This category helps buyers understand fishing potential, species diversity, and ecological health without exaggeration. Summaries are conservative and species-based, grounded in NH Fish & Game stocking records, habitat type, lake depth, and watershed characteristics. Where data varies by basin or is seasonally dependent, that uncertainty is stated plainly.
Sub-metrics Used
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Primary Fish Species: Common, well-documented species
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Stocking & Management: Stocked / Naturally sustaining / Mixed
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Fishing Pressure: Low / Moderate / High
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Seasonality: Ice fishing vs. open-water strengths
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Overall Fishing Profile: Buyer-facing summary
1. Lake Winnipesaukee
Primary Fish Species: Lake trout (togue), landlocked salmon, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, white perch, rainbow smelt
Stocking & Management: Actively managed and stocked by NH Fish & Game, especially for cold-water species
Fishing Pressure: High, particularly for salmon and lake trout
Seasonality:
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Open water: Strong for salmon and bass
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Ice fishing: Very popular and productive for multiple species
Overall Fishing Profile: One of New Hampshire’s premier multi-species fisheries, offering both cold-water and warm-water fishing, with pressure balanced by lake size.
2. Squam Lake
Primary Fish Species: Lake trout, smallmouth bass, chain pickerel, white perch
Stocking & Management: Managed primarily as a cold-water and mixed fishery; stocking occurs but is more conservation-focused
Fishing Pressure: Moderate
Seasonality:
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Open water: Strong for lake trout and bass
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Ice fishing: Allowed and productive, though less pressured than Winnipesaukee
Overall Fishing Profile: A high-quality fishery with strong cold-water habitat and lower pressure, appealing to anglers who value quieter conditions.
3. Lake Winnisquam
Primary Fish Species: Smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, white perch, chain pickerel, lake trout
Stocking & Management: Mixed management; cold-water species supported where habitat allows
Fishing Pressure: Moderate to high
Seasonality:
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Open water: Strong bass fishery
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Ice fishing: Popular and productive for perch and pickerel
Overall Fishing Profile: Known more for warm-water fishing than trophy cold-water species, with accessible year-round angling.
4. Newfound Lake
Primary Fish Species: Lake trout, smallmouth bass, rainbow smelt, white perch
Stocking & Management: Actively managed cold-water fishery with strong natural habitat
Fishing Pressure: Moderate
Seasonality:
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Open water: Excellent for lake trout
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Ice fishing: Highly regarded, especially for togue
Overall Fishing Profile: Considered one of the state’s top cold-water lakes, with excellent water quality supporting healthy fish populations.
5. Lake Ossipee
Primary Fish Species: Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, chain pickerel, white perch
Stocking & Management: Primarily warm-water fishery with limited cold-water habitat
Fishing Pressure: Moderate
Seasonality:
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Open water: Strong bass and pickerel fishing
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Ice fishing: Popular for warm-water species
Overall Fishing Profile: Best suited for anglers targeting bass and warm-water species rather than deep-water trout.
6. Lake Wentworth
Primary Fish Species: Smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, chain pickerel, white perch
Stocking & Management: Primarily a naturally sustaining warm-water fishery; no regular cold-water stocking documented
Fishing Pressure: Low to moderate
Seasonality:
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Open water: Strong bass and pickerel fishing
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Ice fishing: Moderate interest, primarily warm-water species
Overall Fishing Profile: A quieter fishery favored by anglers targeting bass and pickerel in a less pressured setting.
7. Great East Lake
Primary Fish Species: Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, chain pickerel, white perch
Stocking & Management: Managed primarily as a warm-water fishery; cross-state management influences practices
Fishing Pressure: Moderate
Seasonality:
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Open water: Consistent bass fishing
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Ice fishing: Popular for pickerel and perch
Overall Fishing Profile: A solid, accessible warm-water fishery with reliable seasonal action and broad species presence.
8. Merrymeeting Lake
Primary Fish Species: Largemouth bass, chain pickerel, white perch, yellow perch
Stocking & Management: Primarily a warm-water fishery; limited cold-water habitat
Fishing Pressure: Moderate to high during peak season
Seasonality:
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Open water: Popular for bass and pickerel
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Ice fishing: Active and well-used for warm-water species
Overall Fishing Profile: A productive warm-water fishery that supports consistent angling but experiences higher pressure.
9. Paugus Bay (Lake Winnipesaukee)
Primary Fish Species: Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, white perch, chain pickerel
Stocking & Management: Influenced by Lake Winnipesaukee management; warm-water species dominate in the bay
Fishing Pressure: High
Seasonality:
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Open water: Active bass fishing, especially early and late season
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Ice fishing: Popular but impacted by congestion
Overall Fishing Profile: A convenient, accessible fishery with good warm-water action but heavy recreational pressure.
10. Silver Lake (Madison)
Primary Fish Species: Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, chain pickerel, yellow perch
Stocking & Management: Primarily a warm-water fishery; limited documented cold-water stocking
Fishing Pressure: Low to moderate
Seasonality:
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Open water: Reliable bass fishing
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Ice fishing: Moderate use for pickerel and perch
Overall Fishing Profile: A quieter, consistent warm-water fishery suitable for casual anglers and families.
11. Lake Waukewan
Primary Fish Species: Smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, white perch, chain pickerel
Stocking & Management: Managed primarily as a warm-water fishery; no regular cold-water stocking documented
Fishing Pressure: Moderate
Seasonality:
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Open water: Consistent bass fishing
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Ice fishing: Active for warm-water species
Overall Fishing Profile: A reliable warm-water fishery with steady recreational use, not known for trophy cold-water species.
12. Webster Lake
Primary Fish Species: Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, chain pickerel, white perch, yellow perch
Stocking & Management: Warm-water fishery; no documented cold-water stocking
Fishing Pressure: Moderate to high
Seasonality:
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Open water: Active bass and pickerel fishing
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Ice fishing: Popular for perch and pickerel
Overall Fishing Profile: A productive warm-water fishery with strong participation, especially during summer and winter seasons.
13. Pine River Pond
Primary Fish Species: Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, chain pickerel, white perch
Stocking & Management: Primarily naturally sustaining warm-water fishery
Fishing Pressure: Moderate
Seasonality:
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Open water: Good bass and pickerel fishing
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Ice fishing: Moderate activity
Overall Fishing Profile: A balanced warm-water fishery offering consistent angling without extreme pressure.
14. Lovell Lake
Primary Fish Species: Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, chain pickerel, white perch
Stocking & Management: Warm-water fishery with natural reproduction
Fishing Pressure: Low to moderate
Seasonality:
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Open water: Steady bass fishing
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Ice fishing: Light to moderate use
Overall Fishing Profile: A quieter warm-water fishery appealing to anglers who value low pressure and consistent catches.
15. Crystal Lake (Gilmanton)
Primary Fish Species: Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, chain pickerel, white perch
Stocking & Management: Warm-water fishery; limited cold-water habitat
Fishing Pressure: Moderate
Seasonality:
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Open water: Active bass and pickerel fishing
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Ice fishing: Popular locally for warm-water species
Overall Fishing Profile: A well-used warm-water fishery with consistent seasonal angling opportunities.
16. Lake Opechee
Primary Fish Species: Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, chain pickerel, white perch, yellow perch
Stocking & Management: Managed primarily as a warm-water fishery; no regular cold-water stocking documented
Fishing Pressure: Moderate
Seasonality:
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Open water: Reliable bass and pickerel fishing
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Ice fishing: Active locally for warm-water species
Overall Fishing Profile: A consistent warm-water fishery influenced by urban watershed conditions and steady recreational use.
17. Upper Suncook Lake
Primary Fish Species: Largemouth bass, chain pickerel, white perch, yellow perch
Stocking & Management: Warm-water fishery; natural reproduction predominates
Fishing Pressure: Moderate to high
Seasonality:
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Open water: Active bass and pickerel fishing
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Ice fishing: Popular for warm-water species
Overall Fishing Profile: A productive warm-water fishery with higher participation, especially during peak summer and winter seasons.
18. Lake Kanasatka
Primary Fish Species: Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, chain pickerel, yellow perch, white perch
Stocking & Management: Managed primarily as a warm-water fishery; limited cold-water habitat
Fishing Pressure: Low to moderate
Seasonality:
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Open water: Steady bass fishing
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Ice fishing: Moderate use for pickerel and perch
Overall Fishing Profile: A quieter warm-water fishery appealing to anglers seeking less pressure and consistent action.
19. Lake Wicwas
Primary Fish Species: Largemouth bass, chain pickerel, white perch, yellow perch
Stocking & Management: Warm-water fishery; no regular cold-water stocking documented
Fishing Pressure: Moderate
Seasonality:
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Open water: Productive bass and pickerel fishing
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Ice fishing: Active locally
Overall Fishing Profile: A traditional warm-water fishery with dependable seasonal opportunities.
20. Mirror Lake (Tuftonboro)
Primary Fish Species: Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, chain pickerel, white perch
Stocking & Management: Managed as a warm-water fishery; no documented cold-water stocking
Fishing Pressure: Low
Seasonality:
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Open water: Light to moderate bass fishing
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Ice fishing: Limited activity compared to larger lakes
Overall Fishing Profile: A low-pressure warm-water fishery suited to casual angling and quieter lake use.
21. Lower Suncook Lake
Primary Fish Species: Largemouth bass, chain pickerel, white perch, yellow perch
Stocking & Management: Warm-water fishery; natural reproduction predominates
Fishing Pressure: Moderate to high
Seasonality:
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Open water: Productive bass and pickerel fishing
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Ice fishing: Popular locally for warm-water species
Overall Fishing Profile: A well-used warm-water fishery with reliable action and higher participation during peak seasons.
22. Halfmoon Lake
Primary Fish Species: Largemouth bass, chain pickerel, yellow perch, white perch
Stocking & Management: Warm-water fishery; no regular cold-water stocking documented
Fishing Pressure: Moderate
Seasonality:
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Open water: Consistent bass and pickerel fishing
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Ice fishing: Moderate use for perch and pickerel
Overall Fishing Profile: A steady, community-oriented warm-water fishery suitable for casual and family angling.
23. Lake Pemigewasset
Primary Fish Species: Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, chain pickerel, white perch, yellow perch
Stocking & Management: Warm-water fishery influenced by river connectivity; no regular cold-water stocking documented
Fishing Pressure: Moderate
Seasonality:
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Open water: Active bass fishing, especially near structure
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Ice fishing: Moderate participation for warm-water species
Overall Fishing Profile: A versatile warm-water fishery shaped by river-fed habitat and steady local use.
24. Sunrise Lake
Primary Fish Species: Largemouth bass, chain pickerel, yellow perch, white perch
Stocking & Management: Warm-water fishery; natural reproduction common
Fishing Pressure: Moderate to high
Seasonality:
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Open water: Reliable bass and pickerel fishing
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Ice fishing: Active locally during winter months
Overall Fishing Profile: A productive warm-water fishery with strong seasonal participation.
25. Sunset Lake (Alton)
Primary Fish Species: Largemouth bass, chain pickerel, yellow perch, white perch
Stocking & Management: Warm-water fishery; no documented cold-water stocking
Fishing Pressure: Moderate
Seasonality:
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Open water: Steady bass and pickerel fishing
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Ice fishing: Moderate participation
Overall Fishing Profile: A balanced warm-water fishery offering dependable angling without extreme pressure.
26. Rust Pond (Wolfeboro)
Primary Fish Species: Largemouth bass, chain pickerel, yellow perch, white perch
Stocking & Management: Warm-water fishery; natural reproduction predominates
Fishing Pressure: Moderate
Seasonality:
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Open water: Consistent bass and pickerel fishing
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Ice fishing: Moderate local participation
Overall Fishing Profile: A dependable warm-water pond fishery with steady seasonal use rather than trophy focus.
27. Silver Lake (Tilton & Belmont)
Primary Fish Species: Largemouth bass, chain pickerel, yellow perch, white perch
Stocking & Management: Warm-water fishery; no documented cold-water stocking
Fishing Pressure: Moderate to high
Seasonality:
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Open water: Active bass fishing
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Ice fishing: Popular locally for perch and pickerel
Overall Fishing Profile: A heavily used warm-water fishery with consistent participation and accessible fishing.
28. Hermit Lake (Sanbornton)
Primary Fish Species: Largemouth bass, chain pickerel, yellow perch, white perch
Stocking & Management: Warm-water fishery; natural reproduction common
Fishing Pressure: Moderate
Seasonality:
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Open water: Reliable bass and pickerel fishing
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Ice fishing: Moderate use
Overall Fishing Profile: A traditional warm-water fishery offering consistent recreational angling without extreme pressure.
29. Lake Winona
Primary Fish Species: Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, chain pickerel, yellow perch, white perch
Stocking & Management: Warm-water fishery with good natural habitat
Fishing Pressure: Low to moderate
Seasonality:
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Open water: Good bass fishing
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Ice fishing: Light to moderate use
Overall Fishing Profile: A quieter warm-water fishery appealing to anglers seeking less pressure and steady catches.
30. Locke Lake
Primary Fish Species: Largemouth bass, chain pickerel, yellow perch, white perch
Stocking & Management: Warm-water fishery; natural reproduction predominates
Fishing Pressure: High
Seasonality:
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Open water: Popular for bass and pickerel
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Ice fishing: Very active locally
Overall Fishing Profile: A productive but heavily pressured warm-water fishery with strong community participation.
31. Belleau Lake
Primary Fish Species: Largemouth bass, chain pickerel, yellow perch, white perch
Stocking & Management: Warm-water fishery; no regular cold-water stocking documented
Fishing Pressure: Moderate
Seasonality:
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Open water: Consistent bass fishing
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Ice fishing: Moderate participation
Overall Fishing Profile: A balanced warm-water fishery suitable for family and recreational anglers.
32. Lees Pond
Primary Fish Species: Largemouth bass, chain pickerel, yellow perch
Stocking & Management: Warm-water pond fishery; natural reproduction
Fishing Pressure: Moderate
Seasonality:
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Open water: Small-scale bass and pickerel fishing
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Ice fishing: Local use for perch and pickerel
Overall Fishing Profile: A compact warm-water fishery best suited for casual angling rather than variety or size.
33. Wakondah Pond
Primary Fish Species: Largemouth bass, chain pickerel, yellow perch
Stocking & Management: Warm-water pond fishery; no cold-water management
Fishing Pressure: Moderate to high
Seasonality:
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Open water: Productive for bass and pickerel
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Ice fishing: Active locally
Overall Fishing Profile: A high-use warm-water pond fishery with consistent seasonal activity.
34. Hill’s Pond (Alton)
Primary Fish Species: Largemouth bass, chain pickerel, yellow perch
Stocking & Management: Warm-water pond fishery; natural reproduction
Fishing Pressure: Moderate
Seasonality:
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Open water: Casual bass and pickerel fishing
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Ice fishing: Moderate local use
Overall Fishing Profile: A simple warm-water fishery supporting casual recreational angling.
35. Sawyer Lake
Primary Fish Species: Largemouth bass, chain pickerel, yellow perch, white perch
Stocking & Management: Warm-water fishery; natural reproduction
Fishing Pressure: Moderate to high
Seasonality:
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Open water: Reliable bass and pickerel fishing
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Ice fishing: Active locally
Overall Fishing Profile: A well-used warm-water fishery with dependable action and higher seasonal participation.
FAQ
What is the purpose of Category 6: Fishing Quality & Ecology?
It helps buyers understand fishing potential, species diversity, and ecological health without exaggeration, using conservative summaries grounded in stocking records, habitat type, lake depth, and watershed characteristics.
What are the sub-metrics used across lakes in this category?
Primary Fish Species, Stocking & Management, Fishing Pressure, Seasonality (ice fishing vs. open-water strengths), and an Overall Fishing Profile.
Does this category distinguish stocked fisheries from naturally sustaining fisheries?
Yes. Stocking & Management is stated as stocked, naturally sustaining, or mixed (with notes such as “no regular cold-water stocking documented” where applicable).
How is seasonality handled?
Seasonality is presented as open-water vs. ice-fishing strengths, with notes when participation or performance differs by season.
Are there lakes in this set managed for cold-water fishing?
Yes. Lake Winnipesaukee is actively managed and stocked (especially for cold-water species). Squam Lake is managed primarily as a cold-water and mixed fishery. Newfound Lake is actively managed as a cold-water fishery with strong natural habitat.
Which lakes in this set are described primarily as warm-water fisheries?
Multiple lakes are described as warm-water fisheries, including Lake Ossipee, Lake Wentworth, Great East Lake, Merrymeeting Lake, Lake Waukewan, Webster Lake, Pine River Pond, Lovell Lake, Crystal Lake (Gilmanton), Lake Opechee, Upper Suncook Lake, Lake Kanasatka, Lake Wicwas, Mirror Lake (Tuftonboro), Lower Suncook Lake, Halfmoon Lake, Lake Pemigewasset, Sunrise Lake, Sunset Lake (Alton), Rust Pond (Wolfeboro), Silver Lake (Tilton & Belmont), Hermit Lake (Sanbornton), Lake Winona, Locke Lake, Belleau Lake, Lees Pond, Wakondah Pond, Hill’s Pond (Alton), and Sawyer Lake.
Which lakes are noted for higher fishing pressure?
Lake Winnipesaukee and Paugus Bay are described as high pressure. Higher pressure is also noted (often seasonally) for Merrymeeting Lake, Webster Lake, Upper Suncook Lake, Lower Suncook Lake, Sunrise Lake, Silver Lake (Tilton & Belmont), Locke Lake, Wakondah Pond, and Sawyer Lake.
