What You'll Find at Lovell Lake

Lovell Lake is a 41-acre pond in Wakefield that holds both smallmouth and largemouth bass, along with pickerel and sunfish. The water is clear enough to sight-fish in the shallows, and the bottom transitions from sand and gravel near the launch to muck and weeds as you move toward the deeper center. Most of the shoreline is wooded residential property, which keeps the lake quiet and limits development pressure — you won't find jet skis or heavy boat traffic here.

The lake sits about 500 feet above sea level in the foothills of the White Mountains, so water temperature swings are noticeable between seasons. Spring and fall are the most reliable times to fish, though summer early mornings and late evenings can produce. Winter ice-out typically happens in late April, and the lake usually freezes solid by mid-December.

Key Takeaways

  • Lovell Lake has a public boat launch on the north shore with parking for roughly a dozen vehicles and a small fee to launch.
  • Smallmouth bass respond well to drop-offs and rocky structure on the eastern and western shorelines, especially in spring and fall.
  • Largemouth bass hold in the weed beds and shallow bays on the southern end, particularly during early morning and late evening.
  • The lake is shallow overall — maximum depth around 35 feet — so fish are rarely far from structure or weed cover.

The Public Launch and Where to Park

The Lovell Lake public boat launch is located on the north shore, accessible from Route 16 in Wakefield. There is a small parking area with space for about 10 to 12 vehicles, and a modest launch fee is charged — check with the town of Wakefield for current rates, as they can change. The ramp itself is concrete and well-maintained, suitable for small to medium boats and kayaks.

Arrive early on weekends, especially in May and June when the lake sees more traffic. The lot fills quickly on nice days, and there is no overflow parking nearby. If you cannot find a spot, you may need to return later or try a different time of day. The launch area has a small beach area where you can wade in to launch a kayak or canoe without using the ramp.

Spring and Fall — The Best Seasons

From late April through May, smallmouth bass move shallow to spawn, and they are aggressive on crankbaits and soft plastics worked along the rocky drop-offs on the eastern and western shorelines. The water is still cool — typically in the 50s — so fish are concentrated rather than scattered across the lake. Work the transition zones where sand meets rock, and do not overlook the shallow bays on the north end, where largemouth often stage before moving to deeper water.

Fall fishing, from September through October, mirrors spring in many ways. Water temperatures drop back into the 50s and 60s, and fish feed aggressively before winter. Largemouth move back into the weed beds and shallow bays, while smallmouth return to the rocky structure. The advantage in fall is that the lake is less crowded, and you can fish longer into the day without the sun pushing fish deep.

Summer Fishing — Early and Late

Lovell Lake is fishable in summer, but you need to adjust your timing and location. By mid-June, water temperatures reach the upper 60s, and by July and August they can climb into the low 70s. Fish move deeper during midday, so focus your effort on the first two hours after sunrise and the last two hours before sunset.

During these windows, fish the weed edges on the southern end and the deeper drop-offs on the eastern shore. Largemouth will hold in the thickest weed cover, while smallmouth prefer the harder bottom and rock transitions. Topwater lures and soft plastics work well in low light, and you can often find feeding fish in water 8 to 15 feet deep rather than the 25-plus-foot depths they retreat to at midday.

Winter Access and Ice Fishing

Lovell Lake typically freezes solid by mid-December and remains frozen through March. Ice thickness varies year to year, so check local conditions before venturing out — the town of Wakefield or local bait shops can tell you whether the ice is safe. Once it is, the lake offers good ice fishing for smallmouth and largemouth bass, as well as pickerel.

Fish the same structure you would target in open water: the rocky drop-offs on the eastern and western shores, and the weed beds on the southern end. Tip-ups and jigging work equally well. The advantage of ice fishing here is that the lake is small enough that you can cover productive water without traveling far, and the quiet shoreline means fewer anglers competing for space.

What Tackle and Techniques Work Best

Smallmouth bass on Lovell Lake respond consistently to crankbaits in the 2 to 3-inch range, especially shad-pattern lures that mimic the natural forage. Soft plastics — 4-inch worms and 3-inch shads on light jig heads — work year-round and are particularly effective in spring and fall when fish are in transition zones. Topwater lures produce in low light, especially early morning and late evening.

Largemouth prefer heavier cover, so use weedless soft plastics and spinnerbaits around the weed beds. A 1/2-ounce spinnerbait with a white or chartreuse skirt will draw strikes from fish holding in shallow cover. If you are fishing the weed edges, a Texas-rigged worm or a creature bait will work through the vegetation without constant snagging. Keep your rod tip higher when fishing weeds to maintain contact and set the hook quickly.

Nearby Water and Alternatives

If Lovell Lake is crowded or you want to explore nearby options, Crescent Lake is just a few miles south in Wakefield and offers similar smallmouth and largemouth fishing in a slightly larger setting. Ossipee Lake, about 15 minutes north, is much larger and holds more fish but also draws more boat traffic. For a quieter experience similar to Lovell, try Granite Lake in nearby Strafford — it is smaller, less developed, and often overlooked by anglers.

The Salmon Falls River, which borders Wakefield to the east, offers smallmouth bass and pickerel in a flowing-water setting. It requires different techniques and timing than lake fishing, but it is worth a trip if you want to change pace or if the lakes are too crowded.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a New Hampshire fishing license to fish Lovell Lake?

Yes. New Hampshire requires a fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase a license online through the New Hampshire Fish and Game website, at most bait and tackle shops, or at town offices. A one-day license is available if you want to try the lake before committing to a full-season license.

What is the best time of day to fish Lovell Lake?

Early morning, from sunrise to about two hours after, is consistently productive. Late evening, from two hours before sunset until dark, is equally good. Midday fishing is possible in spring and fall, but in summer the fish move deep and feeding slows significantly.

Can I launch a kayak or canoe at Lovell Lake?

Yes. The public launch accommodates kayaks and canoes, and there is a small beach area on the north shore where you can hand-launch without using the ramp. The lake is shallow and relatively protected, making it suitable for paddling, though wind can pick up in the afternoon.

Are there size or catch limits on Lovell Lake?

New Hampshire sets statewide regulations for bass and other species. Check the current New Hampshire Fish and Game regulations guide before you fish — size limits and bag limits can change year to year. The guide is free and available online or at bait shops.

Is there a bait shop near Lovell Lake?

The nearest tackle shops are in Wakefield and Rochester, roughly 10 to 15 minutes away. It is worth stopping before you fish to pick up live bait, local information, and current conditions reports. Shop owners often know which areas are producing and can save you time on the water.