North Coast Angler
2006 Fishing Reports

June 12, 2006
The fishing up at the Merrimack last week was better than average. We fished Monday, Tuesday and Friday. Captain Al Montello reported his clients catching as many as 15 keepers (1 fish up to 43”) in his 4 outings. Dave and I, along with our clients on Monday, boated 10 keepers in three outings with the largest measuring 38”. Most of our fish were taken on flies while others were taken on small jigs and top water hard baits.

The heavy rains mid week and over this past w/e are creating significant runoff that is adversely impacting the stripers. The river is again running chocolate brown with sediment. Too much fresh water runoff (and sediment) turns the bite off and sends the stripers to deeper water and out to the rivers mouth. Capt. Al Montello reported that the fishing in the river on the Sunday was poor, with the river water running hard and dirty showing no current flow on the incoming tide. It may take several days for the river to return to normal.

I had the opportunity to fish with Steve P. last Tuesday eve. We set out on Niles Beach with our waders and walked the beach from one end to the other. Steve hooked and landed a few 20+ inch fish on top water hard baits while I had a few fish chase but no hook ups. We next slipped into Harrison beach (a private area on Eastern Point) and made a few casts. Steve hooked and landed one fish while I had a one chase. Later, we drove around and discussed other beach locations and pretty much ran out of time. I hope to get out with Steve again…lots to learn from him!

 On the Fly  a 32 incher
 a nice 38 inch striper! <
Captain Skip Montello

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