These same areas also produce rainbows, which are generally found closer to shore and in shallower water. Hebron Bay, in the northwest corner, can be a good rainbow spot, too, as can the west side of Whittemore Point down to Mayhew Island.

Anglers should keep in mind that Newfound Lake is a designated trout water, so special regulations are in force. The minimum length limit on lake trout is 18 inches (15 inches on rainbows) and the daily creel limit is two fish. Each fisherman is allowed two ice-fishing devices. Check the fishing rules summary for other current regulations before you go.

Access to Newfound Lake is best from Route 124 from Bristol to the south. Route 3A borders the east shore along the entire length of the lake. West Shore Road travels along the west shore. Both routes offer access to the lake at several points.

Bait, fishing gear and accommodations are available in Bristol. Newfound Sales and Trading Post at 381 Lake Street in Bristol offers licenses, bait and everything else needed to fish the lake. Contact the store at (603) 744-8658.

For more information on lodging and other services in the area, contact the Bristol Region Chamber of Commerce at (602) 744-2150, or visit www.newfoundchamber.com.

Upper/Lower Baker Ponds
Northern pike are the primary attraction at these ponds located in Wentworth and Orford. Although a bit out of the way, and though other pike waters are easier to reach, the angler willing to make the trip will find small crowds and many good pike.

Upper Baker covers about 186 acres, and the lower pond is just 95 acres, but don’t let their size fool you. Lunkers into the double digits are a real possibility, and the action can be consistent.

There is no closed fishing season on either pond, so fishing can begin as soon as new ice forms and the action should continue until ice-out.

Access to the ponds from the Plymouth area is via Route 25 to Wentworth, and then Route 25A. The best services and accommodations are in Plymouth, which means most anglers hit the ponds on a day-use basis.

For more information, contact the Plymouth Chamber of Commerce at (800) 386-3668 or (603) 536-1001, or visit the agency’s Web site at www.plymouthnh.com.

For more information on these ponds or other ice-fishing opportunities in the Granite State, contact the Region 3 office of the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department at (603) 744-5470.

VERMONT
Lake Champlain
Not only is Lake Champlain the largest lake in New England, it also has one of our most diverse fisheries, with more than 80 species within its waters. Ice-fishermen generally target lake trout, landlocked salmon, northern pike and walleyes. Landlocked salmon, rainbows, brown trout and a host of panfish, including crappies, bluegills and pumpkinseeds, are also available to the winter angler. For some species, there is no closed season, so ice-fishing can start as soon as the lake freezes over.

For lake trout, some of the best ice-fishing areas include Crown Point north to Basin Harbor, Converse Bay, Willsboro and Shelburne bays and along the west shore of Grand Isle. Expect fish from 3 to 5 pounds, although 8- to 10-pounders and some larger fish are possible.