What You'll Find at Back Lake

Back Lake is a 68-acre pond in the Lakes Region town of Moultonborough, roughly 90 minutes north of Boston. The lake holds smallmouth bass as its primary gamefish, along with brook trout and white perch. The water is clear and moderately deep, with rocky structure and weed beds that hold fish year-round. It's a working lake — you'll share it with residential docks and seasonal homeowners — but it remains productive and less crowded than the larger lakes nearby like Winnipesaukee and Squam.

The lake sits at roughly 500 feet elevation and drains into the Bearcamp River system. Access is limited to a public boat launch on the eastern shore, which means the lake naturally caps its own traffic. Most anglers fish from boats; shore fishing is possible but limited to a few spots near the launch and along Route 109 on the north side.

Key Takeaways

  • Back Lake holds smallmouth bass year-round and is most productive in spring and fall when fish move into shallower structure.
  • The public boat launch is the only legal access point; arrive early on weekends because the parking lot fills quickly during peak season.
  • New Hampshire fishing licenses are required for anyone 16 and older, and you must check current regulations for bass size limits and daily catch limits before you fish.
  • Brook trout fishing is best in early spring and late fall when water temperatures drop; summer heat pushes trout deeper and makes them harder to catch.
  • The lake is open year-round, but ice-out typically occurs in late April, and ice forms reliably by mid-December for winter fishing.

Seasons and What to Expect

Spring (April through May) is the strongest season for both smallmouth bass and brook trout. As water temperatures climb from the 40s to the 50s, bass move out of deep winter holes into rocky shallows and weed edges to feed and spawn. Brook trout are active throughout the water column and respond well to small streamers and nymphs. The lake is typically ice-free by late April, though ice-out varies by a week or two depending on winter severity.

Summer (June through August) produces good topwater action for smallmouth in early morning and evening, but midday fishing slows as bass retreat to deeper structure and cooler water. Brook trout become difficult to catch as water temperatures exceed their comfort range; if you target them in summer, fish early, fish deep, or focus on the inlet where cooler water enters. White perch bite steadily throughout summer and are a reliable backup target.

Fall (September through October) rivals spring for overall fishing quality. Cooling water temperatures bring bass back to shallower feeding zones, and brook trout become active again. The lake is less crowded than summer, and the clearer water makes sight-fishing for bass more effective. By late October, water temperatures drop into the 40s and fishing remains good through freeze-up.

Winter (November through March) is productive for ice fishing. Smallmouth bass hold in deeper holes 25 to 40 feet down; jigging with small spoons and live shiners works. Brook trout can be caught in shallower water near structure. Ice typically forms by mid-December and remains solid through February. Always check ice thickness before venturing out, and fish with a partner.

Access and Launch Information

The only public boat launch is located on the eastern shore off Route 109 in Moultonborough, near the intersection with Back Lake Road. The launch is a single-lane concrete ramp with a small parking area — typically 8 to 12 spaces. There is no fee to launch. The lot fills quickly on summer weekends and holidays; arrive before 8 a.m. if you want a spot, or plan a weekday trip.

The launch is maintained by the town of Moultonborough and is open year-round during daylight hours. There are no facilities at the launch itself — no restrooms, no fuel dock, no bait shop. The nearest services are in Center Harbor, about 5 miles south. Bring everything you need: water, food, sunscreen, and a full tank of gas if you're running a larger boat.

Shore fishing is possible but limited. A small area near the launch allows foot access, and Route 109 runs along the north shore with a few pull-offs, though parking is tight and trespassing on private property is common. Most productive fishing requires a boat.

Species, Size Limits, and Regulations

Smallmouth bass are the primary target. New Hampshire's current minimum size is 12 inches, with a daily limit of five fish. Bass season runs year-round. Regulations change periodically, so check the New Hampshire Fish and Game website or the current fishing guide before you go.

Brook trout are present but less abundant than bass. The minimum size is typically 7 inches, with a daily limit of five fish. Brook trout season is open year-round, but fishing is most productive in spring and fall. Summer heat makes them difficult to locate and catch.

White perch are abundant and provide consistent action, especially in summer. There is no minimum size, and the daily limit is typically 30 fish. They're a good option when bass and trout are slow.

All anglers 16 and older must carry a valid New Hampshire fishing license. Licenses are sold online through the Fish and Game website, at sporting goods stores, and at town clerk offices. A three-day license is available if you don't want to commit to a full-year license. Always verify current regulations before fishing — size limits and daily limits can change.

What Gear and Techniques Work Best

For smallmouth bass, bring a 6- to 7-foot medium-action spinning rod with 8- to 10-pound braided line or 10- to 12-pound monofilament. Effective lures include 3- to 4-inch soft plastics rigged on 1/8- to 1/4-ounce jig heads, crankbaits that dive 4 to 8 feet, and topwater plugs in early morning and evening. Fish rocky points, weed edges, and the deeper structure in the center of the lake. In spring and fall, focus on shallower areas (8 to 15 feet); in summer, move to deeper holes (20 to 35 feet).

For brook trout, a 5- to 6-foot light-action rod with 4- to 6-pound monofilament works well. Small streamers (size 8 to 12), nymphs, and wet flies are most effective. In spring, fish shallow structure and inlets; in summer, fish deep or near the inlet where water is cooler. Live shiners under a bobber also work, especially in spring.

For white perch, use a light spinning rod with small jigs (1/16- to 1/8-ounce) tipped with shiners or small soft plastics. Fish deeper structure in summer and shallower areas in spring and fall. They often school, so if you find one, more are nearby.

When to Fish and How Crowded It Gets

Back Lake is moderately busy but not crowded compared to Winnipesaukee or Squam Lake. Summer weekends see the most traffic, particularly July and early August. Weekdays are quieter year-round. Spring and fall attract fewer boats, making those seasons ideal if you prefer solitude.

The small parking lot at the launch naturally limits traffic. On a typical summer Saturday, you might see 6 to 10 boats on the water. On a weekday in May or September, you could have the lake nearly to yourself. Winter ice fishing brings a handful of anglers, mostly locals.

If you want the best combination of good fishing and fewer people, target weekdays in May, September, or October. Early morning (sunrise to 9 a.m.) is always quieter than midday.

Nearby Services and Lodging

Center Harbor, 5 miles south, has gas stations, a small grocery store, and a few restaurants. Moultonborough village, 3 miles west, has additional services. Neither town has a dedicated tackle shop; the nearest full-service fishing store is in Laconia, about 20 miles south. Plan ahead and bring what you need.

Lodging options range from seasonal rentals and bed-and-breakfasts to larger resorts around Winnipesaukee. Camping is available at several state and private campgrounds in the Lakes Region. If you're planning a multi-day trip, book lodging in advance during summer and fall foliage season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Back Lake in winter?

Yes. Ice typically forms by mid-December and remains solid through February. Jigging for smallmouth bass in 25- to 40-foot holes and fishing for brook trout in shallower structure both work. Always check ice thickness before going out, and never fish alone. Bring a spud bar and wear a life jacket.

What's the best time of year to catch brook trout?

Spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) are best. Water temperatures in those seasons match what brook trout prefer. Summer heat pushes them deep and makes them hard to catch. Winter ice fishing can also be productive if you fish the right depth.

Do I need a boat to fish Back Lake?

A boat gives you access to the most productive water, but shore fishing is possible near the launch and along Route 109. You'll catch fewer fish from shore, and your options are limited. Most anglers use boats.

How far is Back Lake from major cities?

Back Lake is roughly 90 minutes north of Boston, 45 minutes north of Manchester, and 30 minutes south of the White Mountains. It's accessible as a day trip from the Boston area or as part of a Lakes Region vacation.

What's the difference between Back Lake and the larger lakes nearby?

Back Lake is smaller (68 acres), shallower, and less crowded than Winnipesaukee or Squam Lake. It holds the same species but is easier to fish thoroughly in a single day. The trade-off is fewer amenities and a smaller parking lot at the launch.