Volunteers needed for Brook Trout Survey Project

The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, Maine Audubon (MA), and the Maine Council Trout Unlimited (METU) are seeking volunteer anglers to survey remote ponds and coastal streams for brook trout this fishing season. Information provided by volunteers will be used to identify previously-undocumented wild brook trout populations across the state.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/ME_News.html

Fishing Report April 26 2015 Massachusetts

The weather has definitely gotten cooler the last few days and was hoping for the opposite as we want the crappies to get moving into spring mode. We started fishing where we located the crappies a few days earlier and quickly found out that they have moved out of the area.

The sunfish were fairly thick in their place but in this location but the size was definitely on the smaller side. We were able to catch a couple of crappie but the schools that were here before have vacated the area. This location the water depth was 4 feet deep and there was some weed growth and some current as the exit creek for the pond is here as well.

We were thinking maybe the crappie had moved back into deeper water so moved out and fished somewhat deeper but were still only catching sunfish. At this point our goal was to figure out the crappies and start searching around the lake for them.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/Fishing_Reports_2015.html

KIDS OutDoors page updated at BWS OutDoors

We have updated our KIDS Outdoors page at BackWoods Sportsman OutDoors for the upcoming outdoor education classes offered across New England for April 27 – May 6

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/Kids_OutDoors.html

Outdoor Adventure Talk: Get to Know NH Raptors

Learn about birds of prey at a free talk with Kevin Wall of New Hampshire Audubon on Thursday, April 30, 2015, at the N.H. Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, N.H. The talk begins at 7:00 p.m. No pre-registration is required.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/NH_News.html

Beginning Fly-Fishing Courses Offered in New Hampshire

Two upcoming workshops offer a chance to learn about the traditional sport of fly-fishing. The classes are free and sponsored by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department's "Let's Go Fishing" Program.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/NH_News.html

Fishing Report April 22 2015 Massachusetts

Target Species: Crappie and Sunfish
Location: Northern Massachusetts
Depth: 4’ to 8’
Air Temp: 66 degrees
Water Temp: 50 degrees

Wind: BreezyRod setup: 6’0 ultralight spinning gear with 2lb test line, Clam OutDoors Jigs and Rocket Bobbers

My son had a birthday earlier this year and what he wanted for a gift was to have his own boat to fish out of. So this week was the week that his wishes were coming true and today was our maiden voyage on a local small pond. By him having this 10’ jon boat, this is allowing us access to so many more ponds that we can’t get our big boat into and gets us out of our kayaks as well.

We fish this particular pond quite frequently on the ice and haven’t fished here much on the open waters lately. The shorelines are fairly undeveloped except one corner has a few houses as the rest of it is state wildlife management area. Half of the pond is less than eight feet deep as the other half has a deeper hole that gets to twenty feet deep.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/Fishing_Reports_2015.html

Maine Dept of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife Announces Camp North Woods!

The Department has developed Camp North Woods to provide opportunities to youth and their families to learn lifelong outdoor skills as well as the importance of sustaining Maine's natural resources. The camp has also been established to build upon the overwhelming interest by youth who have grown to love our hit TV series on Animal Planet, North Woods Law!

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/ME_News.html

Vermont walleye fishing kicks off May 2

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department is reminding anglers that some of the best walleye fishing in New England is approaching with the start of the Vermont walleye fishing season on Saturday, May 2.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/VT_News.html

New Hampshire Hatcheries Gearing up for Spring Fish Stocking

Fish culturists at New Hampshire's six state trout hatcheries have been holding on, waiting for Mother Nature to provide conditions favorable for spring stocking. After a brief delay, the stocking trucks are now rolling! New Hampshire hatcheries have close to one million catchable-size trout ready for this season.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/NH_News.html

Fishing Report April 19 2015 Massachusetts

Target Species: Crappies

Location: Massachusetts North Shore

Depth: 16’ to 22’

Air Temp: low 50's degrees

Water Temp: upper 40's

Wind: straight line high winds

The ice on our Massachusetts lakes has been gone for a bit now and wanted to get out and check some local ponds for the crappie action. Since the big boat is in the shop getting ready for the open water season, took out the kayak and did some exploring.

We had record snow fall this past winter and in turn, this is going to take, getting the waters warmed up, a little longer than usual. Today’s exploration, had me on a small crappie pond that we frequent throughout the ice season and I am looking at water in the upper 40’s for temperatures right now.

There have been plenty of cloudy and windy days along with many of them having cold rain falling lately as well. This is not helping the waters warm at all and is keeping the fish deep as of right now. While being in the kayak and searching for fish, I was marking fish in 20 feet of water but with the high winds, this was making staying on top of them basically impossible.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/Fishing_Reports_2015.html

Outdoor Adventure Talk: Kayak Fishing with Tim Moore

Learn how you can fish from your kayak for everything from northern pike and walleye on the Connecticut River to striped bass and black sea bass on the Piscataqua River! The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department's spring outdoor adventure series continues with a talk by licensed fishing guide Tim Moore, who will present a wealth of tips and strategies for successful kayak fishing. The talk begins at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 23, 2015, at N.H. Fish and Game headquarters, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, N.H. No pre-registration is required. Admission is free.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/NH_News.html

State record fish highlight 2014 Master Angler program results

“2014 was a great year for Vermont fishing all around, and the new record fish are a symbol of that,” said Shawn Good, fisheries biologist with Vermont Fish & Wildlife. “Not only did we continue to see trophy fish entries for many of the well-known species like bass, perch, pike and trout, but we also saw an upswing in the number of entries of more non-traditional fish species like bowfin, carp, and longnose gar. This is yet another indicator of the quality and diversity of Vermont’s fishing opportunities, as well as the enthusiasm of anglers to take on new fishing adventures throughout the state.”

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/VT_News.html

Lake Champlain Alewife Die-off

Large numbers of small fish called alewives are washing up on the shores of Lake Champlain in Milton and Georgia. State fisheries biologists from the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department say it is an example of the kind of problems a non-native invasive species can cause. 

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/VT_News.html

Fish Stocking Underway in Vermont

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department has started its annual fish stocking work, an effort that will ultimately put over 1,000,000 adult fish, fry and fingerlings – including over 18,000 trophy trout, into Vermont waters in 2015.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/VT_News.html

KIDS OutDoors page updated at BWS OutDoors

We have updated our KIDS Outdoors page at BackWoods Sportsman OutDoors for the upcoming outdoor education classes offered across New England for April 21 – April 29

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/Kids_OutDoors.html

Vermont Reptiles and Amphibians Are on the Move

You may have already heard the spring peepers or wood frogs calling in your backyard. Or perhaps you’ve noticed salamanders crawling over rocks in a nearby stream. The arrival of spring brings the return of reptiles and amphibians to the Vermont landscape.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/VT_News.html

Be Alert to Avoid Moose on the Highway

Drivers need to be alert and cautious because moose are on the move, according to the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department. Moose are more likely to be crossing roadways at this time of year, especially after dark or early in the morning as they move from wintering areas to spring feeding locations. More moose are hit by motorists in the spring than at any other time of the year. There is another peak of activity in September and October, the breeding season for moose.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/VT_News.html

Herrick’s Cove Wildlife Festival on May 3

If you’re a wildlife enthusiast itching for spring then be sure to check out the 16th annual Herrick’s Cove Wildlife Festival on Sunday, May 3, 2015 in Rockingham, Vermont.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/VT_News.html

New Hampshire Take a Kid Hunting on Youth Turkey Weekend

New Hampshire's tenth annual youth turkey hunt will take place Saturday, April 25 and Sunday, April 26, 2015, the weekend before spring gobbler season gets underway. During the 2014 youth weekend, young hunters took 471 turkeys, about 12% of the total spring turkey harvest.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/NH_News.html

KIDS OutDoors page updated at BWS OutDoors

We have updated our KIDS Outdoors page at BackWoods Sportsman OutDoors for the upcoming outdoor education classes offered across New England for April 13 – April 22

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/Kids_OutDoors.html

Volunteers Needed to Help Create Habitat for New England Cottontails

NH Fish and Game, NH Audubon, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and UNH Cooperative Extension are seeking volunteers for three upcoming events, in Dover and Durham, designed to help restore the habitat of the endangered New England cottontail rabbit.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/NH_News.html

New England Free Fishing Days

We have updated our page for the New England States and their days that they offer free fishing, no license required, to try out the great sport of fishing.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/Free_Fishing_Days.html

Vermont’s Spring Turkey Hunting Starts Soon

Hunters are gearing up for Vermont’s spring youth turkey hunting weekend later this month and getting ready for the regular spring turkey hunting season that starts May 1.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/VT_News.html

Hunt Safely This Turkey Season

In Vermont, May first is the beginning of spring turkey season, a day almost as important as the opening of deer season. While Vermont’s spring turkey seasons are safe (Vermont has not had any incidents in the last five years) precautions are needed to ensure they stay that way. Camouflage or drab colored clothing is almost mandatory to outwit a keen-sighted gobbler. Unfortunately, camouflage often makes it just as hard for hunters to spot one another as it does for turkeys.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/VT_News.html

Spring is here: It's Time to Take Down Birdfeeders!

Despite a deep snow pack across much of the state, the long-anticipated spring has finally arrived to New Hampshire. The strong spring sunshine, longer days and warmer temperatures not only melt the snow, it lures hungry bears out of winter torpor. As bears start to get active, let it serve as a reminder that it is time to put the birdfeeders away until next fall. To help prevent bear visits, the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department recommends not feeding birds from April 1 to December 1.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/NH_News.html

Sign Up Now for Vermont Governor’s Youth Turkey Hunt Event

In an effort to promote youth hunting in Vermont, youth hunters are encouraged to sign up for the Third Annual Governor’s Youth Turkey Hunt this spring. Youth hunters will be treated to a luncheon on Sunday, April 19, at the Waterbury Fish & Game Club, where they will take part in a discussion on the importance of the hunting tradition in Vermont.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/VT_News.html

Rhode Island DEM stocks 80,000 trout in advance of April 11 opening day of trout fishing season

The Department of Environmental Management's Division of Fish & Wildlife announces that the 2015 Opening Day of Trout Season will begin at 6 a.m. on Saturday, April 11. There are more than 42,000 freshwater anglers in RI, the majority of whom are expected to turn out at dawn on Opening Day. Approximately 80,000 hatchery-raised brook, brown, and rainbow trout with an average individual weight of one and a half pounds are being stocked by Division staff in more than 100 ponds and streams for the start of the fishing season. Several of these areas will be re-stocked with trout later this spring.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/RI_News.html

Fishing Report April 4 2015 New Hampshire

Target Species: Bass, Sunfish and Crappies

Location: Central New Hampshire

Depth: 8’ to 30’

Air Temp: 32-42 degrees

Wind: straight line high winds

Ice Conditions: 24 plus inches of ice, areas of slush pockets through the ice, shorelines eroding quickly

The ice fishing in Massachusetts is over on the Northshore as the warm temps and rain storms had eroded the shorelines. There is still a good amount of ice on the lakes but the surface ice as well and the shorelines are honey combing and melting quickly.

We headed to New Hampshire and started our search in the Southern part of the state at a few of our favorites only to find that the shorelines were open there as well. So we headed to the lakes region and a smaller body of water in hopes of finding some fishable ice.

We went to the lake that we started our ice fishing season at and there was plenty of ice but the shorelines are starting to let go as well. We wanted to fish a different area than the last trip and setup near an island with some lines hugging the island and able to fish a deeper pocket out into the lake.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/Ice_Fish_Blog_14_15.html

KIDS OutDoors page updated at BWS OutDoors

We have updated our KIDS Outdoors page at BackWoods Sportsman OutDoors for the upcoming outdoor education classes offered across New England for April 7 – April 15

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/Kids_OutDoors.html

Vermont Trout Season Opens April 11

Despite the late return of spring, Vermont’s traditional trout fishing season is set to open on Saturday, April 11, marking the start of some of the best trout fishing of the year in the Green Mountain State.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/VT_News.html

Winooski fish lift opens, increases angling opportunities

The fish lift at the Winooski One hydroelectric facility on the Winooski River is now operating for the spring season, and that means expanded fishing opportunities for anglers.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/VT_News.html

Inside the Sport of Kings - Free Talk on Hunting with Raptors

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department's spring outdoor adventure series kicks off with a chance to learn the basics of the "Sport of Kings" from Master Falconers Jim and Nancy Cowan. The talk is Thursday, April 9, 2015, at 7 p.m. at N.H. Fish and Game headquarters, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, N.H. No pre-registration is required. Admission is free.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/NH_News.html

Vermont Moose Hunting Applications Are Available

Vermont moose hunting permit applications are now available on the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department’s website (www.vtfishandwildlife.com).

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/VT_News.html

Enjoy the Fun at Discover WILD New Hampshire Day

Get outside and celebrate spring at Discover WILD New Hampshire Day, N.H. Fish and Game’s biggest community event of the year, on Saturday, April 18, 2015, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, N.H. The event is sponsored by the Wildlife Heritage Foundation of New Hampshire. Admission is free.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/NH_News.html

Sign Up Now for Summer Youth Programs at Owl Brook Hunter Education Center

Registration is now open for free youth day programs taking place this summer at the Owl Brook Hunter Education Center in Holderness. These programs give youth (boys and girls) age 10-15 the chance to learn about shooting sports, bowhunting and other outdoor skills. Sessions will be offered in July and August at Owl Brook, which is operated by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/NH_News.html

Maine Ice Anglers Can Continue To Ice Fish After March 31

While many Mainers may be lamenting the length of this year’s winter, ice fisherman should be relieved to know that come April 1, the traditional start to Maine’s open water fishing season, you can still legally ice fish on many waterways throughout the state.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/ME_News.html

Connecticut DEEP Temporarily Closes Bashan Lake State Boat Launch, East Haddam for Renovations

Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) will close Bashan Lake State Boat Launch, East Haddam from April 6 through early July for renovations and improvements. 

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/CT_News.html

Prohibition on the Taking of Alewife and Blueback Herring from Connecticut Waters Extended for another Year

Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) today announced that the prohibition on the taking of alewives and blueback herring from most inland and marine waters in Connecticut has been extended for another year. This action was initially taken in April, 2002, and has been extended each successive year because there has been no improvement in population size during the past year. The current action by DEEP Commissioner Robert Klee extends the prohibition through March 31, 2016.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/CT_News.html

Fishing Report March 29 2015 New Hampshire

Target Species: Bass and Perch

Location: Southern New Hampshire

Depth: 8’ to 20’

Air Temp: 28-42 degrees

Wind: Calm turned to blustery

Ice Conditions: 20 inches of solid ice and shorelines opening a little

We are losing shorelines here fairly quickly on most of the northern Massachusetts lakes and with rains and warmer weather, we may be done with Massachusetts fishing. With that happening, we start chasing ice towards the north and making trips into New Hampshire following that.

Today we made a trip to a Southern New Hampshire lake that we started fishing last season and has come to be one of our favorites on the ice. With all of the snow we had this winter, we were never able to drive on the lake but made many treks to our fishing location.

The shoreline at the access location was opening a little but that is because there is a creek coming into the lake right at the point. The ice is still at 20 inches thick with most shorelines locked up and only a little snow on the surface. Luckily we have been fortunate that the slush never became an issue and this will allow us to prolong our season some.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/Ice_Fish_Blog_14_15.html

Vermont remind us It’s Time to Remove Bird Feeders

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department recommends taking down bird feeders from April 1 through November 30 to avoid attracting black bears that will be coming out of their winter dens to seek an early spring meal.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/VT_News.html

Connecticut DEEP Reminds Anglers that Opening Day is Saturday, April 11th

Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is reminding anglers that recent changes to sport fishing regulations included moving the date of Opening Day of trout season forward by one week, from the third to the second Saturday in April. This means Opening Day for the 2015 season is April 11. “We are excited about the additional fishing opportunities provided to anglers with this change to an earlier Opening Day,” said DEEP Commissioner Robert Klee. “This change provides an additional week of fishing opportunities for both resident and non-resident anglers targeting trout or fishing for other species such as largemouth and smallmouth bass found in trout waters.”

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/CT_News.html

KIDS OutDoors page updated at BWS OutDoors

We have updated our KIDS Outdoors page at BackWoods Sportsman OutDoors for the upcoming outdoor education classes offered across New England for Mar 30 – April 8

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/Kids_OutDoors.html

Fishing Report March 22 2015 Massachusetts

Target Species: Crappies and Bass

Location: Northern Massachusetts

Depth: 8' to 19’

Air Temp: 26-32 degrees

Wind: Strong

Ice Conditions: 13 inches of ice with a 3 inch slush pocket

The weather change from yesterday was very dramatic as today the temps are in the upper 20’s and there are high winds blowing as well. We only had a few hours so stayed close to home and fished a small pond that has a good population of crappies and sunfish with bonus bass thrown in.

So far the ice and shorelines are holding up but our access point has a little open water and you had to watch where you step to stay on the ice. The little snow we had yesterday was froze on the ice surface and made for walking a lot easier. Ice conditions have 10-11 inches of surface is and then a 2-3 inch slush pocket and then a couple of inches of good ice underneath.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/Ice_Fish_Blog_14_15.html

KIDS OutDoors page updated at BWS OutDoors

We have updated our KIDS Outdoors page at BackWoods Sportsman OutDoors for the upcoming outdoor education classes offered across New England for Mar 25 – April 1

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/Kids_OutDoors.html

Fishing Report March 21 2015 Connecticut

My fellow HSM Outdoors and Clam Outdoors Staff partner Michael Jasensky and I had been planning on a fishing trip on his home waters in Connecticut. March 21 was the day that we would meet and fish his lake for crappies and also try for the large pike that are there.

Mike, his son and his friend were on the ice at daybreak and had targeted a small shallower cove, dead-sticking big minnows fishing for pike. When I arrived the snow had started to fall once again and at times visibility across the lake was almost non-existent.

Mike and I started fishing off the end of a point and it didn’t take us long to find the bluegill. They were of a variety of sizes with more small fish than better fish. The abundance of gills in this location helped to keep us busy while working for the bigger bites.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/Ice_Fish_Blog_14_15.html

Twelve Deer Killed by Winter Feeding In South Hampton NH

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department today reported that twelve deer were discovered dead in South Hampton, N.H., on March 20, 2015, most likely the victims of well-intentioned, but tragically fatal, supplemental feeding by local residents.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/NH_News.html

Spring Outdoor Adventure Talks at N.H. Fish and Game

Get inspired for outdoor adventures this spring at a series of evening talks offered by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. No pre-registration is required. Unless otherwise specified, the talks start at 7 p.m. at Fish and Game headquarters, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, N.H. Admission is free (except film festival). Come learn something new about wildlife and outdoor recreation!

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/NH_News.html

Free Turkey Hunting Workshop offered in New Hampshire

A free workshop covering the basics of hunting wild turkeys is being offered by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department on Saturday, April 18, 2015, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Owl Brook Hunter Education Center at 387 Perch Pond Road in Holderness, N.H. Pre-registration is required. Space is limited. To sign up for the workshop, or for more information, call 603-536-3954.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/NH_News.html

DEM files regulations for Rhode Island recreational striped bass fishery for 2015

The Department of Environmental Management today filed new regulations governing the Rhode Island recreational striped bass fishery for 2015. They establish a bag limit of one striped bass per person per day, at a 28-inch minimum size. The season will be open year-round.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/RI_News.html

Fishing Report March 15 2015 Massachusetts

Conditions: Cloudy and rain/snow skies, air temperatures mid 30's, moderate winds, bait of the day tip-ups with medium shiners

We only had a few hours to fish today and wanted to stay local as the weather was not favorable as there was light rain going to the lake that after on the lake, turned over to snow. The snow cover on the ice is totally gone with the previous week’s warm weather and that makes for foot travel so much easier once again.

There were a few anglers on the ice when we arrived but they didn’t stay long and we had the lake to ourselves. We were on the same lake from the previous weekend as the late ice fishing there tends to pick up much better than early ice is.

We made our way to the location that we fished last and started placing our dead stick fishing rods and some tip-ups closer to shore as the better fish seem to be following the shoreline closer. We weren’t finished setting the lines up yet and the first flag went off as my son raced over there.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/Ice_Fish_Blog_14_15.html