Governors Lake Fishing near Raymond, New Hampshire

• Overview

  Governors Lake sits within Rockingham County in New Hampshire. Tidal water begins 22 miles from here. It measures about 61 acres, which is a comfortable size for bank fishing. Shoreline comes to about 1.4 miles, small enough to learn in a day. The nearest place of any size is Raymond, 1.2 miles away. Candia follows at 4.8 miles, then Fremont at 4.9 miles. The nearest boundary is well away, so one set of rules covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Governors Lake

  There is no published depth for this one, so start shallow and work out. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Species logged across Rockingham County include rainbow trout, largemouth bass, brown trout and bluegill. What holds for the county may not hold for this water. The shape of Governors Lake rewards a slow walk along one bank.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages here run 70°F at the top of summer and 22°F at the bottom of winter. Seasons are distinct, and each one fishes differently. Count on hard cover from midwinter, and open water from early April. From about early April to around mid December, expect open water on the long-run figures. Right after break-up, and again as the nights sharpen, is when to go. That shapes the year on Governors Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. This is a natural basin, not a dammed one. Parking is mapped about half a mile from the bank. There are picnic tables half a mile away. Lillian M. Cassier Memorial Forest covers this ground, which means extra rules to check. Rules for this water may differ from the county norm. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. If the gate is shut, Onway Lake at 2 miles is the nearest alternative. Treat access at Governors Lake as something to verify.