What You'll Find at Berry Pond

Berry Pond is a small, shallow freshwater pond in Moultonborough that holds largemouth bass, pickerel, and panfish—bluegill and sunfish mostly. The pond sits back from the main roads, which keeps it quieter than some of the larger lakes in the area. Depths run 15 to 25 feet in the deepest holes, but most of the pond is shallower, with plenty of weedy structure along the edges and in the middle.

The water stays relatively clear through most of the year, and the weed growth—especially in summer—makes it good habitat for bass hunting smaller fish. If you're after panfish, the shallower bays and the areas with lily pads and emergent vegetation are your best bet. Early morning and late evening produce the most consistent action, particularly in spring and fall.

Key Takeaways

  • Berry Pond holds largemouth bass, pickerel, and panfish in a small, shallow setting with good weed structure.
  • Public access is available at a town boat launch on the north side of the pond; check with Moultonborough Parks and Recreation for current conditions and any seasonal restrictions.
  • Spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) are the most productive seasons for both bass and panfish.
  • Weed-lined edges, lily pad beds, and the deeper holes in the center of the pond are the most reliable spots to fish.

Access and Launch Information

Berry Pond has a public boat launch on the north shore, maintained by the Town of Moultonborough. The launch is a single-lane concrete ramp with parking for a handful of vehicles. It's a modest facility—no fuel dock, no bait shop—so bring what you need before you arrive.

Moultonborough Parks and Recreation manages the launch and can tell you about any seasonal closures, maintenance work, or parking changes. Call ahead during winter months, as some town launches close or have limited access depending on ice-out timing and road conditions. The launch is free for town residents; non-residents typically pay a small daily or seasonal fee, though rates vary year to year.

Best Seasons and What to Fish

Spring (April through May) is when bass move shallow to spawn, and they're aggressive around the weed beds and structure. Throw small crankbaits, soft plastics, and topwater lures in the early morning. Panfish also bite well in spring, especially bluegill and sunfish in the shallower bays.

Summer slows down as the pond warms and the bass move deeper, but early morning and late evening can still produce. The weed growth is heaviest in July and August, which can make fishing challenging but also concentrates the fish. Fall (September through October) brings another strong bite as water temperatures drop and bass feed heavily before winter. Pickerel—which are present but not the main draw—bite year-round but are most active in cooler months.

Where to Fish: Structure and Habitat

The weed lines along the eastern and western shores hold bass and panfish throughout the season. Cast parallel to the edge where submerged vegetation meets open water, or work your lure through gaps in the weeds. The lily pad beds on the north end are excellent for panfish and smaller bass, especially in early morning.

The deeper holes in the center of the pond (15 to 25 feet) hold bass during midday and summer, when they retreat from the shallows. If you have a depth finder, look for the transition zones where the bottom drops off from 8 to 12 feet. Pickerel often patrol the edges of these deeper areas, hunting smaller fish moving through the shallows.

Tackle and Techniques That Work

For bass, small to medium crankbaits (2 to 3 inches) work well around the weed structure. Soft plastic worms rigged Texas-style let you work through weeds without constant snagging. Topwater lures in early morning create strikes in the shallows, especially in spring and fall. Keep your line in the 8- to 12-pound range—heavy enough to handle weeds and occasional pickerel, light enough to cast small lures.

Panfish respond to small jigs tipped with live minnows or soft plastic bodies, or to simple bobber-and-worm rigs in the shallow bays. A 4- to 6-pound line is plenty for bluegill and sunfish. If you're targeting pickerel, slightly heavier tackle (12- to 15-pound line) and small spoons or spinners work better than bass lures.

Regulations and What to Know Before You Go

New Hampshire Fish and Game sets the rules for Berry Pond. Bass have a minimum size limit (typically 12 inches for largemouth) and a daily catch limit; panfish usually have no size limit but may have a daily bag limit. Pickerel are generally unrestricted. Check the current New Hampshire fishing digest before you fish—regulations can change year to year, and the digest is free online or available at tackle shops and town offices.

A New Hampshire fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase a license online through the Fish and Game website, at sporting goods stores, or at town offices. A three-day license is available if you don't want a full-year license. No special permits are needed for Berry Pond itself.

Nearby Water and Alternatives

If Berry Pond is crowded or not producing, Moultonborough has several other options within a short drive. Winnipesaukee is the obvious choice for larger water and more species, but it's busier and requires more boat control. Squam Lake, just north, is another solid alternative with similar bass and panfish populations and a quieter feel than Winnipesaukee. Both have public launches and are worth exploring if you want variety.

For smaller pond fishing similar to Berry Pond, Ossipee Lake and several smaller ponds in the surrounding towns offer the same kind of weed-structure fishing without the drive. Ask at local tackle shops—they often know which smaller ponds are fishing well in a given season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Berry Pond from shore?

Shore access is limited. The pond is mostly surrounded by private property, so your best option is the public boat launch. A canoe or small kayak launched from the ramp gives you access to the whole pond without a large motor.

What's the best time of day to fish Berry Pond?

Early morning (sunrise to mid-morning) and late evening (two hours before sunset through dusk) are most productive. Midday fishing is slower, especially in summer, but early spring and fall can produce throughout the day if the weather is overcast.

Do I need a boat to fish Berry Pond?

A boat makes it easier to reach the best structure and cover more water, but a kayak or canoe works well for panfish and weed-edge bass fishing. The pond is small enough that you can reach most productive areas from the launch without a large motor.

Is Berry Pond stocked with fish?

Berry Pond supports a natural population of bass and panfish. New Hampshire Fish and Game does not regularly stock this pond, so the fishery depends on natural reproduction and the existing population.

What should I bring that I can't buy nearby?

There's no bait shop at the launch, so bring live minnows if you plan to use them, or bring your tackle and lures. The nearest tackle shops are in Center Harbor or Meredith, both about 15 minutes away, so plan ahead.