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New Hampshire · Fishing
Farmington sits in the lakes region fringe of central New Hampshire, and while it won't show up on lists of the state's trophy fisheries, it offers three accessible stillwater spots that are worth knowing about if you're in the area.
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Farmington sits in the lakes region fringe of central New Hampshire, and while it won't show up on lists of the state's trophy fisheries, it offers three accessible stillwater spots that are worth knowing about if you're in the area. Nubble Pond, Oxbow Pond, and Waldron Mill Pond are all lake fishing destinations, meaning you're working calm or slow-moving water rather than chasing current. That makes Farmington a reasonable choice for anglers who want a low-pressure outing — families with kids learning to fish, kayak anglers looking for a quiet morning, or anyone who'd rather not fight crowds at the bigger regional lakes. New Hampshire Fish and Game manages stocking schedules across the state's ponds and lakes, so checking their online stocking report before you go is the single most useful thing you can do to time your trip. Waldron Mill Pond, as a former mill pond, tends to have the structure — drop-offs, submerged debris — that holds fish. Oxbow Pond's shape creates natural eddies and shallows that warm up faster in spring. Nubble Pond rounds out the options for a short session without much driving. None of these require a boat; shore fishing is viable at all three, though a kayak or canoe opens up more water.
Yes. Any angler 16 or older needs a valid New Hampshire freshwater fishing license. You can purchase one online through the NH Fish and Game Department website or at local license agents. Out-of-state licenses are available and cost more than resident licenses, so factor that into your trip budget.
New Hampshire's stocked ponds typically hold largemouth bass, yellow perch, and chain pickerel as resident species, with rainbow or brook trout added through seasonal stocking programs. Check the NH Fish and Game stocking report for the current season to see whether any of these three ponds have received recent stockings, since that will significantly affect what you're likely to catch and when.
Nubble Pond
~2 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NH.
Oxbow Pond
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NH.
Waldron Mill Pond
~5 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NH.
Rochester Reservoir
~6 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NH.
Rochester Reservoir
~9 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NH.
Kenneth Hill Pond
~10 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NH.
Downing Pond
~10 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NH.
Sunrise Lake
~11 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NH.
Coldrain Pond
~11 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NH.
Brindle Pond
~12 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NH.
Preston Pond
~12 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NH.
Locke Lake
~12 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NH.
Early morning and the hour before sunset are consistently the most productive windows for stillwater fishing in New Hampshire. Bass and perch move into shallower water to feed during low-light periods, especially in warmer months. Midday fishing in summer is slower but can still produce if you target deeper water or shaded structure.
Shore fishing is workable at all three ponds, but access points and bank conditions vary, so scout the area when you arrive rather than assuming a clear path to the water. A kayak or canoe gives you a real advantage on ponds like Oxbow, where the shape of the water means some of the better structure is out of reach from the bank.
Spring, from ice-out through June, is generally the most productive time on New Hampshire ponds, especially if stocking has occurred recently. Fall can also be good for bass and pickerel. New Hampshire does have specific season dates and special regulations that can vary by water body, so confirm the current rules for each pond on the NH Fish and Game website before your trip rather than assuming standard statewide rules apply.
