Fishing at Spectacle Pond, Grafton County, New Hampshire

• Overview

  Spectacle Pond sits in Grafton County, out in New Hampshire. It lies 823 feet above sea level. It runs to roughly 49 acres — big enough to hold fish away from the bank, small enough to learn. A shoreline of some 1.7 miles keeps the choices simple. For a base, Rumney sits 6.6 miles out. For a city, Manchester is 53 miles off. It sits well inside its county, with no border complications.

• Where to Fish on Spectacle Pond

  No depth figure has reached our records, which makes a plummet useful. A reservoir gives you a hard edge, a shelf, and not much else. The arms fish better than the open middle whenever the water is up. Reported across Grafton County: rainbow trout, brook trout and smallmouth bass. What holds for the county may not hold for this water. The shape of Spectacle Pond rewards a slow walk along one bank.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Average temperature peaks around 67°F in July and bottoms out near 17°F in January. Four clear seasons, with a proper winter at one end. Expect a solid lid for months and a thaw around mid April. Climate figures give an open season running mid April to early December. Fishing peaks soon after break-up and again before the cold returns. Spectacle Pond runs to its own calendar within the local pattern.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing we hold confirms whether access is permitted. A boat ramp sits half a mile away, so trailered boats can get on. The water borders Arthur S. Flint Memorial Forest, so expect the reserve rules to apply. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Rules for this water may differ from the county norm. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. The nearest alternative is Newfound Lake, 4.5 miles out. The position on Spectacle Pond is worth confirming on the day.