Lake Winnipesaukee

Photos

Overview

Lake Winnipesaukee is New Hampshire's largest lake and the heart of the Lakes Region, set against the foothills of the White Mountains. It is about 21 miles long and covers roughly 69–71 square miles. It has at least 264 islands and a deeply indented shoreline of about 288 miles. The open central basin is called The Broads, and the deepest point is about 180 feet. Its towns, including Laconia/Weirs Beach, Meredith, Wolfeboro, Alton, Gilford, Moultonborough and Center Harbor, have drawn summer visitors for more than a century.

Fishing

NH Fish and Game manages Winnipesaukee as one of its "Large Lakes" for landlocked salmon and lake trout. Like the other large lakes, it is stocked annually with landlocked salmon and rainbow trout, while other species reproduce naturally. Rainbow smelt are the key forage for its coldwater gamefish. Smallmouth bass fishing is outstanding, and the lake hosts many bass tournaments.

Species

Coldwater species: landlocked salmon, lake trout, rainbow trout and rainbow smelt (forage). Warmwater species: smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, chain pickerel, yellow perch, white perch and horned pout (bullhead). Lake whitefish and cusk are also known from NH large lakes.

Techniques

Right after ice-out in spring, troll streamers or smelt-imitating lures near the surface for salmon. As the lake warms, salmon and lake trout go deep, so use downriggers or lead core. For smallmouth, work rocky points, reefs and island shorelines with tubes, jigs and jerkbaits.

Seasons

On NH's lake trout and salmon lakes, open-water fishing starts April 1. Ice-out usually comes in mid-to-late April, and the weeks after it are prime salmon time. Summer is bass time and deep trolling for lakers. Fall and winter have special restrictions (see regulations). Ice fishing for lake trout, cusk and perch is popular, but salmon may never be taken through the ice in New Hampshire.

Hotspots

The Broads (deep open water for trolling), the island clusters and reefs (smallmouth), and Alton Bay and Meredith Bay (popular winter ice-fishing areas).

Regulations

New Hampshire Fish and Game rules apply: https://www.wildlife.nh.gov/fishing-nh/fishing-rules-and-regs. Large lakes managed for lake trout and salmon have their own seasons, area closures and limits; confirm the current rules with NH Fish and Game before you fish. Some tributary mouths and the Paugus Bay area have seasonal closures listed in NH rules.

Licensing

Anglers 16 and older need a New Hampshire fishing license from NH Fish and Game.

Access

NH Fish and Game lists Downing's Landing in Alton as a public boat access area on the lake. Many town ramps (for example Gilford's Glendale docks) are restricted to residents or require permits, so check the rules for each town ramp before you go. Commercial marinas around the lake also launch boats for a fee.

Boat ramps & launches

Downing's Landing (NH Fish and Game, Alton). Town-run ramps vary in public access.

Marinas & rentals

There are many full-service marinas around Meredith, Weirs Beach, Wolfeboro, Alton Bay and Center Harbor.

Amenities

Weirs Beach (Laconia) is the lake's largest public beach. Ellacoya State Park in Gilford also has a public beach.

Activities

Boating, island hopping, swimming, cruises on the M/S Mount Washington, and the Sophie C., the floating U.S. post office mailboat that runs June–September. Laconia hosts Motorcycle Week, and Gunstock Mountain is nearby for hiking and skiing.

Ice fishing

Winnipesaukee is a classic New England ice-fishing lake. Lake trout, cusk, yellow perch and white perch are common targets. Salmon may not be taken through the ice, and the ice season on salmon and lake trout lakes ends March 31. Bob-house villages appear on bays like Meredith Bay and Alton Bay in good winters. Never assume ice is safe. Check thickness yourself, avoid pressure ridges, inlets and areas over current, and follow local guidance.

Water facts

Area about 69 sq mi (179 km²), or about 71 sq mi (184 km²) with Paugus Bay; length about 21 mi; width 1–9 mi; maximum depth about 180 ft (55 m); elevation 504 ft; 264+ islands; shoreline about 288 mi. Outflow at Lakeport Dam into the Winnipesaukee River and on to the Merrimack. Map pin county: Belknap (the lake also borders Carroll County).

Nearby services

Meredith, Laconia, Wolfeboro and Alton have full services, including bait and tackle, marinas, lodging and dining.

Safety & advisories

Summer weekend boat traffic is heavy. Watch for rocks and reefs, many of them marked by NH Marine Patrol buoys, and carry a chart. Afternoon winds can make The Broads rough.

Nearby waters

• Winnipesaukee, Lake · 2.2 km (NH)
• Gunstock Pond · 8.2 km (NH)
• Pope Dam · 9.1 km (NH)
• Wentworth, Lake · 14.6 km (NH)
• Waukewan, Lake · 15.4 km (NH)
• Squam Lake · 21 km (NH)

More in Belknap

• Winnipesaukee River (NH)
• Squam Lake (NH)