Durham Reservoir, New Hampshire: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Durham Reservoir sits in Strafford County, out in New Hampshire. The setting is mixed forest. Small at around 12 acres: two anglers spread out cover most of it. By elevation it sits in the lower part of our New Hampshire listings. You are 1.1 miles from Durham. Beyond it, Madbury at 1.9 miles and Lee at 3.9 miles. The county edge is within a short distance of the bank.

• Where to Fish on Durham Reservoir

  Open data we checked carries no depth for this water. Look for where the old bank line still shows under the surface. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Records held for Strafford County cover rainbow trout, brown trout and largemouth bass. The list covers the county rather than this water alone, so treat it as a guide. Fish Durham Reservoir where the bottom changes rather than where it looks deep.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July near 70°F and January near 23°F on the long-run figures. The middle months are generous; the ends are demanding. Ice is part of the season here, ending near late March. Climate figures give an open season running late March to late December. From the thaw to midsummer the fishing improves week by week. The season on Durham Reservoir rarely departs from it.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. Parking within half a mile means no long carry with tackle. Picnic facilities are recorded some 0.9 miles out. There is a toilet block some half a mile out. College Woods runs up to the bank here, which usually means extra restrictions. Parking space is the usual limit rather than the bank itself. Some ground is open by custom rather than by right, so tread carefully. Failing this one, try Turtle Pond, 2.1 miles away. None of that is settled for Durham Reservoir in what we hold.