Second Connecticut Lake is a 2,000-acre impoundment on the New Hampshire–Quebec border that holds lake trout, landlocked salmon, and brook trout in cold, deep water

Second Connecticut Lake sits at the headwaters of the Connecticut River system, about 20 miles north of Pittsburg village. The lake is long and narrow, running roughly north to south, and reaches depths over 100 feet in places. The water stays cold year-round because of its elevation and the constant inflow from the Connecticut River's source streams, which makes it prime habitat for cold-water species that struggle in warmer lakes across the region.

The lake is remote and lightly fished compared to other New England impoundments. That remoteness is both the appeal and the challenge—you will have quiet water and fewer anglers, but you will also need to plan your trip carefully because services and access points are limited. The nearest town with fuel, food, and lodging is Pittsburg, and the drive from there to the lake takes 20 to 30 minutes depending on which access point you choose.

Key Takeaways

  • Second Connecticut Lake holds lake trout and landlocked salmon year-round, with spring and fall offering the most consistent fishing.
  • Public boat launch access is available at the dam area on the southern end, and a few informal access points exist along the eastern shore.
  • The lake is cold and deep, so fish suspend in the water column rather than hugging the shallows—trolling and deep jigging work better than shore casting.
  • You will need a New Hampshire fishing license, and the lake is open to fishing year-round, though ice-out typically occurs in late April or early May.
  • Bring extra fuel, food, and water because the nearest services are in Pittsburg, and cell service is spotty or absent on much of the lake.

Where to Launch and How to Access the Water

The main public boat launch is at the dam on the southern end of Second Connecticut Lake, accessible from Route 3 north of Pittsburg. The launch area has a gravel ramp, a small parking area, and a pit toilet. The ramp is usable spring through fall, though early spring and late fall require caution because water levels can fluctuate and the ramp may be slick. In winter, the lake freezes solid enough for ice fishing, but you will need to scout access routes yourself because the state does not maintain winter parking areas.

If you have a canoe or kayak, you can put in at several informal spots along the eastern shore, particularly near the inlet streams that feed the lake from the north. These access points are unmarked and require local knowledge or a good map to find. The western shore is largely private land, so stick to the eastern side and the dam area if you are unfamiliar with the lake.

The lake is about 7 miles long and 1 mile wide at its widest point, so a boat with a motor is practical if you want to cover water efficiently. Canoes and kayaks work well for exploring the northern arms and inlet areas, where brook trout often hold in shallower water near current.

What Fish Live Here and When They Bite Best

Lake trout are the primary target and the most abundant gamefish in Second Connecticut Lake. They spawn in fall (September through November) and feed heavily in spring (May through June) as the water warms from ice-out. Summer fishing is slower because the fish move deep to find cool water, typically 60 to 100 feet down. Fall fishing picks up again as water temperatures drop and lake trout move shallower to feed before spawning.

Landlocked salmon are present but less numerous than lake trout. They follow similar seasonal patterns—active in spring and fall, deep and sluggish in summer. Salmon tend to hold slightly shallower than lake trout and respond well to trolling with small spoons or live smelt.

Brook trout inhabit the inlet streams and the northern arms of the lake where current and cooler water concentrate them. Shore fishing and wading in these areas can be productive in spring and early summer, particularly in the hour or two after sunrise.

Winter ice fishing is possible once the lake freezes solid (usually by late December), and jigging for lake trout through the ice can be excellent in January and February. Check ice thickness before venturing out—at least 4 inches for walking, 8 inches for a snowmobile.

Tackle and Techniques That Work

Trolling is the most effective method for lake trout and salmon on Second Connecticut Lake. Use a small boat with a trolling motor or oars, and troll along the deeper channels and drop-offs with spoons (size 2 to 4), small plugs, or live smelt. Troll slowly—1 to 2 miles per hour—and vary your depth by adjusting how much line you let out or by using a downrigger if you have one.

Jigging works well when you locate a school of lake trout on a depth finder. Drop a 1/2- to 1-ounce jig tipped with a minnow or maggot to the bottom, then work it with short, sharp lifts. Lake trout often respond to a jigging motion better than a steady retrieve.

Shore fishing is limited but possible near the dam and along the inlet streams. Use small spinners or spoons and cast into deeper water. Early morning and dusk are your best windows, and you will catch more brook trout than lake trout from shore.

Fly fishing is underutilized on Second Connecticut Lake. A sinking line and small streamers (size 4 to 8) can take brook trout in the inlet areas and landlocked salmon in spring. The water is clear, so use light tippet and approach quietly.

Seasonal Patterns and Best Times to Fish

Spring (May through June) is the most reliable season. Water temperatures are rising, fish are feeding actively after winter, and the lake is accessible by boat. Expect to find lake trout in 20 to 40 feet of water, and salmon slightly shallower. Trolling is most productive.

Summer (July through August) is slower. Lake trout retreat to 80 to 120 feet of water to find cool temperatures. If you fish, focus on early morning and evening, and be prepared to fish deep. Inlet streams may hold brook trout in cooler water.

Fall (September through October) is excellent. Water temperatures drop, fish move shallower and feed heavily before spawning, and the weather is often clear and calm. This is the second-best season after spring.

Winter (November through March) offers ice fishing opportunities once the lake freezes. January and February are typically the most productive months. Jigging in 40 to 80 feet of water near the deeper channels produces lake trout consistently.

Regulations and Licensing Requirements

You will need a valid New Hampshire fishing license to fish Second Connecticut Lake. Licenses are available online through the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department website, at sporting goods stores in Pittsburg, or by phone. A three-day tourist license is available if you do not want a full-season license.

Lake trout and landlocked salmon have specific size and bag limits that change year to year. Check the current New Hampshire fishing digest before you go—the regulations are printed in the digest and also posted on the Fish and Game website. As of recent years, the lake trout minimum is typically 15 inches with a daily bag limit of 2 fish, but confirm this before you fish.

The lake is open year-round for fishing. No special permits are required for ice fishing, but you must follow the same licensing and bag limit rules as open-water fishing.

What to Bring and How to Prepare

Second Connecticut Lake is remote, so self-sufficiency is essential. Bring a full tank of fuel before you leave Pittsburg—there is no fuel available at the lake. Pack enough food and water for a full day, plus extra in case you stay longer or encounter delays. A map and compass or GPS unit are valuable because cell service is unreliable or absent on much of the lake.

Wear a personal flotation device (PFD) at all times on the water. The lake is cold year-round, and hypothermia is a real risk if you capsize. Bring a first aid kit, a flashlight or headlamp, and a whistle. If you are fishing alone, tell someone on shore where you are going and when you expect to return.

Dress in layers. Weather can change quickly, and the wind can pick up without warning. Bring rain gear and a warm jacket even in summer. In spring and fall, water temperatures are in the 40s and 50s, so dress as if you might end up in the water.

A depth finder is helpful for locating fish and understanding the lake's structure, but it is not essential. A good map of the lake (available from the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department) and a compass will get you around safely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Second Connecticut Lake in winter?

Yes. The lake freezes solid by late December, and ice fishing for lake trout is productive from January through early March. Check ice thickness before you go—at least 4 inches for walking, 8 inches for a snowmobile. Bring a hand auger, jigging rod, and warm clothing. The nearest services are still in Pittsburg, so plan accordingly.

What is the closest place to stay near Second Connecticut Lake?

Pittsburg is the nearest town, about 20 to 30 minutes south. It has a few motels, cabins, and bed-and-breakfasts. Some outfitters and sporting camps in the area also offer lodging and boat rentals. Book ahead, especially in spring and fall, because rooms fill quickly during peak fishing season.

Do I need a boat to fish Second Connecticut Lake?

A boat is helpful but not required. You can fish from shore near the dam and along the inlet streams, though you will catch fewer fish and have less access to the deeper water where lake trout hold. A canoe or kayak works for exploring the northern arms. A motorboat is most efficient for covering the lake and trolling.

What is the water temperature in Second Connecticut Lake?

Water temperatures vary by season and depth. In spring (May–June), surface water is 45 to 55 degrees. By mid-summer, the surface warms to 60 to 65 degrees, but deep water (below 60 feet) stays in the 40s. In fall, the entire lake cools to 50 to 55 degrees. Winter water under the ice is 32 to 39 degrees.

Are there outfitters or guides available for Second Connecticut Lake?

A few sporting camps and outfitters operate in the Pittsburg area and offer guided fishing trips, boat rentals, and lodging. Search online for "Pittsburg New Hampshire fishing guides" or contact the Pittsburg Chamber of Commerce for current options. Guides are especially useful if you are unfamiliar with the lake or want to learn where fish are holding.