Last week, the New Hampshire Fish & Game Department (NHFG) released its proposed rule changes for 2025, and the fly-fishing community was immediately up in arms. According to an email sent by the Pittsburg Anglers Association, here’s what the new rules would do:
- All “Fly Fishing Only” water in the state (rivers, ponds) would now also be open to artificial lures only (ALO). This means that the “No Kill” stretch between Second Connecticut Lake and First Connecticut Lake, the Trophy Stretch, as well as the outer brook trout ponds, would be open to spin fishing with lures. There would be a two fish limit on all ALO waters.
- The trout ponds that were previously designated as “Fly Fishing Only” (now ALO waters) would have a closing date of September 7. We are not sure if this includes stretches of rivers that went from FFO to ALO designation – the meeting should clear this up.
- The general trout and salmon season for all waters of the state would close on September 30.
For more in-depth coverage, check out this post by Tall Timber Lodge in Pittsburg, New Hampshire.
Your Feedback is Needed!
NHFG will hold two public informational sessions this week, with the goal of gathering feedback on proposed rule changes:
- August 27 at 6:00 p.m. at the Department’s Headquarters at 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, New Hampshire.
- August 28 at 6:00 p.m. at the Department’s Region 1 Office at 629B Main Street, Lancaster, New Hampshire.
Whether or not you attend one of the meetings, please make your voice heard by sending an email to NHFG at comments@wildlife.nh.gov with your comments on the new rules.
More from the Guide Community
Patrick Ard, owner and head guide of Fish Story Guide Service wrote:
If these changes were to pass into effect, fly fishing as we know it in New Hampshire would not exist. This clearly would impact my guide business, as well as the overall fishery that we have been working so hard to protect. I have been able to teach and guide hundreds of clients and friends over my 17 years of business and know that the proposed changes would diminish these opportunities for the expansion of the sport of Fly Fishing and the values of stewardship and conservation that we promote. Please consider attending one of the two meetings.
Steve Angers of North Country Angler in North Conway posted this on Instagram on Friday:
To stay up to date, follow North Country Angler on Instagram.
Thank you for doing that for us, I am adman owner for Facebook group Fly Fishing NH with 3400 NH members. We all appreciate your support.
TWIMC,
In light of the expiring pond and waterway restrictions and the effort to establish current regulations that are more relevant to todays conditions I would like to propose a further thinking scenario that would help multiple issues the state will be working with in environmental, budgetary, and fishery sustainability.
I’d like to make an argument for expanding fly fishing-only and catch-and-release regulations in state-controlled waters.
This involves the need for sustainable fishery management, environmental protection, and economic growth.
With the rising popularity of fly fishing, it’s essential that regulations evolve to ensure the long-term health of fisheries, enhance the experience for anglers, and position the state as a premier fly fishing destination.
1. Conservation of Fish Populations and Ecosystems
Fly fishing, particularly with catch-and-release practices, is less intrusive and reduces fish mortality rates compared to other fishing methods. Limiting harvest by promoting catch-and-release allows fish to mature and reproduce, helping maintain healthier, self-sustaining populations. This reduces the need for aggressive restocking programs, which can be costly and environmentally damaging.
2. Reducing Dependence on Hatcheries and Lowering Environmental Impact
Hatchery operations, while sometimes necessary, contribute to water pollution through nutrient runoff, waste, and the potential spread of disease. By encouraging catch-and-release, the need for hatchery production is minimized, thereby reducing pollution and easing the environmental burden. Promoting natural fish survival is a more sustainable, ecologically responsible approach that benefits both the fisheries and surrounding ecosystems.
3. Protecting Cold-Water Ponds with Artificial Lure-Only Restrictions
True cold-water ponds are critical habitats for trout and other sensitive species. Restricting these waters to artificial lures and banning live bait helps prevent fish from being deeply hooked or exposed to invasive species that can be introduced through live bait. In addition, limiting fishing to artificial lures ensures that the stocked fish have a greater chance of surviving and contributing to the population, allowing the ecosystem to maintain balance.
4. Restrictions on Ice Fishing to Ensure Long-Term Fish Survival
While ice fishing is popular, it typically results in high mortality due to harsh handling conditions and the lack of practical catch-and-release options. Restricting ice fishing in these sensitive waters protects fish during vulnerable periods and preserves fish stocks for the peak fishing seasons. This approach prioritizes the long-term health of fish populations and prevents overharvesting during the winter.
5. Fly Anglers as Stewards of the Land
Fly anglers have consistently demonstrated responsible environmental stewardship, adhering to principles that protect water quality, habitats, and access points. Unlike some other forms of fishing, fly fishing is often associated with conservation, ethical fishing practices, and leave-no-trace principles. By expanding fly fishing-only regulations, states encourage a culture of respect for the environment and discourage destructive behaviors like littering and property damage.
6. Rewriting Expiring Rules with a Focus on Conservation and Efficiency
With state regulations expiring, the new framework should prioritize:
Conservation of resources: Ensuring that fish populations are maintained naturally and sustainably.
Efficiency of costs: Reducing reliance on expensive restocking programs by fostering natural fish populations.
Enhancement of fly fishing destinations: Positioning the state as a leader in trout conservation and attracting responsible anglers who value high-quality fishing experiences.
Decreasing hatchery production and pollution: Reducing environmental impact by limiting artificial restocking.
Increasing natural survival and reproduction: Supporting policies that allow fish populations to sustain themselves with minimal human intervention.
7. Introducing a Second Trout License for Cold-Water Bodies
One common objection is that anyone who buys a fishing license should be able to fish any body of water as they choose. This concern can be addressed by introducing a second trout-specific license for cold-water bodies. This additional license, which could come at a premium, would not only fund conservation efforts but also serve as a marketing tool to promote the state as a premier destination for fly fishing and trout conservation. This strategy balances the need for accessibility with a focused conservation effort, aligning the state’s vision with long-term sustainability.
8. Economic and Marketing Benefits
Expanding fly fishing regulations positions the state as a conservation leader and a destination for serious anglers. By prioritizing high-quality, well-managed fisheries, the state can attract tourists, generate revenue from specialized licenses, and support local economies. Anglers who value conservation are often willing to invest more in travel, lodging, and gear, creating a positive economic ripple effect.
Conclusion
The increasing popularity of fly fishing should lead to stronger conservation-focused regulations rather than a relaxation of existing rules. Expanding fly fishing-only and catch-and-release zones, protecting cold-water ponds with Flyfishing only or at a minimum artificial lure-only restrictions, and introducing additional trout-specific licenses can balance accessibility with sustainable management. By embracing these strategies, the state can not only protect its valuable fisheries but also enhance its reputation as a premier fly fishing destination committed to responsible resource management.
Thank you for your time and consideration,
Jeff C Woods DVM
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
See you all in Lancaster Wednesday.
I have sent a long email/letter stating my concerns. Unfortunately, I am not able to travel from CT to NH this week as my kids are starting school (otherwise, I’d make the 3+ hour trip), but am deeply concerned about these proposed changes. I will also follow up with a letter in the mail. Please let me know if there is anything else I can do to help.
As a company that supposedly supports science-based management (Orvis), it’s disappointing to see you inserting yourself in a state agencies rulemaking process without taking the time to become educated on the issues and possible strategies. It is clear that those that make a living off the fly fishing industry are pressuring everyone to parrot their concerns. Remember, it is the role of a management agency to provide opportunity for a broad constituent base, not to ensure the financial well-being of fly shop owners and guides. I exclusively fly fish because that’s what I enjoy doing. However, I would not expect that I have a greater right to the resource or should have more opportunity than another user group, particularly in marginal and impaired waterbodies where trout populations are reliant on fish stocking programs. If you want a seat at the decision making table, come with an open mind and meaningful input.
I totally disagree and will be forever grateful to Orvis for standing up for the fly fishing community on this issue. As far as I can tell, Orvis was the only fly rod company that was brave enough to do it, and for that I will remain a loyal customer of Orvis.
As far as your statement, “However, I would not expect that I have a greater right to the resource or should have more opportunity than another user group”, I have this to say: FFO waters is NOT a prohibition on people, it is just a prohibition on gear. Anyone can fish FFO waters, just pick up a fly rod like everyone else.
I believe the biggest concern is the impact on treble hooks on survivability; particularly on wild fisheries.
Would not a reasonable compromise be to change from FFO to Single Hook ALO?
The lines of what is and is not “fly fishing” have become sufficiently blurred that the focus should be on fish health rather than this or that method of angling.
To the 300+ fisher man and women that attended the meeting tonight in Concord NH showing your support for our fisheries, thank you for taking the time and making a statement about the future of our fishery.
I just came back from fly fishing in New Hampshire, and I have to say that I will be forever grateful to those of you who went to the meetings and stood up for FFO protection. I think that everyone who fly fishes feels the same. Thank you so much!