The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (back of a cove) is open for everyone; the other 5 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Bow Lake
Strafford County, New Hampshire · 1,150 acres (1.8 sq mi)
44°F water, calm this morning.
About Bow Lake
Bow Lake is a natural lake in Strafford County, New Hampshire, covering 1,150 acres. Bow Lake in Strafford is a popular trout and bass fishing lake near the Seacoast region.
It stretches about 2.2 miles end to end and its shoreline adds up to about 7.4 miles. At about 510 ft above sea level, it follows the seasons of the region. The deepest water is about 65 ft, with an average depth near 10 ft. Northwood lies about 3 miles to the south. Manchester, the nearest city, is about 21 miles southwest.
- Size
- 1,150 acres (1.8 sq mi)
- Deepest
- About 65 ft (average 10 ft)
- Shoreline
- About 7.4 miles
- End to end
- About 2.2 miles
- Elevation
- About 510 ft
- Type
- Natural lake
- County
- Strafford County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Friday Good
- 6:00 am – 8:15 amsunrise
- 2:45 pm – 4:15 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 5 mph
Saturday Good
- 6:00 am – 8:15 amsunrise · wind 5 mph
- 2:45 pm – 5:00 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 10 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish in Bow Lake
Bow Lake holds trout, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, catfish and yellow perch. At 44°F on the surface right now, here is how each one should behave.
- GoodTrout
Good range. Near the surface and along shorelines.
- SlowSmallmouth bass
Cold. Slow presentations on deep rock.
- SlowLargemouth bass
Cold and sluggish. Fish slow and deep near steep banks.
- SlowCatfish
Cold. Slow, in the deepest holes. Cut bait works best.
- GoodYellow perch
Schooled near weed edges and soft bottom.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Back of a cove
Sheltered, shallower water where baitfish gather.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
5 more spots with LakeScope PRO: fish, depth band, water temperature, best time and bait for each.
Picked from the shape of the lake bed. A guide, not a promise.
Water temperature
At the surface, seen .
Water level
No daily level reading for this lake.
Ice
Open water
Ice thickness is an estimate from air temperature, not a measurement. Check the ice yourself before going on it.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 6:35 am · sunset 4:21 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Bow Lake
- Northwoodabout 3 mi south
- Straffordabout 4.7 mi north
- Barringtonabout 5.6 mi east
- Epsomabout 6.9 mi west
- Manchesternearest city, about 21 mi southwest
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Questions about Bow Lake
What fish are in Bow Lake?
Bow Lake holds trout, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, catfish and yellow perch. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Bow Lake?
About 65 ft at the deepest point, about 10 ft on average. The 3-D view shows where the deep water is.
How big is Bow Lake?
1,150 acres, with about 7.4 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Bow Lake?
Northwood is about 3 miles south; Strafford is about 4.7 miles north.
What is the water temperature at Bow Lake today?
The surface was about 44°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Bow Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
