Lily Lake Fishing near Barnstead, New Hampshire

• Overview

  Set in Belknap County, Lily Lake is a New Hampshire water. It sits 33 miles in from the sea. Surface area is around 38 acres, which gives you real water without needing a boat. For a base, Barnstead sits 1.6 miles out. Pittsfield is 2.1 miles away, with Chichester at 7 miles. It sits near the edge of the county, so check which rules apply.

• Where to Fish on Lily Lake

  Without a survey to go on, judge depth from how the bank falls away. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. Reported across Belknap County: rainbow trout, largemouth bass and smallmouth bass. Read it as a county summary, not a water-by-water list. On Lily Lake the quiet end is the one worth the extra effort.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Average temperature peaks around 68°F in July and bottoms out near 19°F in January. Four clear seasons, with a proper winter at one end. Count on hard cover from midwinter, and open water from early April. The season between ice runs from about early April to mid December. September and October fish steadily right up to the freeze. It holds true on Lily Lake more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing on record says whether the bank is open or closed. Mapping is blank for access, so scout the approach before committing the car. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Season dates differ by species, so read the table. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. Failing this one, try Suncook River Reservoir, 1.7 miles away. Signs at Lily Lake carry more weight than any list.