice fishing and hypothermia safety. This is especially important now during school vacation and holidays when families will be enjoying the outdoors.

Despite the early cold spell, the Department of Environmental Management says that, as of today, there is no safe ice at Rhode Island state parks. DEM does not monitor ice conditions in local communities. Anglers and others should contact their local recreation departments about safe ice conditions on ponds before ice fishing, skating or other ice related activities in individual communities. DEM's Division of Parks and Recreation provides information about Lincoln Woods State Park in Lincoln, Meshanticut State Park in Cranston, and Goddard Memorial State Park in Warwick on its 24-hour Ice Information telephone line, 667-6222.

https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/single-post/2018/01/02/DEM-Advises-Public-On-Ice-Fishing-And-Hypothermia-Safety