A bad day fishing is better than a good day at work, as many people say. As for our team at The Naswa Resort, we’d have to agree! Lake Winnipesaukee fishing is always a great idea. The 21-mile long lake boasts a wide variety of fish, including rainbow trout, salmon, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, yellow perch, and more. If you’re looking to reel in a good time, read the Naswa Resort staff’s guide on how to have a thrilling Lake Winnipesaukee fishing affair.

Lake Winnipesaukee Ice Out Season

Many Naswa guests find luck catching smallmouth bass during May and June since they typically spawn near the start of June. Start by trolling near the rocky hump or island, and your odds of catching a lunker will soar through the roof! The Naswa Resort suggests you use lures such as gold-tinted Long-A Bombers, deep-diving crankbaits, quarter-ounce Buddies, suspending Rogues, and perhaps jig-and-pigs. The smallmouth bass won’t be able to resist! However, we’ve also found great success in fishing the drop-off regions while using spider jigs, grubs, Carolina-rigged lizards, and six-inch Senko worms. The heavy tackle will make way down to the strike zone.

Winni Derby

After you’ve found the jackpot of fishing holes, sign up for the Winni Derby. This family-friendly event is recognized as the largest landlocked salmon and lake trout tournament in the northeast. Every year, thousands of guests vacation in Lake Winnipesaukee towns for a chance to win an assortment of prizes. Daily prizes along with best overall in categories such as Adult Salmon, Lake Trout, and Junior Salmon have a fair chance at winning an award! However, you must familiarize yourself with the rules to secure your seat in the tournament.

While The Naswa Resort can’t guarantee a winning fish, we can promise you a winning rate and a fun NASWA Fishing Pool Event. When traveling with a fellow fisher, consider renting our AquaVista Beachfront Beachfront room. For just $139 per night, you and one other adult can lodge just steps away from the beach. This way, you’ll never be too far away from the action! With a 3 night reservation, you also get to enter The NASWA Fishing Pool. A fun way to win some cool prizes. Awards are given not old for the biggest fish, but also for the prettiest, ugliest and more. Contact our front desk for further information on Winni Derby’s room rates.

Lake Winnipesaukee Ice Fishing

Ice fishing on Lake Winnipesaukee is a great way to take in the winter scenery while enjoying peace and quiet. Some years, Lake Winnipesaukee freezes as early as Christmas. While other years, it freezes well after New Year’s Eve. The ice conditions vary from year to year, so it’s crucial to check the Lake Winnipesaukee ice forecast before your fishing trip. During New Hampshire’s winter months, you’ll likely encounter Lake Winnipesaukee fish such as trout, pickerel, white/yellow perch, and black crappie. Visitors love ice fishing on Lake Winnipesaukee because it’s the best time to catch massive lake trout. Some nights you can even catch up cusk weighing over 10 pounds! Many visitors experience such successful Lake Winnipesaukee ice fishing that they return for the annual Meredith Rotary Ice Fishing Derby.

Ice Fishing Derby

The famous ice fishing tournament attracts fishers from around the world for a chance to win big prizes. Yes, it is frigid this time of the year; however, many anglers find the cold and potential frostbite well worth the chance of their catch being hung on the wall of fame. This family-friendly event takes place at Meredith Bay, which nearly turns into a small town during the ice fishing tournament. Several vendors and ice shanties form a rainbow of colors around the tournament’s grounds. This annual affair is a must-see experience for fishing enthusiasts.

Bait and Tackle Shops Near Me

Swing by one of the many bait and tackle shops in Lake Winnipesaukee to purchase your ticket to the ice fishing derby. Traditionally, AJ’s Bait and Tackle, Winnisquam Trading Post, Alton Circle Grocery, and Skelly’s Market, all sell tickets for the event. But these shops are also here to satisfy your summertime Lake Winnipesaukee fishing needs. Stop by for lure recommendations, a refresher on NH fishing regulations, or to purchase your New Hampshire fishing license. Word of advice, AJ’s Bait and Tackle also sell NH fishing license online.

Now that you’re ready to have an unforgettable Lake Winnipesaukee fishing experience, it’s time to book your stay at Naswa Resort. Our team looks forward to meeting you during the Lake Winnipesaukee ice out season, so we can be the first to hear about your biggest fish yet! Call us today at 888-556-2792 to kick off your vacation planning.