Recreation News Briefs

Federal Saltwater Fishing Registration Now Required

As of January 1, 2010, you will have to have a federally issued registration number to legally fish federal waters (beyond the 3 mile limit) and for anadromous species in state waters of those states that have not already enacted a state saltwater license that complies with federal guidelines. This applies to anadromous species including Striped Bass, Shad, River Herring and sea run salmonid species. New Hampshire has passed a saltwater license that will go into effect on January 1, 2011, cost $15, and complies with the federal guidelines so that it will substitute for federal registration. The NH saltwater license allows for reciprocity with other states that also grant reciprocity for NH. It appears that the newly passed legislation for the Massachusetts saltwater license will be reciprocal with NH, however, the Maine saltwater license is still pending and reciprocity status is unknown.

You may register online at https://www.countmyfish.noaa.gov/register/ or by calling (888) MRIP-411 seven days-a-week between the hours of 4:00 am and 12:00 am (EST). Registration online is quick and easy taking only a few minutes to complete. At the end of the online registration you can print a card with your registration number on it to carry with you.

Local Fishing Report

Fishing on the Lamprey and Cocheco Rivers in the catch and release artificial only, special regulation areas have been reported as being great this fall. Thanks to fall stockings by Three Rivers Stocking Association and NH Fish & Game, there are plenty of hungry and user friendly rainbow and brown trout to be enjoyed. According to Mark Seymour, GBTU chapter VP, the rainbows in the Cocheco seem to be holding below Watson Dam, while the browns seem to have moved down to the Upper Factory Road area. Fish are being caught with streamers and nymphs. Remember, these areas are open with special regulations through the remainder of the fall and winter and early spring, but fishing while standing on the ice is not permitted once the rivers start to freeze.

Last month's guest speakers, Sean Smith and Patrick Ard are great sources of information and instruction on fishing these rivers. We also encourage those of you enjoying these wonderful fall fishing opportunities to support Three Rivers Stocking Association who will gladly accept your donations, and NH Fish & Game by making sure your fishing license is renewed at the end of the year.

Please email us with your NH fishing experiences so that we can keep our updates accurate and current.