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New Hampshire · Fishing
Winchester sits in the southwestern corner of New Hampshire, and its fishing is built around a handful of quiet ponds rather than big-name rivers. North Round Pond, Forest Lake, and Kilburn Pond are the three main waters here, all offering lake fishing in a low-pressure, mostly local setting.
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Winchester sits in the southwestern corner of New Hampshire, and its fishing is built around a handful of quiet ponds rather than big-name rivers. North Round Pond, Forest Lake, and Kilburn Pond are the three main waters here, all offering lake fishing in a low-pressure, mostly local setting. Kilburn Pond in particular shows up consistently in the area's fishing picture. These are the kinds of spots where you can launch a canoe or kayak, work the shoreline structure early in the morning, and not see another angler for hours. Expect warmwater species typical of southern New Hampshire ponds alongside whatever cold-water fish New Hampshire Fish and Game has stocked in a given season. None of these waters carry a gold-medal or wild-trout designation, so manage expectations accordingly — this is solid regional pond fishing, not a destination trout trip. That said, for someone staying in or near Winchester who wants to wet a line without driving an hour, these ponds are worth the time. Access points vary by water, so checking NH Fish and Game's public access database before you go is a practical first step.
These are typical southern New Hampshire ponds, so largemouth bass, yellow perch, and chain pickerel are the most likely catches. New Hampshire Fish and Game stocks many smaller ponds in the region with rainbow or brook trout in spring, but you should verify current stocking status for each water on the NH Fish and Game website before planning a trout-focused trip.
Yes. Anyone 16 or older needs a valid New Hampshire freshwater fishing license. Licenses are available online through NH Fish and Game or at local license agents. Non-residents pay a higher fee than residents, and there are short-term options if you're only visiting for a few days.
Surry Mountain Lake Beach
~23 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NH.
North Round Pond
~2 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NH.
Millers River - Erving State Forest Access
~28 min drive
Moderate
Lake Dennison - State Recreation Area
~31 min drive
Easy
Otter Brook Lake Recreation Area
~25 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NH.
Kilburn Pond
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NH.
Kilburn Pond
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NH.
Kilburn Pond
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NH.
Spot Meadow Pond
~5 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NH.
Forest Lake
~7 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NH.
Spofford Lake
~11 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NH.
Lily Pond
~12 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NH.
Early morning and the last two hours before sunset are the most productive windows, especially for bass and pickerel working the shallower edges. Midday in summer tends to push fish deeper and slows surface activity considerably.
Small hand-carried watercraft like kayaks and canoes are well-suited to all three waters. Before you go, confirm public boat access for each specific pond through NH Fish and Game's boat access directory, since access points and parking can vary and are not always well-marked.
Yes. Pond fishing for perch and small bass is forgiving for beginners and kids — no strong current, no complicated wading, and species like yellow perch bite readily. A simple spinning rod with a small jig or live bait is all you need to have a productive outing on any of these waters.
