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New Hampshire · Fishing
Henniker sits in the Contoocook River valley in central New Hampshire, and while the river itself draws attention, the town's quieter fishing is spread across a handful of small ponds that reward anglers willing to slow down.
5 spotsUpdated dailyFree to access
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Henniker sits in the Contoocook River valley in central New Hampshire, and while the river itself draws attention, the town's quieter fishing is spread across a handful of small ponds that reward anglers willing to slow down. Middle Pond, Craney Pond, Morrill Pond, and Gould Pond are all within reach, each offering the kind of lake fishing that works well for a half-day trip without a lot of gear or logistics. These are modest-sized water bodies, not destination fisheries, but they hold warmwater species typical of central New Hampshire lakes and can produce well in the right conditions. Ice-out in spring and the cooler water of early fall tend to be the most productive windows. Access is generally straightforward, and most of these ponds are manageable from a canoe, kayak, or small car-top boat. If you're driving in from outside the region, it's worth pairing a Henniker pond session with other water nearby, since five listings across four ponds means you'll cover the local options quickly. That said, for a relaxed morning with a light spinning rod or a fly rod in a canoe, this area delivers exactly what it promises.
The listings here are all classified as lake fishing, which in central New Hampshire typically means largemouth bass, yellow perch, and pickerel, with the possibility of bluegill and chain pickerel depending on the pond. None of the listed waters are designated as gold medal or wild trout waters, so don't plan the trip around trout. Check with New Hampshire Fish and Game for any stocking activity specific to these ponds before you go.
Yes. Any angler 16 or older needs a valid New Hampshire freshwater fishing license. Licenses are available online through the NH Fish and Game Department or at local sporting goods retailers. Regulations around bag limits and legal species can vary by water body, so it's worth reviewing the current NH Freshwater Fishing Digest before your trip.
Elm Brook Park Rec Area
~9 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NH.
Morrill Pond
~2 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NH.
Contoocook River - Hopkinton
~14 min drive
Easy
Morrill Pond
~2 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NH.
Craney Pond
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NH.
Craney Pond
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NH.
Craney Pond
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NH.
Dudley Pond
~5 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NH.
Gould Pond
~5 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NH.
Mud Pond
~5 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NH.
Middle Pond
~6 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NH.
Mud Pond
~6 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NH.
Spring, from ice-out through early June, and early fall, from late August through October, are generally the most productive seasons for warmwater species in central New Hampshire ponds. Midsummer fishing can slow down during the heat of the day as fish move deeper. Early morning and late afternoon are your best windows in any season.
These are small ponds, so a canoe, kayak, or small car-top aluminum boat is ideal and in many cases preferable to a larger motorized vessel. Check access points for each pond before you go, as ramp availability and motor restrictions vary. A float tube or paddleboard can also work well on calmer days.
Yes, small pond fishing like this is a good fit for beginners and younger anglers. The water is manageable, the target species are forgiving, and you don't need specialized gear. A basic spinning setup with live bait or soft plastics will cover most situations across all four ponds.
