Fishing in New Hampshire's designated trout ponds and fly-fishing-only ponds opens this year on April 25, offering anglers the chance to experience exciting fishing in some of the state's most scenic surroundings. These ponds are managed specifically for trout and fishing is allowed through Oct. 15.
Hot Hole Pond and Clough Pond in Loudon, French Pond in Henniker, Mount William Pond in Weare, Dublin Lake in Dublin and Lucas Pond in Northwood are a few of the generously stocked early season hotspots where opening day trout are taken.
As the ice recedes from the more northerly locales and higher altitudes, some of the most popular ponds in the Lakes Region, White Mountains and North Country become accessible (keep in mind some may still be ice-covered on the opener!), such as Echo Lake in Franconia, Russell Pond in Woodstock, Conner Pond and Duncan Lake in Ossipee, White Lake in Tamworth, Perch Pond in Campton, Saltmarsh Pond in Gilford, Spectacle Pond in Groton, Back Lake in Pittsburg, Fish Pond in Columbia and Little Diamond Pond in Stewartstown.
For those looking for a true wilderness experience, check out one of the approximately 50 remote trout ponds Fish and Game annually stocks with fingerling brook trout via helicopter.
Flat Mountain Pond in Sandwich, Cole Pond in Enfield (fly fishing only), Butterfield Pond in Wilmot, Peaked Hill Pond in Thornton, Black Pond and Lonesome Lake in Lincoln are just a sampling of these ponds, where fingerling brook trout often grow to 8 to 10 inches by their second growing season, and it's not unusual to pull in brookies 15 inches or longer. Trophy remote-pond brook trout three or more years old, some in excess of 17-18 inches, are available.
Archery Pond in Allenstown (with a wheelchair-accessible casting platform) and Stonehouse Pond in Barrington are two popular fly-fishing-only ponds that are typically ice-free and well stocked for the opener. Following the receding “glacier” north, Upper Hall Pond in Sandwich, Sky Pond in New Hampton, Profile Lake in Franconia, White Lake in Ossipee and Coon Brook Bog in Pittsburg all offer excellent opportunities to “match the hatch” throughout spring and early summer.
For a list of trout ponds and fly-fishing-only ponds in New Hampshire, as well as a description of special rules that apply to certain ponds, consult the “2009 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest,” available online at fishnh.com or from any Fish and Game license agent when you buy your license.
NH Fish and Game
