The Big Lake

Lake Winnipesaukee

Lake Winnipesaukee is New Hampshire's largest lake — 72 square miles of pristine water, 274 islands, and 183 miles of shoreline winding through some of New England's most sought-after waterfront commu...

72 sq miles
Surface Area
274
Islands
183 miles
Shoreline
212 feet
Max Depth
About the Lake

Why Lake Winnipesaukee?

Lake Winnipesaukee is New Hampshire's largest lake — 72 square miles of pristine water, 274 islands, and 183 miles of shoreline winding through some of New England's most sought-after waterfront communities.

From the historic charm of Wolfeboro (America's Oldest Summer Resort) to the family-friendly beaches of Meredith and Weirs Beach, Winnipesaukee offers something for every vacation style. Deep-water docks, sandy beaches, island excursions, and world-class fishing are all part of the experience.

Yankee Pedlar manages the largest collection of premier lakefront rental properties on Winnipesaukee — from cozy two-bedroom cottages to luxurious waterfront estates sleeping 20+. Every rental is Saturday-to-Saturday, and Michelle personally handles every booking.

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Lake Winnipesaukee Map

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Rentals on Lake Winnipesaukee

We're expanding our rental collection to include Lake Winnipesaukee properties. Contact us to ask about availability or to list your waterfront home.

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Explore the Area

Towns on Lake Winnipesaukee

Wolfeboro

America's Oldest Summer Resort

Known as "The Oldest Summer Resort in America," Wolfeboro sits at the eastern shore of Lake Winnipesaukee. Its walkable downtown features independent shops, restaurants, and the New Hampshire Boat Museum.

Walkable downtown with shops & diningNew Hampshire Boat MuseumCotton Valley Trail (12-mile rail trail)

Tuftonboro

Quiet Luxury on the Lake

Tuftonboro is a quiet, upscale residential town on the northeast shore of Lake Winnipesaukee. With no commercial center of its own, it offers maximum privacy and some of the lake's most prestigious waterfront estates.

Prestigious waterfront estatesOne of NH's lowest property tax ratesCastle in the Clouds (hilltop estate & attraction)

Meredith

The Heart of the Lakes Region

Meredith sits where Lake Winnipesaukee, Waukewan, and Paugus Bay converge. Its bustling town center features Mill Falls Marketplace, year-round dining, and the Meredith Sculpture Walk.

Mill Falls Marketplace & innsAnnual Sculpture WalkMeredith Bay boardwalk & public docks

Laconia

Lakes Region City Life

Laconia is the largest city in the Lakes Region, offering a mix of urban amenities and lakefront living. Weirs Beach, the region's most famous beach, is within city limits.

Weirs Beach boardwalk & arcadesLaconia Motorcycle Week (est. 1916)WinnAero aviation education at airport

Gilford

Lake & Mountain Living

Gilford offers the best of both worlds — a residential community with top-rated schools and direct access to both Lake Winnipesaukee and Gunstock Mountain. Families are drawn to its excellent school system, safe neighborhoods, and year-round outdoor recreation.

Gunstock Mountain Resort (ski, zip-line, camping)Top-rated Gilford school districtTown Beach on Lake Winnipesaukee

Alton

Gateway to Winnipesaukee

Alton anchors the southern tip of Lake Winnipesaukee, with Alton Bay serving as one of the lake's most popular harbors. The town offers a mix of year-round homes and vacation properties, with Mt.

Alton Bay — popular harbor & beachMt. Major trailhead (most popular Lakes Region hike)Annual ice runway on Alton Bay

Moultonborough

Low Taxes, Big Views

Moultonborough wraps around the northern and western shores of Lake Winnipesaukee and includes popular Long Island. Known for its low tax rate, excellent schools, and the iconic Castle in the Clouds, it's a top choice for both vacation homeowners and year-round families.

Lowest tax rate in the Lakes RegionCastle in the Clouds historic estateRed Hill summit with panoramic lake views

Center Harbor

Between Two Great Lakes

Center Harbor is a small, scenic village nestled between Lake Winnipesaukee and Squam Lake. Despite its tiny size, it's centrally located in the Lakes Region and offers charming New England character with easy access to both lakes and the surrounding mountains.

Between Winnipesaukee & Squam LakeQuaint village centerWinnipesaukee Scenic Railroad stop
Fishing

Fishing on Lake Winnipesaukee

Two-tier: coldwater (salmon, lake trout, rainbow trout) + warmwater (bass) · Open water: April–October. Ice fishing: December–March. Salmon season opens April 1.

Coldwater Species

Landlocked SalmonStockedTrophy fishery — annual stocking program
Lake TroutStockedDeep-water trolling, ice fishing
Rainbow TroutStocked
Brook Trout
Cusk (Burbot)Winter specialty — night fishing
Whitefish

Warmwater Species

Smallmouth BassExcellent fishery — rocky points & islands
Largemouth BassCoves and weed beds
Pickerel
White Perch
Yellow PerchPopular ice fishing target
Hornpout
Sunfish

Forage Species

Rainbow SmeltKey forage species for salmon & lake trout

Access & Regulations

Public boat ramps in Wolfeboro (Back Bay, Carry Beach), Meredith, Gilford (Glendale), Alton Bay, Weirs Beach, and Center Harbor. NH boat registration required.

NH F&G stocks landlocked salmon, lake trout, and rainbow trout annually. Smelt populations monitored via sonar and trawl surveys.

NH Fish & Game Regulations

Local Tips

Early spring: trolling for salmon near mouths of tributary rivers
Summer: deep-water trolling (60–100ft) for lake trout with lead core or downriggers
Smallmouth bass: rocky points, boulder fields, and island drop-offs
Ice fishing: tip-ups for salmon and lake trout, jigging for perch and cusk
Lead tackle banned statewide — use non-lead jigs and sinkers
Bird Watching

Birding on Lake Winnipesaukee

🪶

Common Loon — 35 Nesting Pairs

Approximately 35 nesting pairs. The Loon Preservation Committee monitors nesting activity and conducts an annual census (July). Lead fishing tackle is the #1 cause of loon mortality in NH.

Common Loon
Common Loon
summer
Iconic — nesting pairs on islands
Bald Eagle
Bald Eagle
year-round
Nesting pairs in Tuftonboro and Moultonborough
Osprey
Osprey
summer
Fish-hunting dives visible from shore
Great Blue Heron
Great Blue Heron
summer
Common Merganser
Common Merganser
year-round
Belted Kingfisher
Belted Kingfisher
summer
Double-crested Cormorant
Double-crested Cormorant
summer
Mallard
Mallard
year-round
Wood Duck
Wood Duck
summer
Red-tailed Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
year-round
Barred Owl
Barred Owl
year-round
Listen at dusk from the dock
Pileated Woodpecker
Pileated Woodpecker
year-round
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
summer
Baltimore Oriole
Baltimore Oriole
summer

Best Birding Spots

Loon Nest Trail (shoreline walk with nesting loons)
Back Bay, Wolfeboro (herons, kingfishers, mergansers)
Moultonborough Bay (eagles, osprey)
Rattlesnake Island area (loons, cormorants)
Own Property on Lake Winnipesaukee?

List your waterfront home with Yankee Pedlar. We manage the largest rental portfolio in the Lakes Region and can help maximize your property's income.

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