Suncook River Reservoir near Barnstead: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  New Hampshire holds Suncook River Reservoir, in Belknap County. The water sits 505 feet up. For supplies, Barnstead is 0.2 miles out. Manchester sits 25 miles out, and it is the nearest city worth the name. If this one is busy: Huntress Pond at about 1.6 miles, Lily Lake out at 1.7 miles, Whites Pond at about 2.2 miles, Lougee Pond out at 2.3 miles and Lower Suncook Lake at about 3 miles. A county line runs close by, so local bylaws can differ within a short drive.

• Where to Fish on Suncook River Reservoir

  Depth is not on record here, so the bank has to tell you. Inflow corners move water, and moving water gathers fish. The old creek line under the surface is the feature worth finding. Species logged across Belknap County include rainbow trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, brown trout and yellow perch. The list covers the county rather than this water alone, so treat it as a guide. On Suncook River Reservoir the first feature you find is usually worth a session.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warm month here averages 68°F; the cold one sits at 20°F. The season turns properly here, and fish follow it closely. Look for the thaw near early April; the fishing lifts straight after. Open water usually runs from early April until about mid December. June through September is the settled part of the year, with the shoulders busier for fish. It holds true on Suncook River Reservoir more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. A ramp at Suncook River Access is mapped 70 yards away. The nearest car park is 90 yards from the water. Fish Tails Bait and Tackle is mapped as a fishing spot about half a mile away. Rules for this water may differ from the county norm. Rules for boats are stricter than rules for the bank in many places. If the gate is shut, Huntress Pond at 1.6 miles is the nearest alternative. Nothing here settles the position at Suncook River Reservoir for certain.