"With the exception of the new rule related to the number of lines allowed while being guided, these rules don't reflect major statewide changes for anglers," said Scott Decker, Inland Fisheries Program Supervisor for the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. However, it is important for anglers who fish certain waters to be aware of specific changes affecting those waterbodies."

Administrative freshwater fishing rule changes that take effect on January 1, 2012:

* While anglers are being guided, as defined in RSA 207:1 XII and XIII, and taking freshwater fish by trolling, the number of lines being used for angling must not exceed the total legal number of lines allowed (2 per angler), excluding the guide(s). For example, if a guide is taking two clients trolling, the group may fish with up to four lines.

* On the Connecticut River, the daily bag limit for black bass from January 1 to March 31 is now two fish, of which only one bass may be greater than 16 inches.

* In New Hampshire/Massachusetts border waters, the daily bag limit for black bass from ice-in to ice-out is now two fish, of which only one bass may be greater than 16 inches.

* In Dublin Lake (Dublin, N.H.), the daily bag limit for trout increases from 3 to 5 fish.

* Perch Pond (Lisbon, N.H.) is no longer a designated trout pond, so general fishing regulations now apply: no closed season; ice fishing allowed, with a two-trout bag limit through the ice.

For more information on New Hampshire fishing rules, see the 2012 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, available at http://www.fishnh.com/pubs/fishing.html or from Fish and Game license agents across the state.

News Source: New Hampshire F&G - Jan. 17, 2012