Final Merrimack River Report for 2006 Season Sept. 30
The 2006 season was different than any I have experienced over the past ten years. The heavy spring rains and flood that exceeded any over the past 100 years had a definite affect on the striper fishing. Many marinas were devestated by trees and other stuff floating down the river just after they setup their docks. Then the continuous flow of fresh water washed out sensitive marine life on Joppa Flats. The usual run of large stripers feeding on crabs, minnows and other natural food was greatly diminished. Some large stripers did come into the river but it was only for a short period in June and July and they could only be found at the upper end of Joppa Flats.
There was one surprising, and somewhat promising, situation. It was the presence of small schoolie stripers from 12 to 15 inches in length. They were in the river all season long and provided lots of action on flies and light spinning tackle.
The bluefish showed up in good numbers in August with some monsters being taken at the river mouth and just outside. In early September I cast into a school of breaking blues and fought a 9 pound bruiser on my eight weight fly rod for a half hour before I brought it boat side.
My hope is for more normal Spring weather in 2007.
I hope you have found these reports useful.
I will probably post some news of fishing in other venues during the winter including my fishing experience on Cape Cod in Late September and early October.
