Mount Washington area fly fishing advice appreciated.

[David Churbuck]

I may drive to Jackson, NH this weekend to hike up to Tuckerman's Ravine and cheat death with a plunge off the headwall. I was thinking of packing along my 5 weight in hope of fishing a river or stream, but being as early in the season as it is -- season doesn't open until this Saturday) but won't if conditions stink (ice, run-off) or if I can't find a good brook or river to workover.

Any advice about fly fishing the White Mountains would be most appreciated.
dc

[Bob Parsons]

Wish I still had the legs to get up there.
EVen taken that into account the long range forecast is calling for rain this coming weekend. Of course that may be snow up there.
They did not have that good of a snow base so snow melt may not be that much of an issue.

[aws]

Skied tucks on Sat. Watching the carnage was better than the skiing, but both were fun. I don't fish up there much except when backpacking, which is generally high brooks w/ native brookies(these will still be snow covered). On the drive up and back, we ran along a medium sized stream(I believe the same one that flows through Gorham), that had some very fishy looking sections on what appeared to be public lands. If you are coming over from 93, I believe it was running along rte 15 on the northwestern side of the road. Peak runoff has come and gone in central NH, and the turbidity of the streams is not bad, though water temps are still in the low 40s on the rivers in the hanover area. Another easy access brook that flows off the North slope of moosilauke is full of agressive brookies. I've never tried it this time of yr, but you could hit that up on the way back to mass. Gets good about 10 minutes off 93 south of woodstock.There are little pulloffs along the road there. Both these brooks should be evident on a map. Sorry I don't have more specifics, as I generally fish closer to hanover. Good luck.

[Brad G.]

Water might be a nit chilly and running high, but there is some good water up that way. You drive right over the Ellis river in Jackson on rte 16 which is decent right above the bridge. Also the Saco in N.Conway has some decent fish in it. There are a set of condos just north of town that you can park at and get to the river from. I would try the Ellis first.

[bmik]

Check out www.northcountryangler.com, they have a fishing report. You could also give them a call. I think it may still be a bit too early up there for any good fishing. The Saco is up a little still, and there may be a few holdovers in the Ellis but if so they'll be very spread out. The water is still very cold.