FishCondishLake Winnipesaukee, NH Fishing Report & Live Conditions
Lake Winnipesaukee, NH fishing report
Lake Winnipesaukee is a big-water fishery with real variety. Smallmouth bass own the rocky points and boulder fields in the shallower bays from late spring through fall, going deep once temperatures drop below 50°F. Lake trout and landlocked salmon share the cold, oxygenated depths throughout summer, typically suspending in the 55 to 60°F thermocline, then becoming more accessible near the surface during spring and fall as the water column mixes.
For smallmouth, work tube jigs and drop-shots around submerged boulders and gravel transitions. In summer, target lakers and landlocks by trolling streamer flies or small spoons on lead-core or downriggers once surface temps climb into the upper 60s. Early and late in the season, landlocked salmon chase smelt near the surface at dawn, making light tackle with live smelt or white streamers particularly productive around rocky shorelines and points where baitfish stage.
Lake Winnipesaukee, NH river flow
The closest active USGS gauge to Lake Winnipesaukee, NH is BEARCAMP RIVER AT SOUTH TAMWORTH, NH (site 01064801), about 14.7 miles away. It drains roughly 67.6 square miles. Flow is the single best predictor of where fish sit in moving water, so it is worth knowing what normal looks like before you read today's number.
In August, this gauge typically runs about 26 cfs.
| Month | Median flow |
|---|---|
| Jan | 84 cfs |
| Feb | 62 cfs |
| Mar | 157 cfs |
| Apr | 296 cfs |
| May | 133 cfs |
| Jun | 58 cfs |
| Jul | 36 cfs |
| Aug | 26 cfs |
| Sep | 22 cfs |
| Oct | 58 cfs |
| Nov | 114 cfs |
| Dec | 126 cfs |
Median flow from the USGS daily-statistics record. For the live flow, gage height, water temperature, and today's fishing score, open the Lake Winnipesaukee, NH dashboard.
What's biting near Lake Winnipesaukee, NH
The species most likely to be feeding Lake Winnipesaukee: smallmouth bass, lake trout, and landlocked salmon. FishCondish grades every hour of the day for Lake Winnipesaukee, NH and gives each species its own bite forecast, so you can see which window is worth fishing before you load the truck.
Lake Winnipesaukee, NH fishing FAQ
What fish can you catch at Lake Winnipesaukee, NH?
The species bite forecast for Lake Winnipesaukee, NH covers what's likely feeding there, including smallmouth bass, lake trout, and landlocked salmon — and updates with the live conditions.
What's the best time of day to fish Lake Winnipesaukee, NH?
Dawn and dusk are usually the most productive windows on Lake Winnipesaukee, particularly when the barometric pressure is steady or falling. FishCondish grades every hour of the day so you can pick the best one.
When is the best season to fish Lake Winnipesaukee, NH?
Spring and fall are typically strongest on Lake Winnipesaukee as water temperatures sit in the productive range, with summer fishing best early and late in the day. It varies year to year, so check the live conditions before you head out.
How do I know if it's a good day to fish Lake Winnipesaukee, NH?
FishCondish combines wind, water level, water temperature, pressure trend, and moon phase into a single 1–10 fishing score for Lake Winnipesaukee, NH, updated in real time — a quick go/no-go read before you make the trip.
Fishing tips for Lake Winnipesaukee, NH
New to these waters? Start with these beginner-friendly guides: