Fishing Bow Lake

AKA: Bow Lake Strafford

Popular Fish Species
Bow Lake Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
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Boat Launch Ramps
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Bow Lake, NH

Popular Fish Species Bow Lake, NH

Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Bow Lake maintains a solid smallmouth bass population. Largemouth bass also reside here in good numbers. Numerous bass tournaments are held here annually. Many locals enjoy smallmouth fishing, as smallies are tough fighters and very exciting to catch. Smallmouth bass fishing is particularly good virtually anytime they are shallow. Use shallow spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, crankbaits, tube baits and jerkbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, spend your time on deeper structure with drop-shot rigs, small worms, jigs and spoons. Rock piles and points are prime areas for smallmouth as these areas are also home to crawfish. When the lake freezes over, consider ice fishing for smallies.

Chain Pickerel Fishing

Chain pickerel ambush baitfish and sunfish which requires cover for them to hide within. Submerged aquatic vegetation, brush, fallen tree limbs, or structures such as rock piles, bridge pilings, rip-rap, or debris. Bow Lake has a very healthy population of these toothy critters, many approaching 30 inches and exceeding 5 pounds. Unlike many freshwater fish species, chain pickerel do not school up. They tend to be loners. Once you catch one, find other, spots with similar cover and depth to fish. Flashy spoons, live minnows, and bait-imitating crankbaits all work well. For added excitement, try fishing topwater lures over vegetation areas. Topwater lures that mimic wounded baitfish are very tempting to these predators. When the lake freezes over, ice fishing can get very exciting with these big pike.

White Perch Fishing

Bow Lake has a healthy population of white perch, which have been a mainstay in the fishery for decades. White perch are great table fare, and are a food source for many predator fish in the lake as well. Fishing for white perch is simple, their primary diet consists of minnows and other small fish, insects and worms. White perch tend to gather in small groups and hang out on relatively deep structure, near cover and/or drop-offs. Use a small hook and sinker. Bait a small hook with minnows, worms or small jigs using 6 to 10 pound line. They make for an excellent fish fry, are a food source for many of the larger predator fish in the lake, and they are fun to catch in winter when ice fishing.

Bow Lake Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, brown trout, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, white perch, yellow perch and chain pickerel at Bow Lake in New Hampshire.

Quality largemouth and smallmouth bass fishing draws anglers to Bow Lake, a 1,200-acre lake in the southeast part of the state, at Cornway. The 7 miles of shoreline offer boat docks, lay downs and rocky areas for anglers to explore.

In addition to bass, the lake has good fishing for trout, sunfish, perch and pickerel. A public boat launch ramp is located at Bow Lake Village. Campgrounds, RV parks and lodging are all nearby.

Primary fish species residing in Bow Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Bow Lake Amenities

Marina: NO
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: NEARBY
RV Hookups: NEARBY
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Bow Lake Public Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, off Water Street, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking a few blocks away.