NEKF Outing in NH's Connecticut Lakes Region

[bigboy]

just a short word i have a lg. webber kettle grill and alg. gas one too plus a sm.portable do you want me to bring them up just let me know .ill put them in the p/u

[yakbutt]

Glad to report that things have worked out after all, and Brenda will be attending. Thought it might be helpful to include a map of the Ramblewood Campground and the Picnic area, and some driving directions.



Coming from the south: you'll take I-93 N through Franconia Notch and take exit 35 toward Berlin/Gorham. This will be Rte. 3 N. Continue on through Twin Mt., Whitefield, Lancaster, Groveton, North Stratford, Colebrook, West Stewartstown and on through the town of Pittsburg. After passing Lake Francis, you'll proceed several more miles and see a sign for Lake Francis State Park. Just beyond you'll come to the dam at First Connecticut Lake where you'll turn right to the boat launch and picnic area will be just beyond. Ramblewood Camground is about a mile, or less, further up the road on your left.

From elsewhere: you'll need to make your way to Rte. 3 N. From Maine, you can take Rte. 26 north to Rte. 3 in Colebrook, but I wouldn't avise if you're towing a trailer as it's mostly all uphill. Not a problem though if you're traveling light.

In thinking about the BBQ, I realize that I didn't mention anything about time. I'd like to take in an early dinner and catch some sunset/dusk paddling/fishing. I'm going to plan on being at the picnic area, (or my campsite if it's raining) between 4-5:00 PM. Please let me know how you all feel about this.

Thanks for sharing that report, Roger. This is why I was hoping that the water levels would be lowered as I knew that the salmon would be up the river, where they're pretty much out of reach by kayak. Considering my earlier report, and now this one, I'm very optimistic for some good action. Sorry to hear about the Online Freshwater Tourney being scrapped. Think we might have seen some winners. But, hey, maybe next year.?

YB

PS - Dont forget the insect repellent, shades and sunblock. And please heed Roger's advice to drive cautiously, and keep an eye out for moose.

[NH Explorer]

Just got off the phone with Lopstick and I signed up for the fly fishing intro clinic. I told her I wanted to try to learn as much as I could to minimize the damage I do to any friend's gear that I may borrow while further learning. She got a chuckle out of that.

8:30 next Saturday morning, they furnish the equipment, and a full two hours of fundamental basics. Best of all.......it's free.

Yakbutt......whatever time or where ever as far as food. If food is involved, I'm there.

[Mark]

Early(ish) BBQ sounds like a great idea!

YB, would you recommend floating lines or sinking / intermediate?

[yakbutt]

It would depend on what you're planning. If trolling a fly, or casting toward tribs, I'd go intermediate. I'd also have a sinking and floating line handy. Like I was saying in an earlier post, there's an early season mayfly hatch. It's a tiny little bug, and I've had some pretty good fun with PMD's (pale morning dun parachutes) in size 16 - 20. But I think, for the most part, that this hatch will happen a little later due to recent high water and cooler temps. I'm expecting to have action below the surface. But I'm not taking the other aces out of my sleeves. In the Lopstick blog that Roger posted is some good info on fly choices. But that list didn't include one of my favorites and best producers in that area -- Joe's Smelt, in sizes 6 & 8. Wouldn't get caught up there without it.

Roger that on the BBQ. Mark, when are you heading up?

YB

[Mark]

Thanks for the info
I'm heading up Friday morning with NH Explorer

[bigboy]

weather looks bad for weekend whats it going to be up there. not fond of fishing in lightning wont have my trailer. any ideas please let me know or i may have to bail out. mark did you get the flyer i left on tour truck at joppa? how did tou do lots of boats out there pretty crowded.

[Mark]

Looks like 30 - 40% chance of rain each day, should be good for Trout & Salmon.

Weather Underground


Yup, got the flyer, made a post in Let's Hear 'Em.

[NH Explorer]

That's 60% to 70% chance of no rain. I would rather fish with a cloud cover than bright sun. It just usually seems to be better for my luck.

[ScottinMaine]

That's 60% to 70% chance of no rain.

That's a good way to look at it.

Planning to go up Thursday after work.

[NH Explorer]

Mark and I are heading out from his local Dunks around 6:00 Friday morning. That should put us up there around 9:30. Talked to Ramblewood and no one is in our campsite on Thursday so we can pull in and set up anytime Friday morning instead of the 1:00 check-in thing.

[bigboy]

whould it be possible to follow you guys up there? traveling solo so if you wouldent mind me following that whould be fine with me. were is marks dunks and ill meet you there at6 but if you dont want a tagalong for any reason just let me know i dont like to be followed myself so i undrstand.

[NH Explorer]

Mark can give you a little better directions to that point. You are more than welcome to tag along.

[Mark]

93 north to exit 20 (Tilton). Dunks is diagonally across the intersection to the left. It's set back from the road, probably blocked from view by the Tilt'n Diner.

[markn]

Good luck this weekend guys. Would've loved to spend a weekend chasing trout and salmon, but Little League rules the weekend. Get good pics