1. UPPER CONNECTICUT RIVER (Trophy Section) - Pittsburg, NH
This area is 2.5 hours north of the conference site and will be combined with A Conservation Tour of the Indian Stream/Washburn Forest project. It is limited to eight (8) anglers. 4, 5 and 6wt. rods work well here. This tailwater fishery begins at the base of a picturesque bottom-release dam and boasts trophy-sized brook trout, rainbow trout, brown trout and Atlantic salmon.
2. MAD R./SMITH R. - Waterville Valley, NH
Access to these rivers is 10-30 minutes from the conference location. Eastern Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout and Atlantic Salmon smolts inhabit these waters, and can be caught on 4, 5 and 6wt. rods.
3. PEMIGEWASSETT RIVER - Lincoln-Woodstock-Franconia Notch
Within 15-40 minutes of the meeting center, this river is wide, has multiple access sites along the countryside, and fishes well for Atlantic Salmon, Eastern Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Brown Trout. 4, 5 and 6 wt. rods are used here.
4. SACO/ELLIS/ WILDCAT RIVERS - Bartlett, Jackson, North Conway locations
This trip is about 1hr and 45 minutes from Waterville. Travel is across the winding and colorful Kancamaugus Highway, and down the steep Bear Notch Road, with its many scenic vista pull-overs. Crossed over in numerous locations by vintage covered bridges and antique iron railway trestles, the Saco fishes well for Browns. The Ellis is noted for good-sized Eastern Brookies and Rainbows, and has a fly-fishing only area that encompasses many productive pools, including the one below Goodrich Falls. The Wildcat is a small stream that has a good population of wild brookies, and fishes well with short 2, 3 and 4 wt. rods.
5. LITTLE SWIFT/BEARCAMP RIVERS - Tamworth, NH
Easily accessed from public roads, these freestone fisheries receive little or no fishing pressure, except from a few local residents. Eastern Brook Trout and Rainbows are prevalent, and the Swift has a 4+ mile long fly-fishing only section that runs through a colorful riverine valley. Many tributaries contribute wild brookies to the mainstems. 3, 4 and 5 wt. rods are used here.
Although just across Mount Osceola from the conference location, these rivers are about an hours ride South and East. The drive follows the shoreline of Lake Winnepesaukee (NH’s largest) through Meredith and Center Harbor.
Foliage should be beginning to change to reds and golds at this time. These waters are easily wadeable..
General Note: All these fishing destinations are easily waded, generally in knee-deep or less water. Access points are numerous, and many places will accommodate anglers with physical challenges.