Lees Pond Overview

Lees Pond is a small, shallow freshwater pond in Deerfield, New Hampshire, roughly 30 miles north of Manchester. It holds largemouth bass, pickerel, and panfish — bluegill, sunfish, and crappie — making it a straightforward destination for anglers targeting warm-water species in spring through fall. The pond covers about 40 acres and sits in a residential area, so access is limited to a public boat launch and shore fishing from designated spots.

The water is stained to murky depending on season and recent rainfall, which means fish rely more on vibration and smell than sight. This works in your favor if you fish early morning or late evening with darker lures, or if you use live bait. The pond is shallow enough that you can wade in many spots, but a small boat or kayak gives you better access to deeper channels where bass hold during midday heat.

Lees Pond draws local anglers and families rather than traveling fishermen, so it rarely feels crowded. That also means fewer reports online about current conditions — you will need to check with the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department or call the Deerfield town office for recent water levels and any temporary closures.

Key Takeaways

  • Lees Pond holds largemouth bass, pickerel, and panfish in shallow, stained water best fished from spring through fall.
  • Public access is limited to a boat launch on the south side and designated shore-fishing areas; no private property access is permitted.
  • A New Hampshire fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older, and there are no special pond-specific permits or fees beyond the standard license.
  • Early morning and evening produce better results than midday, especially in summer when fish move to deeper water and shade.
  • The pond is shallow and stained, so darker lures, live bait, and slow retrieves work better than bright, fast presentations.

Access and Parking

The public boat launch is located on the south shore of Lees Pond, accessible from Nottingham Road in Deerfield. There is a small parking area at the launch — typically 6 to 8 spaces — so arrive early if you plan to launch a boat on weekends. The launch is a concrete ramp suitable for small boats, kayaks, and canoes; jet skis are not permitted on the pond.

Shore fishing is allowed at designated areas around the pond, but you cannot fish from private residential property. The town maintains a small public access area near the launch, and there are a few other spots along the eastern shore where you can fish from the bank. Check with the Deerfield town office or the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department website before your trip to confirm which areas are currently open to the public.

There is no day-use fee to launch or fish at Lees Pond. The parking area is maintained by the town and is free. If the lot is full, do not park along Nottingham Road — local enforcement is active, and you risk a ticket.

Seasons and Best Times to Fish

Lees Pond is fishable year-round, but most anglers focus on spring through fall. Spring (April through May) brings largemouth bass out of deeper water as they move to shallower areas to spawn. Water temperatures rise from the low 50s to the mid-60s, and fish are aggressive. Pickerel and panfish are also active. Early morning and late evening are most productive, but midday can work if you fish deeper channels or shaded areas.

Summer (June through August) is the busiest season for recreational fishing. Water temperatures reach the high 70s and low 80s, and fish move deeper during the day to find cooler water and shade. Fish early (sunrise to 9 a.m.) or late (7 p.m. to dark) when water temperatures are lower and fish move into shallower feeding zones. Midday fishing is slow unless you target deeper holes or use live bait on the bottom.

Fall (September through October) is excellent for bass and pickerel as water cools and fish become active again throughout the water column. Panfish remain steady. Water temperatures drop from the high 70s to the low 50s, and you can fish throughout the day with good results. Winter fishing (November through March) is possible but less common; ice fishing occurs when the pond freezes solid, typically by late December, and continues through February.

Species, Regulations, and Licensing

Lees Pond holds three main warm-water species: largemouth bass, chain pickerel, and panfish (bluegill, sunfish, crappie). Bass are the primary target for most anglers. New Hampshire has no minimum size for largemouth bass at Lees Pond, and there is no daily catch limit — you may keep as many as you wish. However, check the current New Hampshire Fish and Game regulations before you fish, as rules can change year to year.

Chain pickerel have a 15-inch minimum size and a 10-fish daily limit in New Hampshire. Panfish (bluegill, sunfish, crappie) have no minimum size and no daily limit. All fish must be in your possession when you leave the water — you cannot leave a stringer of fish unattended.

Anyone 16 years old or older must have a valid New Hampshire fishing license. You can purchase a license online through the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department website, at sporting goods stores, or at town offices. A 3-day tourist license costs less than a full-year license and is a good option if you are visiting from out of state. Licenses are not required for children under 16 fishing under direct supervision of a licensed adult.

What Gear and Bait to Bring

For bass and pickerel, a medium-power spinning rod (6 to 6.5 feet) with 8- to 12-pound monofilament or braided line is standard. Lures that work well in stained water include dark-colored crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and soft plastics (dark green, black, or brown). Topwater lures can be effective early and late when fish are feeding in shallow water. Retrieve slowly — the stained water means fish rely on vibration and sound, so faster retrieves often miss strikes.

Live bait is highly effective at Lees Pond, especially for panfish and pickerel. Small shiners, minnows, or crawfish work well. You can catch your own minnows with a small net or purchase them from bait shops in the area. Fish live bait on a simple rig: a small hook, split shot, and bobber in shallow water, or a weighted rig on the bottom in deeper areas.

Bring polarized sunglasses to reduce glare on the water and help you spot fish in shallow areas. A net is useful if you plan to keep fish. If you are launching a boat or kayak, wear a life jacket — it is required by New Hampshire law for anyone in a boat, and the pond is shallow enough that a fall can be dangerous if you are not a strong swimmer.

Common Challenges and How to Fish Around Them

The biggest challenge at Lees Pond is the stained water and shallow depth. Fish cannot see far, so they rely on vibration, sound, and smell. This means bright, fast lures often produce fewer strikes than dark, slow presentations. If you are not getting bites with artificial lures, switch to live bait or darker, slower-moving soft plastics. Fish close to structure — fallen trees, weed beds, and the deeper channels that run through the pond — where bass and pickerel hunt.

Summer heat pushes fish deep, and midday fishing becomes difficult. The pond is only about 20 feet deep at its deepest point, so there is a limit to how far fish can retreat. Focus on early morning and late evening, or fish the deeper channels and holes during the day. Panfish are less affected by heat and can be caught throughout the day in slightly deeper water (8 to 12 feet).

Residential development around the pond means noise and activity, especially on weekends. Fish are less active when there is boat traffic and people on shore. Weekday mornings are quieter and often more productive. If you fish on weekends, arrive early before the launch gets busy.

Nearby Amenities and Alternative Waters

Deerfield is a small town without many services directly on Lees Pond. The nearest gas station and food options are in downtown Deerfield, about 5 miles from the pond. Bring water and snacks with you, and plan to spend the day — there are no restaurants or shops at the launch.

If Lees Pond is crowded or you want to explore other options, several ponds and lakes are within 30 minutes. Pawtuckaway Lake (near Raymond) is larger and holds similar species plus some trout. Massabesic Lake (near Manchester) is a bigger destination with more developed facilities. Both require the same New Hampshire fishing license and have similar regulations for warm-water species.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a special permit to fish Lees Pond?

No. You need only a valid New Hampshire fishing license if you are 16 or older. There is no pond-specific permit or day-use fee. Licenses are available online, at sporting goods stores, or at town offices.

Can I fish from shore, or do I need a boat?

You can fish from shore at designated public access areas, mainly near the boat launch on the south shore and along the eastern bank. A boat or kayak gives you access to deeper water and more of the pond, but it is not required.

What is the best time of day to fish Lees Pond?

Early morning (sunrise to 9 a.m.) and late evening (7 p.m. to dark) are most productive, especially in summer. Midday fishing is slower, particularly in June through August when fish move deep to escape heat.

Are there size or catch limits for bass at Lees Pond?

Largemouth bass have no minimum size and no daily catch limit in New Hampshire. Chain pickerel have a 15-inch minimum and a 10-fish daily limit. Always check current New Hampshire Fish and Game regulations before you fish, as rules can change.

What should I do if the parking lot is full?

Do not park along Nottingham Road — local enforcement is active. Return another time, or try a different pond nearby such as Pawtuckaway Lake or Massabesic Lake, both within 30 minutes of Deerfield.