Re: [VFB] Pemigewasset River.

[Byard Miller]

I suspect this is a good question for Byard.


Actually a better question for Chris...;^) And he did respond but his post didn't pass muster...too long!

Here it is...

From: "Chapman, Chris" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: "'[EMAIL PROTECTED]'" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subject: RE: [VFB] Pemigewasset River.


Hello,

I live 10 miles away from the Pemi where it meets the Winnipesaukee River
and forms the Merrimack River.

I have the last 4 years (soon to be 5) of NH stocking reports by river and
town. If you plan to visit and want more info contact me offline.

The season is January 1st - September 30th.
There are no restrictions for the majority of the Pemi. However right
before the confluence into the Merrimack, there is a catch and release zone
where there are large trout, Atlantic Salmon (brood stock) up to 15 lbs.
The Pemi begins in Franconia notch where Profile Lake and Echo Lake are.
Profile Lake sits directly under the Old Man of the Mountains (the NH State
Emblem). This is fly-fishing only with a slot limit - 2 fish - 1 only over
16" and 12-16" must be released. This is one of the most heavily stocked
ponds in the state. Recently there has been yellow perch introduced
illegally, but they make good food for super large brook trout. This fall
I caught 2 fish over 17" and my brother in law caught a 19.75 inch brookie -
I have seen fish over 25 inches!!!. If you fish the Pemi - you should
plan on a few hours at profile. Between Profile and the confluence you
have about 45 miles of river. The fishing can be good but flows change
throughout the year as much of the flow is mountain / snow melt. As a
result most fish stocked are only 1 year fish. You will find some native
trout in feeder creeks if that is your thing. But most of the action is
man-made.

There are some nice mountain ponds along this stretch as well.

As for cities - the largest city would be Plymouth NH which is 15K max. So
by and large there are just small towns spotted along the river. Once it
hits the confluence into the Merrimack - the watershed degrades as more
people in the Concord area and incredibly low flows the past two years have
increased water temperature proliferating awesome smallmouth populations...I
caught several 3lb smallies this year and it was disappointing? I was
hoping for salmon...

If you need anything else contact me offline.

Thanks.

Chris