HEARING SET FOR PROPOSED 2008 FRESHWATER FISHING RULES - Printable Version +- Fishing Forum (https://bigfishtackle.com/forum) +-- Forum: Misc. Fishing Forums (https://bigfishtackle.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?fid=335) +--- Forum: Fishing news (https://bigfishtackle.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?fid=141) +--- Thread: HEARING SET FOR PROPOSED 2008 FRESHWATER FISHING RULES (/showthread.php?tid=352300)

HEARING SET FOR PROPOSED 2008 FRESHWATER FISHING RULES - FishNews - 07-24-2007 CONCORD, N.H. -- Freshwater anglers should note that the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department will hold a public hearing on proposed changes in the<br /> regulations affecting 2008 freshwater fishing in New Hampshire on Tuesday,<br /> July 24, 2007, at 6:30 p.m., at Fish and Game headquarters on Hazen Drive in<br /> Concord.  N.H. Fish and Game is proposing the following changes to the fish rules for<br /> 2008:<br /> * Add definitions for "a cast of artificial flies" and "manmade opening"<br /> (the latter reference is to ice-fishing);<br /> * Prohibit the branching of a line for taking fish and the use of a gaff<br /> to take fish from freshwater;<br /> * Allow cusk fishing devices to be used only on waters where cusk can be<br /> found;<br /> * Change the daily limit for brook trout in Dublin Lake, Dublin, from "3<br /> fish" to "3 fish or 5 pounds of fish, whichever limit is reached first";<br /> * Reduce the minimum size limit for lake trout in South Pond in Stark<br /> from 18 inches to 15 inches;<br /> * Allow a single barbed hook on artificial lures in all waters managed<br /> for "delayed harvest," which includes portions of the Cocheco River, Lamprey<br /> River, and South Branch Piscataquog River;<br /> * Implement catch-and-release regulations on a portion of the Diamond<br /> River;<br /> * Make changes to the New Hampshire/Maine interstate water fishing rules<br /> to:<br /> - change boundary descriptions for Horn Pond and the Salmon Falls<br /> River;<br /> - change the ice fishing season to January 1 - March 31;<br /> - change the closing time for taking smelt at night from 10 p.m. to<br /> midnight;<br /> - change the open water fishing season in the Salmon Falls River to<br /> January 1 - December 31; and<br /> - change the area of Lake Umbagog that is closed to ice fishing. Another proposed rule being discussed at the hearing would allow the<br /> Department to adopt previously effective rules that have expired and to<br /> readopt with no changes those that will be expiring at various times in<br /> 2008. These rules affect persons taking bait, bait dealers and persons<br /> participating in the trophy and state record fish programs. This item does<br /> not propose any changes to what is in current rule or had previously existed<br /> in rule. The complete fishing rulemaking notice forms, with original and proposed<br /> rule language, may be found at<br /> http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Legislative/Notices_summary.htm. Written comments on the proposed changes may be submitted by August 3,<br /> 2007. E-mail to comments@wildlife.nh.gov (please specify "Comments on<br /> Fishing Rules" in subject line); fax to (603) 271-1438; or mail to Executive<br /> Director, N.H. Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301.  The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department is the guardian of the state's<br /> fish, wildlife and marine resources and their habitats. Visit<br /> http://www.FishNH.com.