Sunday, June 28, 2015

New England Fly Fishing Lessons: Isinglass River, New Hampshire

Fly Fishing Lessons: $5 per Hour!

We believe, in order to get more people into the sport of fly fishing, you deserve the very best instruction, at the lowest price possible.  This is why we offer lessons based on a donation only fee system.  In other words, if you have a well paying job, do the right thing by paying the suggested minimum donations.  If money is tight, make a donation that works for you and your family.  It's that simple.

Beginner Casting Class Donation Rates

  • (1) Angler: suggested minimum donation is $20.00 per hour
  • (2-3) Anglers: suggested minimum donation is $10.00 per hour, per person
  • (4-6) Anglers: suggested minimum donation is $5.00 per hour, per person
  • Minimum Course Time: 2 hours
  • Age: Under 12 years old, must be accompanied by an adult  
  • Monday- Sunday

You can read more about our lessons and guiding programs at 
http://firstcastflyfishing.blogspot.com/p/lessons-guiding_22.html

Isinglass River Facts

Location:  New Hampshire. Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/uXgE7
Fishing Season: April to October.  Please visit http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/
Special Rules: Yes.  From October 16th, until the 4th Saturday in April, this is a single hook, catch-n-release fishery.
Licensed Required: Yes, general fishing only.
Floating:  Not Recommended. Walk-Wade. Wet-Wading in summer.
Entrance Fee:  No; however, anglers should strongly consider donating to Three Rivers Stocking Association. For information www.3riversstocking.blogspot.com
Camping: No.
Length: 15 Miles.
Origin: Bow Lake in Strafford, NH.
Termination: Cocheco River, below Rochester, NH.
Fly Rods: 1wt-4wt during mid/late summer. Perhaps, with high water, 5wt early spring.
Fly Lines:  99.9% Floating.
Flies:  Fish are not picky, but we only share this information with our FCFF clients.  

The Isinglass River in Strafford County, southeastern New Hampshire, the United States, is about 15 miles (24 km) long.[1] It rises at Bow Lake in Strafford, but is also fed through its tributaries by Ayer's, Nippo, Round and Long Ponds in Barrington. The Isinglass flows east to meet the Cochecho River below Rochester. The river is part of the Piscataqua River watershed.

In History of the Town of Rochester, N.H., published 1892, author Franklin McDuffee remarks that the Isinglass River is "probably named from the mica in its bed or along its banks." Isinglass is a synonym for mica, an abundance of which makes rock at the Isinglass River sparkle.

Information provided by http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isinglass_River 

Why Fish the Isinglass River
    
  • Native Species:  American Eel, Chub, Suckers, Pumpkin Seed/Sun Fish, Perch, Golden Shiner, Black Nose Dace. Hundreds of years ago, the Isinglass, as a feeder stream of the Cocheco, sustained Atlantic Salmon runs.
  • Non-Native Species:  Small Mouth Bass.
  • Stocked Fish: The NH Fish & Game stocks in the spring only. Rainbow and Brown Trout, and Brook Trout. 
  • Location:  A short drive from all points in southern NH and Boston, MA. 
  • Experience:  In multiple pull-off locations, there are several spots that are easily accessed by foot.  The river is heavily fished.  Adventuring away from the well fished spots will not produce tons of fish, but on occasion, a trout will come to your fly.
  • Size: due to the size of the river, this is strictly walk-n-wade fishing.
  • Structure and Depth:  Varies greatly.
  • Scenery:  Some spots are very picturesque, but you are never far from a house and road. 

How to Fish the Isinglass River

Option A: This is not our home water.  We fish it once in a great while.  If you would like to work with us, we would probably ask you to fish the Cocheco River (our home water).

Option B:  DIY (Do it Yourself).  If you plan to fish the Isinglass River on your own, your best bet is:
  • The bridge on Route 202 is stocked by NH Fish & Game.  Downstream is a pool that see's a lot of lines. A short walk upstream might see fewer people and offers up a few nice trout holes. 
  • During the fall only, in partnership with Three Rivers Stocking Association, Waste Management of Rochester, NH., holds a family stocking day. Past event news at http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20131020/GJNEWS_01/131029944

NOTE: To prevent soil erosion and habitat loss, please park in the parking lots; And, please carry in/out all garbage.  Thank You!



Special Rules and Three Rivers Stocking Association (TRSA, is a Non-Profit)

Fact: 
If it were not for the combined efforts of Waste Management, NH Fish & Game and TRSA, this river would not hold ANY trout.  As a result of the tremendous effort by TRSA and it's legion of supporters, you can now enjoy some great trout fishing.  To protect the stocking efforts by TRSA, NH Fish & Game has implemented special rules. From October 16th, until the 4th Saturday in April, you must use a single hook, and practice catch-n-release methods. Personally, I encourage you to do two things:


  1. If you fish this river, please consider making a donation to TRSA. More info at www.3riversstocking.blogspot.com
  2. Catch and Release 24/7, 365.  Allow other anglers, within your community, to enjoy this resource.   

Final Word:

Enjoy! The Isinglass River is a small river (stream) that offers both warm and cold water fishing.
Thanks for reading.  We hope you enjoyed reading this post.

Gone Fishing,

Mark