What You'll Find at Harvey Lake

Harvey Lake is a modest pond in Northwood, New Hampshire, roughly 100 acres, that holds both smallmouth and largemouth bass along with panfish. The water is relatively clear, with a mix of shallow weedy areas and deeper holes that shift seasonally. It's the kind of place where you can fish from shore or a small boat without the pressure you'd find on bigger lakes, and the access is straightforward if you know where to look.

The lake sits in a residential area, so respect for property lines and quiet hours matters. Most of the shoreline is private, but there are a couple of public access points that locals know about. The fish here respond well to standard bass patterns — soft plastics in the shallows, topwater early and late, and deeper presentations during midday heat.

Key Takeaways

  • Harvey Lake holds both smallmouth and largemouth bass, with panfish available year-round in the shallows and deeper holes.
  • Public access is limited to a town boat launch and a small parking area; arrive early during weekends to secure a spot.
  • Spring and fall produce the most consistent action, with fish moving shallow to feed in cooler water.
  • The lake is shallow in many areas, so a depth finder or familiarity with the bottom helps you locate the deeper pockets where bass hold during summer.

Public Access and Parking

The main public access is the Northwood Town Boat Launch on the south end of Harvey Lake. There is a small parking area with room for roughly a dozen vehicles, and the launch itself is a concrete ramp suitable for small boats, canoes, and kayaks. Arrive early on weekends — the lot fills by mid-morning during summer.

Shore fishing is possible but limited. The residential properties around the lake are private, and posted signs are common. Your best bet for shore access is near the boat launch area itself, where there is a small cleared section. If you fish from shore, stay close to the launch and respect the posted boundaries.

Seasonal Patterns and What to Fish

Spring (April through May) is when Harvey Lake wakes up. Largemouth bass move into the shallows to spawn, and smallmouth follow shortly after. Fish the weedy edges and any shallow bays with soft plastics — 4-inch worms or creature baits in natural colors work well. Early morning and late evening are prime, but you can catch fish throughout the day during this window.

Summer (June through August) pushes bass deeper. The shallows warm up and lose oxygen, so focus on the deeper holes and drop-offs. A depth finder is useful here. Fish early and late when the sun is low; midday, switch to deeper presentations or move to shaded areas near structure. Panfish (bluegill, crappie) stay active in the shallows all summer and are a reliable backup if bass are slow.

Fall (September through October) brings another strong bite. Water cools, and bass move back to the shallows to feed heavily before winter. Topwater plugs and soft plastics work well in the early morning. The lake can be less crowded in fall, which means more room to explore and less pressure on the fish.

Winter (November through March) slows things down considerably. Ice fishing is possible once the lake freezes solid, but check local conditions and ice thickness before venturing out. Panfish are the primary target under the ice, and you'll find them in deeper water — 15 to 25 feet — near the center of the lake.

Bass Habitat and Where to Focus

Harvey Lake's structure is simple but effective. The south end, near the boat launch, is shallower and weedier — good for largemouth, especially in spring and early summer. The north end has deeper water and is where smallmouth tend to hold, particularly in summer and fall. The eastern shore has some rocky areas and fallen timber, which both species use as cover.

Weed beds are your best friend here. They hold bass year-round, provide shade and food, and concentrate fish in predictable spots. Fish the edges of the weeds with a weedless soft plastic or a spinnerbait. If you're in a boat, use a depth finder to locate the deeper weed lines — bass often sit just outside the weed edge in slightly deeper water, waiting to ambush prey.

Tackle and Techniques That Work

Keep your setup simple. A 6- to 7-foot medium-action spinning rod with 8- to 10-pound braided line covers most situations. Soft plastics — 4-inch worms, creature baits, and shad imitations — are your bread and butter. Topwater plugs work well early and late, especially in spring and fall. A spinnerbait in white or chartreuse is effective around weeds and structure.

For panfish, a light spinning rod with 4- to 6-pound monofilament and small jigs or live bluegill works well. Panfish are less fussy than bass and will bite throughout the day, making them a good option when bass are inactive.

Rules and What to Know Before You Go

New Hampshire requires a fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase a short-term license (one day, three days, or seven days) or an annual license through the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department website or at local sporting goods stores. Bass have a minimum size of 12 inches and a daily limit of five fish per person. Panfish have no size limit and a generous daily limit, so they're a good option if you want to keep fish for a meal.

The lake is open to public fishing year-round, but respect quiet hours and private property. Motorboats are allowed, but the lake is small enough that a canoe or kayak is often more practical and less disruptive to other anglers. Check with the Northwood Town Office or New Hampshire Fish and Game if you have questions about current regulations or seasonal closures.

Getting There and What to Bring

Harvey Lake is in Northwood, roughly 20 minutes north of Concord. From Interstate 89, take Exit 15 and follow Route 4 north toward Northwood. The town boat launch is well-marked once you enter town. Bring a map or GPS coordinates (43.2636° N, 71.4747° W) to find it easily.

Pack sunscreen, water, and a hat — there's little shade on the water. If you're fishing from a boat, bring a life jacket and a basic first aid kit. A depth finder is not essential but makes finding deeper water easier, especially in summer. If you're new to the lake, arrive early and spend time exploring the shoreline to get a feel for the structure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Harvey Lake year-round?

Yes, the lake is open to public fishing all year. Winter fishing requires ice to be thick and safe — typically mid-December through early March, depending on weather. Check local conditions before heading out, and never fish alone on ice.

Do I need a boat to fish Harvey Lake?

No, but a boat gives you access to deeper water and more structure. Shore fishing is possible near the boat launch, though your options are limited. A canoe or kayak is a good middle ground and gives you mobility without the noise and fuel cost of a motorboat.

What's the best time of year to fish Harvey Lake?

Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) are most consistent. Water temperatures are moderate, fish are active, and the lake is less crowded than summer. Summer can be productive early and late in the day, but midday fishing is slower.

Are there largemouth and smallmouth both in Harvey Lake?

Yes, both species are present. Largemouth tend to favor the shallower, weedier south end, while smallmouth prefer the deeper, rockier north end. Techniques and lures work for both, so you may catch either species on the same outing.

What size fish can I keep?

Bass must be at least 12 inches long, with a daily limit of five per person. Panfish have no minimum size and a generous daily limit. Check the current New Hampshire Fish and Game regulations before you fish, as rules can change.