The Quiet Sister

Lake Winnisquam

Lake Winnisquam is often called "Winnipesaukee's quiet sister" — a 4,264-acre lake just south of its famous neighbor with the same great boating, fishing, and sunsets, but far less boat traffic and a ...

4,264 acres
Surface Area
109 feet
Max Depth
25 miles
Shoreline
Relaxed & affordable
Character
About the Lake

Why Lake Winnisquam?

Lake Winnisquam is often called "Winnipesaukee's quiet sister" — a 4,264-acre lake just south of its famous neighbor with the same great boating, fishing, and sunsets, but far less boat traffic and a more relaxed pace. It's a local favorite for families who want space on the water without the crowds.

The lake spans Laconia, Sanbornton, Belmont, Tilton, and Meredith, with a mix of sandy beaches, rocky coves, and wooded shoreline. Winnisquam is known for excellent bass and landlocked salmon fishing, and its relatively gentle wake makes it ideal for water skiing and tubing.

Waterfront homes on Winnisquam offer strong value compared to Winnipesaukee — similar lake experience at a more accessible price point. It's an increasingly popular choice for first-time lake home buyers in the region.

Explore

Lake Winnisquam Map

Coming Soon

Rentals on Lake Winnisquam

We're expanding our rental collection to include Lake Winnisquam properties. Contact us to ask about availability or to list your waterfront home.

Get in Touch
Fishing

Fishing on Lake Winnisquam

Two-tier: coldwater (salmon, lake trout) + warmwater (bass) · Open water: April–October. Ice fishing: December–March.

Coldwater Species

Landlocked SalmonStockedStocked annually — good trolling lake
Lake TroutStocked
Rainbow TroutStocked

Warmwater Species

Smallmouth BassStrong fishery — rocky structure
Largemouth Bass
Pickerel
White Perch
Yellow Perch
Hornpout

Forage Species

Rainbow Smelt

Access & Regulations

Public boat launch on the Laconia side (Route 3). Additional access in Sanbornton.

NH F&G stocks landlocked salmon, lake trout, and rainbow trout. Good smelt population supports cold water species.

NH Fish & Game Regulations

Local Tips

Less boat traffic than Winnipesaukee — more relaxed fishing
Deep channel between Laconia and Sanbornton for lake trout
Excellent ice fishing — popular for salmon, perch, and cusk
Bass fishing along the rocky eastern shoreline
Bird Watching

Birding on Lake Winnisquam

Common Loon
summer
Bald Eagle
year-round
Occasional sightings
Osprey
summer
Great Blue Heron
summer
Common Merganser
year-round
Belted Kingfisher
summer
Red-tailed Hawk
year-round
Tree Swallow
summer
Abundant over the lake surface

Best Birding Spots

Mouth of Winnipesaukee River, Laconia (eBird hotspot)
Silver Lake outlet area (wading birds)
Winnisquam Beach (shorebirds, terns in migration)
Own Property on Lake Winnisquam?

List your waterfront home with Yankee Pedlar. We manage the largest rental portfolio in the Lakes Region and can help maximize your property's income.

Talk to Us