Whether you’re looking for a day of exciting river fishing or a laid back day on a mountain pond, the Western White Mountains have got you covered. There are numerous options for both fly-fisherman and traditional fisherman alike. Dust off your flies, lures and rods and head to the Western Whites for some of the best fishing in the East!
Profile Lake
Profile Lake is a 13 acre fly-fishing only mountain lake situated at nearly 2,000 feet elevation within Franconia Notch State Park, nestled under the home of the “Old Man of the Mountain”. The Cannon cliffs hang high above the lake, giving it a Rocky Mountain feel just minutes from the highway. Profile Lake can be enjoyed by both wading or non-motorized boats. Take a walk on the Franconia Bike Path from the Cannon parking area to experience the history of Franconia Notch on your way to lake. Want to stretch your legs after a day of fly-fishing? Take the 1 mile Echo Lake loop trail around the lake to experience it from all sides. New Hampshire Fish & Game stocks Profile Lake with trout each year, so start practicing your casts and get out there! The parking area is on the west side of I-93 just past Exit 34B heading southbound.
Restrictions:
- Fly-fishing only
- No person shall take brook trout 12-16 inches in length. All brook trout 12-16 inches in length must be released immediately unharmed. The daily limit for brook trout shall be 2 fish, of which only one may be over 16 inches.
Echo Lake
Echo Lake is just a short drive or walk away from Profile Lake and offers 38 acres of trout-stocked waters for both fly-fisherman and traditional anglers. The lake is accessible by beach or by boat, which you can rent (canoe, kayak, pedal-boats) at on-site. No personal boats allowed. Reservations are necessary for Echo Lake, which fills up fast with visitors during the summer months. Additional fishing supplies can be purchased at the Lakeside General Store at Echo Lake Beach.
Beaver Pond
A hidden gem on the West side of White Mountain National Forest, Beaver Pond is easily accessed by following Route 112 over Kinsman Notch from the town of Woodstock. The parking area is located right off 112 and acts as both a viewing area and pond access for those brave enough to enter it’s cool waters. Beaver Pond is stocked with Eastern Brown Trout and can be enjoyed with non-motorized boats or by shore. Note that the wind can pick up at any time at Beaver Pond due to it’s height-of-land location.
Mirror Lake
Mirror Lake hosts a public beach and small boat launch (non-motorized only) off Mirror Lake Rd. in the town of Woodstock. A favorite spot for locals, the 38 acre lake is stocked with trout by NH Fish & Game. Come early on weekends if you plan to grab a picnic table for lunch – it gets busy!
Stinson Lake
Stinson Lake is located near the town of Rumney and is best accessible by boat (motorized or non-motorized) as it encompasses 342 acres and has homes built on much of the shoreline. There is a small shore bank for foot access. Various trout can be found here so plan to spend the day!
Perch Pond
Perch Pond, found off Perch Pond Road in Campton is idea for a kayaker or canoer looking to test their angling skills or catch a glimpse of numerous wildlife species. There is both shore access and a small boat ramp (non-motorized only). Don’t let the backroads to get here fool you – this spot is literally “jumping” with fish!
Elbow Pond
Elbow Pond is located off Route 118 west of Woodstock and offers both walk-in and boat (non-motorized) access for great mountain pond fishing. There are also a few dispersed campsites on the side of the pond if you are looking to make this a multi-day visit. Be aware that there is a shooting pit located on the road to access Elbow Pond so it may get noisy from time to time.
Three Ponds (Hiking Access Only)
The Three Ponds area is accessed by the 2.3 mile Three Ponds Trail near the towns of Warren and Ellsworth, and hosts a backcountry shelter onsite, making a backpacking trip an option for visiting these beautiful ponds. Stocked with trout by air, they are only accessible by foot. Upper Three Ponds boasts 11 acres of nearly untouched waters and is well worth the moderate hike in.
Pemigewasset River
A fisherman’s paradise, the Pemigewasset River flows through the Western White Mountains from its headwaters at Profile Lake through Franconia Notch to our small mountain communities before meeting with the Winnepesaukee River to form the Merrimack River. There are numerous pull offs along Route 112 within the towns of Lincoln and Woodstock that offer ample shoreline fishing and non-motorized boat access. Spend a day or a week exploring the beautiful “Pemi”, as locals call it.
Ammonoosuc River
The Ammonoosuc River, or “Ammo”, begins at the Lake of the Clouds just below the summit of Mount Washington and flows through Bethlehem, to Littleton, and then southwest to Bath where it meets with the Connecticut River in Woodsville. A less visited area of the Western White Mountains, the Ammonoosuc hosts wild populations of trout along with other species including salmon. There are various pull offs along the river to access it’s waters by shore or by non-motorized boat.
We hope you enjoy your fishing getaway in the Western White Mountains! However, before you go – plan ahead. Below are some must-read resources prior to your visit.
Licenses Online: https://www.nhfishandgame.com/
Licenses In Person (By town): https://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/licensing/agents.html
Learn More: https://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/licensing/3ways.html
Guides: https://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/fishing/guides.html
Stocking: https://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/fishing/trout-stocking.html
Leave No Trace Ethics: https://www.visitnh.gov/leavenotrace