Fishing

Black Crappie

Horn Pout

Large Mouth Bass

Small Mouth Bass

Pickerel

Pumpkin Seed Sunfish

Yellow Perch

Fishing

Balch has both warm water and cold water game fish in the lake including smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, black crappie, pickerel, horned pout, and yellow perch. Fishing tournaments and derbies are common - three to five events a year. Check at Dick's Marina, 603-522-5085.

Lake Access

You can launch at Dick's Marina for a fee ($5 to launch, $5 to park). There are no public launches or state owned access sites. Most access to Balch is private.

Use Non-Lead Sinkers

In 1997, 16 dead adult loons were found in NH, having died from ingesting lead sinkers and jigs. Recovered from the gizzards of loons were lead sinkers averaging 1/2 inch (maximum size 1 inch), and lead-headed jigs - specialized hooks with lead just below the eye of the hook. Lead also kills swans, cranes, and other waterbirds.

Non-lead sinkers can be made of non-poisonous materials such as tin, bismuth, steel, and recycled glass. Ask at your local sporting goods store.

Other ways you can help:

• Don't leave fishing line behind; waterbirds can become entanged.
• Keep you distance from loons - 100ft.
• Don't get near loon nests, forcing loons to leave eggs vulnerable.

Did you know?

It's now illegal to transport ANY aquatic plant on the outside of your boat trailer or any vehicle.

Related Links:

• NH Fish and Game
  
• Maine Dept of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife