Belknap County, NH · Lake
Lake Winnipesaukee
New Hampshire’s largest lake — 44,000 acres in the Lakes Region, a coldwater fishery for landlocked salmon and lake trout trolled deep, plus smallmouth and largemouth bass on the rocky islands and weed lines. A popular ice-fishing destination, with public ramps at Glendale, Meredith, and Alton Bay.
Live · updated
Top picks today
Landlocked Salmon, Lake Trout, Smallmouth Bass & Largemouth Bass — tied at the top (23/100)
4 species tied for best of 4 tracked at Lake Winnipesaukee.
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Species at Lake Winnipesaukee
4 species tracked, ranked by today's conditions. The top 4 (tied) are open below — tap any species to expand it, or a chip to focus.
#1 Landlocked Salmon Skip the Landlocked Salmon trip today. In season 23/100
What's helping
- 5 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
What's hurting
- Thunderstorms — get off the water immediately when storms approach
About. Salmo salar — A freshwater form of the Atlantic salmon, landlocked in the cold lakes of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York — Maine’s Sebago Lake gave the "Sebago" strain its name. It chases smelt in cold water, so the bite is best at ice-out and again in fall; in summer the fish follow the thermocline deep and are trolled with streamers and lead-core. A prized, hard-jumping gamefish and the centerpiece of the Northeast’s coldwater fishery.
Prefers. Water 38–60°F (ideal 50°F) · either tide · depth 5–70 ft.
- Min size
- 15"
- Daily creel
- 2
New Hampshire: 2 salmon/day (15" minimum), counted in a 2-fish salmon + lake-trout aggregate. Season Apr 1–Sep 30; no salmon may be taken through the ice.
Source: New Hampshire non-tidal regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
#1 Lake Trout Skip the Lake Trout trip today. In season 23/100
What's helping
- 5 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
What's hurting
- Thunderstorms — get off the water immediately when storms approach
About. Salvelinus namaycush — The native deepwater char of the Great Lakes and cold northern lakes. Holds in cold, deep water through summer and moves shallow to reefs in spring and fall. Targeted by deep trolling, jigging, and from shore early and late in the season.
Prefers. Water 40–52°F (ideal 48°F) · either tide · depth 30–200 ft.
- Min size
- 18"
- Daily creel
- 2
New Hampshire: 2 lake trout/day (18" minimum), in the 2-fish salmon + lake-trout aggregate.
Source: New Hampshire non-tidal regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
#1 Smallmouth Bass Skip the Smallmouth Bass trip today. In season 23/100
What's helping
- 5 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
What's hurting
- Thunderstorms — get off the water immediately when storms approach
About. Micropterus dolomieu — Premier gamefish of the non-tidal Potomac, the Upper Susquehanna, and Deep Creek Lake. Pound-for-pound one of the hardest-fighting freshwater fish. Hits tubes, crayfish imitations, spinnerbaits, and topwater poppers.
Prefers. Water 55–78°F (ideal 68°F) · either tide · depth 3–30 ft.
- Min size
- 12"
- Daily creel
- 5
New Hampshire: 5 bass/day, 12" minimum.
Source: New Hampshire non-tidal regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
#1 Largemouth Bass Skip the Largemouth Bass trip today. In season 23/100
What's helping
- 5 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
What's hurting
- Thunderstorms — get off the water immediately when storms approach
About. Micropterus salmoides — Most popular gamefish in MD non-tidal waters. Ambush predator around cover — lily pads, submerged timber, docks, grass edges. Hits plastics, spinnerbaits, jigs, and topwater across the season.
Prefers. Water 55–85°F (ideal 72°F) · either tide · depth 3–25 ft.
- Min size
- 12"
- Daily creel
- 5
New Hampshire: 5 bass/day, 12" minimum.
Source: New Hampshire non-tidal regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
Location Info
Water Body
Lake
Access
Pier, shore, and ramp
Jurisdiction
New Hampshire non-tidal
Coordinates
Notes
NH: 2-fish salmon + lake-trout aggregate. Salmon/lake-trout open Apr 1–Sep 30; no salmon taken through the ice.
Local reports & rules for Lake Winnipesaukee: New Hampshire Fish & Game fishing & regulations → · fish-consumption advisories (EPA directory) →
Nearby Access Points
Frequently Asked
Do I need a fishing license to fish at Lake Winnipesaukee?
Yes (anglers age 16 and older). To fish at Lake Winnipesaukee you need the appropriate state fishing license. See the agency's current rules: the state agency website
What fish are commonly targeted at Lake Winnipesaukee?
Lake Winnipesaukee is listed on this site for 4 commonly-targeted species: Landlocked Salmon, Lake Trout, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass. Which species is currently in season and which is scoring highest today is shown in the per-species ranking on this page.
When is the best time to fish at Lake Winnipesaukee?
It depends more on the species and the day's conditions than on a fixed "best hour." Water temperature, weather, and — at tidal locations — the stage of the tide drive activity most. The per-species ranking on this page scores every target species at Lake Winnipesaukee against today's live conditions, so the fish near the top are your best bets right now; check back as conditions change through the day.
What kind of access does Lake Winnipesaukee have?
Lake Winnipesaukee has multiple access types — pier, shoreline, and at least one public boat ramp. NH: 2-fish salmon + lake-trout aggregate. Salmon/lake-trout open Apr 1–Sep 30; no salmon taken through the ice.
Which state's fishing regulations apply at Lake Winnipesaukee?
state agency regulations apply at Lake Winnipesaukee. Size limits, creel limits, and seasonal closures are listed per species on each species page. Always confirm against the agency source linked from each regulation block — emergency closures can take effect mid-season.
Is Lake Winnipesaukee tidal water?
No. Lake Winnipesaukee is non-tidal — water level varies with rainfall, seasonal flow, and (where applicable) upstream dam releases rather than tidal exchange.