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Lakes & Reservoirs

Lake Winnipesaukee Fishing Guide

New Hampshire

New Hampshire's largest lake with rocky smallmouth structure and deep lake trout.

Trip at a Glance

Anglers come to Lake Winnipesaukee for lake trout and smallmouth bass. The best months overall are Apr to Feb. In October, lake trout and smallmouth bass are in season, and Ned Rig, Suspending Jerkbait and Paddle-Tail Swimbait are a good place to start. There are 12 shops within 45 miles (1 fly, 11 bait and tackle); the closest is Fish Tails Bait and Tackle in Meredith, 9 mi away. Great Bay is 43 mi away if you want to make a trip of it.

Best Months

Apr to Feb

In October

Lake Trout, Smallmouth Bass

Methods

Spin, cast & bait

Season at a Glance

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What You'll Catch

Lake Winnipesaukee Species

Lake Trout

Prime Now
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Best: May to Jun, Oct to Feb

Smallmouth Bass

Prime Now
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Best: Apr to Oct

Plan by Month

What to Use

Month
Fish

5 picks for October. ● means in season that month.

  • Ned Rig 2.5 to 3 in

    Lure

    Finesse · Smallmouth Bass

    Shop This Lure

  • Suspending Jerkbait 4 to 5 in

    Lure

    Hard Bait · Smallmouth Bass

    Shop This Lure

  • Paddle-Tail Swimbait 3 to 5 in

    Lure

    Soft Plastic · Lake Trout · Jigged deep.

    Shop This Lure

  • Tube Jig 3 to 4 in

    Lure

    Soft Plastic · Smallmouth Bass

    Shop This Lure

  • Casting Spoon 1/4 to 1 oz

    Lure

    Spoon · Lake Trout · Shallow after ice-out.

    Shop This Lure

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Rod & Reel

Recommended Setups

Lake Trout

Fly 8 to 9 wt rod with a full-sink line when fish are shallow after ice-out.

Spin / Cast 7 ft medium-heavy spinning or baitcasting rod, 20 to 30 lb braid with a fluorocarbon leader, or downrigger trolling gear.

Smallmouth Bass

Fly 9 ft 6 or 7 wt rod, floating line, 10 to 12 lb leader. Crayfish patterns, Clousers, and poppers.

Spin / Cast 7 ft medium spinning rod, 2500 reel, 8 lb braid to a 6 to 8 lb fluorocarbon leader.

Matched to These Species

Gear for Lake Winnipesaukee

Rods

Ugly Stik Bigwater Trolling Rod

A long, forgiving trolling rod for downriggers and planer boards.

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Soft Plastics

Yamamoto Senko 5 in

The original salted stick bait. Fish it weightless or wacky rigged.

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Rods

St. Croix Triumph Spinning Rod

A sensitive, lightweight rod for finesse plastics and jigs.

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Nets & Tools

Frabill Rubber Mesh Landing Net

A fish-friendly rubber net that does not tangle hooks.

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Rod & Reel Combos

Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Combo

Nearly unbreakable and sensitive enough for most freshwater fishing. A safe first combo.

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Reels

Shimano Sedona Spinning Reel

A smooth, durable reel in sizes for trout through inshore saltwater.

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Reels

Pflueger President Spinning Reel

Light and smooth for its price. A favorite for finesse and panfish rods.

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Line

PowerPro Spectra Braided Line

Thin, strong braid for long casts, sensitivity, and pulling fish from cover.

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Within 45 Miles

Shops Near Lake Winnipesaukee

Make It a Trip

Nearby Water

Saltwater & Coast · New Hampshire · 43 mi

Great Bay

A tidal estuary behind Portsmouth with spring and summer stripers.

Striped Bass

Rivers & Streams · Vermont · 62 mi

White River

The longest free-flowing river in Vermont with wild rainbows and browns.

Rainbow Trout · Brown Trout

Saltwater & Coast · Maine · 62 mi

Casco Bay

Islands and river mouths around Portland with summer stripers.

Striped Bass · Bluefish