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Lake Trout

Lake Trout

Lake Trout in New Hampshire are native coldwater char that can live 25-60 years and take up to 7 years to reach maturation. They're classified as 'Special Concern' due to their limited range and specific habitat requirements.

Scientific Name: Salvelinus namaycush

Physical Characteristics:
  • These fish have variable coloration from almost black to light green, gray, or light brown, with abundant white or pale yellow spots and a deeply forked tail.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • In New Hampshire's deep oligotrophic lakes, during summer stratification, they reside below the thermocline in the hypolimnion layer, making quick foraging excursions above.

Key Locations

  • Native populations exist in Squam Lake, Winnipesaukee Lake, Newfound Lake, First Connecticut Lake, and Second Connecticut Lake, with stocking programs establishing self-sustaining populations in 17 additional waters throughout central, southwestern, and northern regions.
  • Fish productive waters include Newfound, Winnisquam, Winnipesaukee, Sunapee, Silver (Madison), Merrymeeting, Tarleton, and Great East lakes, plus Big Dan Hole Pond.

Specific Spots

  • Target deep drop-offs, points, and structure during stratified periods, but focus on shallow rocky areas and reefs during spring and fall transitions when fish are most accessible from shore or shallow trolling.

Lake Trout FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Lake Trout in New Hampshire?

Large spoons (Red Eyed Wiggler in fire tiger/hot pink, Michigan Stinger in gold/silver/bronze), flatfish plugs 5.5+ inches in natural silver/white or rainbow trout patterns, and soft plastic swimbaits like 9-inch Bull Dawgs or 10-inch Mini-D Swimbaits in both bright (chartreuse, hot pink) and natural (ghost grey,...

What flies work for Lake Trout in New Hampshire?

Large flashy streamers and weighted baitfish patterns like Rabbit Strip Jiggy, or weighted Deceiver patterns 4-7 inches on heavy jig heads (1/8 to 1/2 ounce).

When is the best time to fish for Lake Trout in New Hampshire?

Lake Trout fishing in New Hampshire is best from January through September 30, with ice fishing permitted January 1 through March 31. This spawning period should be avoided for fishing to protect reproduction (late October/early November).

How do you catch Lake Trout in New Hampshire?

Trolling techniques with downriggers or lead core lines, ice fishing, shore fishing.

What do Lake Trout eat?

Lake Trout feed on diverse prey including rainbow smelt (their preferred food in NH), other fish species, crustaceans, aquatic macroinvertebrates, and even plankton when restricted to deeper waters.

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New Hampshire licenses and regulations

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