Lures of the Outdoors: Finally, time to put winter behind us

For The ItemYes, it took longer than usual this year, but I’ll go out on a limb by saying “finally, we can put winter behind us.” On Lake Winnipesaukee, “Ice-Out” was officially declared on April 19th, one of the sure signs of spring. “Ice-Out” occurs when the ice that has covered the lake since late December or early January melts enough to allow the M/S Mount Washington cruise ship to navigate between Alton Bay, Center Harbor, Weirs Beach, Meredith and Wolfeboro.For the avid fisherman, there is nothing like fishing for salmon just after the ice is gone. During the three to four months of winter, when the water is covered with snow and ice, most of the available oxygen is depleted and any remaining oxygen will be found in the band of water just under the ice. As the ice melts this stratified layer stays together until it warms up to the same temperature and mixes with the remaining lake water. Shortly after, the entire water column will naturally mix, resulting in a process called turnover. It usually takes one to two weeks to complete the process after ice out.Fish are usually found in this layer of water and are hungry, aggressive feeders until the turnover takes place. The fishing can’t be matched and it’s the most breathtaking, thrilling and productive time to be on the water for the avid fresh water fisherman.If you plan on being on the water, remember the weather in New England in April can be unpredictable. Within one week, there can be blustery winds, bone-chilling drizzle, or summer-like temperatures. When you are on the water for the day, dressing warmly in layers of clothing is a must. You can remove layers and be comfortable from the chill of sunrise through the warmth of mid-afternoon.Game fish activity changes dramatically with a degree or two change in water temperature. Knowing this, you should concentrate your efforts on surface water early in the season. Use the wind to your advantage; it will often blow warmer surface water to the windward shore. Because of this your line, colors and sizes of lures should vary outside of the norm. Fish around river inlets where the water will be warmer. Most fish like to stage in moving water. As the day progresses, go deeper, especially if you are fishing for salmon or trout. They are noted to be light sensitive and will seek a comfort zone.#Don’t forget the traditional opening day fishing tournament next Saturday at Sluice Pond sponsored by the Lynn Fish and Game Protective Association. All the activities will take place regardless of the weather and are free of charge and open to everyone. The tournament starts at 7 a.m. and continues until noon. Prizes will be awarded for the largest trout. Ippi’s Bait and Tackle will have extended hours for your last minute tournament angling needs and they are stocked up and ready to provide you with all the right bait and tackle to make your next outing is a successful one, especially at Sluice.If you fish from a canoe or kayak remember, until May 15th all occupants must be wearing a personal flotation device. In any boat, all children 12 years old or younger are required to wear a personal flotation device.On the salt water fishing front from the Kittery report, Pete Santini at Fishing FINatics in Everett reports a lot of holdover stripers are being caught at the Amelia Earhardt Dam as well as in the Pines and Saugus Rivers-rubber shad and small topwater stuff is working there. A few flounder have moved into the Deer Island Flats and are being caught off the beach at Lynn Heritage State Park. Zobo rigs with seaworms are the best bet. Offshore, the cod and haddock fishing has been great-especially haddock at Tillies Bank and Stellwagen. The haddock are hitting bait better than jigs, but the codfish seem to prefer the jigs with a pelican green teaser.Turkey populations continue to grow and thrive, expanding their range across the state so turkey hunters should have an excellent opportunity to take a tom this spring. This year’s season