Largemouth Bass

If you're chasing largemouth bass in the Lebanon, New Hampshire area, you'll want to focus your attention on the Connecticut River and its connected backwaters, as well as smaller lakes and ponds dotting the landscape. These waters offer a mix of submerged vegetation, rocky structure, and fallen timber, creating ideal habitat for bass. The prime time to target largemouth here is during the pre-spawn in late spring (May-June) and again in the fall (September-October) when the fish are actively feeding before winter. Look for them staging near spawning areas in the spring and ambushing prey near weed lines as the water cools in the fall. A local tip: the Connecticut River can fluctuate significantly, so check water levels before heading out. Access to many of these spots is available via small boat launches and shoreline access points, though some require a bit of a hike. The bass in this region tend to be scrappy fighters, and while trophy-sized fish aren't common, you can consistently find bass in the 1-3 pound range.