YOUR COMMENTS

The salmon fishing in Lake Winnie is a "put and take" fishery. There is no reason to stop fishing to try and achieve a self sustaining breeding population. Each year 24,000 fish are put in, and some are caught. And the next year 24,000 more are put in. Just like rainbow and brown trout in most all of the stocked waters, in most states. Have the Winnie Derby.
- Jack, Tewksbury

Blaming "the derby" for the undersized and diminishing salmon is plain foolish.
Sebago went thru a similar problem for a few years. I believe that the F&G are doing what they are told as far as stocking. Smaller salmon are being stocked so they can put more fish in to keep the (novice) fishermen happy and license sales up. We're paying by the pound.
- Johnny, Tuftonboro

Hmmmm. If it looks like a rat and smells like a rat........How many of you were there last fall or ANY fall to help the biologists count fall netted fish and observe their condition?? Then why was the almighty Rick Davis allowed to be present? I guess if I started a tournament that brought in fishing licenses and boat registrations to the department they'd allow me to be there too. This is about money folks. I find it VERY interesting that Rick Davis "never kept records during any derby of just how many fish were caught and released or 'hook damaged' ". Why not?! He seems so genuinely concerned now! So the winner of his boat (donated by the way) only caught a 4lb salmon this year instead of a six? He wants the lake to himself folks..........and don't believe for one second that money doesn't change hands here and there boyond the derby.
- Paul Doucett, Barrington, NH

i believe that web sites like fish lake winn.com,although very helpful to a starting angler, is one point to look at.these guys should keep their secrets to themselves and not the whole world.by all means help a new angler out ,but by relaying time ,lure color,depth,and techniques allows every tom dick and harry to know what it took the rest of us many years to figure out on our own.
- brian, berlin

I fish the lake on an average of 25 hours a week thruout the season and I catch and realease hundreds of fish caught with barbless hooks. What I have seen is a large increase in the number of salmon with Furunculosis. This is a disease that can decimate a whole year class of fish. I know the symptoms of this disease because I ran aqua culture project in the 80's raising salmon and trout so I had to do extensive research on the disease. Once it is in a population there is no cure. The symptoms are: large boil like sore, scales missing and sticking out from the surface, malnourished looking and a slimeless skin feel. It usually gets its start at the hatchery due to stress. The disease is present in all salmonids and will show itself in times of stress. The state should be asking anglers to kill and report all salmon and rainbows with these symptoms. Don't throw the fish back. The derby has been going on for almost 30 years with great results. It has been only for the last few years has the fishery been going downhill so it's foolish to blame it all on the derby.
- Thomas Smith, Hopkinton, Mass

The days of Unlimited C&R are
numbered. It is time to end the damage associated with Unlimited C&R.
We need a C&R LIMIT REGULATION and we need it NOW!
Limited C&R is the next step forward in protecting fragile fisheries; its time has come!
- Robert E. Skowronski, Sharon, Vermont

To Ron ,
From 400 to 500 down to 70 is roughly a drop down to less than 15% in one year. That would require over a six fold increase in fishing in order for the "experts" to blame anglers for this drop. Since no such increase occurred, the "experts" should obviously be looking elsewhere for the cause. It isn't rocket science to figure out what common sense is telling you. I don't have blind faith in and buy everything the so-called "experts" tell me, as you obviously do. I prefer to think for myself.
- James Longfellow, Hooksett

How about a "get rid of the smallmouth bass" tournament to replace the spring Winnie salmon derby! These trash fish have been spread all over the lake in huge numbers over the last 10 years by a large community of catch & release fisherman who we all know very well. They are a cannibal species of fish, an expanding scourge, that will eat anything and everything that they get their eye on, including smelt, recently stocked "rat" salmon & rainbows etc. Ask a NH fish biologist next time you see one if you don't believe it.
I eat most of the bass I take from New Hampshire waters and would encourage others to do so also.
Maine has introduced a pro-active "kill as many as you can" bag limit on their Sebago lake trout problem, I suggest we do the same thing here with the bass on our trophy lake.
Dennis D., Plaistow
- Dennis Deschene, Plaistow

What a Chamber of Commerce nightmare!

They'll have to replace the event with something green = Pick up the trash day.

Awards for the biggest piles.

Around a lake that has every square foot of shoreline going for what? Well, the market is depressed.

And somehow something maybe has tipped the balance (read bottom line), climate change? They can't keep enough live fish in the cesspool? Winni is a big, shallow, depression filled with water and stuff. Should be able to keep something alive with that.

Fish, profits, something.

But stop - figure this out. Is there a way to quash the August news - as to how many beaches are closed due to E. Coli?

Give me a ---- break. I'm not worried. The liqour stores will still be open. A cesspool is still a great place place to watch the races.
- RP, New Boston

Sorry to hear thisnews, as my grandson just joined us last year at the Spring Derby. We will continue to fish Winnie but the Spring Derby was a special event for the family each year. It will hurt the areas commerce.
What ever needs to be done to restore past examples of F&G efforts, I am all for.
NH has lotsa lakes with very good fishing, as does Vermont. Try the LCI in June.
- John, SHaron VT

All the money, where does it go! All the fines proposed where does it go! All the rules and regulations who the hell made them!

I think maybe an increase on the size would be a great idea 18 inches like lake trout! maybe reducing the amount of salmon keeped in a day like 1 salmon a day rather then 2. propose higher fines and penalties for people who take salmon through the ice then make them pay a replacement fee for what it costs to breed a salmon to the size of the fish they took out.i do think they should allow you to keep salmon through the ice though! 1 fish per week per person! no more then 2 in possession. not only do we loose one of our passions which is doing the winni derby what about the increase in liecence fee's 26 DOLLERS FOR 10 PHEASENTS!!! THATS BULL CRAP! as for deer management how about not letting non residents buy unit m permits! and not letting them buy special deer archery. or for non residents make it either 1 bow or 1 gun deer if you shoot one with your bow your done. not allowing non residents would increase hurd numbers and maybe just maybe we residents of the states wouldnt have to worry as much for non residents busting our hunts!
- Greg, rochester

Bob, Salem -- Wouldn't charging for an increase in costs be a tax? Can't have that in NH!
- Texter, Newfields

No Texter charging a higher fee for a license is not a tax, it is a higher fee. A tax is placed on top of a purchase and is a percentage of the purchase. But I'm sure the state is considering raising the fee and creating a tax on top of that at the same time. It's all they seem to know how to do these days after spending money first.

But yes we have had enough tax and spend to cover two generations. My only question is why my taxes doubled in the last ten years and why there is not a surplus in the coffers. And that is just my property tax, God only knows what all the other taxes, fee's and tolls add up too and it's still never enough. If ever I saw a spending addiction this State government has one.
- Deb, Derry

kevin boisvert hit the nail on the head-
switch the prize money to biggest laker,
or stop the winter derby altogether for a
few years as I am sure more salmon are
killed by clueless fishermen pulling them
out onto the ice or trying to remove the hook than are killed by the spring derby.
- charlie, manchester

Once again, you get what you pay for
- Art, Portsmouth

Don't blame the F+G dept. , most of their money goes to rescuing butthead hikers who contribute very little to this state
- dave, littleton

I fished the salmon derby for 25 plus years and in some years the amount of salmon cought were verry low i use barbles hooks even in by lures. I have been doing this for over 10 years now the state fish and game has taken away the one thing i enjoy the most i have a plan and hope others will do the same i will no longer buy a fishing lisence and will not fish in this state agaain i will go to new york to fish for salmon i will only buy my fishing gear off line so my money wont be spent in nh i hope the state goes broke. this SUCKS
- robert, rochester

Jack just to let you know I take full advantage of every season and get a deer and turkey every year as a matter of fact I got two deer this year Fish and Game is a joke regardless of your praise for them how about reading a recent article that Buckmasters Magazine wrote about how the NH Fish and Games system of deer management doesn't work. I am just saying for the amount of money a license costs the product isn't there, low deer herds and very few fish in the ponds.
- Mike, New Boston

Headline shouldn't be confusing - Meredith Rotary Derby is not called "Winni Derby" and is an ice fishing derby whereby bringing salmon through the ice is illegal. Don't all get your knickers in a twist.
- Matthew, Meredith

There have been a few good suggestions on this blog. I agree that the Rotary Derby rules and prizes could be adjusted to help the Winni Salmon. Having ice fisherman key on Lake trout could help. Also, barbless and single hooks when trolling would have an impact on catch and release. Rubber nets for landing instead on nylon. I am not sure just one change will do it but an overall change in how we fish salmon. I know from years of fishing on Winni and sebago that the smaller salmon are very delicate. I don't net them or handle them. I try and remove the hook with pliers while keeping them in the water. It's tough but since I've been doing it this way I haven't had any go belly up. The larger Salmon seem to be more resilent. I am also a big advocate of keeping lakers. I've had large lakers attack small salmon I've had on the line. Twice this ahppened to me. Once at Sebago and Once a Merrymeeting. I think Lakers take more small salmon than we know. The Whitefish are gone and the big lakers expend to much energy to take tiny smelt. Hopefully fish and game will come up with a logical plan instead of a knee jerk short term solution.
- Ron, Windham

I like how the State F&G blame the Anglers! The Winni derby produces 2000 entries on a bad year at $40 bucks a ticket, that’s $80K, not to mention the $500K or more there’s losing in additional revenue on (Gas, Bait, Food, lodging, camping, boats, registrations) Not having the Winni Derby is not only impacting the fisherman, cause they’re going to fish anyways – but it’s going to impact the local economy in a big way, just what we need... Maybe F&G ought to put more than 24000 Salmon in the lake per year… New York’s smallest ponds get that amount of fish!
It’s basically comes down to poor Fish and Game Management!
- Mike Vaillancourt, Raymond NH

If you do not buy hunting and fishing licenses but want to help preserve natural habitat, consider joining or contributing to the Nature Conservancy. This is an excellent organization dedicated to preserving habitat all over the world including NH.
- Tom, Concord

Somehow, competitive angling just rubs me the wrong way. It's so contrary to the spirit of writers from Izaak Walton to Arnold Gingrich. When I fish, it's to get back to a simple, solitary pastime that's both singular and restorative.
BTW Treble hooks for any salmonoid fish are monstrous. Why don't they just use nets and gaffs?
- John, Manchester

Coho Salmon? What?
- JB, NB, NH

I think the article brought up a valid point. The more sophisticated fish finders are making it easier to get the fish. You have to do (and know) less and less to catch them. Hunting has had the same problems in the past with baiting, spotlighting, and drives. So they were restricted to make it more like it should be. You have to work harder at it but that just makes it more rewarding when you get something. Limit fish finders and people will have to start figuring out on their own where the fish are as opposed to fishing in a barrel.
- John, Newmarket

Jenny...you act like people fish and then beat the life out of them for fun.

Most normal people fish, and either throw them back or take them home and EAT them.

The effects of mankinds unnecessary presence...hmmm...well your comments as well as Gary's show that your presence is indeed unnecessary.
- Rich, Derry

DOES ANYONE READ THE DANG ARTICLE BEFORE POSTING STUPID COMMENTS?

The derby in a couple weeks isn't off....THE SPRING DERBY IN MAY IS OFF!

It's in the first damn paragraph!!

And Gary from Chichester...that was just the most uplifting comment I've seen all day. Gloom and Doom much?
- Regina Phelangie, Manchester

Mr. Longfellow, I believe in being good stewards of our planet and am behind all sensible efforts to reduce pollution of any kind, but there was no mention of pollution or chemical toxins made by the experts quoted in this article. Are you drawing your own conclusions based on anything other than your own personal feelings about "pollution"? Doesn't most of the big lakes water come from the barely inhabited north country?
- Ron, Manchester

Read the article it is referring to the spring derby not the rotary derby, otherwise they would not be talking about Salmon, if you fish you know you can't take salmon thorugh the ice!!!
- Jack, Concord

"WHICH DERBY? This is really unclear-and very poor reporting on the part of the Union Leader. Just so everyone knows: The Great Meredith Rotary Ice Fishing Derby IS NOT CANCELLED.... it is scheduled for the weekend of January 30-31. See you there.
- Donna Ulbricht, Meredith"


Someone needs to smell the coffee!


"By ROGER AMSDEN
New Hampshire Union Leader Correspondent
1 hour, 22 minutes ago

CENTER HARBOR – A continuing decline in the number of trophy-size salmon being landed in Lake Winnipesaukee has caused the cancellation of May's 29th annual Winni Derby."


Have you really done much ice fishing during May's 29th annual Winni Derby?

Smelling the coffee, yet?
- Gary, Goffstown

Jenny, you and others like you are the problem. Pure users of resources and not advocates for wild life and wildlife management. Salmon and Lake Trout wouldn't exist in Winni, Squam or Sunapee without sportsman or others contribution. There are more deer and bear now than in colony times because of farmland. Why don't you go to NH fish and game and talk to a wildlife biologist for a day before spreading your crap online.
- Ron, Windham

THANK YOU, DONNA!!!
You are so right... the headlines are very confusing to those planning to attend the Rotary derby this month.

Editors... are you listening??

Please print a corrected HEADLINE to clarify to the public that attendance for the winter event is not negatively affected.
- Patty, New Hampton

There have been no spikes in fishing license sales or in derby participants to explain a drop that severe. The cause obviously lies elsewhere. The decline in Salmon is more likely to be from environmental pollution rather than overfishing. Many water suppliers including Manchester are dumping bleach, ammonia and fluoride into the drinking water. Where do you think all these toxic chemicals including the fertilizer industry waste called Fluorosalicylic acid that they call fluoride end up? And many towns throughout NH are getting duped into doing this just as Manchester did when the citizens voted to allow their bodies to be used as hazardous waste dumps. And this is just one of the thousands of toxic chemicals being dumped into our environment every day. People need to smarten up and realize that everything that gets dumped down a drain or on a lawn or garden ends up in rivers, lakes and eventually the ocean. Sewage treatment plants only remove organic matter. They do not remove these toxins. So it should come as no surprise that the toxic chemicals we poison ourselves with are starting to poison the wildlife as well. Unfortunately we are going to see more of this until people come to their senses.
- James Longfellow, Hooksett

Again, liberal feel good environmentalist crap takes presidence over an annual event that brings in much needed money to the local economy. I have attended the Winni Derby for years and will now look for another fishing event in the spring to take its place. I hope NH remembers this when very few people show up if they ever hold the derby again. All it takes is one cancellation for rediculous reasons for people to take there money elsewhere.
- Frank, Manchester

Derby is not canceled follow this link.

Union leader you might want to edit your article.

http://www.meredithrotary.com/
- Mike, Lakes Region

Hello, if Lake Winnipesaukee went back to its natural state it would consist of about seven different lakes or ponds connected by a river flowing through it.

In 1822, the Lakeport Dam was constructed in Laconia as a source for water power to power up their millinery material making mills. The original dam was probably constructed with logs, boulders, rocks, and cement. It increased the height of Lake Winnipesaukee by about 18-feet and created a new shoreline with the one large, 75-billion gallons of water, Lake Winnipesaukee that exists today.
- Walter, Meredith

I have been fishing WINNI for 40 years the first salmon derby a nd ice derby included remember when they used to stock lake trout anyway if it was not for fisherman winni would have no fish if the bait is there put in more fish if not close the season end of conversation.
- joe fillipon, hudson nh

Hey - would you clarify which derby this is!! Most people just read the headlines and do not read the whole article. The MEREDITH ROTARY ICE FISHING derby is going to be held Jan 30 and 31 and a lot of people think its this derby that is cancelled. PLEASE GET THE WORD OUT> THE MEREDITH ROTARY ICE FISHING DERBY IS NOT CANCELLED. IT WILL BE HELD JAN 30 & 31. THANKS
- Teresa, Meredith NH

So what happened to the salmon restoration program of a couple of decades ago? Is it considered a failure as is the Coho Salmon restoration program? It certainly did not live up to its propaganda profile of saving the world of the supposed trophy fish!
In one respect, Jenny of Manchester is right. Humans can and do have a horrendous impact on Mother Nature. Perhaps the globe will eventually be better after the impacts of Dec. 21st, 2012 occur when humans are anticipated to become extinct.
- Gary, Chichester

Mike of new Boston,you might be the joke with the limited funding fish and game gets, they do a great job.
You obviously do not take advantage of the vast fishing and hunting oppurtunities this state has to offer. You get you moneys worth and more if you get out there.
This closing of the derby is good news if your a fishing enthusiast and not just out there to win the prize!!!
- Jack, Concord

If this fish quantity and size have fallen of as far as this article states, don't expect this Derby to resume for several years. There should be a 3 year cancellation to help replenish the population.
- Tommy Dee, Hooksett

It seems that the Derby Chairman is putting blame of declining fisherey soley on the back of Charter boats. I know they only report 225 killed fish in a derby. That is the number of fish that are qualified to register(Min. 20") Legal size is 15". Many more hundred or maybe even a thousand would be closer to real number. Not to mention number hook wounded.
It would be good to hear from F&G as to what the "real" causes of the decline are ie...size of fish stocked, number of fish stocked, fishing pressure, improved methods..lack of funding...........
- Bob, Meredith NH, Meredith

Hook wounded? No Duh. Some years ago some Meat-head changed the prize fish in the states largest ice fishing derby ("Meredith Rotary Ice Fishing Derby") from The largest Lake Trout to the largest tagged Rainbow. This is the reason for the lack of Salmon and increase in hook-wounded Salmon. Salmon and Rainbows travel at the same depths when feeding. 9 times out of 10 when you get a tip up 5 feet below the ice surface on Winnie, it's a Slamon. Unfortunatly they cannot be taken through the ice, legally they are not suppose to be removed from the water.
So if 100,000 anglers are ice fishing for Rainbows ( typical Ice fishing Derby turn-out) just imagine what it is doing to the Salmon population. The best plan of action would be to change the trophy fish in the Derby back to Lake Trout. Lake Trout are bottom feeders and the chances of hooking a Salmon fishing the bottom is very slim.
- Kevin Boisvert, Manhcester

yeah thats it lets add more money to the cost of the hunting an fishing licenses which are already among the highest in the country. The old saying is you get what you pay for but not in NH you buy a hunting and fishing license is like throwing your money away for the amount of money you pay the hunting and fishings is terrible. Fish and Game is joke in this state!
- Mike, New Boston

I'm sure Jenny has donated much of her time and money to help protect wildlife habitat and recources.
- Pete, Bristol

The state should immediately implement a law mandating barbless hooks in our salmon lakes. It makes a big difference in releasing fish unharmed.
- Pete, Bristol

Jenny, salmon wouldn't even been in the lake without "The effects of mankinds unnecessary presence".
- Jeff, Manchester

Jenny, the salmon are not even a native species, they were introduced by man. So if you want the lake to go back to its natural state, we will have to get all the exotic species like salmon, bass, rainbow trout and others. Good luck with that
- Pete, Randolph

Pointing the finger toward a specific group does not make sense. NH Fish and Game is suppose to manage our resource not react to it. NH Fish and Game has stocked salmon the last two years at 20 fish per lb. The suggested range is 6-9 fish per lb. Stocking salmon at 20 fish per lb is like throwing "meat into a lions cage" The downfall of Lake Winnipesaukee is a combination of things including pressure and management. Do not believe that guides alone ruined this fishery, NH Fish and Game did their part as well.
- Dave, Laconia

WHICH DERBY? This is really unclear-and very poor reporting on the part of the Union Leader. Just so everyone knows: The Great Meredith Rotary Ice Fishing Derby IS NOT CANCELLED.... it is scheduled for the weekend of January 30-31. See you there.
- Donna Ulbricht, Meredith

Bob, Salem -- Wouldn't charging for an increase in costs be a tax? Can't have that in NH!
- Texter, Newfields

Barbless single hooks instead of giant barbed trebels for trolling??? Seems this may help.
- Chuck, Auburn

Well, This is not only a blow to the economy
but, also to a whole group of ladies and guys who enjoy the derby and getting together with old friends and trading stories.
I've attended 28 years and love my time on the lake.I truly hope the event will return. however the issue of treble hooks and charters needs to be addressed soon or I'm afraid the salmon population will continue to drop. After all the hard work by many folks this truly is a kick in the pants.True sportsman will do what it takes to help and make this right.
- frank, jaffrey

Poor resource management, in my opinion. Plain and simple. What's the point of having a F&G department if they aren't using all that money they take in to proactively manage the species. Overfishing in an unregulated ocean with mutiple national players is a tough challenge. But preventing overfishing in a lake that is controlled by a single state is incompetence.
- DavidT, Alton

Jenny,
It's not the sportsmen & women, it's the growing number of People in this country that are taking up the land and resources
that wildlife needs. Like Jack said we sportsmen's donate and pay fees to protect and conserve land for the wildlife
that we are aloud to hunt and fish with limit regulations.
- Steve, Manchester

To Jenny,
Money's derived from sport hunting and fishing go directly back to the animals that people like you claim to be stewards for. Each year residents such as myself, the real conservationists, pay upwards of $120 dollars for a combo hunting/fishing license not to mention the money's spent on gear, campgrounds, state parks fee's, that go directly to the towns of New Hampshire. This money spent is to ensure that entities like NH Fish & Game are able to operate and manage our wildlife (thus the reason for canceling the Winni this year). With this money land is also acquired or for all of us to enjoy (most importantly the WILDLIFE, fisheries are funded to give back to the lakes, etc... Please understand your argument for "the effect of mankind's unnecessary human presence" is ignorant at best and is transparently self-serving to justify your obvious agenda. I believe PETA is waiting for your article submission...N
- Nick, Londonderry

Really this is simply another example of how popular the lake has become and the pressure over-fishing is placing on the lake. Remember the Winni Derby came about in a different time when the lake was over-stocked with salmon. It's no longer necessary and has helped deplete and diminish the salmon. This is s GOOD thing for anglers.
- Rob, Gilford

Bob Writes:
Duh, release 50,000 each year instead of 24,000. Charge charter boat operations for the cost increase.
- Bob, Salem

What god what that do in this economy the chartered boats would have to charged more and then he would have NO customers. He is barely surviving now. Maybe adding a dollar or two to a hunting or fishing licensee would work.
- Mike, Lakes Region

Jenny you may have crossed the line of sanity. Humans are also part of the natural world and if you took one moment to think about it you would see those animals you feel are more deserving of being here are no different than us with the exception we have the ability to reason. Well some do.

All those creatures you adore hunt and kill for their survival and my cat even kills for pure pleasure. People who hunt and fish are not evil or any worse than the natural order of things. Even your own existence Jenny is based on something else giving its life so you can survive be it plant or animal so I would think twice before you put yourself up on such a high pedestal.

The Salmon will survive and in large part due to those who buy fishing licenses and the efforts of sportsmen of all races and gender. I for one am tired of groups like PETA trying to stop the boy scouts and others from enjoying a nice days fishing because they find it cruel. Keep your freedom to live how you see fit and let others do the same. No one wants to be the one to catch the last known Salmon in existence. If you want to be part of the solution volunteer to help raise more Salmon or any other species of fish or animal. You may meet some people who do hunt and fish and if you take the time you might discover they love nature no less than yourself.
- Deb, Derry

"UNNECESSARY PRESENCE"?
Obviously, we need to do more hunting in the Manchester area!
- Don, gOFFSTOWN

Must be all that global warming... so much ice on the lake that the fish are boiling to death below!
- Mike, Goffstown

Obviously, Jenny hasn't got a clue about wildlife or much else.

"Mankinds unecessary presence" What does that mean????

It is not hunters and fisherman who have cause a decilne in wildlife, in fact they are the only group who actively supports wildlife conservation. With thier dollars and activities!!!
- Jack, Concord

Duh, release 50,000 each year instead of 24,000. Charge charter boat operations for the cost increase.
- Bob, Salem

I've participated in the past 4 Winni-Derbys and am sad to see it not take place this year. However, winning salmon have been getting smaller. I think this is the right move at the right time to reduce pressure on the fishery. But not a good time economically as many businesses in the Lakes region look forward to this event.
- steve, manchester, nh

Yeah! Horray! The effects of mankinds unnecessary presence is showing in our wildlife....it pains me deeply that humans think they can be involved with "sport" hunting & fishing. Look at the devastation we bring to our natural habitat.
- Jenny, Manchester