The fly-fishing section runs from Ripogenus Dam down to the Telos Road Bridge. The daily limit on salmon is one fish, with a minimum length limit of 26 inches. Downstream from that point, artificial lures are allowed until Aug. 15. The bag limit remains one fish, but the minimum length limit is 18 inches. Some of the best fishing comes in May when salmon move upriver from downstream deadwaters and other deep wintering areas in search of smelts and other food fish. June fishing is very productive.

One of the most popular fishing spots is at Big Eddy, but above and below that area there is ample water, some of which may be waded or fished from shore. Some areas can be fished by canoe, depending upon water conditions. The Golden Road crosses the river at Abol Bridge and offers easy access to the river. This is big water, so cautious wading is advised. These days the best salmon action often comes very early and late in the day, before and after the rafters take over the river.

There are no lodges along the river, but there are two campgrounds. One is the Abol Bridge Campground.. They have no phone; so write them at Box 536, Millinocket, ME 04462. The other is Big Eddy Campground, at (207) 350-1599 or (207) 882-7323. You can also visit their Web site at www.bigeddy.org.

For more information on fishing regulations, contact the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife at (207) 287-8000, or visit www.mefishwildlife.com.

NEW HAMPSHIRE
Lake Region Hotspots
Ice-out in New Hampshire's lakes region generally occurs in mid- to late April, but there are no guarantees. Fishermen would be wise to check out some of the bridges, public docks and channels in the area.

According to Don Miller, Region 2 fisheries biologist for the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, the public docks on Lake Winnipesaukee at Glendale, Meredith, Weirs Beach, Center Harbor and Alton are great places to dip a smelt or shiner. Each of these areas is kept free of ice by aerators around the dock pilings, and that well-oxygenated water draws schools of bait and some large predatory fish.

Miller also said that both ends of the Squam Channel connecting Big and Little Squam lakes could be productive. It is accessible from the boat ramp in Holderness.

Other spots include the bridges on the Fowler River and the outlet of the Newfound River at the lower end of Newfound Lake. Also try the area around the Long Island Bridge, reached via the Moultonborough Neck Road from Route 25 east of center Harbor; and the Governor's Island bridge, accessed from Route 118 east of Weirs.