Fly Fishing

We have so many great opportunities for fishing here in Lincoln, New Hampshire that there’s only one problem: finding the time to fish them all. But living at South Peak Resort in the midst of expansive rivers and lakes might just inspire you to make time. South Peak’s custom real estate on Loon Mountain is just a few scenic minutes away from local lakes and rivers that are known for excellent fishing.

Grab your tackle and head North on I-93 through the Franconia Notch State Park to Echo Lake in Franconia or to Ethan (Willey) Pond in Bethlehem. This just might be the time you catch the “big one”. You may even get inspired to fly fish certain areas of the Pemigewasset River as well. There are special rules and a New Hampshire fishing license required for fishing, so plan ahead by getting your license at the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department.

According to NH Wildlife Journal magazine, “fishing along Interstate 93 will yield an incredible variety of warm and coldwater game fish—black crappie, brown trout, brown bullhead, northern pike, smallmouth bass, Atlantic salmon…to name a few.”

The following list is derived from “Fishing Quest – The I-93 Path to 20 Fishing Spots in 48 Hours” by Mark Beauchesne (Wildlife Journal, March/April 2007). Please check the article for more specific details on where to find each site. You’ll find directions and references from New Hampshire Atlas and Gazetteer from the DeLorme Company.

• Merrimack River Big – River smallmouth, trout and brood stock salmon make up the mix here. (This location is very special and has regulations in place to keep it that way. Always be sure of your fishing spot and always check the rules for each body of water.)
• Pemigewasset River – There’s plenty of shoreline access here. Expect to hook some smallmouth bass and panfish.
• Lake Pemigewasset – The access to this lake is only two miles from the highway. Visitors can choose to fish along the shoreline or from the nice fishing pier. This lake has some decent bass and black crappie fishing.
• Lake Waukewan – This site is a cold and warm water fishery, with rainbow trout, smallmouth, and largemouth bass, along with perch and sunfish. The shoreline access along the old rail bed is your best bet. Lake Waukewan is a neat place to fish, tucked away from all the congestion and yet still so close to the big lake.
• Baker River – This river is a scenic one, sitting alongside a covered bridge for a backdrop. This is trout water and an overall nice fishing spot!
• Pemigewasset River – The access point to this stretch of river is located at Blair Bridge—another covered bridge that sets the scene for wonderful fishing. Trout fishing here is a must!
• Echo Lake – Who could resist trout fishing in the shadow of the Mountain?
• Moore Reservoir – Fish at the boat launch for the Littleton dam. Expect to find rainbow trout, small mouth bass, and possibly northern pike.
• Connecticut River – You can also fish below the Littleton dam. Be mindful of the current, but there are a few more fish to catch—smallmouth bass, bruiser brown trout, northern pike, and walleye.

References
New Hampshire Fresh Water Fishing Guide – An Angler’s Guide to the Granite State’s Best Freshwater Lakes, Ponds, Rivers, and Streams
New Hampshire Fish and Game Departments Fresh Water Fishing Digest
Covered Bridges in New Hampshire