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LAKE WINNIPESAUKEE - NEW HAMPSHIRE
The ‘Golden Pond’ of Smallmouth Fishing
Every Smallmouth Bass "fanatic" deserves a trip to Lake Winnipesaukee, in the "Lakes Region" of New Hampshire. Early Native Americans called this lake "The smile of the great spirit" and the name holds true even today. Crystal clear waters and "Hawg Smallies" await the angler at this natural and pristine body of water where fishing pressure is light and the bass are downright friendly. My personal best here is 7 lbs. 4 oz., and 5 to 6 lb. fish are not uncommon.
The lake boasts 283 miles of shoreline and 274 inhabitable islands, and is the centerpiece of the "Lakes Region". Lake Winnipesaukee is surrounded by three mountain ranges… Which include the Ossipeee, Belknap and the Presidential range that includes Mt. Washington. And if you tire of fishing Lake Winnipesaukee, there are 272 other lakes and ponds in the area that you can explore.
This is a wonderful area to "take the family" and there is a myriad of things to do. There are numerous villages to explore, and each one offers something different to the visitor. They all have their own special flavor, and attractions the whole family will enjoy. There is Canterbury Shaker Village, Daytona Fun Park, The Hyde-Williams Petting Farm, The Loon Preservation Center, the NH Antique & Classic Boat Museum, and the nation's largest quilt shop… "Keepsake Quilting", just to name a few, that could keep you and yours busy for weeks. If you would happen to have problems with your boat or motor, there are plenty of full service marinas in the area too. And there are exceptional dining options throughout the area and include our personal favorites… Hart's Turkey Farm in Meredith (for the biggest and best turkey dinner you will ever eat… next to Mom's); Christmas Island Resort (for prime rib); Mame's in Meredith (for all-around good dining); and Patrick's Pub & Eatery (for the adult's night out).
But if STRICTLY fishing is your idea of an outing, then this is the place for you. "Crystal clear water" is actually an understatement. You can toss a dime overboard in 12 feet of water, and see if it lands "heads" or "tails". These conditions and the natural wariness of "Smallies" dictate the use of light line and tackle. The "average" size "Bronzeback" can run two to three pounds and the four, five and even six pounders are NOT an uncommon occurrence. The back bays, shallow inlets, weed flats and heavy brushy cover provide some action for Largemouth Bass and Pickerel, but we will concentrate on the "Smallie" fishing for this article. There are also ample opportunities for Lake Trout and Salmon, but again, these species require special tackle and presentation that we won't go into here. But keep a light rod, rigged with a small minnow type lure or spinner handy. The Lake Trout can appear in hungry schools, feeding on insect hatches and minnow schools, at a moments notice, and disappear just as quickly.
Keep in mind that this is a natural lake, carved out by the glaciers of some long-ago ice age. Consequently, there are hundreds of shoals, rock piles and other underwater obstructions you will want to become familiar with the location of. There are also dozens of ship, boat and train wrecks that can afford great fishing opportunities. To this end, I suggest you obtain one of the fine maps available of the area, study it thoroughly and adhere to its warnings and buoy locations. MAP… Lakes Region Association… Phone: 603-744-8664
Check out the web sites and other information provided by this article and plan a trip to the beautiful state of New Hampshire and fabulous Lake Winnipesaukee. If you love to catch the battling "Bronze Bomber" this is some of the best Smallmouth Bass fishing we have ever experienced, the scenery is breathtaking and the fishing pressure is light.
LAKE WINNIPESAUKEE - TRIP CHECK
Location: North Central New Hampshire
Directions: I-93 North to Exit 20 near the town of Franklin, NH. Turn northeast on Rtes. 3 & 11 to Laconia, Weirs Beach and Meredith. Consult map for routes to Wolfeboro, Moultonborough and other points of access
When to go: The Smallmouth Bass normally spawn during the last week of May, into the first or second week of June. We prefer the first week of June. July and August fishing is also good, with top water lures producing unbelievable strikes and action.
Where to fish: The rocky and gravel bottoms in bays and on flats are prime areas for spawning "Smallies". Areas on the north and north-east end of the lake will produce best earlier than the southern end. Alton Bay, The Witches, The Graveyard, Moultonborough Bay and Wolfeboro Bay are good areas to try.
What to fish: During the recommended periods, you will want to take along…
- Salty Spider Jigs… Pumpkin Pepper & Smoke Pepper colors.
- Salty Critter Gitter Tubes… Pumpkin Pepper & Smoke Pepper colors
- Salty Sinkin' Worms… Green Pumpkin, Pearl, Green & Blue Pearl Flash
- 6A Bomber Crankbaits… Red, Brown & Green crawdad finishes
- Suspending Rogue Minnows… Shad, Chrome/Black Back, Clown, Perch colors
- Floating Rogue Minnows… Chrome/Blue Back/Orange Belly, Clown, Laser Perch, Chrome/Black Back/Orange Belly, Gold Rogue colors
- Super Spook Jr… Black Shiner, Flitter Shad, Blue Shore Shad, Clown colors
- Spinnerbaits… 1/4 & 3/8 oz in White, Chart., Chart/Blue, Chart/Orange color
NOTE: Lead sinkers must weigh at least 1 oz to be legal in New Hampshire. All lead jigs must be at least one inch in length and lead split shot is not allowed at all. Check NH fishing regulations!!
Where to stay: There are numerous motels, hotels, resorts, cabins, inns and privately owned cottages and homes available for rental. Checking with any of the "Real Estate" agents in the area can produce lodging suited to your situation, be it a bunch of fishing buddies or a family with children. There are also many camp grounds in the area. But we can recommend…
Bay Side Inn… Located lakeside in Alton Bay with waterfront rooms and two bedroom efficiency units.
Phone: 603-875-5005
Web Site: www.bayside-inn.com
Silver Sands Motel & Marina… Located near Weirs Beach on the lake shore. Beautiful grounds, heated swimming pool, full service marina, housekeeping cottages, efficiencies and motel rooms available, AND they have a boat launching ramp, which you will probably pay for the use of no matter where you stay.
Phone: 603-293-4481
Web Site: www.silversands.com
Christmas Island Resort… Located in Laconia, on Weirs Blvd. Motel rooms and efficiencies, indoor pool, whirlpool, launch ramp and docks, restaurant and tavern.
Phone: 800-832-0631
Web Site: www.christmasresort.com
Lakes Region Realty… Vacation property specialists. Extensive sales and rental brochures available.
Phone: 800-639-4045
Web Site: www.lakesregionrealestate.com
Strictly Rentals, Inc… Located in Center Harbor, NH. In the lakes region, "Our Only Business is Rentals". Huge selection of waterfront and beach access properties.
Phone: 800-782-9575
Web Site: www.strictlyrentals.biz
Preferred Properties Rentals… Located in Center Harbor, NH. Waterfront, beach access and island properties available.
Phone: 603-253-7811
Web Site: www.preferredrentals.com
Where to look: You may want to contact most, if not all, of the following business and promotional agencies for more information.
Lakes Region Association… Located in New Hampton, NH. This is the BEST place for more information on the lakes. They have a GREAT waterproof map available for a nominal cost too.
Phone: 603-744-8664
Web Site: www.lakesregion.org
Meredith Area Chamber of Commerce… Located in Meredith, NH, at the north-west end of the lake and will have more detailed information for this particular area.
Phone: 603-279-6121
Web Site: www.meredithcc.org
Greater Laconia/Weirs Beach C of C… Located in Laconia, NH, on the western mid-section of Lake Winnipesaukee.
Phone: 603-524-5531
Web Site: www.laconia-weirs.org
Center Harbor/Moultonborough C of C… Located in Center Harbor, NH, on the north-eastern section of Lake Winnipesaukee.
Phone: 603-253-4582
Web Site: none
Laconia Motorcycle Rally & Race Week Assn…. If you are going to the "Lakes Region" for a fishing trip, you do NOT want to be in the "Lakes Region" area during "Motorcycle Week" (Usually the third week of June)! Not unless you WANT to see what a 200,000 motorcycle traffic jam looks like!
Phone: 603-366-2200
Web Site: www.laconiamcweek.com
Where to eat: Now we come to the "Teams" favorite part! We have for years, rented a nice three bedroom cabin from a private individual, and places like this can be found if you check around a bit. Mostly we do our own cooking and pack a good lunch each day. There are major grocery stores and smaller establishments where you can purchase just about anything you wish to prepare and eat. Don't miss out visiting the "Big Banana" grocery store. But two or three evenings during the week, we like to "go out" and not have the work and hassle of preparing a meal and cleaning up the dishes. If you too are so inclined, try one of these fine eateries…
Hart's Turkey Farm… OUR HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION!! Hart's Turkey Farm restaurant is located at the junction of Routes 3 & 104 in Meredith, NH, just minutes from most areas of the lake. If you like a GREAT turkey dinner, the kind like Mom makes, then you are going to LOVE Hart's Turkey Farm. They have one HUGE dinner that is served on a turkey "Platter" and cannot even be consumed by our own Will Whitehead. They also serve terrific Prime Rib, Steaks and Seafood.
Web Site: www.hartsturkeyfarm.com
Christmas Island Resort… OUR HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION!! Christmas Island Resort is located directly on Weirs Blvd., the main route in Laconia, NH. They have the best and "BIGGEST" Prime Rib anywhere in the region.
Web Site: www.christmasresort.com
Patrick's Pub & Eatery… Located on Weirs Road, in Gilford, NH, Patrick's Pub & Eatery is where great food and entertainment come together. Enjoy freshly made appetizers, award winning chowder and a wide variety of entrees.
Phone: 603-293-0841
Mame's… Located on Plymouth Street in Meredith, NH, Mame's is one of those great little out-of-the-way places you like to tell your friends about. They are open year-round serving lunch and dinner daily.
Phone: 603-279-4631
J. T.'s BBQ… Located on Rte. 3 in Weirs Beach, NH, J.T.'s BBQ is open early for breakfast, or for a fast and light lunch or dinner. They feature good BBQ chicken and ribs and have a children's and dieter's menu available.
Phone: 603-366-7322
We hope you plan a trip to Lake Winnipesaukee in the near future and we are certain you won't be sorry. We hope you catch as many and as large "Smallies" as we do. If we can be of help planning your trip there or for more detailed fishing advice, or information, be sure to contact us at… Frogemail@ebaitxp.com
Good Fishin',
The E-Bait Express "Pro Staff"
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