Gilmore Pond in New Hampshire

by  guest-paddler

A self-supported trip created by guest-paddler

Trip Overview

Gilmore is a 115 acre pond with very clear water. When the water is calm you can see down about 22 feet, you can often see largemouth bass, they can see you too. The pond is practically at the base of 3165 foot Mount Monadnock in the Monadnock Region of southwestern New Hampshire, three miles from downtown Jaffrey.

The water in July is great for swimming at about 70 degrees. The pond has populations of largemouth, smallmouth and rock bass, brown, rainbow and squaretail (brook)trout, pickerel, yellow perch and sunfish. The bass fishing is good as most bass fisherman have an unwritten catch and release ethic.

Motor boats are allowed but it is a no wake pond. Best time to kayak is early morning when the pond is almost always calm and very peaceful. You can hear numerous song birds and loons. Bald eagles and ospreys are not uncommon. Wild turkeys are abundant in the proximity. I saw five adults and eight poults the morning I was there plus a lonely male loon.

The pond is surrounded by private property but there are at least two places where one can beach the kayak and go for a swim. The swimming areas are shallow. The deeper parts of the pond are about 40 feet. One has a great view of Mt. Monadnock once out on the pond.

Please don't litter. The locals try to keep the place pristine. Peace and quiet is the rule. There are no invasive or exotic plants in Gilmore. Please help keep it that way by making certain your water craft and gear is free of veggies from other places.

Accommodations:

Public boat ramp on Gilmore Pond Rd. in Jaffrey. Parking for 11 to 13 veicles. No facilities.

Fees:

No

Directions:

State route 124 to Jaffrey Center, take Gilmore Pond Rd. at crest of hill with flashing yellow light. Stay on Gilmore Pond Rd. until you get to boat launch area.

Resources:

"Clark's New Hampshire Fishing Guide" by Gary L. Clark (page A-36).

Trip Details

  • Trip Duration: Day Trip
  • Sport/Activity: Kayaking, Canoeing
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Water Type: Flat/Sheltered Water

Trip Location