Fishing Paugus Bay
AKA: Paugus Lake
Popular Fish Species Paugus Bay, NH
Brook Trout Fishing
Brook trout thrive in cool, clear, well-oxygenated water. Clean inflows of water are prime areas to fish. Fishing for brook trout in Paugus Bay is popular due to the abundance and size of these tasty brookies. Brookies are most actively feeding at dawn, and again at dusk. Brook trout feed on plankton, worms, leeches, insects, mollusks, and small baitfish. They spawn in the Fall, rather than the Spring, and they are quite prolific spawners. Other times they tend to move deeper and are more difficult to locate. When the lake freezes over, ice fishing for brook trout is a fun way to spend a winter day. Brook trout can be easily caught on minnows, flies, small spinners, worms, maggots and wax worms.
White Perch Fishing
Paugus Bay continues to have a very healthy population of white perch, which have been a mainstay in the fishery for decades. White perch are great table fare, and are a food source for many predator fish in the lake as well. Fishing for white perch is simple, their primary diet consists of minnows and other small fish, insects and worms. White perch tend to gather in small groups and hang out on relatively deep structure, near cover and/or drop-offs. Use a small hook and sinker. Bait a small hook with minnows, worms or small jigs using 6 to 10 pound line. They make for an excellent fish fry, are a food source for many of the larger predator fish in the lake, and they are fun to catch in winter when ice fishing.
Chain Pickerel Fishing
Chain pickerel prefer to weedy areas of lakes and rivers. They ambush baitfish and sunfish which requires cover for them to hide within. Submerged aquatic vegetation, brush, fallen tree limbs, or structures such as rock piles, bridge pilings, rip-rap, or debris. Paugus Bay has a very healthy population of these toothy critters, many approaching 30 inches and exceeding 5 pounds. Unlike many freshwater fish species, chain pickerel do not school up. They tend to be loners. Once you catch one, find other, spots with similar cover and depth to fish. Flashy spoons, live minnows, and bait-imitating crankbaits all work well. For added excitement, try fishing topwater lures over vegetation areas. Topwater lures that mimic wounded baitfish are very tempting to these predators. When the lake freezes over, ice fishing can get very exciting with these big pike.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, rainbow trout, brook trout, lake trout, bluegill, rock bass, white perch, Atlantic salmon and chain pickerel at Paugus Bay in New Hampshire.
Paugus Bay Fishing Video
A virtual vacation paradise with all the home-town services, Paugus Bay is a 1,200-acre lake in the central part of the state, at Laconia. The lake has a nice variety of fish species, nearly 10 miles of shoreline.
Paugus Bay, located in Laconia, New Hampshire, is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts. This picturesque bay is part of Lake Winnipesaukee and offers excellent fishing opportunities. Paugus Bay is known for its diverse fish population, making it an enticing spot for anglers of all levels. The bay is home to a variety of fish species, including smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, pickerel, yellow perch, and white perch. Anglers can explore the bay's shallow areas, submerged structures, and weed beds to target these popular fish.
Paugus Bay's exceptional fishing prospects, boating opportunities, and nearby camping facilities make it an attractive destination for outdoor enthusiasts in New Hampshire. Whether casting a line, cruising the bay's tranquil waters, or spending nights under the stars at a nearby campground, Paugus Bay promises a memorable and enjoyable experience amidst the scenic landscapes of the state.
This lake offers most everything you might want or need for recreational boating, camping and fishing. The most sought after species here are rainbow trout, lake trout and landlocked salmon. Healthy populations of bass, crappie, perch and pickerel also swim in these waters. Various options for boat launching and marina services are available at Paugus Bay Marina, Lakeport Landing, Thurston's Marina, Winni Marine and Paugus Bay Campground.
Primary fish species residing in Paugus Bay
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Paugus Bay Amenities
Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES
Today's Weather & Forecast
In addition to fishing, Paugus Bay is a haven for boating enthusiasts. Boaters can take advantage of the bay's calm waters, scenic beauty, and easy access to Lake Winnipesaukee. The bay provides a perfect setting for various water activities, such as motor boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing. Whether it's a leisurely cruise or an exhilarating water sports adventure, Paugus Bay offers a fantastic boating experience.
Fishing Boat Rentals
Anchor Marine
Rentals: Pontoon boats
603 366-4311
Winni Marine
Rentals: Pontoon boats
603 524-8380
Marinas
Lakeport Landing Marina
65 Gold Street
Laconia, NH 03246
603 524-3755
Paugus Bay Marina
41 Sheridan Street
Laconia NH 03246
603 524-1233
Fishing Guides On Paugus Bay
If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.
Fishing License
Click here for a New Hampshire Fishing License.
Camping options are available near Paugus Bay, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the natural beauty of the area. Campgrounds provide amenities such as tent sites, RV hookups, and access to hiking trails and picnic areas. Camping near Paugus Bay offers the opportunity to wake up to serene lake views, immerse oneself in the tranquility of the surroundings, and enjoy a peaceful camping experience.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Paugus Bay Campground - 603 366-4757
Singing Cove RV Park - 603 366-4656
Paugus Bay NH Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Paugus Bay
Thurston's Marina
18 Endicott St N
Laconia, NH 03246
603 366-4811
Fishing lakes in each state.
101724*
Paugus Bay in NH
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Fishing for rainbow trout, lake trout and landlocked salmon in central NH.
