What You'll Find at Conway Lake

Conway Lake is a 70-acre impoundment in the town of Conway, New Hampshire, sitting at the base of the White Mountains where the Saco River system feeds it. The lake holds smallmouth bass as its primary draw, along with solid populations of chain pickerel, sunfish, and occasional largemouth bass. Water clarity runs moderate to good depending on season, and the lake stays relatively quiet compared to larger mountain reservoirs—you'll see recreational boaters and swimmers in summer, but the fishing pressure stays light enough that bass hold predictable patterns through the year.

The lake's depth ranges from shallow weedy bays on the north end to a channel that drops to around 40 feet near the dam. That structure—the combination of weed beds, rocky points, and the deeper channel—is what makes Conway Lake worth the drive if you're already in the area. Smallmouth here run 12 to 16 inches on average, with occasional fish pushing 18 inches. The panfish bite can be excellent in spring and fall, particularly for sunfish around the weed edges.

Key Takeaways

  • Conway Lake holds smallmouth bass, chain pickerel, and panfish, with the best smallmouth fishing from May through June and again in September and October.
  • Public boat access is available at the town ramp on the north shore, with parking for roughly a dozen vehicles and a gravel launch suitable for small to medium boats.
  • Weed beds on the north end and rocky points along the eastern shore hold bass year-round; the deeper channel near the dam is productive in summer when shallows warm.
  • New Hampshire fishing licenses are required for all anglers 16 and older, and the lake follows standard state regulations with no special restrictions.

Access and Launch Information

The public boat ramp sits on the north shore of Conway Lake, accessible from Route 16 heading north through town. Turn onto Old Route 16 (also marked as the access road) and follow it to the parking area. The ramp itself is gravel, well-maintained, and slopes gradually into the water—suitable for launching small aluminum boats, canoes, and kayaks without difficulty. Parking is limited to roughly a dozen spaces, so arrive early on summer weekends if you're bringing a trailer.

Shore fishing is possible along the access road and around the ramp area, though the best bank access for casting is limited. If you don't have a boat, a kayak or canoe gives you access to the entire lake and works well for exploring the weed beds and shallows where panfish concentrate. The lake is small enough that you can cover most productive water in a half-day paddle.

Seasonal Patterns and What to Fish

Spring (May and early June) is when Conway Lake smallmouth are most aggressive. Bass move shallow to spawn and feed heavily before and after the spawn, and you'll find them on rocky points, in the weed beds, and along the shoreline. Crawfish patterns and small shad imitations work well; topwater early and late in the day can produce explosive strikes. Water temperature climbs quickly in May, so the bite is most reliable in the first two hours after sunrise.

Summer (July and August) pushes bass deeper as the shallows warm. The channel near the dam becomes the primary holding area, and you'll need to fish deeper structure—drop-offs, rocky ledges, and the edges of weed beds where they meet deeper water. Jigs and soft plastics fished slowly near bottom are more effective than topwater. Panfish, however, remain active in the weed beds throughout summer, and a simple popper or small crappie jig can produce steady action.

Fall (September and October) brings another strong bite as water cools and bass move back shallow. The weed beds on the north end become productive again, and the rocky points along the eastern shore hold fish throughout the day. This is often the best time to fish Conway Lake if you prefer consistent action and don't want to deal with summer crowds.

Winter fishing is possible through ice, though the lake is not as popular for ice fishing as larger reservoirs. Check current ice conditions with local tackle shops before heading out.

Where to Fish: Specific Locations

The north end of the lake, near the public ramp, holds extensive weed beds in water 4 to 8 feet deep. This is your best bet for panfish and for spring smallmouth. Cast along the weed edges and work slowly; you'll find sunfish, bluegill, and occasional crappie mixed in with smallmouth in the 12- to 15-inch range.

The eastern shore has a series of rocky points that drop into deeper water. These points hold smallmouth year-round, especially in spring and fall. Work the rocks with crawfish patterns or small jigs, and don't skip the deeper water just off the point—bass often hold 15 to 20 feet out.

The dam area at the south end creates a deeper channel where bass retreat in summer. Fish this zone with vertical jigging or slow-moving soft plastics. The water here can be 30 to 40 feet deep, so a depth finder helps, but you can also look for the channel by watching the shoreline contour—it typically runs parallel to the dam.

Regulations and Licensing

New Hampshire requires all anglers 16 and older to carry a valid fishing license. You can purchase a license online through the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department website, at most tackle shops in the area, or at town offices. A three-day license is available if you're visiting, or you can buy an annual license if you plan to fish the region regularly.

Conway Lake follows standard New Hampshire bass regulations: a 12-inch minimum length for largemouth and smallmouth, with a five-fish daily limit. Panfish have no minimum length and a generous daily limit. Chain pickerel have a 15-inch minimum and a five-fish limit. Check the current New Hampshire fishing guide before you go, as regulations can change year to year.

Nearby Water and Alternatives

If Conway Lake is crowded or the bite is slow, several other options sit within 20 minutes. Saco Lake, also in Conway, is slightly larger and holds similar species. Kezar Lake in nearby Lovell, Maine, is a short drive and offers more consistent smallmouth fishing on a larger scale. Chocorua Lake, about 30 minutes south, is known for its scenic setting and holds both smallmouth and lake trout.

The Saco River itself, which feeds Conway Lake, offers smallmouth and panfish in its slower pools and is worth exploring if you have a canoe or kayak. The river access is less developed than the lake, but the fishing can be excellent in spring and fall.

Tackle and Technique Tips

For smallmouth, bring a mix of crawfish imitations (crankbaits and soft plastics), small shad patterns, and topwater lures. A 6- to 6.5-foot medium-power spinning rod with 8- to 10-pound braided line works well for the lake's structure. Jigs in the 1/4- to 3/8-ounce range are versatile and effective year-round.

For panfish, a light spinning setup with 4- to 6-pound monofilament and small poppers, crappie jigs, or inline spinners will produce steady action. Early morning and late afternoon are best, but panfish bite throughout the day in spring and fall.

The lake's moderate size means you can cover water efficiently by working the shoreline and points methodically. Don't rush; Conway Lake rewards patience and thorough presentations more than it rewards speed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Conway Lake year-round?

Yes. Open-water fishing runs from the season opener (typically mid-May for bass) through October. Winter ice fishing is possible once the lake freezes solid, usually by late December, though it's not as popular as other New Hampshire lakes. Check with local tackle shops for current ice conditions before heading out.

Do I need a boat to fish Conway Lake?

A boat helps you reach the best structure, but it's not required. A kayak or canoe gives you access to the entire lake and works well for exploring weed beds and panfish areas. Shore fishing is possible near the ramp, though it's limited compared to boat access.

What's the best time of day to fish here?

Early morning (first two hours after sunrise) and late afternoon are most productive for smallmouth, especially in spring and summer. Panfish bite steadily throughout the day in spring and fall. Midday in summer is typically slower unless you're fishing deep structure near the dam.

Are there tackle shops nearby?

Conway has several small shops and general stores that carry basic tackle. For a wider selection, head to North Conway, about 15 minutes north, where you'll find dedicated fishing retailers and outfitters that stock everything from rods to live bait.

What should I do if the ramp is crowded?

Arrive early on summer weekends, or fish on weekdays when pressure is lighter. If the ramp is full, shore fishing near the access area is an option, or consider paddling a kayak from the parking area instead of launching a motorboat.