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New Hampshire · Fishing
Grantham sits in the western foothills of New Hampshire's Lake Sunapee region, and while it won't show up on any statewide fishing highlight reel, it has three quiet stillwater options worth knowing about: Bog Brook Reservoir, Butternut Pond, and Eastman Pond.
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Grantham sits in the western foothills of New Hampshire's Lake Sunapee region, and while it won't show up on any statewide fishing highlight reel, it has three quiet stillwater options worth knowing about: Bog Brook Reservoir, Butternut Pond, and Eastman Pond. All three are lake fisheries, which means you're working the shallows and drop-offs rather than reading current. Eastman Pond is the most accessible of the group, sitting within the Eastman community, though public access points are worth confirming before you load the truck. Bog Brook Reservoir and Butternut Pond tend to draw less pressure, which can work in your favor during warmer months when fish push deeper and crowds thin out the more popular regional lakes. New Hampshire lake fishing in this part of Sullivan County typically holds warmwater and coldwater species depending on depth and inlet structure, but check current NH Fish and Game stocking reports for species-specific expectations on each water body. A basic spinning or light baitcasting setup handles most situations here. These are small to mid-sized ponds and reservoirs, not big-water destinations, so a canoe, kayak, or small car-top boat will serve you better than a large trailered vessel.
Yes. Any angler 16 or older needs a valid New Hampshire freshwater fishing license. You can purchase one through the NH Fish and Game Department website or at local license agents. Non-resident licenses are available at a higher fee than resident licenses.
All three are lake fisheries, so expect species typical of New Hampshire ponds at this elevation, which commonly includes largemouth bass, yellow perch, and chain pickerel, with the possibility of stocked trout in cooler months. Check the NH Fish and Game stocking database for each specific water body before your trip, since stocking schedules and species vary year to year.
Eastman Pond
~1 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NH.
Sunapee River - Newport Access
~19 min drive
Moderate
Stocker Pond
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NH.
Butternut Pond
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NH.
Bog Brook Reservoir
~6 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NH.
Lily Pond
~7 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NH.
George Pond
~7 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NH.
Baptist Pond
~7 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NH.
George Pond
~8 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NH.
Lake Coniston
~8 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NH.
Baptist Pond
~8 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NH.
Crystal Lake
~10 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NH.
Early morning and the hour or two before sunset are consistently the most productive windows on stillwater fisheries like these, especially from late spring through summer when midday heat pushes fish into deeper, cooler water. In early spring and fall, midday fishing can be just as effective since water temperatures stay lower throughout the day.
A medium-light spinning rod in the 6 to 7 foot range covers most situations on these smaller ponds and reservoirs. For bass and pickerel, soft plastics, small spinnerbaits, and surface lures work well near structure and weed edges. If you're targeting perch or stocked trout, a simple bobber-and-worm or small jig setup is hard to beat.
Eastman Pond has facilities associated with the Eastman community, but public access may be restricted depending on your status as a guest or resident, so confirm before you go. Bog Brook Reservoir and Butternut Pond are smaller waters where a canoe or kayak carried to the bank is often the most practical approach. Parking availability at each site is limited, so arriving early on weekends is a good habit.
