McClory: You read this column because I’ll be busy fishing

While you’re reading this week’s column, I will probably be fishing in the 27th Annual Winnie Derby on Lake Winnipesaukee.Currently the weather prediction is for more rain. Not a surprise. I’ve had an opportunity to fish Winni the last two weekends on my buddy Ken’s ” Reel Winner” and, well, lets just say we never saw the sun any of the days we were on the water.That is the bad news.Now for the good news, the fishing has been great. The worse the weather, the better the fishing. I’ve learned over the years that being miserable, wet, cold, and windswept can equal great action on the water and this year has been no exception.With the water temperature hovering around 45 degrees, which is still cold for this time of year, the salmon are still on top. The two days we were out we struggled to find water above 40 degrees. Saunders Bay was the hot spot but I’m sure that’s been short-lived. Conditions are starting to stabilize with water temperatures getting into “the zone.”Fish should be spread out and will probable be found almost anywhere on the lake. Reports from all the major salmon lakes are the same, lots of smelt for bait and lots of respectable fish. All of the fish that we landed were 2 pounds plus, close to 20 inches and many were three pounds. They were all healthy and fat like footballs. We fished on the top of the water column with sinking fly line or one to two colors of lead core. The streamer of choice so far this season been Harry’s infamous Meredith Special and the lure of choice an orange Mooselick with black dots.Gortex clothing is this fisherman’s best friend for staying comfortable in this harsh weather. As I’ve mentioned before if you are planning on fishing, you should invest in good rain gear.It will pay for itself the first time you experience what I’ve just described and I guarantee you will forget about the cost when you’re subjected these elements. I purchased my Gortex rain gear years ago from one of the most popular outfitters in the country, Cabela’s, and it has withstood the test of time.Incidentally, Cabela’s has finally set up shop here in the northeast. Over the years we have read their massive, colorful catalogues when they show up in our mail boxes. Some of us have even developed a nickname of “Mr. Cabela” because we have dressed and equipped ourselves from head to toe before venturing into the great outdoors. Soon we’ll be able to shop at one of their stores. The grand opening will take place in Scarborough, Maine on May 15 at 5 p.m.uBack in 2003 the State of Maine Fisheries biologists received reports of small northern pike being caught from Sebago lake. Fisheries biologists were hoping that the reports were a prank or, if they were true, the pike would not survive. Unfortunately one of their worst nightmares has been confirmed. Last week an angler fishing off his dock in the Kettle Cove area of Sebago landed a 41 inch, seventeen and a half pound northern pike. This could really put a damper on the salmon population. Sebago Lake is one of the only lakes that landlock salmon actual reproduce naturally, and as you can imagine, salmon fry will be easy pickings for these northern pike.uIf you’ve been thinking about the relaxing days you once spent going after trout or bass on New Hampshire’s scenic waterways, then Saturday, June 7, is the day to toss in your line and try your luck.It’s Free Fishing Day in New Hampshire, a day both residents and non-residents are allowed to fish any inland water in the Granite State without a license. Free Fishing Day kicks off National Fishing and Boating Week. New Hampshire’s Free Fishing Day is a great chance try fishing yourself or to get a friend hooked on the fun. Free Fishing Day is also prime time to introduce children to the sport.Try taking the kids fishing for something easy to catch, like sunfish, bluegills or yellow perch. Season dates, limits and all other fishing regulations still must be followed on Free Fishing Day. May 31 and June 1 are also a free