Goose Pond

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Goose Pond

Town(s): Canaan NH
County: Grafton

Size: 625 acres
Average Depth: 10 feet
Maximum Depth: 35 feet

Boating Allowed: Kayaks, Canoes, Sail Boats, Power Boats, Jet-skis, Other Restrictions
Swimming: Swimming Allowed, No Restrictions

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Goose Pond, in Grafton County, NH, is considered a “great pond” by the State of NH. It is a 625 acre manmade pond with 6.3 miles of shoreline, and is approximately three miles long and one half mile wide, with the majority of the pond in Canaan, NH, and the remainder in Hanover, NH.  Average depth of the pond is approximately 10 feet, with the deepest part at approximately 35 feet. The pond is part of the Mascoma River watershed which flows into the Connecticut River. There is evidence of Goose Pond in the late 1700's. According to legend (see The History of Canaan, NH 1910 by William & James Wallace), George Harris and his party, in 1767, came upon a sheet of water near Hanover, whose surface seemed to be alive with wild geese and ducks. They killed a goose - an old one - and cooked it, all day, and then it was tough. It never got to be a tender goose, and to commemorate this circumstance they named that water "Goose Pond." A small wooden dam was built in 1899 which probably increased the size of the pond. The present dam was built in 1917-18 and was repaired in 1952 and 1990.  It has served as an energy reserve for the Lebanon mills, and for hydroelectric plants.  New Hampshire Water Resources currently holds the rights, and still sells waterpower once a year in a draw-down, generating funds to maintain the dam. The pond continues to serve as an important recreational, scenic, and ecological resource in the Mascoma River Watershed. There are two islands on the pond, known as “The Big island” and The Little Island”, and there is one boat launch area, known as “The Acre”, and it is owned by the State.  At The Acre there is a small public beach, and another near the dam at the southern tip of the pond.  There is no overnight camping and fires are not allowed at The Acre, the dam area, or on The Little or The Big Island.  Fires are allowed on private property with a free permit from the Fire Warden. There are 160 cottages or homes directly on or across the road from the pond, with over 30 that are used by year-round residents.  The shoreline is primarily owned by the state, with a few privately owned shores. A variety of wildlife are seen (and heard) near the pond throughout the year, including moose, bear, deer, wild turkeys, fox, and coyote.  Otters, beavers and minks are often seen near the shoreline, and turtles can often be spotted in the pond.  The bird population is very diverse, including osprey, eagles, great blue herons, plover, kingfisher, Canadian geese, a variety of ducks, and loons. Goose Pond currently holds the New Hampshire state record for small mouth bass.  The pond also has large mouth bass, pickerel, and hornpout. The Goose Pond Lake Association was established in October 1987 as a New Hampshire non-profit corporation, with the stated purpose being to conserve, protect, and to improve Goose Pond: water quality, natural shoreline, plant and animal life, scenic beauty, tranquility, and all other natural resources as they pertain to the welfare and interest of Goose Pond. 

Water Quality: No Known Issues
Vegetation Growth: Moderate
Non-native Species: Eurasian Watermilfoil (Myriophyllum Spicatum), Fanwort (Cabomba Caroliniana)

Fish Species: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Chain Pickerel, Yellow Perch, Brown Bullhead, Bluegill

Boat Access: Primarily Car-top boats & Canoes
Parking Spaces: Less than 10

Directions: Rt 4 to Canaan Rd to Randy HillRd, 2 mi to Goose Pond
Shoreline Development: 25-50%