What You'll Find at Lake Francis

Lake Francis is a 2,700-acre impoundment in the far north of New Hampshire's Connecticut River valley, near the Canadian border in Pittsburg. The lake holds northern pike, yellow perch, and brook trout, with pike and perch being the primary draw for most anglers. The water is cold and deep — depths exceed 100 feet in places — which keeps the lake productive even in summer when shallower New England waters warm up. Access is straightforward: a public boat launch sits on the western shore, and the lake is open year-round, though winter ice fishing is the dominant season for locals.

The lake's remote location means fewer crowds than southern New Hampshire waters, but it also means a longer drive and fewer services nearby. Pittsburg is a small town with limited lodging and no tackle shops, so plan to bring what you need or stock up in Colebrook, about 30 miles south. Cell service is spotty, and the nearest hospital is in Lancaster, roughly 90 minutes away. For anglers willing to make the trip, the trade-off is solitude and consistent fishing pressure that stays low year-round.

Key Takeaways

  • Lake Francis holds northern pike, yellow perch, and brook trout, with pike and perch most abundant and pike offering the largest fish.
  • The public boat launch is on the western shore near Pittsburg; launching fees and parking are minimal, but services in town are limited.
  • Summer fishing is productive because the lake's depth keeps water cool; pike suspend in deeper water during midday and move to shallower structure at dawn and dusk.
  • Winter ice fishing for perch and pike is popular and often more reliable than open-water seasons, with ice typically solid by late November.
  • New Hampshire fishing licenses are required; non-resident licenses are available for one day, three days, or the full year.

Pike and Perch: The Main Species

Northern pike in Lake Francis run from 18 to 28 inches on average, with occasional fish pushing into the low 30s. They respond well to live baitfish — shiners and smelt work best — and to large spinnerbaits and crankbaits that mimic the lake's natural forage. Pike are most active in spring (April through May) and fall (September through October), when water temperatures sit in the 50s and 60s. Summer pike are present but deeper; focus on structure like submerged timber, rocky points, and the deeper edges of weed beds.

Yellow perch are abundant and smaller — most run 8 to 11 inches — but they school heavily and bite consistently. Perch respond to small jigs tipped with live minnows or maggots, and they hold in deeper water during the day, moving shallower at dawn and dusk. Winter ice fishing for perch is extremely popular on Lake Francis; anglers set up over 30 to 50 feet of water and catch limits regularly. Brook trout are present but less common than pike and perch; they prefer cooler, deeper water and are most reliable in spring and fall.

Seasons and Water Conditions

Spring (April through May) is the most productive open-water season. Water temperatures climb from the low 40s to the mid-50s, pike move into shallower bays to spawn, and perch become aggressive. The lake can be windy, and ice-out typically occurs in late April, so check conditions before launching. Bring layers — mornings are cold, and the water is still dangerous.

Summer (June through August) is slower for pike but steady for perch. Pike move deep during midday heat; fish early morning and late evening in shallower areas, or target deeper structure (40 to 80 feet) during the day. Perch remain active throughout the day if you find the right depth. Algae blooms can occur in late summer, particularly in the northern arms of the lake, which can reduce visibility and oxygen in shallow water.

Fall (September through October) rivals spring for productivity. Water cools, pike return to shallower hunting grounds, and perch feed aggressively before winter. October is often the best month for large pike. By November, ice begins to form, and by late November or early December, the lake is typically solid enough for ice fishing.

Winter (December through March) is the peak season for many locals. Ice fishing for perch is reliable and social; anglers gather in clusters on the ice, drill holes, and fish small jigs. Pike fishing through the ice is slower but possible. Check ice thickness before venturing out — 4 inches is the minimum for walking, 5 to 6 inches for snowmobiles. The lake can remain frozen into early April in heavy snow years.

Access, Launch, and Facilities

The public boat launch is located on the western shore of Lake Francis, accessible via Route 3 in Pittsburg. The launch is maintained by the state and includes a paved ramp, parking for trailers, and a small dock area. There is no launch fee, though parking is limited — arrive early on weekends. The launch is open year-round, though winter access depends on road conditions and parking lot maintenance.

Pittsburg has a general store and a few small restaurants, but no tackle shop or dedicated fishing services. Colebrook, 30 miles south, has a Walmart and a few local shops where you can buy basic supplies. For serious tackle needs, plan to stock up before you arrive or order online. Lodging in Pittsburg is limited to a handful of small motels and vacation rentals; book ahead, especially in fall and winter.

Regulations and Licensing

New Hampshire requires a fishing license for anyone 16 and older. Non-resident licenses are available for one day, three days, or the full year; prices vary but one-day licenses are typically under $30. Licenses can be purchased online through the New Hampshire Fish and Game website or at the launch area if an agent is present.

Lake Francis has no special restrictions beyond state-wide rules. Pike have a 15-inch minimum length and a 5-fish daily limit. Perch have a 7-inch minimum and a 30-fish daily limit. Brook trout have a 7-inch minimum and a 5-fish daily limit. Catch-and-release is always an option, and many anglers practice it for pike to maintain the population. Check the current New Hampshire fishing digest before you go, as regulations can change year to year.

Gear and Tackle Recommendations

For pike, bring a medium to medium-heavy spinning rod (6 to 7 feet) with 10 to 15-pound braided line or monofilament. Pike have sharp teeth, so use a wire or heavy fluorocarbon leader. Large spinnerbaits (3/8 to 1/2 ounce), crankbaits (2 to 4 inches), and live shiners or smelt are your best bets. Bring a net or a gaff if you plan to land large fish; pike can be aggressive when hooked.

For perch, a light spinning rod (5 to 6 feet) with 4 to 6-pound line is ideal. Small jigs (1/16 to 1/8 ounce) tipped with live minnows or maggots are standard. For ice fishing, a short ice rod (24 to 28 inches) with a small reel and 2 to 4-pound line works well. Bring an ice auger (hand-crank or powered), a skimmer to clear slush, and a shelter if you plan to spend more than an hour on the ice.

Regardless of season, bring a depth finder if you have one — Lake Francis is deep and structure-rich, and knowing where the fish are holding saves time. A good map of the lake (available from New Hampshire Fish and Game) shows depth contours and helps you locate productive areas.

Getting There and Planning Your Trip

Lake Francis is located in Pittsburg, New Hampshire, near the Canadian border. From Concord, the drive is roughly 2.5 to 3 hours north on I-89 and Route 3. From the south, take I-89 to Route 2 east, then Route 3 north. The road is well-maintained but remote; cell service is unreliable, so download maps and directions before you leave.

Plan to spend at least a full day on the water to make the drive worthwhile. Spring and fall are the best times to visit if you want open-water fishing; winter is best if you want ice fishing and don't mind cold weather. Summer is viable but requires patience and a willingness to fish early and late in the day. Bring more supplies than you think you'll need — the nearest tackle shop is far away, and running out of bait or line is frustrating when you're two hours from town.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to fish Lake Francis?

Spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) are most productive for pike and perch in open water. Winter ice fishing for perch is extremely reliable and popular. Summer is slower for pike but steady for perch if you fish early and late in the day.

Do I need a boat to fish Lake Francis?

A boat is not required but is helpful. Shore fishing is possible along the western shore near the launch, but the lake is large and deep, and a boat lets you reach productive structure and deeper water where pike and perch hold during midday.

Is Lake Francis safe for ice fishing?

Yes, if you check ice thickness before going out. Ice is typically solid by late November and remains safe through March. Always verify thickness locally before venturing onto the ice, and never fish alone. The lake can have thin spots near inlets and outlets.

Can I keep fish I catch at Lake Francis?

Yes. Pike have a 15-inch minimum and 5-fish daily limit; perch have a 7-inch minimum and 30-fish daily limit; brook trout have a 7-inch minimum and 5-fish daily limit. Many anglers practice catch-and-release for pike to preserve the fishery.

Where can I buy tackle and supplies in Pittsburg?

Pittsburg has a general store but no dedicated tackle shop. Colebrook, 30 miles south, has a Walmart and local shops. Plan to bring what you need or order supplies online before your trip.