Squam Lake

Photos

Overview

Squam Lake, in central New Hampshire's Lakes Region, is the state's second-largest lake lying entirely within its borders (about 6,791 acres). It sits south of the White Mountains, straddling Grafton, Carroll and Belknap counties, with Holderness as its main town. Squam is famously quiet and undeveloped compared with neighboring Winnipesaukee. It was the filming location for the 1981 film On Golden Pond, and nesting loons, bald eagles and great blue herons make it a favorite for wildlife watchers.

Fishing

NH Fish and Game manages Big Squam as one of its large lakes for landlocked salmon, and open-water season opens April 1. The lake has both cold and warmwater fisheries. NH Fish and Game stocks it with landlocked salmon and rainbow trout. Spring 2026 stockings of yearling landlocked salmon and rainbow trout were recorded in May 2026.

Species

Observed species include rainbow trout, landlocked salmon, lake trout, lake whitefish, smallmouth and largemouth bass, chain pickerel, horned pout and white perch. Rainbow smelt are the main coldwater forage.

Techniques

Troll streamers or smelt imitations shallow after ice-out for salmon and rainbows. Fish deeper with downriggers or lead core as summer stratification sets in. Work rocky shoals and island points for smallmouth.

Seasons

Open water from April 1, with the best salmon fishing right after ice-out (typically April). Bass peak in summer. Fall and winter rules differ for salmon and trout lakes, so check NH Fish and Game.

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.

Licensing

Anglers 16 and older need a New Hampshire fishing license.

Access

The Squam Lakes Association maintains four boat-launching sites on the lake. Contact the SLA for current locations, fees and parking. There are no businesses directly on Squam itself. Marinas and stores are on Little Squam and in Holderness.

Boat ramps & launches

Squam Lakes Association launch sites (four).

Marinas & rentals

There are two marinas on Little Squam Lake.

Amenities

Squam Lakes Natural Science Center in Holderness runs lake cruises and has wildlife exhibits.

Activities

Paddling, sailing, loon watching, island camping through the Squam Lakes Association, guided cruises showing On Golden Pond filming sites, and hiking the Rattlesnake and Squam Range trails.

Ice fishing

Ice fishing is possible in winter, but the season on salmon-managed lakes ends March 31, and salmon may never be taken through the ice in New Hampshire. Never assume ice is safe. Check thickness yourself, avoid pressure ridges, inlets and areas over current, and follow local guidance.

Water facts

Area about 6,791 acres (27.48 km²); shoreline about 119 km (USGS NHD); about 30 named islands. Drains via Little Squam Lake and the Squam River to the Pemigewasset River at Ashland.

Nearby services

Holderness and Ashland have food, fuel and lodging.

Safety & advisories

Common loons nest here, so give nesting areas and loon families plenty of room and use lead-free tackle. NH restricts lead sinkers and jigs. The lake is rocky in places, so carry a chart.

Nearby waters

• Kids Pond-Sandwich · 9.4 km (NH)
• Waukewan, Lake · 10 km (NH)
• Hall Pond, Lower · 11.8 km (NH)
• Hall Pond, Middle · 12.2 km (NH)
• Hall Pond, Upper · 13 km (NH)
• Baker River · 13.1 km (NH)

More in Belknap

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