Anglers looking for some challenging catch-and-release sport fishing while enjoying the fall foliage should head to the Merrimack and Pemigewasset Rivers to hook the “King of Fish” ? Atlantic salmon. In early October, the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department will stock the Merrimack Basin with 1,100 brood stock Atlantic salmon, averaging 2.5 pounds each ? more than twice the number stocked last fall. Expect some great salmon fishing in early October. October and November are prime months for fall salmon fishing in New Hampshire. Fisheries statistics indicate that the success rate for catching salmon is higher in the fall than in the spring season, thanks to better wading conditions and cooler temperatures. Since this fall’s brood stock salmon are smaller than those released in the past, consider lighter tackle to experience the feel of the fight. Have some fun with the fish. My suggestion would be a 5- to 7-weight fly rod with floating line, a 6-pound leader, and the traditional salmon flies or trout streamers such as Grey Ghosts, Mickey Finns or any patterns that imitate small baitfish. Brood stock anglers need a current NH fishing license and an $11 brood stock salmon permit, both available online or from license agents statewide. The brood stock salmon will be stocked this fall at two sites ? below the Eastman Falls Dam in Franklin and the Ayers Island Dam in Bristol. Locally, eager anglers will be pleased to learn that fall trout stocking has begun. A total of 65,000 fish 12″ or longer have been allocated among the five MassWildlife Districts across the state.Sales of surplus antlerless deer permits will begin Tuesday, Oct. 9, at all MassWildlife district offices. Permits will be available for Wildlife Management Zones 9, 10, 11, 13 and 14. Hunters may purchase 1 permit/zone/day until the quotas are reached. To purchase a permit, hunters must present their original 2007 hunting or sporting license and the $5 fee. As in past years, all permits will be issued on a first come, first serve basis.As a reminder, all deer hunters who hunt in the archery and black powder hunting seasons are required to purchase the appropriate stamps for each season. Archery season starts on Oct. 15. For the upland bird hunter, opening day is next Saturday, Oct. 13, and for the duck hunters, the coastal season starts on Thursday, Oct. 18.Ippi’s Tackle Shop is having a kids fishing derby on Flax Pond, sponsored by Fuddrucker’s, today, Oct. 6th, from 2 to 5 p.m. Fuddrucker’s has donated certificates for free kids meals and $100 toward prizes! This is a free derby for kids with no entrance fee. Prizes will be awarded for the three largest fish. You must be 14 years or younger to participate. However, those 15 years and older can help the younger ones, and if they fish for fun they will need a license at that age! Bring your kids, nephews, and nieces! Come watch and help the kids that are fishing; some of the little ones will always need a hand!Are you looking for something to do this weekend? How about the Topsfield Fair! The fair started last Saturday and runs until Oct. 8.In closing this week, I would like to take the opportunity to thank Gene, Joe, Frank, Huntley, and Rick, fellow GE apprentice graduates that mentioned to me at a recent banquet how much they enjoy reading this Item outdoor column!All for now.