What you'll find at Tamarack Lake

Tamarack Lake sits in the White Mountains just off Route 302 in the Crawford Notch area, and it holds brook trout in cold, clear water surrounded by steep forest. The lake runs about 20 acres and stays shallow enough that you can wade most of it, though a canoe or small boat opens up deeper water where larger fish hold. The setting is pure Crawford—hemlock and spruce crowding the shoreline, ridgelines rising on both sides, and the kind of quiet you don't find near parking areas on weekends.

The trout here are wild brookies, not stocked fish. They run small to medium—most days you'll catch fish in the 6 to 10-inch range, with occasional fish pushing 12 inches if you're fishing early or late in the season. The lake is shallow enough that water temperature matters more than depth; spring and fall are your best windows because summer heat pushes fish into the deepest holes and makes them sluggish. Winter ice-out through June and September through freeze-up are when Tamarack produces.

Key Takeaways

  • Tamarack Lake holds wild brook trout in shallow water, best fished from shore or a canoe during spring and fall when water stays cool.
  • Access is from the Tamarack Lake Trail, a short walk from a small parking area on Route 302 in Crawford Notch, with no permit required.
  • Fly fishing works well here, especially small nymphs and dry flies in the 14 to 18 range, but spinning gear with small spoons and spinners catches fish too.
  • The lake sits at elevation and stays cold year-round, so water temperature and seasonal timing matter more than time of day.

How to reach Tamarack Lake from Route 302

The trailhead sits on the west side of Route 302, roughly 2 miles south of the Mount Washington Hotel in Bretton Woods. Look for a small gravel pullout with room for 4 or 5 cars; it's easy to miss if you're not watching for it. The parking area is unsigned but sits directly across from a private driveway, and locals know it well enough that you'll see boot prints leading into the woods.

The trail itself is less than a mile, mostly flat with some wet sections in spring. It takes 15 to 20 minutes to walk in, and the path is clear enough that you won't need a map. You'll cross a small stream and then break out into the lake's outlet area. The shoreline is accessible all the way around, though the south end has more open water and fewer overhanging branches.

Seasonal patterns and what to fish

Spring (May through early June) is when Tamarack produces its best fishing. Water temperature is in the 50s, brookies are active after winter, and they'll take both nymphs and small dry flies. Fish the shallower areas near the inlet and outlet first—that's where water moves and food drifts. Small Hendricksons and Blue-Winged Olives hatch in May, so matching those insects with a size 16 or 18 dry fly works. If you're not seeing rises, fish a small nymph like a Pheasant Tail or Hare's Ear in the same size range, 2 to 3 feet deep.

Summer (July and August) is slow here. The lake warms into the 60s and 70s, and brookies retreat to the deepest water—probably 15 to 20 feet in the center. If you fish summer, go early (first light) or late (last hour before dark), and focus on the deepest holes. A small spoon or spinner cast from shore and retrieved slowly can work, but your odds are better in September.

Fall (September through early November) rivals spring. Water cools back into the 50s, fish move back into shallower water, and they feed aggressively before winter. Terrestrial insects—ants, beetles, grasshoppers—are still on the water in September, so small dry flies that imitate them work. By October, nymphs and small streamers become more reliable. A size 12 or 14 Woolly Bugger stripped slowly along the shoreline can produce fish.

Gear and tackle that works here

Fly fishing is the most effective method at Tamarack, but it's not the only way. A 4-weight or 5-weight rod with a floating line and a 7-foot leader tapered to 4X or 5X is standard. The water is clear, so fine tippet matters—go lighter rather than heavier. Bring a mix of small nymphs (sizes 14 to 18), a few dry flies that match local hatches, and a small streamer or two for low-light periods.

If you prefer spinning gear, a light ultralight rod with 4-pound test and small spinners (size 0 or 1 Panther Martins, Mepps) or spoons (1/8-ounce) works. Cast near the shoreline and retrieve slowly; brookies in small lakes often hit on the drop rather than the retrieve. A small inline spinner in silver or gold is hard to beat.

Wading is possible most of the year, but water temperature stays cold even in summer. Neoprene waders are worth bringing in spring and fall; in summer, you can often fish from shore or wade in shorts and a t-shirt if you don't mind cold feet. The bottom is mostly silt and sand, so footing is stable.

What to know before you go

Tamarack Lake is open to public fishing year-round under New Hampshire regulations. No permit is required, and there's no fee. The lake is not stocked, so all fish are wild—that means populations are smaller than at heavily managed waters, but the fish are healthier and the fishing is more rewarding. Respect the resource by practicing catch-and-release or keeping only what you'll eat.

The area is popular with hikers, especially in fall, so weekends can be busy. If you want solitude, fish on weekdays or early in the morning. The trail can be muddy in spring and after rain, so wear boots with good traction. There's no shelter at the lake, so bring rain gear and a hat—weather in the mountains changes fast.

Cell service is spotty or nonexistent, so don't rely on your phone for navigation or emergencies. Bring a map or download the trail on your phone before you leave cell coverage. The parking area is small and fills up on nice weekends, so arrive early if you're going on a Saturday or Sunday in September or October.

Nearby water if Tamarack is crowded

If the parking area is full or you want to explore other options, Saco Lake is about 5 miles south on Route 302 and holds similar brook trout populations. It's larger and more exposed, so wind can be a factor, but it's less crowded than Tamarack. Bugle Lake, also in Crawford Notch, is smaller and shallower but can produce fast action in spring and fall.

The Saco River itself runs through Crawford Notch and holds brook trout and small browns. It's more technical to fish than the lakes—faster current, more structure—but it's a good alternative if you want moving water. Access is easier along Route 302, with several pullouts where you can reach the river.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Tamarack Lake in winter?

Yes, the lake freezes solid and ice fishing is possible, but access is harder because the trail can be snow-covered and the parking area may not be plowed. If you go, bring proper ice-fishing gear and check conditions before you drive up. The lake is shallow enough that fish concentrate in deeper holes, so you'll need to find them.

Do I need a New Hampshire fishing license?

Yes. New Hampshire requires a fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can buy a short-term license (1 day, 3 days, or 7 days) or an annual license online through the New Hampshire Fish and Game website, or at sporting goods stores in the area.

What's the best time of day to fish Tamarack?

In spring and fall, early morning and late afternoon are most productive because water is cooler and fish are more active. In summer, fish the first hour after sunrise and the last hour before sunset. Midday in summer is usually slow, so plan accordingly.

Can I bring a canoe or kayak?

Yes, and many anglers do. A canoe or small kayak lets you reach deeper water and cover more ground. Carry it in from the parking area—the trail is short enough that it's manageable. Launch from the outlet area or the south shore.

What if I don't fly fish?

Spinning gear with small spinners and spoons works fine at Tamarack. The lake is small enough that you can cover it thoroughly from shore, and brookies here aren't picky about presentation. Focus on structure—the inlet, outlet, and any visible drop-offs—and retrieve slowly.