What Third Connecticut Lake Offers

Third Connecticut Lake is a 1,600-acre impoundment in Pittsburg, New Hampshire, at the far northern edge of the state where the Connecticut River begins. It is the smallest and most remote of the three Connecticut Lakes chain, sitting about 2,500 feet above sea level in dense forest. The lake holds brook trout, lake trout, and landlocked salmon, though brook trout dominate the catch for most anglers. The water is cold and clear year-round, which keeps fish active even in summer when many lowland lakes warm out.

Access is limited by design and by geography. There is no public boat launch on Third Lake itself. Most anglers reach it by canoe or kayak from Second Lake, a paddle of roughly 45 minutes to an hour depending on current and wind. A few lodges and camps on the lake offer boat rentals and guided trips, but these are expensive and must be booked well ahead. The remoteness is the point—Third Lake sees far fewer anglers than the lower two lakes, and the fish are less pressured as a result.

The season runs from April 1 through October 15. Water temperatures peak in July and August but rarely exceed 70 degrees Fahrenheit, so trout remain active throughout summer. Spring and fall are the most reliable times for consistent action, particularly May through June and September through early October. Winter ice fishing is possible but requires serious preparation and local knowledge.

Key Takeaways

  • Third Connecticut Lake holds brook trout, lake trout, and landlocked salmon in cold, clear water at 2,500 feet elevation in Pittsburg, New Hampshire.
  • There is no public boat launch on Third Lake; access is by canoe or kayak from Second Lake, a 45-minute to one-hour paddle.
  • Brook trout are the primary catch, and the lake sees fewer anglers than the lower Connecticut Lakes, so fish are less pressured.
  • The season runs April 1 through October 15, with spring and fall offering the most reliable fishing.
  • New Hampshire fishing license and trout stamp are required; check current regulations for daily limits and minimum sizes before you fish.

Getting There and Access

Pittsburg is a two-hour drive north from the town of Colebrook, New Hampshire, on Route 3. The road is paved but narrow and winding, and winter conditions can close it. Cell service is spotty throughout the region. Plan for a full day of travel if you are coming from southern New England.

To reach Third Lake, most anglers put in at Second Lake, which has a public boat launch on the eastern shore near the dam. From there, you paddle north into Third Lake. The current is gentle but noticeable, and wind can make the paddle difficult on exposed days. Canoes and kayaks are the standard craft; motorboats are not practical for the paddle between lakes. Several outfitters in the area rent canoes and kayaks and can arrange shuttle service from parking areas.

Lodges on Third Lake—including the historic Third Lake Lodge and a few smaller camps—offer boat rentals and guided trips. These are the only motorized access to the lake. Expect to pay $150 to $300 per day for a guide and boat, and reservations must be made weeks or months ahead, especially in May and September. Day trips are possible but require an early start and a solid understanding of the paddle route.

What Fish Live Here and What They Eat

Brook trout are the most abundant species and the most common catch. They range from 8 to 14 inches on average, with occasional fish pushing 16 inches. Lake trout (also called mackinaw) are present but less frequently caught by shore and shallow-water anglers; they live deeper and require trolling or jigging in 40 to 80 feet of water. Landlocked salmon are stocked periodically and can reach 15 to 20 inches, but they are less predictable than brook trout.

Brook trout in Third Lake feed on small baitfish, aquatic insects, and crustaceans. In spring and fall, they hunt actively in shallow water and along drop-offs. In summer, they retreat to deeper, cooler water during the day and move to shallows to feed at dawn and dusk. Live shiners and smelt are effective baits; fly fishing with small streamers and nymphs works well, especially in early morning and evening. Spinners and small spoons also produce, particularly in spring.

Seasons and Water Conditions

Spring (April through May) is the most productive season. Water temperatures climb from the low 40s to the mid-50s, and trout feed aggressively after winter. The ice-out date varies but typically occurs in mid-April. Fishing is best in the first two weeks after ice-out, when trout are hungry and shallow. Expect to fish from a canoe in shallow bays and along the shoreline.

Summer (June through August) is slower but still fishable. Water temperatures reach 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and trout move deeper during midday. Early morning and evening fishing in shallow water remains productive. Midday, focus on deeper structure—drop-offs, submerged logs, and rocky points—or troll in open water. The lake is beautiful in summer, and the long daylight hours allow for extended fishing days, but expect fewer fish per hour than in spring.

Fall (September through October 15) rivals spring for consistent action. Water temperatures drop into the 50s, and trout return to aggressive feeding. The season closes October 15, so plan accordingly. Weather becomes unpredictable, and wind can make paddling difficult, but the fishing is often excellent in the first two weeks of September.

Regulations and Licensing

A New Hampshire fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older. A trout and salmon stamp is also required and is purchased at the same time. Licenses are available online through the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department website, at sporting goods stores, and at some lodges and outfitters in the region. A three-day license is available if you do not want to purchase a full-year license.

Daily limits and minimum sizes change periodically. As of the most recent regulations, the daily limit for brook trout is five fish with a minimum size of 7 inches. Lake trout have a daily limit of two fish with a 15-inch minimum. Landlocked salmon have a daily limit of two fish with a 15-inch minimum. Check the current New Hampshire fishing digest before you fish, as regulations are updated annually and may vary by water body.

Catch-and-release fishing is not required but is encouraged, especially for larger fish. The lake's cold water means trout recover slowly from handling, so wet your hands before touching a fish and return it to the water quickly if you plan to release it.

Lodging and Services

Third Lake Lodge is the primary accommodation on the lake itself. It offers rooms, meals, and boat rentals, and it caters to anglers. Rates run $150 to $250 per night for a room, with meals and boat rental available separately. Reservations are essential, especially in May and September. The lodge can arrange guided trips and provide local knowledge about current conditions.

Pittsburg has a few small motels and bed-and-breakfasts, though options are limited. The nearest larger town with more services is Colebrook, about 45 minutes south. Groceries and gas are available in Pittsburg but selection is limited, so stock up before you arrive. There are no restaurants on Third Lake, though the lodge serves meals to guests and day visitors by reservation.

Camping is not permitted on Third Lake itself, but the nearby Connecticut Lakes State Forest has primitive campsites accessible by canoe. Check with the New Hampshire Division of Forests and Lands for current rules and availability.

Gear and Tackle Recommendations

A medium-action spinning rod or fly rod works well for brook trout. If you are paddling to the lake, keep your gear compact and protected from water. A canoe-friendly tackle box or dry bag is essential. Bring extra line, hooks, and leaders, as replacement options are limited in Pittsburg.

For bait fishing, small shiners and smelt are most effective. Live bait is harder to transport by canoe than tackle, so many anglers bring frozen bait or switch to artificial lures. Small spinners (size 1 to 3), spoons (1/4 to 1/2 ounce), and soft plastics work consistently. For fly fishing, bring small streamers (size 6 to 10) in black, olive, and white, plus nymphs and wet flies. A floating line and a sinking line give you options for different depths and conditions.

Wear a personal flotation device while paddling, even if you are an experienced paddler. The water is cold, and the nearest help is far away. Bring a headlamp, a map, and a compass or GPS unit. Weather changes quickly in the mountains, so pack rain gear and a warm layer even in summer.

Why Third Lake Differs from the Lower Connecticut Lakes

Second Lake and First Lake (also called Lake Francis) are larger, more accessible, and more heavily fished. Both have public boat launches and motorboat access, which makes them easier to reach but also means more anglers and more pressure on the fish. Third Lake's remoteness is its defining feature—fewer people, less-pressured fish, and a genuine wilderness experience.

The trade-off is time and effort. Reaching Third Lake requires a canoe paddle, planning, and a willingness to be far from services. If you want a quick day trip with motorboat access, the lower lakes are better. If you want solitude, cold-water trout fishing, and a sense of remoteness, Third Lake delivers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Third Lake without a guide?

Yes. You do not need a guide to fish Third Lake, but you do need a canoe or kayak and the ability to paddle from Second Lake. Rent a canoe from an outfitter, bring a map and compass, and plan for a 45-minute to one-hour paddle. Go with a partner if possible, and tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.

What is the best time to fish Third Lake?

May through June and September through early October are most reliable. Spring fishing is excellent right after ice-out (mid-April onward), when trout are hungry and shallow. Fall offers consistent action as water cools. Summer is slower but still fishable, especially at dawn and dusk.

Do I need a trout stamp in addition to a fishing license?

Yes. New Hampshire requires both a fishing license and a trout and salmon stamp to fish for trout. Both are purchased together and cost less than $30 combined for a three-day license. You can buy them online through the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department website or at sporting goods stores and lodges in the region.

Is Third Lake good for beginners?

Third Lake is not ideal for beginners because access requires paddling skills and the remoteness means you are far from help if something goes wrong. If you are new to fishing, start on Second Lake or First Lake, where motorboat access is easier and services are closer. Once you have experience, Third Lake is a rewarding step up.

Can I bring my own boat to Third Lake?

Motorboats are not practical because there is no public launch on Third Lake. Canoes and kayaks are the standard. If you own a canoe or kayak, you can transport it to Second Lake and paddle to Third Lake. Lodges on Third Lake rent boats if you do not have your own.