Lake Winnipesaukee Fishing Derby

On May 19-21, 2023, the most recent Winnipesaukee Fishing Derby, the 39th annual, was presented by a partnership of the Laconia Rotary Club and the Daniel Webster Council of the Boy Scouts of America. Cash and prizes were awarded for major catches of Landlocked Salmon and Lake Trout. Bystanders watched as the fish were weighed in at the weigh station, located on Lakeside Avenue in Weirs Beach.

Landlocked Salmon weights have declined from a six pound average in the past, to a four pound average currently. Perhaps this is why only about 1000 anglers competed in the 2023 contest, down from a peak of about 2800 in 2001.

The Derby was not held in 2024, nor will it be held in 2025. This is to give the fish extra years to recover in numbers and size. Similar suspensions occurred in 2016 and 2020.