Long Pond Fishing in Coos County, New Hampshire

• Overview

  In New Hampshire, Long Pond belongs to Coos County. It stands 1,411 feet above sea level. It runs to roughly 33 acres — big enough to hold fish away from the bank, small enough to learn. Shoreline comes to about 1.2 miles, small enough to learn in a day. Milan at 17 miles is the nearest place to stop. Colebrook follows at 20 miles, then Berlin at 24 miles. The county line is nowhere near, so one local authority covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Long Pond

  The records we hold are silent on depth, so plan to find it yourself. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Records held for Coos County cover rainbow trout, brown trout, rainbow smelt and Atlantic salmon. At least one recorded species is protected in parts of its range; read the local rules before targeting anything. On Long Pond the quiet end is the one worth the extra effort.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages move between 12°F in January and 64°F in July. Seasons are distinct, and each one fishes differently. Expect a solid lid for months and a thaw around late April. Ice usually gives way near late April, and forms again about early December. May into June fishes hardest, and September gives a second good stretch before the lid returns. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Long Pond.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. It formed naturally, so levels move with rainfall rather than with a gate. Nothing is mapped in the way of a ramp or car park within a short radius. State or provincial rules still apply whatever the bank status. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. If the gate is shut, Round Pond Lake at 0.6 miles is the nearest alternative. What applies at Long Pond may have changed since it was mapped.