Fishing at Lake Winnipesaukee, Belknap County, New Hampshire

• Overview

  The Belknap County entry here is Lake Winnipesaukee, in New Hampshire. It sits at 495 feet above sea level. It covers about 71.3 sq miles, which means weather matters as much as tactics. The form is ragged, which puts a lot of structure within casting range. Of the waters listed here in Belknap County, this is the largest. Head to Gilford, 5.4 miles away, for anything you forgot. It is 42 miles to Manchester, the nearest city. It sits near the edge of the county, so check which rules apply.

• Where to Fish on Lake Winnipesaukee

  Our records give 185 ft, so you have a figure to work from. This is a lake, so the margins and the first drop matter most. The productive water is a rod length or two out, not a hundred. Reported across Belknap County: rainbow trout, largemouth bass and smallmouth bass. It is the county picture; the agency list is water-specific. The near bank of Lake Winnipesaukee is often the one people ignore.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warmest month averages 69°F, the coldest about 19°F. Winter shuts things down for a spell, then spring reopens them fast. The open season starts with the thaw, near enough early April. Climate averages put the opening at about early April and the closing near mid December. May into June fishes hardest, and September gives a second good stretch before the lid returns. It holds true on Lake Winnipesaukee more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  The bank is open to all, according to our records. Being dammed, it draws down in some seasons and fills in others. The map shows no ramp or car park nearby, so this is a walk-in water. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Rules differ from one water to the next round here. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. Mirror Lake sits 3.7 miles off and takes the overflow. Treat access at Lake Winnipesaukee as something to verify.