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 6 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Squam Lake
Belknap County, New Hampshire · 6,790 acres (10.6 sq mi)
37°F water, calm this morning.
About Squam Lake
In Belknap County, New Hampshire, Squam Lake covers 6,790 acres; it is a natural lake. It sits on the Squam River. Squam Lake, the filming location for the movie On Golden Pond, is one of New Hampshire's largest lakes.
It stretches about 6 miles end to end and its shoreline adds up to about 49 miles. Its surface is about 560 ft above sea level. It reaches about 99 ft at its deepest. Holderness sits right on the water.
- Size
- 6,790 acres (10.6 sq mi)
- Deepest
- About 99 ft
- Shoreline
- About 49 miles
- End to end
- About 6 miles
- Elevation
- About 560 ft
- Type
- Natural lake
- River
- Squam River
- County
- Belknap 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
- 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 5 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish to expect
Expect the usual New Hampshire mix for a lake this size: smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, yellow perch, bluegill and sunfish and trout. The state fish and wildlife agency lists what is stocked and the rules for this lake. With the surface at 37°F, the notes below say which of them should be biting.
- SlowSmallmouth bass
Cold. Slow presentations on deep rock.
- SlowLargemouth bass
Cold and sluggish. Fish slow and deep near steep banks.
- FairYellow perch
Cold. Deep schools; small jigs or minnows.
- SlowBluegill and sunfish
Cold. Deep and hard to tempt. Use tiny baits.
- FairTrout
Cold. Slow and near the surface on sunny days.
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
- 7
6 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 6:38 am · sunset 4:22 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Squam Lake
- Holdernesson the shore
- Center Harborabout 2.2 mi southeast
- Meredithabout 3.2 mi south
- Sandwichabout 3.2 mi northeast
Prices and availability come from booking partners; we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Questions about Squam Lake
What fish are in Squam Lake?
Lakes like Squam Lake usually hold smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, yellow perch, bluegill and sunfish and trout. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Squam Lake?
About 99 ft at the deepest point. The 3-D view shows where the deep water is.
How big is Squam Lake?
6,790 acres, with about 49 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Squam Lake?
Holderness is on the shore; Center Harbor is about 2.2 miles southeast.
What is the water temperature at Squam Lake today?
The surface was about 37°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Squam Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.