Post Pond
From the center of Lyme, continue north on Route 10 past the cemetery. Post Pond is on the left after about 1 mile; you can’t miss it. The public entry point and boat launch is a left turn from the main road. This pond is loaded with trout, but they are often difficult to take because of all the natural food available to them. Try worms through minnows; deep-running shiny spoons to flies. I have had my best luck with a Gray or Black Ghost, trolled deep for the early season. As the big ones go deeper, the yellow muddler, a large black gnat, and the woolly bear or bugger on a fast sinking line have worked well. When fish are on top, try something tiny. Also try something yellow and/or brown, and make a gentle presentation.
Don’t forget to try Trout Brook, the feeder to this pond.
Grant Brook
After heading north on Route 10 until Lyme, take the right fork at the church in the center of Lyme toward the Dartmouth Skiway. In about a half mile, you will see Grant Brook on your left. Obvious roadside pull-offs indicate heavy fishing activity on this picturesque stretch. It is stocked frequently; don’t hesitate to give it a try. There is a nice deep pool at the foot of a waterfall about a mile from the village. Take a dip here if the fishing is slow. The brook meanders near this road for miles. It can be fished all the way to the Appalachian Trail crossing on the Lyme-Dorchester Road at Lambert Ridge.
Be sure to follow along the unpaved road (Dorchester Road, the left fork), not the Canaan Turnpike that goes to the Skiway and beyond.
Reservoir Pond and Cummins Pond
After the fork, follow the Dorchester Road to Hinman Cabin and Reservoir Pond for bass, perch (small), and pickerel. Canoes are at the DOC cabin if you have rented it. If not, there is a small public launch site a quarter-mile after you first sight the pond. Leave room for others to launch their boats.
Continue past Hinman Cabin on the Dorchester Road, always staying on the well-traveled dirt road. In the proper vehicle, one can reach the boat launch at Cummins Pond. The road does get rough along the way, but there is a sign to the public access. It comes shortly after you have passed the Laffer Woodlands buildings, two miles in. Don’t try this spot after a spate of wet weather! You could get stuck without four-wheel drive.
A branch of the Mascoma River rises in this region. You cross the brooks on the way to both ponds. There are nice wild brookies in the flowage (a secret spot!). The local anglers get in here early after the season opens. If you decide to try, be prepared for a long walk out should you get mired. Be sure to take a pal or two along on this jaunt.
Northeast of Lyme
Lakes Catherine, Armington, and Tarleton
About fifteen miles north of Lyme on Route 10, the town of Piermont is reached. Make a right turn onto Route 25C toward Pike and Warren. About seven miles along this road, at the height of land, one comes first to Lake Catherine — a small pond on the right-hand side of the road. It is good for pickerel. Park under the first lone pine.
Lake Tarleton is on the left side of the road. It is a large, deep lake, which supports sizable browns, lake trout of lesser stature, rainbow, smallmouth, and perch. The public access is on the left, just after the Boys Camp sign, about a quarter-mile further on. Unless you have a powered boat, the winds make it difficult to fish in a canoe during the mid-day hours — try early morning or in the evening.
Lake Armington is toward the east, but not visible from the road. The public access road is on the right, about a quarter-mile further east past the one to Tarleton. It is signed. Should you miss it, go to the Piermont Road and reverse direction on Route 25C. The first dirt road on the left is the access road. Look for wooden fence posts.
Try Armington for trout, bass, or perch. Fly, spin, or bait casting rods all work. If you rent Armington Cabin, there are canoes for your use. Fish the west side for bass, and try spinner baits. Troll for trout along the eastern shore, down to the point and back. Smelt or perch imitation streamers have worked for me. Crayfish and night crawlers will work in the summer.
The Baker River
At the north end of Route 25C, where it joins Route 25, you enter Warren. The great Moosilauke View Restaurant is located here, near the fire station and the famous rocket. The Baker River, originally called the Asquamchumauke, also flows through town. It begins running at the base of Jobildunc Ravine, flows past the Moosilauke Ravine Lodge, along Route 118, through Warren, along Route 25, and south to Plymouth. It is a great river. Pick spots where the river is visible and be adventuresome. Big fish have been caught here. Stop at the fish hatchery just south of Warren to see some of these fish on display.
Courtesy of Dartmouth.edu