Lake Tarleton near Haverhill: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Out in Grafton County, New Hampshire, sits Lake Tarleton. The ground around here is lake country bush. At some 334 acres it is far too large to cover on foot in a day. You are looking at roughly 3.6 miles of shoreline, with plenty of water between access points. Size puts it in the front rank of our Grafton County list. Nearest place of any size is Haverhill, 6.5 miles away. The nearest city of size is Manchester, 72 miles away. There is no boundary nearby to worry about.

• Where to Fish on Lake Tarleton

  Nothing we hold settles how deep this runs. Points where the flooded channel swings in are the reliable ones. Levels move with the draw rather than the rain on water like this. Records held for Grafton County cover rainbow trout, brook trout and smallmouth bass. County data is a starting point rather than a guarantee. On Lake Tarleton a short move beats a long cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Between January at about 16°F and July at about 66°F, the water has a wide range to work through. Cold winters and warm summers give a wide working range. Break-up comes around mid April, and the run that follows is short and strong. In an average year the thaw lands around mid April and the freeze near early December. The shoulder weeks of the open season are the productive ones. Lake Tarleton runs to its own calendar within the local pattern.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access status is simply unknown for this water. A boat ramp sits about half a mile from the water. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Take the rules with you rather than trusting memory. Where tickets apply, they are sold in the nearest town rather than on the bank. Failing this one, try Lake Katherine, 1 mile away. Check the current arrangement for Lake Tarleton.