New Hampshire · Fishing
Fishing in Washington, New Hampshire
Washington, New Hampshire is a quiet town in Sullivan County that punches above its weight for stillwater fishing. The town sits at elevation in the western highlands, and its ponds stay cold enough through spring and early summer to hold fish in good numbers.
6 spotsUpdated dailyFree to access
View on mapFishing · 6 spots
Washington, New Hampshire is a quiet town in Sullivan County that punches above its weight for stillwater fishing. The town sits at elevation in the western highlands, and its ponds stay cold enough through spring and early summer to hold fish in good numbers. Barrett Pond, Bear Pond, Millen Lake, Barden Pond, Mill Pond, and Highland Lake are all accessible within the town, giving you a half-dozen distinct options without driving far. Most of these are small to mid-sized lakes and ponds where a canoe, kayak, or small car-top boat makes more sense than a trailered bass boat. Shoreline access varies by water, so it's worth checking NH Fish and Game's public access maps before you go. The fishing here is typical of New Hampshire's highland ponds — expect warmwater species like largemouth bass and yellow perch alongside whatever the state has stocked, which can include trout in the cooler months. Washington doesn't draw crowds the way the Lakes Region does, which is part of the appeal. If you want a low-pressure day on the water without fighting for a launch ramp, this corner of the state delivers.
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of fish can I expect to catch in Washington's ponds and lakes?
The waters here — Barrett Pond, Bear Pond, Millen Lake, Barden Pond, Mill Pond, and Highland Lake — are typical New Hampshire highland stillwaters, so you're likely to encounter largemouth bass, yellow perch, and chain pickerel. New Hampshire Fish and Game stocks select ponds with trout, primarily in spring and fall when water temperatures are suitable, but stocking schedules change year to year and not every water body gets stocked every season. Check the NH Fish and Game stocking reports online before your trip to see what's been put in recently.
Do I need a fishing license, and where do I get one?
Yes, a valid New Hampshire fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase one online through the NH Fish and Game website, at a licensed agent, or through the NHFG app. Non-resident licenses are available. Make sure you also review current state regulations for the specific water you're fishing, as size and bag limits can vary.
What's the best time of year to fish in Washington, NH?
Spring is the most productive window, typically from ice-out in late March or April through early June, when trout are active near the surface and bass start moving into shallower water. Summer fishing slows during the warmest weeks of July and August, though early morning and evening sessions on bass and perch can still be worthwhile. Fall brings another good stretch for bass and any stocked trout before ice forms, usually by December.
What gear should I bring for fishing these ponds?
A light to medium spinning setup covers most situations across these waters. For bass and pickerel, soft plastics, small spinnerbaits, and topwater lures work well in the warmer months. If you're targeting trout after a stocking, small spinners, PowerBait, and live worms are reliable. A canoe or kayak will open up more of the shoreline on waters like Millen Lake and Highland Lake where walk-in access may be limited.
Is there public boat access to these lakes and ponds?
Access points vary by water body, and not all of Washington's ponds have formal public launches. Highland Lake tends to have better-documented access than some of the smaller ponds. Before you load up a boat, check the NH Fish and Game public boat access directory and confirm whether a launch exists and whether motors are permitted. For ponds without a ramp, a car-top kayak or canoe is usually the practical solution.
