Fishing Gilman Pond in Belknap County, New Hampshire

• Overview

  Gilman Pond is one of the Belknap County waters in New Hampshire. The bank is 764 feet above sea level. Around 55 acres of surface means several distinct areas to work. The full circuit measures close to 1.6 miles on foot. For supplies, Wolfeboro is 5.2 miles out. For a city, Manchester is 38 miles off. A border sits close enough to be relevant to the paperwork.

• Where to Fish on Gilman Pond

  Depth here is unknown, so count the lead down before committing. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. This is a lake, so the margins and the first drop matter most. Fish documented in Belknap County include rainbow trout, largemouth bass and smallmouth bass. County records show the wider picture rather than this one place. On Gilman Pond that means starting tight and working out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Typical July readings run about 69°F; by January the average is down near 19°F. A full turn of seasons, with the strongest sport on either side of summer. Winter locks it down, and early April brings it back. Break-up sits around early April on average, with the water closing again about mid December. From the thaw to midsummer the fishing improves week by week. Gilman Pond runs to its own calendar within the local pattern.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access is not recorded for this water. This is a natural basin, not a dammed one. The nearest car park is half a mile from the water. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Check locally before you travel, because a wasted drive is a long one. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. If the gate is shut, Bear Pond at 1.5 miles is the nearest alternative. Where Gilman Pond is concerned, a local answer beats a written one.