Fishing at Baxter Lake, Strafford County, New Hampshire

• Overview

  In New Hampshire, Baxter Lake belongs to Strafford County. The bank is 404 feet above sea level. The water covers around 302 acres, which puts most of it out of reach from the bank. Around 3.2 miles of bank, which is a long day on foot. Few waters listed in Strafford County are bigger. You are 3.7 miles from Rochester. Further out sit Farmington (4.5 miles) and Strafford (7.1 miles). You are close to a county edge here; who manages the access can change within a short drive.

• Where to Fish on Baxter Lake

  There is no published depth for this one, so start shallow and work out. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Draw-down through summer strips the margins, so follow the water out. Fish documented in Strafford County include rainbow trout, brown trout, largemouth bass and rainbow smelt. The county figures include rivers and lakes alike. Baxter Lake fishes better once you know its edges.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Average temperature peaks around 69°F in July and bottoms out near 21°F in January. The middle months are generous; the ends are demanding. After early April the shallows warm and the fish move up. Averages suggest open water from about early April through to roughly mid December. Look to early summer and the first cool weeks of autumn. Baxter Lake fishes to that pattern most years.

• Tackle & Baits

  Our records carry no access rule either way. There is a slipway at Baxter Lake Boat Access Ramp, roughly half a mile off. The nearest car park is half a mile from the water. Baxter Lake is mapped as a fishing spot half a mile from the water. A phone call first saves an afternoon. Some stretches are reserved and marked as such on the ground. Rattlesnake Pond at 2.7 miles is the sensible second choice. For Baxter Lake in particular, ask before you travel.