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New Hampshire · Fishing
Loudon isn't a destination most anglers drive past on their way to the White Mountains, but that's part of the appeal.
3 spotsUpdated dailyFree to access
View on mapFishing · 3 spots
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Loudon isn't a destination most anglers drive past on their way to the White Mountains, but that's part of the appeal. The town's fishing centers on a handful of quiet ponds, with Hothole Pond (also written Hot Hole Pond on some maps) and Clough Pond being the main draws for lake fishing in the area. These are small, accessible stillwaters — the kind of places where you can launch a kayak or fish from the bank without fighting for space. Expect warm-water species typical of southern New Hampshire lakes, and don't come in expecting trophy conditions; this is relaxed, local fishing that rewards patience and a simple setup. Because the listings here are all lake fishing, you won't need waders or a fly rod unless that's your preference — a basic spinning outfit handles most situations on these ponds. Access points vary by water, so it's worth checking with New Hampshire Fish and Game before your trip to confirm current public access and any site-specific rules. Loudon sits close enough to Concord that it makes an easy half-day outing, and the lack of crowds on these ponds is a genuine advantage over more well-known waters in the region.
Both are typical southern New Hampshire warm-water ponds, so largemouth bass, yellow perch, and pickerel are the most likely catches. Panfish like bluegill are also common in ponds of this type in the region. The available listings don't indicate any special trout stocking or designated wild trout or gold medal water status for these ponds.
Yes. New Hampshire requires a freshwater fishing license for anyone 16 or older. You can purchase one online through the NH Fish and Game Department's website or at local license agents. Check the current year's regulations booklet for any pond-specific rules before you go.
Elm Brook Park Rec Area
~23 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NH.
Hot Hole Pond
~1 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NH.
Merrimack River - Concord Access
~11 min drive
Easy
Hot Hole Pond
~1 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NH.
Contoocook River - Hopkinton
~18 min drive
Easy
Hothole Pond
~2 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NH.
Winnipesaukee River - Franklin
~21 min drive
Easy
Clough Pond
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NH.
Clough Pond
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NH.
Spender Pond
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NH.
Horseshoe Pond
~5 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NH.
Spender Pond
~5 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NH.
A light to medium spinning rod in the 6- to 7-foot range covers most situations on small New Hampshire ponds. For bass and pickerel, soft plastics, small spinnerbaits, and surface lures work well in warmer months. If you're targeting perch or panfish, a simple bobber-and-worm setup is hard to beat.
Early morning and the hour or two before sunset are consistently the most productive windows for bass and pickerel on warm-water ponds like these, especially in summer when midday heat pushes fish into deeper or shaded water. Spring and fall allow for more flexibility since water temperatures stay cooler throughout the day.
These are small ponds, so a kayak, canoe, or small car-top boat is the most practical option. Access and launch conditions can change, so confirm current public access with NH Fish and Game or check the town's recreation resources before loading up your vehicle. Motorized boats may be restricted or impractical given the size of these waters.
