The NH Salmon come from NH Salmon, they are the cheapest fish that Fish and Game raise (statement direct from F and G biologist) for the states stocking program. All the eggs are taken from NH lakes and hatched in NH hatcheries where they live for approximately one year before being put into the lake. In the past they have maybe bought eggs but not in recent years.
I might add no eggs (or very, very few) were taken from Winni in 2009 (not positive on the year, but I have it and can look it up) due to poor condition of the Salmon, but were taken from other NH Salmon lakes instead.
So NH Salmon are a product if NH, the cost of raising them comes from license fees, but they doint buy them.
I checked my data from F and G, in 2009 "no eggs" at all were taken from Winni, "all eggs" came from Squam and a few from Sunapee. Winni age 2's average length was 17.4", they did not reach F and G desired goal of 18" by fall in their second year in the lake.
This probably had allot of influence on no Derby in 2009 decision by the organizers, I'm sure F and G inputs influenced the decision, but it was not F and G call. Continued Derby entry drop off and in turn revenue, I'm sure had allot to do with it too.
Now if we can stop throwing daggers, let's fish. 2011 stocking will be going in this week, be gentle and move if you get into them, stay away from Ames Farm and other known stocking areas too, they tend to hang around where they are put in.. The most serious hook wounding happens at this "tender age", as they get older the damage effects hook wounding are lessened somewhat.
Yearling Salmon survive on pretty much a bug diet rich in proteins, they will take small shiny spoons over streamers, which maybe more resemble smelt. So if you want to help the hook wounding problem, use less spoons and more streamers (tandems even better)
Studies show they don't get on Smelt as long as there are plenty of bugs are available. Their first fall, the tail end of bug hatches and over the winter, get them more on Smelt.. An extra side benefit of tandem streamers and live bait use is "bigger fish".
Looks like great weekend weather coming in, get out and fish.
Big John
