Fishing Great East Lake
AKA: Great East Public Boat Launch
Popular Fish Species Great East Lake, NH
Lake Trout Fishing
Year round, fishing for lake trout in Great East Lake is often quite good and the fish are plentiful. These large trout prefer water below 60 degrees, however they can be caught from as shallow as 15 to 30 feet in Spring and Fall, to as deep as 150 feet or more during Summer and Winter. It is a monumental assistance to use fish finders, or other electronics to help in locating these roaming schools of lake trout. They feed on baitfish and other small fish, so jigs rigged to imitate their prey often work well straight down under the boat. Trolling with numerous set-ups can also produce good catches. When the lake freezes over, ice fishing for big lake trout with spoons can deliver some great catches.
Smallmouth Bass Fishing
Smallmouth bass are the most sought-after species at Great East Lake, with fish over 3 pounds very common. Largemouth bass also reside here in good numbers. Smallmouth bass fishing is particularly good when they move to shallow water. Use shallow spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, crankbaits, tube baits and jerkbaits around any sort of rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, when the lake freezes over, consider ice fishing for smallies. Other times, focus 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.
Yellow Perch Fishing
Yellow perch tend to spawn in the April to May timeframe, and the spawn has been strong for years at Great East Lake. As a result, the lake continues to maintain a very healthy population of yellow perch, which have been a mainstay in the fishery for decades. White perch also reside here in good numbers. They are fun to catch in winter when ice fishing as well. Yellow perch are great table fare, and are a food source for many predator fish in the lake. Fishing for yellow perch is simple, their primary diet consists of minnows and other small fish, insects and worms. Yellow 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.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, brown trout, lake trout, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, white perch, yellow perch, Atlantic salmon and chain pickerel at Great East Lake in New Hampshire.
Great East Lake Fishing Video
Perch, pickerel, bass and trout are favored fish species at Great East Lake, an 1,800-acre lake on the eastern border of the state, at Wakefield. Other species residing here include perch, sunfish and landlocked salmon.
Great East Lake, located in Wakefield, New Hampshire, is a beloved destination for fishing enthusiasts. This expansive lake spans over 1,800 acres and offers excellent fishing opportunities for a variety of fish species. Anglers visit Great East Lake for its abundant populations of smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, pickerel, and white perch. These species thrive in the lake's clear waters, rocky shorelines, and submerged structures, providing anglers with ample opportunities to reel in their prized catches.
With its outstanding fishing, boating opportunities, and camping facilities, Great East Lake offers a complete outdoor experience in New Hampshire. Whether you're casting a line, exploring the lake's expansive waters by boat, or enjoying a night under the stars at a lakeside campsite, Great East Lake provides a memorable and enjoyable escape for anglers, boaters, and nature enthusiasts alike.
About one third of the dozen miles of shoreline is in NH, the other two thirds in ME. The Great East Public Boat Launch is located in New Hampshire, on the northern side of the lake, near the state line. Much of the shoreline is populate with homes and boat docks, making it difficult to locate areas for fishing from the bank.
Primary fish species residing in Great East Lake
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Great East Lake Amenities
Marina: NO
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: NEARBY
Bait & Tackle: NEARBY
Restaurant: NEARBY
Today's Weather & Forecast
Fishing Guides On Great East Lake
If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.
Fishing License
Click here for a New Hampshire Fishing License.
In addition to fishing, Great East Lake is a haven for boating enthusiasts. Boaters can take advantage of the lake's size and scenic beauty, exploring its various coves, bays, and islands. Whether it's sailing, power boating, water skiing, or simply enjoying a leisurely cruise, Great East Lake offers a wonderful setting for water-based activities and recreation.
For those looking to spend more time in this beautiful setting, camping options are available near Great East Lake. Campgrounds in the area provide opportunities for both tent camping and RV camping, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying the comforts of the outdoors. Waking up to the serene lake views and sounds of nature is a delightful way to start the day while camping near Great East Lake.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Lake Forest RV Resort & Campground - 603 522-3306
Lake Ivanhoe Campground - 603 522-8824
Great East Lake NH Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Great East Lake
Lake Forest Resort
150 Dearborn Rd
East Wakefield, NH 03830
603 522-3306
Fishing lakes in each state.
100824
Great East Lake in NH
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Fishing for perch, pickerel, bass and trout in eastern NH.