How many islands does Lake Winnipesaukee have?
The always changing number is currently at 258.

How much shoreline does Lake Winnipesaukee have?
About 182 miles of it.

How old do you have to be to operate a boat on Lake Winnipesaukee?
Unless accompanied by an adult, anyone under 16 can not operate a boat or outboard motor having power in excess of 25 HP. A person under 16 can not operate a ski or personal water craft under any conditions.

Which island on Lake Winnipesaukee has the tallest summit?
Rattlesnake Island has a rocky summit that is 874 feet above sea level, or 370 feet above the lake.

How big is Lake Winnipesaukee?
About 72 square miles or 44,586 acres in size.

Are there any good navigational charts of Lake Winnipesaukee?
Please click here for Bizer charts.

Do I have to take a boater education course?
You must have a NH safe boating certificate or hold a hold a NASBLA approved certificate from another state if renting a boat with a motor in excess of 25 horsepower. If you don’t have a certificate, the place you’re renting from will administer a quick exam on site to obtain a 14-day Temporary Certificate.

Is there a way for me to study for the boating exam online?
Yes. Visit the following address. You’ll need a grade of 80 percent or higher to pass. Boat Safe NH Quiz

What is the total amount of Island Shoreline?
The shoreline length of all the islands combined is thought to be 100.5 miles, according to Bizer. For more info click here.

When does ice out usually occur on Lake Winnipesaukee?
The most ice outs have occurred in April, specifically April the 12th. Ice out has occurred in may and as early as march. During the spring of 2001, the record breaking snowfall and severe winter weather delayed ice out until May 3rd.

What does Winnipesaukee mean?
It’s an Indian word, which is is thought to have several meanings. The most common interpretation is “Smile of the Great Spirit”

What determines the exact time and date of Ice Out on Lake Winnipesaukee?
The official Ice-Out is determines when the Mt. Washington can successfully navigate to all its ports of call. The Lakes Region Association is responsible for reporting the announcement.

When does Lake Winnipesaukee freeze over in the winter?
This can vary widely, depending on how warm or cool the fall and early winter days are. Most often, the lake is iced over by mid to late January.

What is the smallest island on Lake Winnipesaukee?
The island is called Becky’s Garden. It’s about 10 feet wide, and its size can vary depending on the lake level.

How high is Lake Winnipesaukee above sea level?
The lake is 504 feet above the sea.

How deep is Lake Winnipesaukee?
There are lots of figures floating around on this one. One source says 180 feet, and many others say 212 feet.

What type of fish can be found in Lake Winnipesaukee?
You’ll find salmon, rainbow trout, brook trout, lake trout, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, pickerel, yellow perch, white perch, hornpout, cusk, smelt, and whitefish.

Do any islands have the same name?
Winnipesaukee has many islands with the same name. There are 3 Cove islands, 3 Rock Islands, and 6 islands which involve the word Pine in their names.

What can I expect the water temperatures to be?
Well, the lake is of course frozen in the winter. In the summer, depending on the weather, the lake is warmed up to the 70’s. During the summer of 2001 and 2013, an August heat wave warmed the water up to a comfy 79 degrees. In past cooler summers, the lake can struggle to get above 73 degrees. Current water temp.

How can I prevent the spread of Zebra Mussels?
Perform an inspection of your boat and trailer for weeds, foliage, or anything green and remove, as the mussels are often found on plants. You will also want to flush the cooling system and your bilge areas. If you have live wells with water, discard all bait that may have contacted infested waters. You can also let your boat dry for 48 hours or more.

What can I do to help prevent the spread of milfoil?
Remove any foliage from your boat and trailer, and while boating, try to avoid any areas with aquatic plants. If you find any plants on your boat carefully dispose of them far from the water.