What Squam Lake offers and where to fish it

Squam Lake is a 6,278-acre mountain lake in the Lakes Region that holds largemouth and smallmouth bass, chain pickerel, and lake trout. The lake runs roughly north-south between Moultonborough and Holderness, with the deepest water—over 200 feet—in the central basin. Most of the shoreline is residential, but the lake has three public boat launches and plenty of open water where you can fish without worrying about private property.

The lake's character changes with depth and season. Shallow bays and coves warm quickly in spring and hold bass early in the year. The deeper central basin stays cooler through summer and holds trout when surface temperatures climb. Pickerel live in the weedy shallows year-round and bite aggressively in fall. If you're new to Squam, start at one of the public launches and fish the first 50 yards of shoreline—you'll find bass, and you won't need to run far.

Key Takeaways

  • Squam Lake has three public boat launches: Moultonborough Town Docks, Holderness Town Beach, and Moultonborough Parks and Recreation at Moultonborough Neck Road.
  • Largemouth bass spawn in the shallows in May and early June; smallmouth bass move to rocky points and drop-offs in summer.
  • Lake trout live in water deeper than 40 feet from June through September and respond to live shiners or small spoons.
  • Chain pickerel bite best in fall and early winter in weed beds and around submerged structure in water 8 to 15 feet deep.
  • A New Hampshire fishing license is required; you can fish from shore at the public beaches without a boat.

Public boat launches and shore access

The Moultonborough Town Docks sit on the eastern shore near the village of Center Moultonborough. This is the most popular launch and has a paved ramp, parking for about 20 vehicles, and a small fee (usually $5 to $10 per day). The launch faces the central basin, so you can reach deep water quickly. The parking lot fills on summer weekends, so arrive early or fish on weekdays.

The Holderness Town Beach is on the northern end of the lake and has a sandy beach, a small launch area, and parking. This launch is quieter than Moultonborough and gives you access to the northern shallows, which hold bass in spring and early summer. There is a day-use fee.

Moultonborough Parks and Recreation manages a launch at Moultonborough Neck Road on the western shore. This is a smaller facility with limited parking, but it's less crowded and puts you near the western shallows and coves. Check with the town office for current hours and fees.

If you don't have a boat, both the Moultonborough Town Docks and Holderness Town Beach allow shore fishing. The Holderness beach is better for wading and casting; the Moultonborough docks work for drop-shot rigs and live bait.

Bass fishing by season

Largemouth bass spawn in the shallows from mid-May through early June. Fish the coves on the eastern and western shores in water 3 to 8 feet deep. Use soft plastics—4-inch worms or creature baits—in dark colors (black, brown, green pumpkin). Fish slowly and work the edges of weed beds. The bite is best at dawn and dusk.

After spawn, largemouth move to deeper weed beds and structure. From July through August, focus on the drop-offs along the eastern shore and the deeper coves. Smallmouth bass move to rocky points and ledges in 15 to 30 feet of water. Use crankbaits that reach 12 to 18 feet, or drop-shot rigs with 3-inch shads. The central basin has several rocky humps that hold smallmouth; use your sounder to find them.

Fall (September and October) is excellent for both species. Water cools, bass become active throughout the day, and they move to shallower structure. Fish the weed beds again, and work rocky shorelines with topwater plugs at dawn. Largemouth will chase a walking bait or popper in 4 to 10 feet of water.

Lake trout and deep-water fishing

Lake trout live in the deepest part of Squam Lake year-round but are most catchable from June through September when they move to the thermocline—roughly 40 to 80 feet deep. You'll need a sounder to find them. Use live shiners (4 to 6 inches) on a simple rig: a three-way swivel with a dropper line to a 1 to 2-ounce sinker and a 2-foot leader to a size 2 or 4 hook. Lower the bait to the depth where your sounder shows fish.

Small spoons (1/2 to 3/4 ounce) in silver or white also work well. Jig them vertically near the bottom or troll them slowly along the drop-offs. Lake trout bite best in early morning and late evening. The central basin, especially the area between the Moultonborough and Holderness launches, is the most productive deep-water zone.

Chain pickerel and fall fishing

Chain pickerel are aggressive and underrated. They bite best from September through November in the weed beds and around submerged logs on the western and eastern shores. Fish in 8 to 15 feet of water with large soft plastics (5 to 7 inches) or small crankbaits. Pickerel have sharp teeth, so use a 12 to 20-pound fluorocarbon leader or a short wire bite guard.

The western coves near Moultonborough Neck Road hold dense weed beds that are pickerel magnets in fall. Work the edges of the weeds with a steady retrieve—pickerel will chase a moving bait. Early morning and overcast days produce the best bite. Pickerel are strong fighters and make excellent table fare if you choose to keep them.

Seasonal patterns and timing

Spring (April and May) is the transition period. Water temperature climbs from the 40s to the 50s and 60s. Bass move shallow to spawn, and the bite is concentrated near shore. Fish early and late in the day; midday is often slow.

Summer (June through August) splits the lake into two fisheries. Shallow water warms to 75 degrees or higher, pushing bass and pickerel deeper. Trout move to cool, deep water. If you're fishing from shore or a small boat, focus on early morning and evening. Midday, fish the deepest water you can reach or focus on shaded coves.

Fall (September through November) is the most consistent season. Water cools, bass and pickerel become active all day, and the lake is less crowded. Trout also move shallower as the thermocline deepens. This is the best time to fish if you're new to Squam.

Winter (December through March) is slow. The lake freezes, and ice fishing is possible but requires local knowledge and current ice conditions. Check with the Moultonborough Parks and Recreation office or a local tackle shop before heading out.

Tackle and gear recommendations

For bass, bring a 6.5 to 7-foot medium-power spinning rod with 8 to 12-pound braided line. Carry soft plastics in 3 to 5-inch sizes, a few crankbaits in the 2 to 4-inch range, and a topwater plug. A small tackle box with hooks, weights, and swivels covers most situations.

For trout, a 6 to 6.5-foot medium rod with 10-pound monofilament works well. Bring live shiners in a small aerator, a few spoons, and a three-way rig setup. A sounder is not required but makes deep-water fishing much more productive.

For pickerel, use the same bass setup but add a bite guard or fluorocarbon leader. Pickerel teeth will fray regular line quickly.

All anglers need a current New Hampshire fishing license. You can purchase one online through the New Hampshire Fish and Game website or at most tackle shops and sporting goods stores in the area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish Squam Lake?

No. Both the Moultonborough Town Docks and Holderness Town Beach allow shore fishing. The Holderness beach is better for wading and casting. You can also fish from the Moultonborough docks with live bait or drop-shot rigs. Shore fishing limits your range but is a good way to start if you're new to the lake.

What's the best time of year to fish Squam Lake?

Fall (September through October) is most consistent. Water cools, bass and pickerel bite all day, and the lake is less crowded. Spring (May and June) is excellent for largemouth bass spawning. Summer is slower during midday but productive at dawn and dusk, especially for trout in deep water.

How deep is Squam Lake, and does it matter?

The central basin reaches over 200 feet deep. Depth matters because it determines where fish live by season. In summer, trout move to 40 to 80 feet deep to find cool water. Bass and pickerel stay shallower (under 30 feet) except during the hottest weeks. A sounder helps, but you can fish successfully by working the shoreline and drop-offs without one.

Are there size or catch limits on Squam Lake?

New Hampshire sets statewide regulations for bass, trout, and pickerel. Bass have a 12-inch minimum size and a daily limit (check current regulations with Fish and Game). Trout and pickerel have different limits. Regulations change, so verify current rules on the New Hampshire Fish and Game website or ask at a local tackle shop before you fish.

Can I fish at night?

Night fishing is allowed on Squam Lake. Bass and pickerel bite well after dark, especially in summer when daytime water temperatures are high. Use topwater plugs or large soft plastics. The public launches close at dusk, so plan to fish from shore or arrange a mooring if you have a boat.