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Guide To Popular Ice Fishing Lakes In New Hampshire

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Favorite fish species at top ice fishing lakes in the state.
Ice fishing

The best ice fishing lakes in NH include Lake Winnipesaukee, Lake Sunapee and Newfound Lake. The most popular species through the ice, across the state, include trout, perch and bass. See a list of lakes and species below.

Ice fishing is as basic as fishing gets. During winter, it is popular here in the state. Aside from the tools one uses to create a hole in the ice, all other gear is very basic. A simple rod, reel, line and hook or lure is all you need. Lures, live bait and prepared bait are options, depending on the fish species in the lake or pond.

Fishing Boats For Rent In New Hampshire

Top Ice Fishing Lakes & Species

There are numerous places to go ice fishing in the state. Here are a list of some of the proven, best destinations.

Big Pea Porridge Pond

Smallmouth bass Rainbow Trout Brown trout Yellow Perch

Crystal Lake

Smallmouth bass Black crappie Rainbow Trout

Lake Francis

Rainbow Trout Brown trout

Lake Winnipesaukee

Lake Trout White Perch

Martin Meadow Pond

Largemouth bass Smallmouth bass Rainbow Trout

Newfound Lake

Rainbow Trout Lake Trout

Ossipee Lake

Rainbow Trout Brown trout Lake Trout Bluegill White Perch Yellow Perch

Pearl Lake

Smallmouth bass Rainbow Trout Chain pickerel

Warren Lake

Largemouth bass Smallmouth bass Rainbow Trout Brown trout

Winnisquam Lake

Rainbow Trout Lake Trout White Perch

Click the images for species details.

This is a great way to get the kids to go outdoors in winter, connect with nature and learn to fish. The first consideration when attempting to go ice fishing, is safety. Make sure the ice is safe, and that you are prepared should an accident occur. Dress to stay warm - it's better to remove extra jackets than be cold and miserable. Be aware that the ice can be slippery, and falls can be dangerous.

Ice Fishing Tips & Techniques Video

Click here for ice fishing basics, including details on finding the best place to fish, tips for cutting a hole, basic tackle, bait, lures, depths to fish, safety, shanty's, tents and huts.

Best ice fishing method for crappie, bluegill, perch and sunfish

Horizontal jigs and spoon-type baits are the go-to baits for crappie, either tipped with a minnow, wax worm or prepared baits often triggers more bites. Jigs work better close to the bottom, spoons tend to work better higher in the water column. If options allow, 15 to 30 feet is the most common depth. Adjust as necessary. See additional info on ice fishing for crappie, perch and sunfish.

Best ice fishing method for trout

Trout focus on small forage fish in winter, so baits that flash silver - jigs or spoons, do well in attracting trout. Dual rods, where legal, are very effective. One rod with a jig/live bait set up on a tip-up, the second with a spoon fished up and down pretty aggressively. See more detail about ice fishing for trout.

Best ice fishing method for bass

Bass are often found closer to the shoreline than schooling fish. Fish the same as other species, using a bit larger baits and slightly heavier line. Be prepared to battle using your drag if you hook a big one. Additional information about ice fishing for largemouth and smallmouth bass.

Click here for a New Hampshire Fishing License.

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States with notable ice fishing.

AZ Ice Fishing CA Ice Fishing CO Ice Fishing CT Ice Fishing IA Ice Fishing ID Ice Fishing IL Ice Fishing IN Ice Fishing
KS Ice Fishing MA Ice Fishing MD Ice Fishing ME Ice Fishing MI Ice Fishing MN Ice Fishing MT Ice Fishing ND Ice Fishing
NE Ice Fishing NH Ice Fishing NJ Ice Fishing NM Ice Fishing NV Ice Fishing NY Ice Fishing OH Ice Fishing OR Ice Fishing
PA Ice Fishing RI Ice Fishing SD Ice Fishing UT Ice Fishing VT Ice Fishing WA Ice Fishing WI Ice Fishing WY Ice Fishing