Fishing Pawtuckaway Lake
NH Fish and Game lists Pawtuckaway Lake in Nottingham as a suggested spot for largemouth and smallmouth bass, chain pickerel, black crappie, white perch and hornpout, the local name for brown bullhead. You can fish from shore in Pawtuckaway State Park or from a rented canoe or kayak. Anyone 16 or older needs a New Hampshire fishing license, except on the state's two free fishing days.
Fishing at a Glance
What You Can Catch
NH Fish and Game's fisheries biologists keep a list of suggested fishing locations by species for each region of the state. In the Southeast and Merrimack Valley list, Pawtuckaway Lake appears under six species:
- Largemouth bass
- Smallmouth bass
- Chain pickerel
- Black crappie
- White perch
- Hornpout (brown bullhead)
The same list gives yellow perch for nearly all lakes and ponds in the region, and pumpkinseed for most. Fish and Game also lists Round Pond in Nottingham for black crappie; the park map shows a Round Pond among the Pawtuckaway Mountains. Fish and Game says the list is not exhaustive. Its Where to Fish page also has a map of shore, canoe and boat-launch fishing spots.
The Water
Pawtuckaway Lake is 900 acres with a deepest point of about 50 feet, but its average depth is only 3.1 meters, about 10 feet, according to NHDES. The shoreline is long and broken by islands and coves. Water quality and advisories are on the Pawtuckaway Lake page.
Do You Need a Fishing License?
Yes, if you are 16 or older. NH Fish and Game says youth under 16 don't need a license to fish in New Hampshire. Licenses are sold online and through about 250 license agents around the state; see Fish and Game's license prices.
On New Hampshire's two free fishing days, the first Saturday in June and the third Saturday in January, residents and visitors can fish any inland water without a license. Season dates, bag limits and every other rule still apply, and anyone fishing in a tournament still needs a license.
Seasons, size limits and bag limits are in NH Fish and Game's Freshwater Fishing Digest. Read it before you keep a fish.
Where to Fish in the Park
The park's trail map has a symbol for fishing spots, and NH State Parks' own photos include a father and son fishing at a campsite at sunset. For open water, rent a canoe or kayak at the park store or launch your own at the public canoe and kayak launch; see boating.
Park Rules for Anglers
- Pay the park day-use fee.
- No fishing gear or bait waste left behind. Pawtuckaway is carry in, carry out.
- Pets are allowed on trails and in the campground, but not in the beach area.
- Questions about fishing law go to NH Fish and Game: a conservation officer answers weekdays 8 to 4 at (603) 271-3361.
Good For
- Bass and pickerel anglers.
- Kids under 16, who fish without a license.
Maybe Skip If
- You're after trout. Pawtuckaway Lake isn't on Fish and Game's trout lists for the region.
Fishing FAQ
What fish are in Pawtuckaway Lake?
NH Fish and Game lists Pawtuckaway Lake for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, chain pickerel, black crappie, white perch and hornpout (brown bullhead). Its regional list also gives yellow perch for nearly all lakes in the region and pumpkinseed for most.
Do you need a fishing license at Pawtuckaway?
Yes, if you are 16 or older. Youth under 16 don't need one, and nobody needs one on New Hampshire's free fishing days, the first Saturday in June and the third Saturday in January.
Can you fish from the campground at Pawtuckaway?
Fishing is a listed activity at the park, and NH State Parks' own photos show a father and son fishing at a campsite. Follow NH Fish and Game rules and park rules.
Can you ice fish at Pawtuckaway?
NH State Parks says the park is open for recreation year round unless posted, but it doesn't publish ice conditions. Ice safety is your responsibility; check with NH Fish and Game.