What You'll Find at Lovell Lake

Lovell Lake sits in Wakefield, in Carroll County's eastern corner, and holds a solid population of smallmouth bass alongside chain pickerel and sunfish. The lake runs roughly 100 acres and stays relatively shallow — most of it runs 15 to 25 feet deep, with a few pockets reaching into the 40s. The shoreline is mixed: some developed residential property, but also stretches of woods and rocky banks that hold fish. The water clarity is decent most of the year, which means smallmouth will move into shallower structure during low-light hours and retreat to deeper drop-offs during midday.

Access is straightforward. There's a public boat launch on the north end of the lake, off Route 16 near the Wakefield town line. The ramp is maintained year-round and has parking for a handful of vehicles. If you're launching a kayak or canoe, you can also put in from the shore near the launch area. The lake is small enough that you can cover productive water in a half-day trip, which makes it a good choice if you're combining it with other stops in the Lakes Region.

Key Takeaways

  • Lovell Lake holds smallmouth bass, chain pickerel, and sunfish in roughly 100 acres of shallow to moderate depth.
  • The public boat launch is on the north end off Route 16, with parking and year-round access.
  • Early morning and late afternoon produce better smallmouth fishing than midday, especially in summer.
  • New Hampshire fishing licenses are required for anyone 16 and older, and bass have a 12-inch minimum length limit.

Seasons and What to Expect

Spring (April through May) is when smallmouth move shallow to spawn. You'll find them in 4 to 10 feet of water around rocky banks and any wood structure near shore. Jigs, soft plastics, and small crankbaits work well during this window. Water temperature climbs from the low 50s to the mid-60s, and fish are aggressive but also more easily spooked in clear water.

Summer (June through August) pushes smallmouth deeper during the day. Morning and evening fishing near the drop-offs and deeper structure produces better results than midday. Pickerel remain active throughout the day and will chase topwater lures and spinnerbaits. Sunfish bite consistently in shallow water if you want a reliable option for kids or a break from bass fishing.

Fall (September through October) brings smallmouth back to shallower water as temperatures drop. This is often the most consistent season — fish feed heavily before winter, and you can find them on rocky points and weed edges. Water clarity remains good, so match your lure size and color to what's actually in the lake.

Winter (November through March) is when Lovell Lake freezes solid. Ice fishing for pickerel and sunfish is possible once the ice is thick enough, but confirm current conditions with the Wakefield town office or a local tackle shop before heading out.

Regulations and Licensing

New Hampshire requires a fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase a license online through the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department website, at most sporting goods stores, or at town clerk offices. A three-day license is available if you're visiting briefly; a full-year license is also an option.

Smallmouth bass on Lovell Lake have a 12-inch minimum length limit and a five-fish daily bag limit. Chain pickerel have no minimum length and a 10-fish daily bag limit. Sunfish have no minimum and no daily limit. Catch-and-release is always allowed, and many anglers practice it to keep the smallmouth population healthy.

The lake is open to fishing year-round, though winter access depends on ice conditions. Check the New Hampshire Fish and Game website for any emergency closures or special regulations that may have changed since this was written.

What Tackle and Techniques Work Best

For smallmouth, bring a mix of presentations. A 6.5 to 7-foot medium-power spinning rod with 8 to 10-pound braided line gives you sensitivity and casting distance. Jigs in the 1/4 to 3/8-ounce range — especially in brown, green, or black — work year-round around structure. Soft plastic worms (4 to 6 inches) rigged Texas-style or on a jighead are reliable, and small crankbaits (1.5 to 2.5 inches) cover water quickly when you're exploring new areas.

For pickerel, they respond well to spinnerbaits, small topwater plugs, and live shiners if you want to target them specifically. Sunfish bite readily on small jigs, panfish flies, or live crickets and worms. If you're fishing with kids or beginners, sunfish provide consistent action and require minimal technique.

Early morning (sunrise to 9 a.m.) and late afternoon (4 p.m. onward) are your best windows for smallmouth, especially in summer. During these times, fish move shallow and feed actively. Midday fishing is slower but not impossible — focus on deeper structure and shade.

Getting There and Nearby Options

Lovell Lake is in Wakefield, about 45 minutes north of Rochester and roughly 90 minutes from the Massachusetts border. From Route 16, turn toward the lake at the Wakefield town center; the boat launch is well-marked. Parking is limited to a handful of spaces, so arrive early on weekends.

If Lovell Lake is crowded or you want to explore nearby water, Ossipee Lake (also in Wakefield) is larger and holds similar species. Wentworth Location has several smaller ponds that can be productive for smallmouth and pickerel. The Lakes Region has dozens of options within 30 minutes, so you can plan a multi-lake trip if you want variety.

Local Resources and Information

The Wakefield town office can answer questions about access, parking, and current conditions. The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department's website has up-to-date regulations, license information, and a searchable database of lakes and their fish populations. Local tackle shops in nearby towns (like Ossipee or Center Ossipee) stock lures matched to the region's lakes and can offer current reports on what's biting.

If you're planning a trip during winter, call ahead to confirm ice thickness and safety. The town office or a local bait-and-tackle shop can tell you whether the lake is safe to fish and what species are most active under the ice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish Lovell Lake?

No. You can fish from shore around the launch area and along accessible sections of the shoreline. A kayak or canoe gives you more water to cover, but smallmouth and pickerel are catchable from land, especially early and late in the day.

What's the best time of year to catch smallmouth here?

Spring (April and May) and fall (September and October) are most consistent. Summer can be good early and late in the day, but midday fishing is slower. Winter ice fishing is possible but requires checking ice conditions first.

Are there any restrictions on boat motors?

Check with the Wakefield town office or the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department for current motor restrictions. Some New Hampshire lakes limit horsepower; others allow unlimited motors. Rules can change, so confirm before you launch.

Can I keep fish I catch here?

Yes, within the daily bag and minimum length limits. Smallmouth must be 12 inches; pickerel have no minimum. You can keep up to five smallmouth and ten pickerel per day. Sunfish have no limit.

What should I do if I hook a large smallmouth?

Lovell Lake's smallmouth rarely exceed 4 pounds, but larger fish are possible. Keep your drag set to slip line rather than break it, and play the fish steadily without jerking. If you plan to release it, wet your hands before handling and minimize air exposure.