What You'll Find at Lees Pond

Lees Pond is a small, shallow freshwater pond in Moultonborough that holds largemouth bass, pickerel, and panfish — bluegill and sunfish mostly. The water is clear enough to sight-fish in the shallows, and the pond stays relatively quiet because it's not on the main tourist loop and has limited public access. If you're looking for a place to work topwater lures early in the morning or flip soft plastics into the weeds without fighting a crowd, this pond delivers.

The pond runs roughly 30 acres and has a mix of shallow bays with aquatic vegetation and deeper holes toward the center. The shoreline is mostly wooded, with some residential property, so you'll want to respect posted land and focus your fishing on the public water. Early season (May through June) and fall (September through October) are when the bass bite best here, though panfish will take a fly or small jig year-round in the deeper sections.

Key Takeaways

  • Lees Pond holds largemouth bass, pickerel, and panfish in a small, shallow setting that stays less crowded than larger regional ponds.
  • Public access is limited; confirm current access points and any parking restrictions before you go, as conditions change seasonally.
  • Early morning and evening topwater fishing works well in spring and fall when bass move into the shallows to feed.
  • Weed lines and the deeper center basin are the most productive zones; avoid casting over posted residential shoreline.

Access and Parking

Public access to Lees Pond is limited and can shift based on seasonal closures or private property changes. Your best bet is to contact the Moultonborough Parks and Recreation Department or the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department's regional office before heading out. They can confirm whether the current access point is open and where you're allowed to park.

If access is available, it's typically a short walk from a small parking area to the water. Bring a canoe or kayak if you have one — it gives you more water to cover and keeps you away from posted banks. If you're wading or fishing from shore, stick to the public sections and watch for no-trespassing signs.

Best Seasons and Times to Fish

Spring (May and June) is when largemouth bass move shallow to spawn and feed aggressively. Throw topwater plugs, soft plastics, and small crankbaits along the weed edges in the early morning and again in the last hour before dark. The water is still cool, so bass don't go deep during midday the way they do in summer.

Summer fishing slows as the pond warms and bass retreat to deeper water and thick weed cover. If you fish midday, focus on the deepest holes and work dark-colored soft plastics slowly. Early morning and dusk are still your best windows. Fall (September through October) brings another strong bite as water cools and bass feed heavily before winter. Panfish bite steadily throughout the season in the deeper sections, especially if you use small flies or 1/16-ounce jigs tipped with live bait or soft plastics.

What Gear and Tactics Work Here

For bass, bring a medium-power spinning or baitcasting rod with 8- to 10-pound monofilament or braided line. Topwater plugs, soft plastic worms (4 to 6 inches), and small crankbaits all work. In spring, cast parallel to weed lines and let topwater lures sit for a few seconds before twitching — the pause often triggers strikes. In summer, punch soft plastics into thick vegetation or work the edges slowly.

For panfish, a light spinning rod with 4- to 6-pound line and small jigs (1/16 to 1/8 ounce) tipped with a live minnow or soft plastic is ideal. Fly fishing also works well — small poppers and nymphs in sizes 10 to 14 will take bluegill and sunfish. Fish the deeper water away from the weed-choked shallows, and don't overlook the center basin where the bottom drops off.

Regulations and What You Need

New Hampshire requires a fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase a short-term license (1 day, 7 days, or full year) through the Fish and Game website or at most sporting goods stores. Bass have a 12-inch minimum length limit and a 5-fish daily limit. Panfish have no minimum size but a 30-fish daily limit for all species combined.

Check the current New Hampshire fishing guide for any seasonal closures or special regulations on Lees Pond itself — rules can change, and some ponds have restrictions on certain methods or species. The Fish and Game Department posts updates on their website and in the annual guide you receive with your license.

Why Lees Pond Works When Nearby Water Is Crowded

Lees Pond doesn't have the boat launch or public beach infrastructure of larger Moultonborough ponds, so it stays quieter. That means less pressure on the fish and a better chance of finding bass in the shallows during prime feeding times. The shallow, weedy character also makes it ideal for sight-fishing and topwater work — you can actually see what's happening on the surface.

The trade-off is that access is more limited and you may need to confirm it's open before you drive out. But if you're willing to make that call and show up early, you'll often have the pond to yourself or share it with only a handful of other anglers. That's worth the extra step.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I launch a kayak or canoe at Lees Pond?

That depends on the current access point and whether a launch is available. Contact Moultonborough Parks and Recreation or Fish and Game to confirm. If there's no formal launch, you may be able to hand-carry a small boat to the water from the parking area.

What's the best lure for bass in spring?

Topwater plugs and soft plastic worms work best in spring when bass are shallow. Cast near weed lines and let topwater lures sit for a moment before twitching. Bass often strike the pause, so don't rush your retrieve.

Is there a size limit on panfish?

No minimum size, but New Hampshire has a 30-fish daily limit for all panfish species combined. Most anglers keep only what they'll eat, and releasing smaller fish helps maintain a healthy population.

What time of year should I avoid fishing Lees Pond?

Winter is difficult because the pond may freeze solid, and access is often restricted. Summer can be slow during midday heat. Spring and fall are your most reliable seasons for active bass and panfish.

Do I need a special permit to fish Lees Pond?

No special permit beyond a standard New Hampshire fishing license. Confirm access is open before you go, as some ponds have seasonal closures or temporary restrictions.