LivewellNew Hampshire · Lake
Squam Lake
Is the fish you caught here safe to eat? Below is every consumption advisory on file for Squam Lake, by species and size, in plain English — plus what's legal to keep.
1 species with advisories · contaminants: PCBs
New Hampshire also has statewide guidance
New Hampshire publishes rules that apply to lakes across the state — 16 recommendations covering 8 species — in addition to anything listed for Squam Lake below.
Strictest statewide rule: All Other Species — For women who may become pregnant, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and children: limit to one meal per month due to elevated Mercury.
What's safe to eat from Squam Lake
All Other Species
| Size | Who | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| All sizes | General population | Do not eat due to elevated PCB. |
| Women who may become pregnant, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and children | For women who may become pregnant, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and children: do not eat due to elevated PCB. |
Source: official advisory· updated 2026-07-09
How to prepare fish from Squam Lake
Some contaminants build up in fat and skin, so cleaning and cooking can lower your exposure. Others — mercury and PFAS — are in the muscle itself and trimming does nothing.
PCBs
- Skin the fish — most of the contaminant sits in the fat just under the skin.
- Trim the fatty areas away: the belly flap, the top of the back, and the dark lateral line down each side.
- Cook on a rack — grill, broil, or bake — so the fat drips off the fillet.
- Throw the drippings out; don't use them for soup, sauce, or chowder.
- Choose smaller, younger fish — they've had less time to build it up.
Is it legal to keep?
These are New Hampshire's statewide limits — a water-specific rule may override them. Always verify the current regulations before keeping a fish.
| Species | Size | Daily limit | Open season | Keep season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brook Trout | — | 5 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Brown Trout | — | 5 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Rainbow Trout | — | 5 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Lake Trout | 15" min | 2 | Year-round | 01-01 – 09-30 |
| Atlantic Salmon | 15" min | 2 | Year-round | 04-01 – 09-30 |
| Walleye | 18" min | 2 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Northern Pike | 28" min | 1 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Chain Pickerel | — | 10 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Largemouth Bass | — | 5 | Year-round | 06-16 – 05-14 |
| Smallmouth Bass | — | 5 | Year-round | 06-16 – 05-14 |
| Yellow Perch | — | 25 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Black Crappie | — | 25 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Bluegill | — | 25 | Year-round | Same as open |
Official rules: New Hampshire — New Hampshire Fish & Game