Public Hearing July 1 for Proposed 2014 New Hampshire Fishing Rules
OutdoorHub 06.04.13
Proposed 2014 fishing rule changes for New Hampshire will be discussed at a public hearing at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, July 1, 2013, at the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, N.H.
The proposed rules would readopt several current rules related to angling in New Hampshire, and amend several others. Some of the proposed changes would include:
- Amend the definition of “fly fishing” to include the use of a fly rod and flyline combination that will allow a Tenkara type flyrod to be used in flyfishing only waters;
- Amend the season dates for black bass (smallmouth and largemouth bass) to use calendar dates instead of ice-in and ice-out, so where the current rule specified ice-in, the proposed rule specifies January 1, and instead of ice-out the proposed rule specifies April 1;
- Amend the section of the Exeter River from Pickpocket Dam to the Rte 11 bridge to allow fishing from October 16 through the 4th Saturday in April, but that all fish shall be immediately released, be taken only with single hook artificial lures and flies that are barbless or on which all barbs have been pinched;
- Make Spofford Lake in Chesterfield open to fishing all year; icefishing would be allowed, but with no more than 2 ice fishing devices.
The complete rulemaking notice, with original and proposed rule language for these proposals, can be viewed at http://www.wildnh.com/Legislative/Notices_summary.htm (click on “2014 Fishing Rules”).
Written comments must be received by July 8, 2013. Send to: comments@wildlife.nh.gov (use subject line “Comments on “2014 Fishing Rules”); or write to Executive Director, N.H. Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301; or fax to 603-271-1438.
