Discover Pristine Lakes and Rivers New Hampshire

Friendly rivers rush to greet you while lakes sit in supreme splendor, reflecting blue skies above the granite state. Fishing, swimming and water recreation abound during the summer months in New Hampshire. From mid-June to mid-September, the sun is hot, so dive right in to your lake or river adventure.

Combine a short hike with the exuberance of swimming in pristine mountain water when you seek out Lonesome Lake in the northern part of the state. Park at Franconia Notch and take the 1.6 trail to Cannon Mountain where you will be rewarded with remote waters where you can gently float surrounded by mountains.

For fly fishing, the Contoocook River in southern New Hampshire is open until November for an extended season. The Pemigewasset River starts in the White Mountains and meets the Atlantic at Newburyport. The moving waterway is filled with plentiful trout and smallmouth bass all year-round.

Spofford Lake

Covering over 739 acres, Spofford Lake is located in Chesterfield, New Hampshire, west of Keene. Named "the Cleanest Lake in Southwestern New Hampshire" by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, the Lake provides numerous water activities to visitors.

Ware's Grove and North Shore, the Lake’s public beaches, are perfect for relaxing in the sun or taking a dip. To the west of Ware’s Grove boaters can launch their expedition to Pierces Island. Fishing for smallmouth bass and rainbow trout is also popular on the lake, and golfers at Pine Grove Springs Country Club overlook the water while they play.