Big Island Pond Fishing near Hampstead, New Hampshire

• Overview

  Look for Big Island Pond in Rockingham County, New Hampshire. Salt water lies 18 miles off. At some 796 acres it is far too large to cover on foot in a day. It ranks high for size among our Rockingham County listings. Some 1.6 miles away sits Hampstead, the nearest settlement. After that come Atkinson at 3.5 miles and Sandown at 4.6 miles. Rules can differ a short way off, since the county line is near.

• Where to Fish on Big Island Pond

  Depth went unrecorded, which puts the reading back on you. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. Fish documented in Rockingham County include rainbow trout, largemouth bass, brown trout and bluegill. Records at county level tell you what is around, not what is stocked here. On Big Island Pond the obvious spot is not always the productive one.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warmest month averages 70°F, the coldest about 23°F. The year runs cold to warm and back, with clear transitions. Count the season from break-up, usually late March. Average temperatures cross freezing around late March in spring and again near late December in autumn. Fish feed hardest at the start and the close of the open season. That is the shape of the year on Big Island Pond.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing in our records says who may fish here. Parking is not close: half a mile from the bank, and no nearer option is mapped. A platform or pier sits within half a mile. This sits inside Ruth Marshall Town Forest, so read the reserve notices first. Read any posted signs at the access point rather than assuming. Barbless rules turn up on managed water more often than not. For a change of water, Taylors Reservoir is 1.8 miles distant. For Big Island Pond in particular, ask before you travel.