What You'll Find at Melville Ponds

Melville Ponds sits in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, a short drive from downtown—close enough to fish on a weekday evening but far enough to feel removed from the city. The ponds hold largemouth bass, chain pickerel, and sunfish in water that stays relatively clear through most of the year. The setting is residential and wooded, with limited development around the shoreline, which keeps the fishery quieter than some of the more popular spots in the Portsmouth area.

The ponds are best known for bass fishing in spring and early fall, when the water temperature sits in the range where largemouths feed actively. Summer can be productive too, especially early and late in the day when the sun is low. Winter fishing is possible but less common—the ponds do freeze, and ice conditions vary year to year.

Access is limited but workable. There is a small public boat launch on the north end, though the ramp is narrow and best suited to kayaks, canoes, and small johnboats rather than larger trailers. Shore fishing is possible in a few spots, though much of the perimeter is private property, so knowing where you can legally stand matters before you go.

Key Takeaways

  • Melville Ponds holds largemouth bass, chain pickerel, and sunfish in relatively clear water that fishes well in spring and fall.
  • The public boat launch on the north end is small and best for kayaks, canoes, and small boats rather than large trailers.
  • Much of the shoreline is private property, so confirm access before fishing from shore.
  • Early morning and late evening produce better results than midday, especially in summer.
  • The ponds are close to Portsmouth but quiet enough to avoid the crowds at more popular regional spots.

How to Reach the Boat Launch

The public access point is on Melville Avenue on the north side of the ponds. From downtown Portsmouth, take Maplewood Avenue north and follow it as it becomes Melville Avenue; the launch is marked but easy to miss if you're not looking for it. Parking is limited—there are a few spaces near the ramp, but on weekends they fill quickly.

The launch itself is a concrete ramp that slopes into the water. It works fine for kayaks and canoes, and small aluminum boats can use it without trouble. If you're towing a larger boat, scout the spot first—the parking area is tight, and backing a trailer down a narrow ramp in front of other anglers is frustrating for everyone involved.

There is no facility building, no restrooms, and no bait shop at the launch. Bring what you need before you arrive. The launch is open year-round, though winter access depends on snow and ice conditions.

Bass Fishing Patterns Through the Year

Spring (April through May) is the most reliable time to fish Melville Ponds for largemouths. As the water warms from the 40s into the 50s and 60s, bass move from deep water into the shallows to feed and spawn. Focus on the coves on the west and south sides of the ponds, where the water warms first. Soft plastics—tubes, crawfish imitations, and small swimbaits—work better than hard baits in the clear water. Fish early in the morning and again in the evening; midday can be slow even in spring.

Summer (June through August) slows the bite during the heat of the day but picks up again at dawn and dusk. Bass retreat to deeper water and shade during the afternoon. If you fish midday, target the deepest holes you can find and work them slowly. Early morning and late evening are worth the effort—the bite can be fast in the first hour after sunrise and the last hour before dark.

Fall (September through October) is nearly as good as spring. As water temperature drops back into the 60s and 50s, bass move back into the shallows to feed heavily before winter. The same coves that worked in spring produce again. The water is often clearer in fall than in spring, so lighter line and smaller lures help.

Winter fishing is possible but uncommon. If the ice is thick and safe, some anglers fish through holes, but the ponds are not known as a winter destination. Check with local tackle shops about current ice conditions before you go.

Shore Fishing and Access Considerations

Shore fishing at Melville Ponds is limited by private property. The north end near the launch has a small area where you can fish, but it fills up quickly on weekends. The east and south sides are mostly private residential property with no public access. The west side has a few spots where you can legally fish, but they are not marked, and it is easy to wander onto private land by mistake.

Before you fish from shore, confirm the access situation with the Portsmouth Parks and Recreation Department or a local tackle shop. Property lines change, and what was open last year may not be this year. A few minutes on the phone saves the awkwardness of being asked to leave.

If you do fish from shore, focus on the coves and points where structure is visible—fallen trees, rock outcrops, and weed beds hold bass. Early morning and evening are best, and the same lures that work from a boat work from shore.

What Tackle and Lures Work Best

The water at Melville Ponds is clear enough that bass can see your lure from a distance, so match the hatch and use natural colors. Soft plastics in green, brown, and black work well. Tubes rigged on a light jighead are effective year-round. Crawfish imitations in brown and orange produce in spring and fall. Small swimbaits (2 to 3 inches) work in all seasons.

Hard baits have their place too. Small crankbaits that dive to 4 to 8 feet work well in spring and fall when bass are in the shallows. Topwater lures in early morning can produce explosive strikes, especially in summer when the water is calm.

Use 6- to 8-pound monofilament or fluorocarbon for most situations. The clear water means bass can see heavier line, so lighter is better if you can manage it. A 6-foot to 6.5-foot spinning rod is ideal for casting small lures and working cover without getting tangled.

Pickerel and Sunfish Fishing

Chain pickerel are present in Melville Ponds and can reach 18 to 24 inches. They are aggressive and will hit the same lures as bass—small swimbaits, spoons, and spinners. Pickerel are less picky about color than bass, so brighter lures often work. They are also less affected by time of day, so you can catch them in the middle of the afternoon when bass are sluggish.

Sunfish (bluegill, pumpkinseed, and crappie) are abundant and provide good action on light tackle. They are fun to catch and good to eat if you want to keep a few. Use small jigs, inline spinners, or live crickets and worms. Sunfish bite all day long and are a good option if the bass bite is slow.

Nearby Alternatives If Melville Ponds Is Crowded

If the launch is full or the fishing is slow, several other freshwater options are within 15 minutes of Portsmouth. Great Bay, to the north, is larger and holds striped bass and largemouths but requires a bigger boat and more experience navigating tidal currents. Pawtuckaway Lake, about 20 minutes inland, is a good alternative for bass and pickerel with more public access and a larger launch facility.

Lamprey River, which flows through Durham just south of Portsmouth, holds smallmouth bass and is fishable from shore in many spots. It is tidal near the mouth but freshwater upstream, and the scenery is better than the ponds if you are willing to walk a bit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a New Hampshire fishing license to fish Melville Ponds?

Yes. New Hampshire requires a fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase a license online through the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department website, at most tackle shops in Portsmouth, or at the Fish and Game office. A one-day license costs less than a full-season license if you only plan to fish once or twice.

Can I launch a kayak or canoe at Melville Ponds?

Yes. The public launch is designed for small boats, kayaks, and canoes. There is no launch fee. Parking is limited, so arrive early on weekends. The launch is open year-round, but winter access depends on snow and ice conditions.

What is the best time of day to fish Melville Ponds?

Early morning (sunrise to two hours after) and late evening (two hours before sunset to dark) are most productive. Bass feed actively during these times, especially in spring, summer, and fall. Midday can be slow, particularly in summer when the sun is high and the water is warm.

Are there any size or catch limits at Melville Ponds?

New Hampshire has statewide regulations for largemouth bass, chain pickerel, and sunfish. Check the current New Hampshire Fish and Game regulations before you fish—limits and minimum sizes can change year to year. A quick call to a local tackle shop will confirm what is legal this season.

Can I fish Melville Ponds in winter?

Ice fishing is possible when the ice is thick and safe, but Melville Ponds is not known as a winter destination. Check current ice conditions with the Portsmouth Parks and Recreation Department or a local tackle shop before you go. Never fish alone on ice, and always wear a life jacket or flotation device.