Freshwater Guides of New England

General Information: Located south of Squam Lake, this natural warm water pond is constantly overlooked by its larger cousin as well as other more well known lakes in the region. It can best be described as a quiet waterbody that does not receive a lot of recreational activity. This lack of attention is a strong benefit for those interested in exploring an aesthetic pond with a lot of room to explore that also offers some tremendous fishing opportunities. The combination of open water, mostly to the west and north, scattered islands and coves to the south and east, helps to create a diverse environment that any quiet water enthusiast would appreciate. The pond is surrounded by several small hills that can barely be seen rising above the tree lined shore, made up predominately of pine, birch, and ash that grow right up to the water’s edge in most areas. The only area that is flat and with no contour is the large wetland located at the far eastern end.

Setting: Rural (40% developed shoreline) – Most of the development is along the northern shore where a growing number of houses are being built along the stretch of land closest to Rte 3/25.

Depth: The average depth is 14-feet with the deepest being 35-feet, located as a small hole just off the northern tip of the large island. Most of the southern shore is very shallow at about 5-feet deep, especially in the southern and eastern coves and the two inlets. The northern end is deeper with a shorter shoreline that drops significantly in some places to about 10-feet. The deepest section is a large swath of a 20-foot depth that encompasses most of the northern end’s open water. Within this swath is a 30-foot deep stretch that runs in an east-west direction to the north of the large island. The 35-foot hole can be found on the eastern side of this stretch.

Water Transparency: The water is clear to about 14-feet and a deep thermocline that reaches down to about 12-feet.

Weeds/Vegetation: There is a strong vegetation presence on the pond, especially in and around the southern coves and along the southern shoreline. It is especially thick along the islands that are closest to the nearby shore where a scattered mixture of plants is found in the shallows. These plants consist of pickerelweed, water shield, water lily, bur reed, and tape grass. A healthy presence of freshwater sponges can also be found growing on the submerged rocks. The bottom is comprised of mud, muck, and some rock.

Inlets/Outlets: Other than a few seasonal streams that only flow in the spring or after periods of heavy rain, the primary inlet is at the end of the easternmost cove where it enters into the pond through a large wetland. A second brook feeds the pond at the western end. The outlet is via the concrete spillway dam located at the far northern end of the pond near the launch. This outlet stream flows north a short distance, under Route 3/25 and through the Squam Lakes Association canoe rental site on its way into Pipers Cove on Squam Lake.

Fish Populations: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Chain Pickerel, Yellow Perch, Brown Bullhead, Bluegill, and Golden Shiner.

Fishing: Smallmouth bass, pickerel, and perch are the dominant species. The largemouth bass population is limited. Along with a healthy shiner population, there is also a strong crayfish presence that helps to create the primary forage base. Anglers will find that the lake offers a terrific environment for fishing. The best areas to concentrate are along the weedy southern shore, especially in and around the islands. The lack of development here and excellent habitat means that boaters will find an excellent environment for exploring in case the fish aren’t biting. Also try fishing in the far eastern cove that is fed by the large marsh. Paddling into the marsh via the brook can also be productive, especially in the spring before the weather warms and increases the amount of vegetation.

Shore Fishing: The best place to fish from shore is along the northern end from the portage and along the outlet and dam. Development and the ownership of private undeveloped land limits any additional shore access.

Ice Fishing: As with the summer crowd, White Oak Pond gets passed over by ice anglers who are looking for record sized fish on the bigger lakes. This lack of attention is a plus for anglers who are interested in pickerel and perch. The best recommendation is to drill holes along the weedlines, especially near points and dropoffs. Pickerel and bass will be suspended in these areas where they can hunt for perch and panfish that rise to the surface while also finding cover in the vegetation. Perch can be found in the deeper depths where the water temperature will be a few degrees warmer than the rest of the pond.

Boat Ramp and Access: The dirt and sand portage is located immediately off Route 3/25 near the outlet on the pond’s northern end. The presence of two large rocks at the portage launch prevents the launching of trailered boats. As a result it can only accommodate cartop boats and canoes, helping to make White Oak Pond a nice quiet water destination despite its large acreage.

Directions: Take Route 93 North to Exit 24 and onto Route 3. (Bear right off the ramp if heading north. Bear left off the ramp and under the highway if heading south.) Follow Route 3 for five miles to the center of Holderness. Continue straight through the center and look for the access on the right. A good landmark is the Squam Lakes Association on the left, located 1.5 miles from the center of town and almost directly across from the White Oak Pond launch. The association has a large building and a nearby grassy area with a number of rental canoes. Soon after passing the association, look for the access to White Oak Pond that will be less than 100-yards on the right

Local Numbers:	Holderness Police:	(603) 968-9555
	Holderness Fire:	((603) 968-4491