The arrival of winter doesn't mark the end of the fishing season in New Hampshire. In fact, for many dedicated local anglers, ice cover means that the best fishing of the year has just begun. 

As soon as safe ice forms on New Hampshire lakes, you'll find great opportunities to drop lines for trout, panfish, pickerel, and other prized game fish. Let our real estate agents be your guides to ice fishing in the New Hampshire Lakes region!

New Hampshire Ice Fishing Season

In short, ice fishing season begins when ice is thick enough to support your weight safely and ends when it isn't. When exactly that will happen each year is anyone's guess! 

That being said, many ponds and small lakes have safe ice as early as December, providing opportunities to catch species like crappie, sunfish, perch, and pickerel. Larger lakes that harbor trout are usually fishable by January and can be fished well into March most years. 

Ice Fishing Gear

Compared to open-water fishing, ice fishing requires some different gear. First and foremost, you'll need extra layers of clothing to keep you warm and dry. Insulated waterproof boots, warm socks, hats, and gloves are essential, as are thermal layers to keep warm and waterproof outer layers to stay dry. 

You will also need an ice fishing rod and reel, an assortment of live and artificial baits and lures, an ice chisel or ice auger for making holes, an ice scoop to keep the hole ice-free, a lightweight folding seat, and a sled to transport your gear. Last but not least, be sure to get a New Hampshire fishing license!

New Hampshire Ice Fishing Lakes

Some of the best lakes for ice fishing are just minutes from these Plymouth homes for sale. If you're looking for an ideal place to get out on the ice and catch some fish this season, these are some of your best bets: 

• Squam Lake - Holderness, NH 03245
  Close to these Holderness homes for sale, Squam Lake spans 6,791 acres and offers a lot of different fishing options. Rainbow trout are often caught through the ice in open water, while bays and shallows offer abundant panfish, bass, and some large northern pike. 
  
  
• Lake Winnipesaukee - Meredith, NH 03253
  At 44,000 acres, Lake Winnipesaukee is the largest lake in New Hampshire. Lake trout are the most popular target species here and are frequently caught along drop-offs and flats in 35 to 40 feet of water. White perch are also popular.
  
  
• Newfound Lake - Bristol, NH 03222
  Newfound Lake offers multiple species of trout, which often strike jigging spoons, as well as good fishing for bass, pike, and perch. The lake is accessible through Wellington State Park, though the park is usually not staffed in winter.

New Hampshire Ice Fishing Guides

If you're new to ice fishing or fishing on New Hampshire's lakes, it's always a good idea to go out on the water for the first time with someone more experienced. Several excellent fishing guides can take you ice fishing in the New Hampshire Lakes Region. 

A few top fishing charter services in the region include Tim Moore Outdoors, Woods-N-Waters Guide Service, and Catch Ya in a Bit Guide Service. You can also find excellent ice fishing information and resources through the New Hampshire Fish & Game Department. 

Contact us today to learn more about winter adventures in the New Hampshire Lakes Region! It's a beautiful place to live in any season, and our real estate agents are here to help you find the perfect home.