Smallmouth Bass is recorded in 31 of the 32 spots within 75 minutes of Laconia. Below are the strongest of them by our score: drive time, depth data, species and public access.
By our bite calendar, Smallmouth Bass peaks around Laconia in May, June, July, and August. In November the calendar puts it at “Slow”.
Where to catch Smallmouth Bass near Laconia
1. Lake Winnipesaukee
Lake Winnipesaukee is a 11-minute drive from downtown Laconia. Launch at Ellacoya State Park Boat Access, the public ramp on Lake Winnipesaukee closest to downtown (≈ 6.7 mi). Public access on Lake Winnipesaukee: 18 boat ramps. Surveyed depths reach 180 ft. Recorded here: Rock Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, and Bluegill.
2. Lake Winnisquam
Lake Winnisquam is a 1-minute drive from downtown Laconia. Launch at Winnisquam Access Facility, the public ramp on Lake Winnisquam closest to downtown (≈ 0.4 mi). Public access on Lake Winnisquam: 4 boat ramps. Surveyed depths reach 140 ft. Recorded here: Rainbow Trout, Smallmouth Bass, Rock Bass, and Atlantic Salmon.
3. Opechee Bay Reservoir
Opechee Bay Reservoir is a 1-minute drive from downtown Laconia. Launch at Messer Street Boat Ramp, the public ramp on Opechee Bay Reservoir closest to downtown (≈ 0.6 mi). Public access on Opechee Bay Reservoir: 2 boat ramps. Surveyed depths reach 50 ft. Recorded here: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, and Rainbow Trout.
4. Squam Lake
Squam Lake is a 24-minute drive from downtown Laconia. Canoe & kayak launch — Squam Lake: boat ramp on Squam Lake, ≈ 12.2 mi from downtown. Public access on Squam Lake: 6 boat ramps. Surveyed depths reach 95 ft. Recorded here: Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Largemouth Bass, and Lake Whitefish.
5. Lake Waukewan
Lake Waukewan is a 17-minute drive from downtown Laconia. Launch at Town Boat Ramp, the public ramp on Lake Waukewan closest to downtown (≈ 8.6 mi). Public access on Lake Waukewan: 1 boat ramp. Surveyed depths reach 70 ft. Recorded here: Smallmouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, Green Sunfish, and Atlantic Salmon.
6. Newfound Lake
Newfound Lake is a 37-minute drive from downtown Laconia. Launch at Newfound Lake Boat Access Facility, the public ramp on Newfound Lake closest to downtown (≈ 17.2 mi). Public access on Newfound Lake: 3 boat ramps. Surveyed depths reach 180 ft. Recorded here: Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Atlantic Salmon, and Rainbow Trout.
