Lake · Holderness, Grafton, New Hampshire
Squam Lake
Squam Lake
Lake · New Hampshire
Information Only
StrikeTracks does not currently provide a live condition rating for this destination. Destination and fishery information is still available.
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Fishery Profile
Documented species you may encounter at Squam Lake.
Species images are AI-generated illustrations for visual reference and may simplify natural variation. Fishery records are based on the cited agency sources. About fish illustrations
Fishery overview
Large central New Hampshire lake (Big Squam) managed by NHFG as Lake Trout and/or Salmon water. Landlocked salmon and lake trout are primary; rainbow trout are common. Smallmouth bass are present as a secondary nearshore species; coldwater salmonids remain the defining fishery focus. No live USGS lake station is assigned.
Target species
Lake Trout
Salvelinus namaycush
- Expectation
- Primary
- Population
- Wild
- Native status
- native
- Confidence
- High confidence
NHFG designates Squam Lake as Lake Trout and/or Salmon water; lake trout are a defining coldwater target.
Landlocked Salmon
Salmo salar
- Expectation
- Primary
- Population
- Stocked
- Native status
- introduced
- Confidence
- High confidence
NHFG landlocked salmon materials and Large Lakes program document Squam (Big Squam) among primary salmon waters.
Rainbow Trout
Oncorhynchus mykiss
- Expectation
- Common
- Population
- Stocked
- Native status
- introduced
- Confidence
- High confidence
NHFG Large Lakes / Where to Fish materials include rainbow trout among Squam stocked trout.
Smallmouth Bass
Micropterus dolomieu
- Expectation
- Present
- Population
- Established
- Native status
- introduced
- Confidence
- High confidence
NHFG Where to Fish lists Squam among smallmouth bass waters; kept present (not common/primary) so salmon/lake trout remain the defining coldwater focus and warmwater Hatch Match is not activated.
Fishery characteristics
- Composition
- Mixed wild and stocked
Large natural lake (about 6,791 acres) spanning multiple towns with coldwater salmonid habitat and nearshore bass fishing. Seasonal near-mouth closures apply.
Best seasons
- Spring
- Summer
- Fall
- Winter
Common techniques
- Boat fishing
- Shore fishing
- Spinning
- Trolling
Access and Public Fishing Rights
NHFG digest lists ramp access on Squam Lake. Confirm current launch details on the official NHFG boating and access pages. Little Squam is a separate waterbody.
Stocking information
NHFG Large Lakes program and stocking reports document landlocked salmon and rainbow trout stocking for Squam. Confirm current stockings on the official NHFG stocking report.
- Stocked
Landlocked Salmon
Stocked · New Hampshire Fish and Game Department
- Stocked
Rainbow Trout
Stocked · New Hampshire Fish and Game Department
Official sources
Regulations can change. Always verify current Lake Trout and/or Salmon special rules on the official NHFG page before fishing.
Hatch Match
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Location and Access
Cataloged lake location
Holderness, Grafton, New Hampshire
The map marker represents the cataloged waterbody or monitoring location and may not indicate legal parking or public access. Confirm access through the official information before visiting.
Lake Details
Town
Holderness
County
Grafton
Management Category
Coldwater lake
Regulation Scope
Squam Lake (Big Squam)
Regulation Summary
New Hampshire Lake Trout and/or Salmon special rules apply on Squam Lake (Big Squam), including seasonal near-mouth closures. Confirm current seasons and limits on the official NHFG regulations page.
Surface Area
6791 acres
Target Species
Landlocked Salmon, Lake Trout, Rainbow Trout, Smallmouth Bass
Public Access
Public
Boat Launch
Available
Shore Fishing
Available
Description
Large central New Hampshire lake (Holderness, Center Harbor, Moultonborough, Sandwich) managed by NHFG as Lake Trout and/or Salmon water. NHFG Where to Fish and Large Lakes materials document landlocked salmon and lake trout with rainbow trout and smallmouth bass. No USGS lake/reservoir continuous station is assigned.
