A Message from our NH Fish & Game

                        

CONSERVING THIS UNIQUE FISHERY THROUGH RESPONSIBLE ANGLING

Best Practices for New Hampshire’s Landlocked Salmon Fishery

A Guide for Responsible Angling

Over the past six years, there has been a dramatic increase in the incidence of hook wounded (visible scars and tears of the jaw, throat, and eye areas) landlocked salmon in New Hampshire’s large lakes, including Winnipesaukee, Big Squam, and Sunapee.  At Lake Winnipesaukee, landlocked salmon hook wounding rates have increased from 15-36% from 2005-2010.  For their age, hook-wounded salmon are typically shorter in length, and display poor body condition compared to non hook-wounded salmon.

 Take the Pledge!

 Landlocked salmon are a limited fishery and increasing fishing pressure combined with the use of advanced fishing technology has profound impacts on this unique resource.  By pledging to be dedicated stewards, landlocked salmon anglers can make a critical difference in sustaining this valuable fishery.

 Dedicated stewards:

• Demonstrate a commitment to conserving New Hampshire’s landlocked salmon resources.

• Acquire and demonstrate skill in using best practices that minimize impacts to this fishery.

• Take the time to observe this valuable resource and reflect on its condition.

• Hold themselves accountable and act in an informed, responsible manner.

• Pursue opportunities to educate others about landlocked salmon resource issues.

• Recognize that resource issues generate differing points of view; while they may not agree with someone else’s perspective they respect their right to express it.

 Take the pledge to be a dedicated steward and assure the rich heritage of New Hampshire’s landlocked salmon resources continue for future generations.  Pledge to be a dedicated steward by acquiring and demonstrating skill in using best practices that minimize your impacts to this valuable fishery.

 Safe Handling Techniques for Landlocked Salmon

 Catch and release fishing is a valuable tool that can lead to more and bigger fish in the fishery, but just because a fish swims away doesn’t mean that it lives to be caught another day. If you are releasing landlocked salmon, use the following practices to increase the chances that the fish you release is unharmed.

 Hooks

• The time it takes to remove hooks affects survival rates

• Use hooks you can easily remove from the fish

• Have your hook removing tools easily accessible and ready for quick use

• NEVER shake a fish off the hook.

• NEVER unhook a fish suspended in the air.

• NEVER sharply pull hooks out while the fish is moving and twisting.

 Fight Time

Survival increases when fish are not fought to exhaustion

• If trolling, stop the boat immediately and play the fish quickly to the net

• During the summer months, when surface water temperatures are high, reduce fight time as much as possible

 Handling

• Have a plan on how to handle the fish before it’s boated to minimize handling time

• Use rubber or other “fish friendly” landing nets

• If you have to handle the fish make sure your hands are wet

• Minimize the time the fish is out of the water, less than 30 seconds whenever possible

• Never touch the gills as this causes damage and impairs the fish’s ability to breath

 Selective Harvest

 If you are planning to release the landlocked salmon you catch, consider harvesting any legal fish that: 

• Is hooked severely

• Has been fought to exhaustion

• Has been handled excessively after it was landed

• Has sustained a debilitating injury from a previous hook-up

 Voluntary Reduction in Effort

 On days when you experience high catch rates, particularly when water surface temperatures are above 70°F, consider limiting your fishing time/trip duration. This is difficult to ask of anglers who have a lot invested in their pursuit of these magnificent fish, but this limited fishery is not capable of sustaining high levels of catch & release fishing during the warmest months of the year.