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New Hampshire · Fishing
Concord sits along the Merrimack River at 270 feet elevation, and that river access point is the anchor of fishing in the city.
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Concord sits along the Merrimack River at 270 feet elevation, and that river access point is the anchor of fishing in the city. The Merrimack here holds smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, walleye, and northern pike, and the access is rated easy, meaning you can fish from the bank without scrambling over boulders or wading technical current. Beyond the river, the city has a handful of ponds worth your time: Little Pond, Turkey Pond, and Horseshoe Pond round out the local options for lake fishing, each offering a quieter, slower-paced alternative to river fishing. This is not a destination you travel across the country for, but if you are based in or passing through central New Hampshire, Concord gives you legitimate variety within a short drive of each other. Walleye and northern pike in particular make the Merrimack access worth prioritizing, since those species are less commonly targeted in southern New Hampshire and reward anglers who put in early-morning hours near structure. The ponds are a solid choice for families or anyone who prefers still water.
The Merrimack River at the Concord access holds smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, walleye, and northern pike. Smallmouth and largemouth are the most consistently caught, but walleye and pike give you a reason to fish low-light windows when those species are more active near the banks.
The Merrimack River Concord Access is rated easy, so you do not need waders or technical gear to fish it. Bank fishing is straightforward, and it is a reasonable option for beginners or anyone who wants to keep things simple.
Elm Brook Park Rec Area
~14 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NH.
Little Pond
~1 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NH.
Merrimack River - Concord Access
~2 min drive
Easy
Little Pond
~2 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NH.
Contoocook River - Hopkinton
~10 min drive
Easy
Horseshoe Pond
~2 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NH.
Penacook Lake
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NH.
Fort Eddy
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NH.
Little Turkey Pond
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NH.
Turkey Pond
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NH.
Hothole Pond
~10 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NH.
Little Pond
~10 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NH.
For walleye and northern pike specifically, early morning and the hour before dark are your best windows, since both species feed most aggressively in low light. Smallmouth and largemouth bass can be caught throughout the day, though they also tend to be more active in cooler morning hours during summer.
Little Pond, Turkey Pond, and Horseshoe Pond are the main lake fishing spots listed in Concord. These are calm, accessible still-water options well suited to kayak or canoe fishing, though you should check current New Hampshire Fish and Game regulations for any motor restrictions or required permits before launching.
Yes, New Hampshire requires a freshwater fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase one through the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department website or at local license agents. Check their site for current fees and any special regulations that apply to the Merrimack River or specific ponds.
