What Four Tree Island Offers

Four Tree Island is a small, wooded island in Winnipesaukee Lake near Laconia, New Hampshire. It sits in the central basin of the lake and is accessible only by boat. The island itself is not a fishing destination — you cannot fish from it — but the waters immediately surrounding it hold largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and chain pickerel, making it a useful landmark for anglers working the deeper structure nearby.

The island's primary value is as a navigation point and depth reference. The rocky shoals and drop-offs around Four Tree Island create the kind of structure that holds fish, especially in summer when bass move to cooler, deeper water. Anglers typically fish the perimeter rather than attempting to land on the island, which is small and heavily wooded.

Key Takeaways

  • Four Tree Island is a navigation landmark in Winnipesaukee Lake's central basin, useful for locating structure rather than as a landing spot.
  • The waters around the island hold largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and chain pickerel, with better success in spring and fall when fish are in shallower water.
  • Access requires a boat launch from one of Winnipesaukee's public ramps; the nearest are at Weirs Beach or Endicott Rock State Historic Site.
  • New Hampshire fishing licenses are required for all anglers 16 and older, and bass have a 12-inch minimum length limit on Winnipesaukee.

Species and Seasonal Patterns

Largemouth bass are the primary target around Four Tree Island. They prefer the weed edges and rocky structure on the island's perimeter, particularly in spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) when they move into shallower water to feed. Summer fishing is slower because bass retreat to deeper channels and drop-offs away from the island itself.

Smallmouth bass also inhabit the area and often hold on the rocky bottom around the island year-round. They are less predictable than largemouths but can be caught on small crankbaits and jigs, especially early in the morning. Chain pickerel are present but less commonly targeted; they will strike lures meant for bass and are a bonus catch rather than a primary goal.

Winter fishing around Four Tree Island is possible but requires ice-out timing. Winnipesaukee typically remains frozen until late March or early April. Once the ice clears, spring fishing is productive for two to three weeks before the water warms and bass move deeper.

How to Locate and Fish the Island

Four Tree Island is located in the central basin of Winnipesaukee Lake, roughly equidistant from Laconia and Gilford. GPS coordinates are approximately 43.2667° N, 71.4500° W, though a good lake map or chartplotter is more practical than coordinates alone. The island is small — only a few acres — and easy to miss if you are unfamiliar with the lake.

Fish the rocky perimeter using a depth finder to identify the drop-offs. Early morning and late afternoon produce better results than midday. Cast toward the rocks with small crankbaits (2 to 3 inches), soft plastics rigged on light jig heads, or topwater lures in low-light conditions. The water around the island ranges from 15 to 40 feet deep depending on which side you are fishing; the deeper drop-offs on the north and east sides are more productive in summer.

Trolling is also effective, particularly in spring and fall. Run small crankbaits along the 20- to 30-foot contour lines that circle the island. This method covers more water and is useful when fish are scattered rather than concentrated on structure.

Boat Access and Launch Locations

Winnipesaukee has multiple public boat launches, but the closest to Four Tree Island are at Weirs Beach and Endicott Rock State Historic Site. Weirs Beach is the larger facility with ample parking, a paved ramp, and amenities including a restaurant and bait shop. The launch fee is typically around $15 for a day pass, though rates vary by season and are set by the city of Laconia.

Endicott Rock, located on the west shore near Gilford, is smaller and quieter but also closer to Four Tree Island by water. The launch fee is lower, and parking is adequate for a smaller crowd. From either launch, Four Tree Island is roughly 15 to 20 minutes by boat depending on your speed and the exact launch point.

A boat is essential — kayaks and canoes are possible but not practical for reaching the island safely, especially if wind picks up. A 16- to 18-foot center console or open boat is ideal. Fuel up before leaving the launch; there are no fuel docks near Four Tree Island itself.

Regulations and Licensing

All anglers 16 and older must carry a valid New Hampshire fishing license. Licenses are sold online through the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department website, at sporting goods stores, and at many bait shops around the lake. A three-day license is available for visitors and costs less than a full-season license.

Bass on Winnipesaukee have a 12-inch minimum length limit and a five-fish daily bag limit per angler. Chain pickerel have no minimum length and a 10-fish daily limit. Check current regulations before you fish, as rules can change. New Hampshire Fish and Game publishes an annual fishing guide that includes all species-specific rules for Winnipesaukee.

No special permits are required to fish around Four Tree Island itself. The island is public water, and you may fish from a boat without landing on the island. If you do land (which is not recommended due to the dense woods and small size), stay clear of any posted areas.

Weather and Safety Considerations

Winnipesaukee is a large lake — 21 miles long and up to 183 feet deep — and weather can change rapidly. Wind is the primary hazard for small boats. The central basin where Four Tree Island sits is more exposed than the northern arms, and afternoon wind is common in summer. Check the forecast before launching, and consider fishing early in the day when conditions are calmer.

Wear a personal flotation device at all times, even if you are a strong swimmer. The water temperature in spring and fall is cold enough to cause hypothermia within minutes if you end up in the lake. Carry a radio or cell phone (though reception can be spotty on the water), and let someone on shore know where you are fishing and when you expect to return.

The rocky bottom around Four Tree Island can snag lures and lines. Bring extra tackle and be prepared to lose a few lures to the structure. The payoff is that the same rocks that snag your lure hold the fish you are after.

When to Fish Four Tree Island

Spring (April through May) is the most productive season. Bass are moving into shallow water to spawn, and they feed aggressively. The water is still cool, which keeps fish active throughout the day. Expect to catch both largemouths and smallmouths, though the bite is best in early morning and late afternoon.

Fall (September through October) is nearly as good as spring. Water temperature drops, bass move back into shallower structure, and the bite is consistent. The added benefit is fewer boats on the water compared to summer weekends. October can be excellent if the weather holds.

Summer (June through August) is slower around Four Tree Island specifically because bass move deeper. You can still catch fish, but you will need to work the deeper drop-offs and channels rather than the island's perimeter. Early morning before the sun is high is your best window.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I land a boat on Four Tree Island?

Landing is not practical. The island is small, densely wooded, and has no beach or clearing. Fish from your boat anchored or drifting around the perimeter instead. If you do land, stay clear of any posted areas and do not disturb the island's vegetation.

What is the best lure for bass around Four Tree Island?

Small crankbaits (2 to 3 inches) and soft plastics on light jig heads work well year-round. In spring and fall, topwater lures produce strikes in low light. Trolling small crankbaits along the drop-offs is effective when fish are scattered. Match lure color to water clarity — darker lures in stained water, lighter lures in clear water.

Do I need a boat to fish Four Tree Island?

Yes. The island is only accessible by boat, and it is far enough from shore that wading is not an option. A small center console or open boat is ideal, though any boat capable of safely reaching the central basin will work.

What is the water depth around Four Tree Island?

Water depth ranges from 15 to 40 feet depending on which side of the island you are fishing. The north and east sides have steeper drop-offs and deeper water. Use a depth finder to locate the structure and identify where fish are holding.

Is Four Tree Island crowded on weekends?

The island itself is not a popular destination, so it sees less pressure than other parts of Winnipesaukee. However, the central basin can be busy on summer weekends. Fish early in the morning or on weekdays for a quieter experience and better fishing.