Smithville Reservoir near New Ipswich: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Smithville Reservoir is a Hillsborough County water, New Hampshire side. It sits at 1,076 feet above sea level. With some 25 acres of water, there is room for a boat but no need of one. Nearest place of any size is New Ipswich, 1.7 miles away. Manchester sits 28 miles out, and it is the nearest city worth the name. Being near a boundary, it pays to know which side you are fishing.

• Where to Fish on Smithville Reservoir

  Our records hold no depth for this water. Inflow corners move water, and moving water gathers fish. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Public occurrence data for Hillsborough County names rainbow trout, largemouth bass, brown trout and smallmouth bass. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. At Smithville Reservoir the first feature you find is worth twenty minutes.

• Seasonal Patterns

  In an average year July sits at 68°F and January at 20°F. Seasons are distinct, and each one fishes differently. The open season starts with the thaw, near enough early April. On average, early April opens the water and mid December closes it again. From the thaw to midsummer the fishing improves week by week. It holds true on Smithville Reservoir more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  Ownership and access are not documented in what we hold. No launch point is recorded nearby, so this is a bank water unless you carry a boat in. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Rules differ from one water to the next round here. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. Pratt Pond at 1.3 miles is the sensible second choice. Treat access at Smithville Reservoir as something to verify.