What Scott Bog Offers and How to Fish It

Scott Bog is a small, shallow pond tucked into the woods north of Pittsburg, accessible only by foot or canoe. The water holds brook trout and some larger brown trout, and because it sits far enough from the road that most anglers never find it, you can have the place to yourself on weekdays. The pond runs maybe 15 to 20 acres, with a mix of open water and boggy shoreline—the kind of place where you'll see moose tracks in the mud and hear nothing but wind and birds.

The trout here are not huge, but they're willing. Brook trout run 8 to 12 inches on average, with occasional browns pushing 14 or 15 inches. The shallow water means you can sight-fish on calm mornings, watching for rises and cruising fish. Fly fishing works best, especially small dries in summer and nymphs in spring and fall. Spin anglers do fine with small spoons or inline spinners cast toward the deeper channels and drop-offs.

Key Takeaways

  • Scott Bog requires a hike or canoe paddle to reach, which keeps crowds away and makes weekday fishing genuinely quiet.
  • Brook trout dominate the catch, with occasional brown trout in the 12- to 15-inch range, and the shallow water makes sight-fishing possible on clear mornings.
  • Fly fishing with small dries and nymphs works best, though spin anglers using small spoons catch fish consistently.
  • The pond sits in remote country where moose are common, so make noise while hiking and be aware of your surroundings.
  • No services exist nearby—bring everything you need, including water, food, and a headlamp if you plan to fish into dusk.

Getting There and What to Bring

The most common approach is from the Moose Brook Road area, north of Pittsburg village. You'll park at a small pullout and hike roughly 2 to 3 miles through mixed forest and boggy terrain to reach the pond. The trail is not marked, so a map and compass or GPS unit are essential. The ground can be wet even in summer, so wear boots that shed water and bring extra socks.

If you have a canoe or kayak, you can paddle in from the Moose River system, though this route requires local knowledge of the connecting waterways and is best done with someone who knows the area. Either way, plan for a full day—the hike alone takes an hour or more each way, and you'll want time to fish without rushing back in fading light.

Bring more water than you think you'll need, a packed lunch, and a basic first aid kit. The nearest town is Pittsburg, which has a general store and a couple of restaurants, but nothing exists at the pond itself. A headlamp is worth carrying even if you plan to leave before dark—the forest is thick and the trail can be hard to follow on the way out.

Seasonal Patterns and Best Times

Spring (May through early June) brings the most active fishing. Snowmelt keeps the water cool and the trout feeding hard. Nymphs and small wet flies work best in the first few weeks after ice-out. By late May, small dry flies start producing, especially in the hour after sunrise and before sunset.

Summer (June through August) slows the bite during midday, but early morning and evening can be excellent. The water warms and trout move to deeper channels and the shadiest shoreline. Fish small dries at dawn, then switch to nymphs or small streamers as the sun climbs. Afternoons are slow; use the time to explore new sections of shoreline or rest and eat.

Fall (September through October) is underrated. Water temperatures drop back into the trout's comfort zone, and the fish feed actively again. Terrestrial patterns—small ants and beetles—work well in September. By October, nymphs and small streamers produce the most consistent results. The bug pressure is nearly zero and the foliage is worth the hike alone.

Tackle and Fly Recommendations

A 5- or 6-weight fly rod is ideal for Scott Bog. The water is shallow enough that you don't need distance, and a lighter rod lets you cast small flies with precision. A floating line covers most situations. Bring a sinking tip or intermediate line if you want to explore the deeper channels, but you'll spend most of your time in water you can see the bottom of.

For dry flies, carry small patterns in sizes 16 to 20: Adams, Elk Hair Caddis, and Parachute Hatch are reliable. Bring a few terrestrials too—small black ants and beetles in sizes 18 to 22. For nymphs, Pheasant Tail, Hare's Ear, and small Copper Johns in sizes 14 to 18 work consistently. A small black or olive streamer (size 10 to 12) can produce larger trout, especially in low-light conditions.

Spin anglers should pack a small box with inline spinners in sizes 1 and 2—silver and gold finishes work best. A few small spoons (1/4 to 1/2 ounce) in similar colors round out the kit. Cast toward structure, let the lure sink slightly, and retrieve with a steady pace or occasional twitches.

Wildlife and Safety Considerations

Moose are common in this part of the North Country, and Scott Bog sits in good moose habitat. Make noise while hiking—talk or use a whistle every few minutes. If you see a moose, give it space and back away slowly. Moose are generally not aggressive unless they have a calf nearby or feel cornered, but they're unpredictable and weigh 800 to 1,200 pounds.

Black bears are present but rarely seen. Store food in a bear bag hung from a tree branch, or keep it in your pack and never leave it unattended. Don't approach any wildlife you encounter, and report any aggressive behavior to the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department.

The terrain is boggy and the forest is dense. Bring a map and compass or a GPS unit with fresh batteries. Cell service is nonexistent. Tell someone where you're going and when you expect to return. If you get turned around, stay calm, use your map and compass, and work your way back to higher ground where you can orient yourself.

Regulations and Permits

Scott Bog is open to public fishing under New Hampshire regulations. You need a valid New Hampshire fishing license, which you can obtain online through the Fish and Game Department website or at any authorized vendor in Pittsburg. Licenses are available for one day, seven days, or a full year, depending on your needs.

The pond has no special restrictions beyond the statewide rules: a two-trout daily limit, minimum size of 7 inches for brook trout and 12 inches for brown trout. Fly fishing only is not required, so spin anglers and bait fishers are welcome. Check the current New Hampshire fishing digest before you go—regulations can change, and it's your responsibility to know what's in effect.

Nearby Water and Alternatives

If Scott Bog is too remote or you want options, several other ponds and streams sit within a reasonable drive of Pittsburg. The Moose River itself holds brook trout and is more accessible than Scott Bog. First Connecticut Lake, the largest of the Connecticut Lakes chain, offers brook and lake trout and is only a few miles south. Both are easier to reach and offer more developed access points.

If you're willing to explore, the smaller ponds scattered through the North Country—Averill Pond, Island Pond, and others—offer similar fishing with varying degrees of difficulty. Local knowledge helps, so ask at the general store in Pittsburg or at a nearby lodge. Guides who know the area can point you toward water that matches your skill level and how much effort you want to invest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Scott Bog in winter?

Yes, but ice fishing requires different gear and knowledge. The pond freezes solid by December, and access becomes easier in some ways (you can walk across the ice) and harder in others (you need an auger, a shelter, and experience with winter conditions). Winter fishing is best done with someone who knows the pond and the season.

Do I need a guide to find Scott Bog?

No, but a map and compass or GPS unit are essential. The trail is not marked and the terrain is confusing. If you're uncomfortable navigating by map, hiring a local guide is worth the cost. Several outfitters in the Pittsburg area offer guided trips to remote ponds.

What's the best time of year to go?

Late May through June and September through October offer the most consistent fishing and the most pleasant weather. Summer can be slow during the day, and fall brings fewer bugs and cooler temperatures. Spring requires dealing with mud and wet conditions, but the fishing is often excellent.

Can I canoe in and camp overnight?

Camping at Scott Bog itself is not permitted, but you can camp at nearby state or private campgrounds and day-fish the pond. If you want to paddle in, confirm the canoe route with a local outfitter first—the waterway connections are not obvious and getting lost is easy.

What if I catch nothing?

Scott Bog is not a may provide fishery. Some days the trout bite hard; other days they ignore everything. The real value is the quiet, the solitude, and the chance to fish water that few anglers ever see. If you're looking for a high catch rate, the Connecticut Lakes or more developed ponds are better bets.