What to expect at Second Connecticut Lake

Second Connecticut Lake is a 2,000-acre impoundment in Pittsburg, at the far northern tip of New Hampshire where the state meets Quebec. The lake sits in a working forest landscape, relatively undeveloped, with a mix of coves and open water. It holds lake trout, landlocked salmon, and brook trout, along with white perch and smallmouth bass in the shallower areas. The water is clear and cold — typical of northern New England — and the fishing pressure is moderate compared to lakes closer to population centers.

Access is straightforward: a public boat launch operates at the southern end near the dam, with parking and a small fee. The lake is roughly 4 miles long and 1.5 miles wide at its widest point, making it manageable for anglers in small boats or canoes. Spring and fall are the most productive seasons for trout and salmon, though summer fishing is possible if you work deeper water and early mornings. Winter ice fishing draws a smaller crowd but is a viable option once the ice is solid enough — usually by late December.

Key Takeaways

  • Second Connecticut Lake holds lake trout, landlocked salmon, and brook trout, with the best fishing in spring (April through May) and fall (September through October).
  • A public boat launch at the southern end near the dam provides the main access point, with a small daily fee and adequate parking.
  • The lake is 2,000 acres and relatively undeveloped, making it less crowded than southern New Hampshire lakes but still accessible for anglers with small boats or canoes.
  • New Hampshire fishing licenses are required, and specific regulations for trout and salmon vary by season — check the current New Hampshire Fish and Game regulations before you fish.

Seasons and what fish are active

Spring (April through May) is the prime window for lake trout and landlocked salmon. The water is cold and the fish are feeding actively after winter. Work the deeper holes and drop-offs with jigging spoons or live shiners, or troll along the main basin. Mornings and late afternoons are most productive. By late May, the fish move deeper as the surface water warms, and the bite slows until fall.

Summer (June through August) is slower for trout and salmon but not dead. Fish the deepest water you can find — often 40 to 60 feet — using live bait or small spoons. Brook trout may be found in cooler inlet streams that feed the lake. White perch and smallmouth bass become more active in the shallower coves and along rocky shorelines, especially in early morning or evening.

Fall (September through October) brings another strong bite as water temperatures drop and trout and salmon move back into shallower, more accessible water. This is often the best time for consistent action. Trolling and jigging both work well. By late October, the season winds down as water temperatures approach freezing.

Winter ice fishing (December through March) is possible once ice thickness reaches 8 inches or more. Jigging for lake trout and perch through the ice is the standard method. The season is shorter and the crowd smaller, but the fishing can be productive on calm days.

How to reach Second Connecticut Lake

Second Connecticut Lake is located in Pittsburg, New Hampshire, roughly 90 minutes north of Berlin and about 4 hours from Manchester. From Berlin, take US Route 3 north through Colebrook and continue into Pittsburg. The town is small and the lake is well-marked; follow signs toward the dam and boat launch.

The public boat launch is at the southern end of the lake, near the dam. There is a parking area and a small daily fee (typically a few dollars, though this can change). The launch is suitable for small boats, canoes, and kayaks. No fuel or supplies are available at the launch itself, so plan ahead. The nearest gas and food are in Colebrook, about 20 miles south.

If you do not have a boat, shore fishing is possible in limited spots around the lake, though access is mostly private land. Ask locally about public shore access before you arrive. Canoe or kayak access is a good option if you want to explore quieter coves without a motorboat.

Regulations and licenses

New Hampshire requires a valid fishing license for anyone 16 and older. Licenses are available online through the New Hampshire Fish and Game website, at sporting goods stores, and at town offices. A 3-day non-resident license is available if you are visiting from out of state, or you can purchase a full-season license.

Trout and salmon regulations vary by season and species. Lake trout typically have a year-round season with specific size and bag limits. Landlocked salmon have a spring and fall season with their own limits. Brook trout may have different rules depending on whether they are in the main lake or tributary streams. White perch and smallmouth bass have separate seasons and limits. The current regulations are published in the New Hampshire Fish and Game guide, available online or at any license vendor. Check the guide before you fish — regulations change annually and vary by water body.

Catch-and-release is allowed and encouraged if you want to fish beyond the bag limit. Some anglers practice it year-round to preserve the fishery.

What gear and tackle to bring

For trout and salmon, a medium-action spinning rod or light baitcasting setup works well. Bring jigging spoons (1/4 to 1/2 ounce) in silver, gold, and white for vertical jigging. If you plan to troll, a longer rod (6 to 7 feet) and a small trolling spoon or plug are standard. Live shiners or smelt are effective bait if you can obtain them locally; check with bait shops in Colebrook before you arrive.

For white perch and smallmouth bass in the shallows, a light spinning rod and small crankbaits, soft plastics, or spinners are effective. Bring a variety of colors — white, chartreuse, and natural patterns all work depending on light and water clarity.

A depth finder is helpful but not essential. The lake bottom is relatively simple — mostly sand and silt with some rocky areas — so you can learn it quickly by exploring. A map of the lake is useful; ask for one at the boat launch or download it from the New Hampshire Fish and Game website.

Where to stay and what to know before you go

Pittsburg is a small town with limited lodging. Motels and cabins are available in town, and a few bed-and-breakfasts operate seasonally. Colebrook, 20 miles south, has more options including chain hotels. Camping is available at state and private campgrounds in the region. Book ahead during peak seasons (May and September through October), as rooms fill quickly.

The area is remote and services are sparse. Cell service is unreliable in many spots around the lake. Bring water, snacks, and a full tank of gas before you leave Colebrook. Weather can change rapidly, especially in spring and fall — bring layers and rain gear even if the forecast looks clear. Blackflies are heavy in May and early June; insect repellent is essential.

The lake is popular with locals but not crowded by southern New Hampshire standards. Weekdays are quieter than weekends. The landscape is beautiful — dense forest and mountains — and the fishing is genuine, not stocked-pond fishing. Expect to work for your fish, but the reward is a wild fishery in a quiet place.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to fish Second Connecticut Lake?

Spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) are the most productive seasons for trout and salmon. Water temperatures are cool, fish are active, and they are in shallower, more accessible water. Summer is slower but possible if you fish deep water early in the day. Winter ice fishing is an option once ice is solid, typically by late December.

Do I need a boat to fish Second Connecticut Lake?

A boat makes fishing much easier, but it is not required. Shore fishing is possible in limited spots, though most of the shoreline is private. Canoes and kayaks are good alternatives if you want to explore without a motorboat. Ask locally about public shore access before you arrive.

What size fish can I expect to catch?

Lake trout typically range from 1 to 4 pounds, with occasional larger fish. Landlocked salmon average 1 to 3 pounds. Brook trout are usually smaller, under 1 pound in the main lake. White perch are small, 6 to 10 inches. Smallmouth bass range from 1 to 3 pounds. These are wild fish in a natural lake, not a hatchery pond, so size varies.

Can I fish Second Connecticut Lake in winter?

Yes, ice fishing is possible once ice thickness reaches 8 inches or more, usually by late December. Jigging for lake trout and white perch through the ice is the standard method. Check ice conditions locally before you go, and bring appropriate safety gear.

Where can I buy bait or tackle near Second Connecticut Lake?

Bait and tackle shops are in Colebrook, about 20 miles south. Call ahead to confirm they have what you need, especially live bait like shiners or smelt. The boat launch area does not have a shop, so plan ahead and stock up before you arrive at the lake.