What You'll Find at Pleasant Lake

Pleasant Lake is a 95-acre pond in Northwood that holds smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and chain pickerel. The lake sits in a residential area but stays relatively quiet because it's shallow—most of it runs 8 to 12 feet deep—and the shoreline is lined with homes rather than public recreation facilities. That means fewer boats and fewer people, which makes it a solid choice if you want to fish early morning or evening without the noise of a busy public launch.

The water is clear enough to sight-fish in summer if you're looking for bass in the shallows. Weed growth picks up as the season moves into July and August, which concentrates the fish but also makes casting around structure important. Spring and fall are the most reliable times—the water temperature stays in the range where bass feed actively, and you don't have to pick through as much vegetation.

Key Takeaways

  • Pleasant Lake has a public boat launch on the north shore accessible from Northwood Road, with parking for a handful of vehicles.
  • Smallmouth bass are the primary target, with largemouth bass and chain pickerel also present in the shallower areas and weed beds.
  • The lake averages 8 to 12 feet deep, so structure like drop-offs, weed lines, and the few rocky points hold fish predictably.
  • Early morning and evening produce better than midday, especially in summer when the shallow water warms quickly.

Access and the Public Launch

The public boat launch is on the north shore, accessed from Northwood Road near the town center. It's a single-lane concrete ramp with a small gravel lot—room for maybe four or five vehicles. There's no fee, and the ramp is maintained by the town. The launch is shallow enough that you can back a trailer in easily, but the lot fills up on weekends, so arriving early matters if you're going on a Saturday or Sunday.

If you have a kayak or canoe, you can launch from the same spot without a vehicle fee. The shoreline is mostly private residential property, so respect posted signs and stay off lawns. A few pull-offs exist along Northwood Road on the west side of the lake, but they're tight and not ideal for parking.

Smallmouth Bass Patterns Through the Year

Spring (April through May) brings smallmouth into the shallows as water temperatures climb from the 40s into the 50s and 60s. Fish move toward the north and east shores where the sun warms the water first. Jigs and soft plastics work well in 4 to 8 feet of water near any rocky bottom or weed edge. The bite is often best in the hour after sunrise.

Summer (June through August) pushes smallmouth deeper during the day—look for them along the weed lines and drop-offs in 10 to 15 feet. Early morning and late evening, they move back into 6 to 10 feet to feed. Largemouth bass stay shallower and tighter to the weeds. If you're fishing midday, focus on deeper structure and shade. Topwater lures work at dawn and dusk.

Fall (September through October) is when the lake fishes best. Water cools, smallmouth become active throughout the day, and they roam more than they do in summer. Crankbaits and jigs produce consistently. The weed die-off also opens up water that was choked in August, giving you more room to cast.

Structure and Where Fish Hold

Pleasant Lake's shallow profile means structure is everything. The north shore has a few rocky points and a gradual drop-off into slightly deeper water—this is a reliable smallmouth zone in spring and fall. The east shore has more weed growth and holds largemouth and pickerel. The south shore is mostly residential with less defined structure, but the transition zone where the lake deepens slightly can hold fish in summer.

Weed beds are the most obvious feature in summer. They grow thick by mid-July and create natural highways for bass moving between shallow feeding areas and deeper water. Fish the edges with soft plastics or small crankbaits. If you see a gap or opening in the weeds, cast into it—bass often sit in those pockets waiting for baitfish.

Tackle and Techniques That Work

Smallmouth on Pleasant Lake respond well to jigs (1/4 to 3/8 ounce) tipped with crawfish or small soft plastics. Work them slowly along the bottom and around any visible structure. Crankbaits in the 2 to 4 inch range cover water quickly and are effective in fall when fish are roaming. Soft plastic worms and tubes in natural colors—brown, green, black—work year-round.

Topwater lures produce in early morning and at dusk, especially in summer. Poppers and small walking baits draw strikes from aggressive fish in shallow water. For largemouth and pickerel, slightly heavier lures and faster retrieves work better than the finesse approach smallmouth prefer. Live shiners or shad work if you want to target bigger fish, though they're not necessary.

When to Fish and What to Expect

Spring and fall are the most consistent seasons. Water temperatures stay in the 50s to 65-degree range, and fish feed throughout the day. Summer requires patience—the bite is good early and late, but midday can be slow. Winter fishing is possible but requires ice safety knowledge and checking conditions with local anglers before heading out.

Pleasant Lake is not a trophy fishery. You'll catch plenty of 10 to 14 inch smallmouth and some largemouth in the 12 to 16 inch range. Chain pickerel run smaller, usually 12 to 18 inches. The value of the lake is the quiet water, easy access, and consistent action rather than the size of individual fish.

Regulations and What to Bring

New Hampshire requires a fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase a short-term license online through the New Hampshire Fish and Game website or at local bait shops in Northwood and nearby towns. Bass have a 12-inch minimum length and a 5-fish daily limit. Chain pickerel have no minimum size and no daily limit.

Bring sunscreen, a hat, and water—the lake has no shade on the water itself. A depth finder helps locate structure in the deeper areas, though you can fish effectively without one by reading the shoreline and working the obvious weed lines. A net makes landing fish easier, especially if you're fishing from a kayak.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish from shore at Pleasant Lake?

Most of the shoreline is private residential property, so shore fishing is limited. Your best option is to launch a boat or kayak from the public ramp. A few small pull-offs exist along Northwood Road, but they don't provide good casting access.

What's the best time of day to fish here?

Early morning (sunrise to mid-morning) and evening (two hours before sunset through dusk) are most productive. Summer midday fishing is slow because the shallow water warms quickly and fish move deeper. Spring and fall fish throughout the day.

Do I need a boat to fish Pleasant Lake?

A boat or kayak gives you the most water access, but you can fish from the launch area itself if you don't want to leave the ramp. A kayak is a good option if you want to explore quietly without the cost and maintenance of a motorboat.

What size fish should I expect to catch?

Smallmouth typically run 10 to 14 inches, with occasional fish to 16 inches. Largemouth are similar. Chain pickerel are usually 12 to 18 inches. This is a numbers lake rather than a trophy lake.

Is the launch open year-round?

The launch is maintained year-round, but winter access depends on ice conditions and town maintenance. Call the Northwood town office or check with local bait shops before heading out in winter.