CONCORD, N.H. - The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department will hold a public hearing on proposed freshwater fishing rules for 2015 on Thursday, July 31, 2014, at 6:30 p.m. at the N.H. Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, N.H.

Rule changes being proposed by Fish and Game would:

Amend rules relative to streams and rivers to account for the elimination of the Atlantic salmon stocking program and the Atlantic salmon brood stock fishery;

Clarify the rules with respect to brook trout in Umbagog Lake;

Eliminate any new fishing tournaments on lake trout and salmon lakes; this change does not affect open water bass fishing tournaments or grandfathered tournaments such as the Meredith Rotary Ice Fishing Derby and the Laconia Rotary-Winni Derby.

The complete rulemaking notice and initial proposal with original and proposed rule language, can be viewed at http://www.wildnh.com/Legislative/Notices_summary.htm.

Written comments must be received by August 7, 2014. Send to: comments@wildlife.nh.gov (use subject line "Comments on Freshwater Fishing Rules"); or write to Executive Director, N.H. Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301; or fax to 603-271-1438.