Lake Winnipesaukee is filled with a variety of species that can be targeted through the ice during the cold NH winter. Nights can bring you 10 plus pound cusk, deep pools can reward you with lake trout, or a school of white perch, and you can win $10,000 just for catching a big fish.
(Featured Banner Image by Robert John Kozlow)
People die every year on the lake. Everyone should be cautious on the ice, check ice conditions before going out, and be sure to check the ice while you are out there. No matter what you read on the forums, be sure to always check ice depths yourself.
I have created and manage a Facebook group so that you can ask about specific areas or see recent updates. View Facebook Group
Lake Winnipesaukee ice conditions right now: http://www.rattlesnakecam.com/watch.htm
January 1st through March 31st.
| Waterbody | Lake Trout | Salmon |
|---|---|---|
| First Connecticut Lake | Yes | Yes |
| Second Connecticut Lake | Yes | Yes |
| Third Connecticut Lake | Yes | No |
| Conway Lake | No | Yes |
| Big Dan Hole Pond | Yes | Yes |
| Big Diamond Pond | Yes | No |
| Francis Lake | Yes | Yes |
| Granite Lake | Yes | No |
| Great East Lake | Yes | No |
| Big Greenough Pond | Yes | No |
| Merrymeeting Lake | Yes | Yes |
| Newfound Lake | Yes | Yes |
| Nubanusit Lake | Yes | Yes |
| Ossipee Lake | No | Yes |
| Silver Lake (Harrisville) | Yes | No |
| Silver Lake (Madison) | Yes | No |
| Big Squam Lake | Yes | Yes |
| Little Squam Lake | Yes | Yes |
| Sunapee Lake | Yes | Yes |
| Winnipesaukee Lake | Yes | Yes |
| Winnisquam Lake | Yes | Yes |
Here is a link to Fish and Game’s Regulations: http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/fishing/ice-fishing.html
You are also allowed up to 6 cusk traps per person.
Any type of fish caught on a cusk line other than a cusk must be released.
Image from http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/pubs/documents/samples/winter-cusk.pdf
This is also a great resource to learn about cusk and cusk fishing.
Most common fish taken while ice fishing. These fish are the 7 categories of the Meredith Rotary Club ice fishing derby.
Landlocked Salmon cannot legally be taken through the ice. Anglers must release the fish without taking them out of the water.
Each year, the Meredith Rotary Club puts on an ice fishing derby. Fish can be caught on any legal body of water in NH, but must be checked in on Lake Winnipesaukee at the Meredith Town Docks. You can learn all about the derby and registration here: http://www.meredithrotary.com/
We also created a map that includes some of the most common boat launch locations for the public:
There are a few popular bait and tackle shops around the lake that will help greatly when you need supplies or to find out what has been biting lately.
Alton – Alton Bay Corner Store
Wolfboro – Hole in the Wall
Meredith – AJ’s Bait and Tackle
If you are looking for a Lake Winnipesaukee ice fishing guide, fill out our form here.
Also, here is a list of local ice fishing guides (but please reach out to us first!):
https://www.catchyainabit.com/about
https://www.fishnerdspodcast.com/
http://timmooreoutdoors.com/icefishing/
Lake Winnipesaukee has a lot of public access points. The pdf below lays out a large portion of the public access points for summer months. Many of these boat launches are not accessible in winter months, however often times, people can get on the ice from the beaches.
Lake Winnipesaukee Boat Launch and Water Access
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