What You'll Find at First Connecticut Lake

First Connecticut Lake is a 6,800-acre impoundment in the far north of New Hampshire, just south of the Canadian border in Pittsburg. It holds landlocked Atlantic salmon and brook trout in cold, deep water that stays productive year-round. The lake sits at 1,640 feet elevation and rarely warms above 65 degrees even in summer, which keeps the fish active and the fishing consistent from ice-out through November.

The lake is long and narrow, running roughly north-south for about 10 miles. The Connecticut River feeds it from the north and flows out the south end. Most of the shoreline is wooded and undeveloped, with a few camps and the town of Pittsburg at the southern end. Access is straightforward—you can launch at the public boat ramp on the south end near Route 3, or fish from shore in several spots along the road.

Key Takeaways

  • First Connecticut Lake holds landlocked salmon and brook trout in water cold enough to fish productively all season, with the best fishing in spring and fall.
  • The public boat ramp on the south end near Route 3 is the main access point, and shore fishing is possible from several roadside spots.
  • Trolling with small spoons and streamers works year-round; spring and fall also produce on live shiners and small baitfish.
  • A New Hampshire fishing license is required, and the lake follows statewide regulations with a two-fish daily limit on salmon.
  • Winter ice fishing for salmon and brook trout is popular once the lake freezes solid, usually by late December.

Spring Fishing: Ice-Out Through June

Spring is the most reliable season on First Connecticut Lake. Ice typically goes out in late April or early May, and the salmon and brook trout move into shallow water to feed. The first two weeks after ice-out are often the most productive—fish are hungry and concentrated near the inlet where the Connecticut River enters from the north.

Trolling small spoons (size 1 to 3) in silver, gold, and white works well during this period. Work the deeper edges of the shallows and the channel where the river current meets the lake. If you have a boat, troll slowly along the north end and work your way south. Shore anglers should focus on the inlet area and the south end near the boat ramp, casting spoons and small streamers into deeper water.

By late May and into June, the fish move deeper as the water warms. Switch to trolling at 40 to 60 feet and use live shiners if you can get them—the bait shops in Pittsburg usually have them in spring. The fishing slows compared to April and May, but consistent catches are still possible if you stay deep and troll slowly.

Summer: Deep Water and Early Morning

Summer fishing on First Connecticut Lake requires patience and the right timing. The lake is deep—over 200 feet in places—and the salmon and trout retreat to cooler water below the thermocline, usually 50 to 80 feet down. Daytime fishing is slow, but early morning and late evening can produce.

Fish the first two hours after sunrise and the last hour before dark. Troll small spoons and streamers at 60 to 80 feet, or use live shiners if available. The north end of the lake tends to stay cooler and hold more fish than the south end. If you're fishing from shore, focus on early morning and dusk from the boat ramp or any accessible point on the eastern shore.

Many anglers skip the heat of summer and return in September. If you do fish summer, bring a depth finder—it's nearly essential for locating the thermocline and the fish below it.

Fall: The Best Season

September through October is when First Connecticut Lake fishes best. The water cools, the fish move back into shallower water, and they feed aggressively in preparation for winter. The first two weeks of September often rival spring for consistency.

Trolling works well, but so does casting. If you have a boat, troll the shallows and the channel where the river enters. Shore anglers can cast spoons and streamers from the boat ramp and the inlet area and often do as well as boaters. Live shiners are effective if you can find them, but spoons and streamers alone will catch fish.

By late October, the water is cold and the fishing remains good but requires slower presentations. The season stays open through November 30, and fishing can be productive right up to freeze-up, though the weather becomes unpredictable.

Winter Ice Fishing

Once the lake freezes solid—usually by late December—ice fishing for salmon and brook trout becomes popular. The fishing can be excellent, especially in January and February. Drill holes in 30 to 60 feet of water and fish with small jigging spoons, live shiners, or small minnows.

The inlet area and the deeper channel are productive spots. Many anglers fish multiple holes and wait for activity. Bring a shelter—the wind can be severe, and the temperature regularly drops below zero. Check ice thickness before you go out; at least 4 inches is the minimum, and 6 inches is safer.

Ice-out is typically late April, so the season is long. The fishing is often best in early winter before the fish settle into their deepest winter haunts.

Access and Practical Details

The public boat ramp is located on the south end of the lake, just off Route 3 near the town of Pittsburg. There is parking and a concrete ramp suitable for small to medium boats. The ramp is maintained year-round, though winter access depends on snow removal.

Shore fishing is possible from several spots along Route 3 on the eastern shore, and from the inlet area on the north end if you have access to private land or can park safely. The western shore is largely private. Always ask permission before crossing private property.

Bait and tackle shops in Pittsburg carry spoons, streamers, and sometimes live shiners. Gas and supplies are available in town. The nearest lodging is in Pittsburg, about 5 miles south of the lake.

Regulations and Licensing

You need a New Hampshire fishing license to fish First Connecticut Lake. Licenses are available online through the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department website, at sporting goods stores, and at town offices. A three-day license is available if you don't want to buy an annual license.

The lake follows statewide regulations: a two-fish daily limit on landlocked salmon and a five-fish daily limit on brook trout. Minimum size for salmon is 15 inches; for brook trout, 8 inches. Check the current regulations before you fish—they can change year to year.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between fishing here in spring versus fall?

Spring (late April through May) has the most aggressive feeding and the easiest fishing, especially the first two weeks after ice-out. Fall (September through October) is nearly as good and often less crowded. Summer is slowest because the fish go deep; winter ice fishing is excellent but requires different gear and conditions.

Do I need a boat to fish First Connecticut Lake?

No. Shore fishing from the boat ramp and the inlet area can be productive, especially in spring and fall. You'll catch fewer fish than a boater in summer, but spring and fall shore fishing is often as good as or better than boat fishing.

What size spoons and streamers work best?

Small spoons (size 1 to 3) in silver, gold, and white are reliable. For streamers, use patterns 2 to 4 inches long in white, black, or olive. Experiment with speed and depth—slow trolling in spring and fast trolling in fall often produce differently on the same day.

Can I fish here in winter if I've never ice fished before?

Yes, but bring someone with experience or hire a local guide for your first trip. Ice fishing requires different techniques and safety precautions. Check ice thickness, bring a shelter, and never fish alone. The reward is excellent fishing in a beautiful, remote setting.

How far is First Connecticut Lake from other fishing in the area?

Second Connecticut Lake is about 10 miles north; Third Connecticut Lake is another 10 miles beyond that. All three are within an hour's drive and hold similar fish. Many anglers fish multiple lakes during a trip to the region.