Fish Conservation
Our Objectives
PLPA assists and supports the work of federal, state and local authorities in protecting Pleasant Lake’s natural population of fish.
Rock Bass are an invasive fish species. Although their population is down, we encourage everyone who catches a Rock Bass to NOT release it back into the lake.
Fishing Guidelines for Fishing Responsibly
Reel in your line when loons are around and avoid casting in the direction of loons. Loons are visual predators, and if they see your lure/tackle moving through the water, they may strike at it, break your line, and become tangled.
If your line gets snagged on a tree, log, rock, shoreline, or something else, please take the time to recover it completely or to the fullest extent of your ability.
Many birds perish from unrecovered fishing tackle.
Lead Free Fishing
Pleasant Lake reminds all anglers that lead fishing tackle of one ounce or less is illegal. Lead is 100% fatal for Loons and other waterfowl.
Loon Preservation offers a lead buy-back program. Cash incentives are being offered at Rocky’s Ace Hardware in New London and The Tackle Shack in Newbury. Anglers can exchange one ounce or more of banned fishing tackle for a $10 merchandise voucher. In addition, cash prizes are offered through the Loon Safe program.
For details go to https://loon.org/loonsafe/participating-retailers-list/.
Additional Resources
- Detailed information on Fish Species of NH: https://www.wildlife.nh.gov/fishing-new-hampshire/fish-species-nh
- For detailed information about fishing in New Hampshire and how to obtain a fishing license, see NH Fish & Game: https://www.wildlife.nh.gov/fishing-new-hampshire
- The PLPA Fish Committee works closely with New Hampshire Fish and Game department: https://www.wildlife.nh.gov/fishing-new-hampshire.
- Pleasant Lake fishing events see Elkins Fish and Game: https://elkinsfishandgame.net
- See fishing law highlights at Lake Guest Info.
- Trout Stocking
- Contribute to the NH Fish and Game fishing survey
- Get The Lead Out
- Fish Lead Free
- New Hampshire Native Fish Coalition