Meetinghouse Pond Fishing Guide, Belknap County, New Hampshire

• Overview

  Meetinghouse Pond is one of the Belknap County waters in New Hampshire. This is rolling bush ground. It runs to roughly 25 acres — big enough to hold fish away from the bank, small enough to learn. It is a small entry by Belknap County standards. The closest town, Gilmanton, is 2.8 miles distant. Belmont lies 6.3 miles off, Barnstead another 6.4 miles. You are close to a county edge here; who manages the access can change within a short drive.

• Where to Fish on Meetinghouse Pond

  There is no published depth for this one, so start shallow and work out. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. County-wide records name rainbow trout, largemouth bass and smallmouth bass. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. On Meetinghouse Pond a short move beats a long cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-run averages give July about 68°F and January about 19°F. Winter closes the water for a while, and the reopening is worth catching. Look for the thaw near early April; the fishing lifts straight after. Ice usually gives way near early April, and forms again about mid December. The middle of summer slows a little, with dawn and dusk carrying it. On Meetinghouse Pond that shapes the whole year.

• Tackle & Baits

  No access rule appears in what we hold. A parking area is marked roughly half a mile out. Meetinghouse Pond Conservation Area covers ground next to the water; its rules will apply on that side. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Read any posted signs at the access point rather than assuming. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. The nearest alternative is Loon Pond, 1.5 miles out. Treat access at Meetinghouse Pond as something to verify.