Great Averill Pond near Coaticook: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Essex County in Vermont is where Great Averill Pond sits. It stands 1,680 feet above sea level. At some 835 acres it is far too large to cover on foot in a day. Shoreline length is close to 5.6 miles, and each section fishes a little differently. Among the waters listed for Essex County, none is wider. The closest town, Coaticook, is 11 miles distant. Then Colebrook, 12 miles, and Stanstead, 19 miles. The boundary is close enough to be worth checking before you fish.

• Where to Fish on Great Averill Pond

  We hold no survey for this water; read the slope of the shoreline instead. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Draw-down through summer strips the margins, so follow the water out. Public occurrence data for Essex County names rainbow trout, brook trout, brown trout, white sucker and largemouth bass. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. On Great Averill Pond the obvious spot is not always the productive one.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages move between 11°F in January and 64°F in July. Seasons are distinct, and each one fishes differently. Winter fishing happens on the ice here, with open water back around late April. On the long-run averages the water opens up around late April and starts locking again about late November. Fishing peaks soon after break-up and again before the cold returns. Great Averill Pond runs to its own calendar within the local pattern.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. A launch point is recorded some half a mile off. The car has to stay half a mile away, which shapes how much tackle you bring. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Read any posted signs at the access point rather than assuming. Where tickets apply, they are sold in the nearest town rather than on the bank. Forest Lake sits 1.1 miles off and takes the overflow. For Great Averill Pond, the notice at the access point is the final word.