Catch-m-all's guilde to fishing "New" small ponds

We have been working hard on catching new species of fish. One of the challenges with that is we are often fishing waters we aren't familiar with.  With the challenge comes a lot of fun, so here to help you is Catch-m-all's guide to fishing new small ponds.

We are focusing on small ponds because the techniques are a little different than fishing new rivers and big lakes and it's easy and we are fans of easy!

This little pond is a hundred feet across and loaded with fish!

If you have the time look for the pond on NH Fish and Games lakes and pond list, if it's there, there will be information on public access, depth and fish species. Having the maps and depth information is helpful but not critical.

There's one!

Once you get to the pond, take a walk around and look for signs of fish,  you may see fish rising, or a swirl in the water or maybe you will see schools of small fish. If you notice lots of newts and frogs, there may not be tons of fish in there, this is common in some small trout ponds around the state. Falls pond for example in the National Forest is loaded with brookies but not many other species, when walking the shore you will see lots of newts. You should still spend some time fishing here, brook trout are easy to catch and loads of fun.

Falls Pond

Falls Pond Brookie

After the walk around, choose a spot from shore that has good access and some structure to fish. Remember fish don't want to be eaten, so they hide. Fish the edge of weeds, cat-tails and lily-pads. If there is a fallen tree in the water, it's a good bet that fish will be under it.

Now tie on a small flashy lure and make a few casts, we usually use a panther martin or a piece of worm on a hook with a spinner. Make your casts and watch for fish following. Small fish are as likely to chase this as a large bass. Try to cover as much water from that spot as you can before moving on. Usually in a small pond you will be catching sunfish by now. If not move on and find the fish. In our experience, if you don't get a fish in ten minutes you should move on. The notion that fishing takes patience is bogus. Find the fish and you will get them!

Pumpkinseed

If it's later in the evening, tie a hook on and add some weight, let is sink to the bottom and wait. Most small ponds have bullheads and eels if the fish are there you will get them in a short time. Keep moving until you find the fish!  Maybe you'll get really lucky and catch a big sucker this way.

Brown Bullhead

Remember, take your time, do your homework and have fun! Please don't leave your worm containers on the shoreline and bring your trash out with you. Be careful to handle the fish as little as possible and release them gently.


Hope this helps and be sure to share pictures with us on our Facebook page!