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Lake Information for Squam Lake


Map: 
Description: 

Squam Lake is a lake located in central New Hampshire, USA, south of the White Mountains, straddling the borders of Grafton, Carroll, and Belknap Counties. The largest town center on the lake is Holderness. The lake is located northwest of much larger Lake Winnipesaukee.

It drains via a short natural channel into Little Squam Lake, and then through a dam at the head of the short Squam River into the Pemigewasset at Ashland. Covering 6,791 acres (27.5 kmĀ²), Squam is the second-largest lake located entirely in New Hampshire.

Squam Lake was originally called Keeseenunknipee, which meant "the goose lake in the highlands". The white settlers that followed shortened the name to Casumpa, Kusumpy and/or Kesumpe around 1779. In the early 1800s, the lake was given another Abenaki name, Asquam, which means "water". Finally, in the early 1900s, Asquam was shortened to its present version, Squam.

Squam Lake has 28 named islands and numerous smaller, unnamed islets.

Facilities and Parks: 

In Holderness along the Squam River, across from the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center. From US Route 3 head north on NH-113, Launch area is on the right, parking is on the left. 24 Hour parking maximum. This access site was donated to the State of New Hampshire by the Squam Lakes Association.

Fishing Description: 

Squam Lake (and Little Squam Lake) are excellent for salmon, trout, and bass fishing. There is also a good supply of white and yellow perch.

Fish: 
Atlantic Salmon
Fish: 
Largemouth Bass
Fish: 
Rainbow Trout
Fish: 
Smallmouth Bass
Fish: 
White Perch
Optional Information
Surface area: 
6791.00
Name: 
Squam Lake
Lake type: 
lake
State: 
New Hampshire

Businesses Located Nearby

Boat Rental

Vacation Rental


Bar and Restaurant

    Walter's Basin
  • Route 3 - Holderness, NH
  • (603) 968-4412

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