Fishing Rye Pond in Cheshire County, New Hampshire

• Overview

  In New Hampshire, Rye Pond falls inside Cheshire County. Elevation runs to 1,263 feet. This is a pocket water of some 14 acres, and every part of it is reachable from the bank. It is a small entry by Cheshire County standards. The closest town, Harrisville, is 5.4 miles away. Further out sit Antrim (6.2 miles) and Dublin (7.6 miles). Local rules may differ a few miles either side of here.

• Where to Fish on Rye Pond

  Depth is not on record here, which means reading the ground instead. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Survey and observation records for Cheshire County include rainbow trout, brown trout, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass and rainbow smelt. The county list is broader than any single water. On Rye Pond the obvious spot is not always the productive one.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July to average close to 67°F, with January the cold end at about 19°F. Fishing here follows the temperature more than the calendar. The open season starts with the thaw, near enough early April. On the long-run averages the water opens up around early April and starts locking again about mid December. The first weeks of open water and the last are the ones to plan for. It sets the rhythm of the year at Rye Pond.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing on record says whether the bank is open or closed. Harris Center Conservation Land covers ground next to the water; its rules will apply on that side. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. A phone call first saves an afternoon. Barbless rules turn up on managed water more often than not. Robb Reservoir at 1 mile is the sensible second choice. Confirm before you fish Rye Pond.