I am renting a cottage (water front with boat dock) on the lake and I am wondering what parts of the lake are best for bass fishing. I heard Paugus Bay was a good place to go, is that true. What about Alton Bay? Any help you could provide would be much appreciated. I am towing my bass boat about 700 miles to fish this lake.

What section of the lake will you be staying at?  If you're in Lee's Mills the run to Paugus Bay will be a long one - especially if you have a smaller bass boat.  Even a 19' boat w/ 200hp  can take a while to get around the lake. Bring lots of money for gas.  With 288 miles of shoreline it is not a small lake.  Make sure you get a map ahead of time and study it well.  Most folks catch and release up there.  June is typically a great time of year up there - but you could run into a week that is cool and wet.

I am looking into places in Meredith, Alton Bay and Paugus Bay. I used to fish up there all the time when I was younger so I know how big the lake is. I do not have a fast bass boat so I will launch it from a ramp near the most productive spot on the lake if I can get some advice as to where that may be from the folks here on the forum. I will only get two days to fish as I have to do the family thing on the other days. So once again any help would be really appreciated.

You could check with someone at Northern Bass Supply. They are right in New Hampshire and they could help you out, and they might have a map of the lake. That would save you both time and money. Good luck when you go......

I will also be heading up in July/August for a week and bringing my boat. We will be staying in Laconia. (Paugus bay)..

FYI they have put a speed limit on the lake at 40mph I think..!!!!! I believe this goes into effect on Jan 1st of this year (already in effect) so getting around will even take longer..

I'll be fishing Paugus bay as well as Meridith.. I only have a 18' tracker with a 50hp so I won't be able to go to wolfboro or alton bay to fish..

In Meridith bay there are lots of largemouth.

Night fishing there is fun with topwater.  

You will be there in Spawn or post spawn.  There are big buoys that mark the massive rockpiles in deep water like 20-30'.  The big smallies are there early and late in the day.  In midday the 12" smallies are a dime a dozen there for the family to catch on Senkos.  There is a small tackle shop in Meredith that helped me out a ton when I used to vacation there.

Guys, thanks for your help.  I am leaning toward Meredith because the cottage is a sweet deal and it will allow me to bring the two dogs with us.  It sounds like I will be fishing Meredith Bay.

I have a 2003-4 Nav. and fishing map I can send you to borrow if you return it in July.   That will give you lots of time to study. PM me if you want it.

We used to stay at a waterfront motel  in the bay with a dock for my boat.  It was so convenient.  There is also a Marina in Meredith if you need boat or trailer assistance except on Sun.  

...FYI they have put a speed limit on the lake at 40mph I think..

Speed limit is 45 mph daytime and a 25 mph nighttime speed limit on Lake Winnipesaukee for 2009 and 2010.

White tubes for bedding fish, drop-shot set-up, and chart spinnerbait with double chart willows is all you need.

Merideth Bay has some nice smallmouth water right next to the ramp.  There was a ton of bait in Merideth last summer and we caught a bunch on nice smallies within sight of the ramp.  

I wouldnt worry too much about the speed limit on the lake, especially since there are about 100 speed boats that live right on the lake. (and they do whatever the hell they want)        

My boat isn't fast enough to be a problem on the lake.  In addition to bringing my bass boat the wife wants me to rent a pontoon boat for two days for the whole family to ride in together.  I understand I need the New Hampshire boat license in order to rent it.  Can I take the New Hampshire boat license test online?  

I know you used to be able to take the test online, but I believe now that you can only do an online study course and have to take the test in person.  This website should answer any other questions you have.

http://www.boat-ed.com/nh/index.htm

You used to be able to take the boating license exam online - that changed a year or two back.  It now requires a proctored exam.  Other state's licenses may be reciprocal.

The speed limit just went into effect Jan 1, so the local boats have not had an opportunity to test the law.  I'm fairly confident NHF&G will be more than anxious to test out their radar guns.

A large fast boat ran over a small boat awhile back and emotions surrounding the incident gave this law traction.  Stinks for those of us with fast boats, but it'll save gas...

Id suggest Lees Mills. its kinda protected from the big water of the lake so it wont be as rough as the main part of the lake but it does have plenty of good fishing. Hope you have a great time, be sure to post on how you do. Tight llines.

With regards to fishing Winnie, if you have or rent a boat with a 25hp or less you do not need to take that test.  Thats the rules.

Should you be staying in Merideth area , there are literally dozens of places to fish the length of Merideth bay. #1 buoy marker is always got fish on it. Since you will be on the lake take advantage of getting out early on the water.

For your next trip try Center Harbor are , Becky's Garden , 3mile , 4mile Island , Bear Island, Pine .

There really is no need to burn up gas while on winnie , unless you want to sight see.

Its very important to buy a good Winnie map available anywhere near the lake. Lots of shoals , exposed rocks and marine patrols.