Rochester Reservoir Fishing Guide, Strafford County, New Hampshire

• Overview

  Rochester Reservoir is one of the Strafford County listings for New Hampshire. Land around it is lake country bush. At about 53 acres, a day is enough to walk the shoreline properly. Nearest place of any size is Rochester, 3.9 miles away. Beyond it, Barrington at 4.4 miles and Farmington at 7.1 miles. A county boundary sits nearby, which can matter for local access rules.

• Where to Fish on Rochester Reservoir

  We hold no survey for this water; read the slope of the shoreline instead. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. A reservoir gives you a hard edge, a shelf, and not much else. Survey and observation records for Strafford County include rainbow trout, brown trout, largemouth bass and rainbow smelt. County records show the wider picture rather than this one place. Rochester Reservoir gives up its fish to patience rather than distance.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Seasonal averages run from 21°F in January up to 69°F in July. A full turn of seasons, with the strongest sport on either side of summer. Once it clears, about early April, the fishing comes on quickly. Ice usually gives way near early April, and forms again about mid December. Just after the ice goes and just before it returns, the fishing lifts. That shapes the year on Rochester Reservoir.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether the bank is open is not something our records settle. Access points are not mapped for this water, which suits people who like quiet. 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. Barbless rules turn up on managed water more often than not. If the gate is shut, Round Pond at 0.7 miles is the nearest alternative. Rules at Rochester Reservoir are worth checking on the day.