The great Meredith Rotary Ice Fishing Derby went off without a hitch in New Hampshire. Most reports were of slightly fewer anglers actually on the ice for the two-day derby, probably due to the weather and Super Bowl parties. The fishing appears better than in many other derby years. Sebago is firing well now that most of the lake has safe ice. We had reports of good lake trout fishing and excellent cusk fishing. Small local lakes and ponds across New England are producing their usual warm water …

A brutal week of cold weather and wind kept many people off the ice last week and weekend. Those who braved the temps reported consistent fishing. Lake Winnipesaukee has been producing a lot of lake trout, albeit small this year, there are many. Sebago really just got going, but anglers report consistent ten fish trips. Moosehead continues to produce trophy brook trout. Local ponds are all producing rainbow, brook, and brown trout, depending on where you go. The Great Meredith Rotary Ice Fishing …

The recent snowstorm put a damper on some reports, as many were digging out when a second wave of snow made for even more clean up. That said, reports from the past weekend were very similar, with extreme cold temps keeping the hearty inside shelters and many off the ice. The Patriots AFC Championship game kept many others off the ice on Sunday. Those who fished, reported slower catches in the cold, but as usual, persistence pays. Maine:Greg Cutting at Jordan’s Store in Sebago reported …

The fishing reports are of stellar fishing, but a bit less pressure with the Patriots playing the Texans in the playoffs. Anglers who are not football fans enjoyed a quiet Sunday with calm and cloudy conditions, which seemed to equate to excellent fishing all around. Reports of some great salmon, splake, and brown trout are coming in from across southern Maine. In New Hampshire, Winnipesaukee, with good ice and good fishing, has been producing a lot of really nice rainbow trout, white and yellow …

The warmer weather hasn’t hurt spirits or ice conditions very much. Reports from across Maine and New Hampshire are of quality ice and great fishing. We are hearing of great splake, brown, and brook trout fishing in the Sebago region of Maine and excellent yellow and white perch and rainbow trout fishing from Winnipesaukee so far this season. Although ice conditions are good, it’s still early and anglers should use caution and safety equipment. Maine:Greg Cutting at Jordan’ …