Lake Winnipesaukee
lake in New Hampshire
Extensive shoreline, islands and bays provide varied fly-fishing from boat or shore; spring and fall are best for salmon and trout, summer for bass and topwater action.
Conditions right now
No USGS gauge is linked to this water yet, so we can't chart flows.
Minimal surface insect activity
- 01Minimal surface insect activity, focus shifted entirely to subsurface presentations.
- 02Baitfish, leeches, crayfish, and scuds are the primary food sources for all target species.
- 03Rocky points, drop-offs, and deeper humps are key areas to target for congregating fish.
- 04Slower retrieves with streamers and nymphs are crucial to entice lethargic fish in cooling water.
- 05Watch for subtle takes, as strikes can be very light in these fall conditions.
Past reports week by week
10 weeksWhat to tie on
Picked from reports, hatches and the season. Tap a fly for the recipe and where else it works.
Scud (Pink/Orange)
Freshwater shrimp (scuds) are a consistent food source in Lake Winnipesaukee, especially in areas with aquatic vegetation, making this a year-round staple for panfish and smaller bass.
Buy at AmazonWinnipesaukee Smelt Fly
Smelt are a crucial forage fish in Lake Winnipesaukee. This imitation is designed to capitalize on that food source in the turbid conditions often found in fall.
Hellgrammite Fly
Hellgrammites are a consistent, high-calorie food source for smallmouth bass, particularly in rocky areas of the lake. This pattern is effective when fished subsurface.
Woolly Bugger (Purple)
A highly versatile streamer, the purple Woolly Bugger is effective for imitating leeches and baitfish in colder lake water, and has historically performed well on Lake Winnipesaukee in these conditions.
Crayfish (Fly)
Crayfish are a primary food source for bass in rocky lake environments during the fall. Stripped along the bottom, this pattern mimics fleeing prey.
Buy at AmazonPopping Bug (Bass)
On warmer fall days, particularly in the late afternoon, topwater action for bass and panfish can still occur. This popper creates an enticing surface disturbance.
Damsel Nymph (Olive)
While late in the season, damsel nymphs are still present in weed beds and can be a significant food source for cruising bass and sunfish in Lake Winnipesaukee.
AJ's Fire Snake
This streamer is effective for targeting fish holding deeper in Lake Winnipesaukee, mimicking disoriented baitfish which are a key food source in cooling fall waters.
Clouser Minnow (Bass)
An excellent baitfish imitation, the Clouser Minnow is a reliable choice for predatory species like Largemouth and Smallmouth bass actively feeding on smaller fish in the fall.
Buy at AmazonWhere to fish and who to ask
Alton Bay
Productive bass and salmon shoreline structure; multiple public access points and launches.
Meredith Bay
A go-to launch and staging area for boat anglers chasing early-season salmon and lake trout.
Weirs Beach / Central Bay
Large shoals and drop-offs that concentrate salmon and trout during spring and fall.
Fly shops within 40 miles
White Mountain Anglers
The Swift River Ghillie
Hill Country Guides
North Country Angler
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New Hampshire season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Quick answers
Common questions about Lake Winnipesaukee.
What flies work best on Lake Winnipesaukee?
Our top scored fly patterns for Lake Winnipesaukee right now are Governor Aken (95% confidence), Smelt color (95% confidence), Golden Demon (95% confidence). These picks are scored from recent fishing reports, hatch data, and seasonal patterns.
What fish species are in Lake Winnipesaukee?
Lake Winnipesaukee holds Pumpkinseed, Largemouth bass, Rock bass, Smallmouth bass. See the species links on this page for fly recommendations and seasonal behavior for each.
Is Lake Winnipesaukee fishing well right now?
We publish a fresh bite report for Lake Winnipesaukee each week based on recent on-the-water intel. The current report — with conditions, hatches, and what's producing — is on this page.