Gilman Pond in Sullivan County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Sullivan County, New Hampshire, is where Gilman Pond sits. It lies 1,283 feet above sea level. Around 68 acres of surface means several distinct areas to work. The full circuit measures close to 1.8 miles on foot. Unity lies 2.7 miles from the water. The big place round here is Manchester, 43 miles distant. The nearest boundary is well away, so one set of rules covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Gilman Pond

  Our records hold no depth for this water. The arms fish better than the open middle whenever the water is up. Held water runs deepest at the wall and shallows back to the inflow. Records held for Sullivan County cover rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, Arctic charr, largemouth bass and rainbow smelt. Species recorded across the county may be limited to a few waters. The shape of Gilman Pond decides where the fish sit.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Temperature averages peak at 67°F in July and bottom out at 18°F in January. Cold locks it up for a good stretch each year. Count on hard cover from midwinter, and open water from early April. Going by climate averages, expect open water from about early April until roughly early December. Look to early summer and the first cool weeks of autumn. Expect Gilman Pond to follow that timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  The access position is unclear from public sources. Newport Water Department Land runs up to the bank here, which usually means extra restrictions. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Look for a notice board at the entrance. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. Hurd Pond at 1.6 miles is the sensible second choice. Signs at Gilman Pond carry more weight than any list.