Navigating Squam

MikeF-NH · 06-02-2017, 05:52 AM

I will be headed up to Squam for the first time in the end of June for a long anniversary weekend. We plan to explore as much of that lake as possible but for years I have been reading about how dangerous that lake is to navigate with people even saying sometimes they find shallow rocks on the safe side of markers.

I use navionics so I expect to have a decent view of what is coming up and what is under me but I am looking for advice on:
1.) reliable charts for the lake that I can use to become more familiar with the lake without experiencing its rocky dangers
2.) specific ideas of areas on the lakes where any of you have experienced problems or that I should avoid.

burgerunh · 06-02-2017, 07:00 AM

Little Squam is a piece of cake so not much to worry about there. Big Squam is a whole different ball game. Pay attention to your navionics and you should be fine. Stay well clear of the markers.

NH.Solar · 06-02-2017, 07:54 AM

Big Squam is indeed full of surprises but well worth the effort to figure out. The lake is unspoiled and just plain beautiful. The launch ramp on rte 113 has to be one of the best in the State. Walter's is a short walk from the launch parking area and a great spot to get a bite to eat before heading home.
I did find a rock a little ways eastward of one of the black markers at Hubble's Reef with the bottom of my last boat. Luckily I was standing on the bow drift fishing and it amounted to no more than an alarming thunk. Pay close attention to your charts and navionics, and give the markers a little extra room and you should have no problems.
Here's a couple of links that you might find useful;
http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/maps...holderness.pdf
http://www.nhnature.org/files/PDF/Wa...%20Islands.pdf

Dave M · 06-02-2017, 01:37 PM

You don't mention whether your bringing boat or PVC. If PVC there are rules for using on Squam(length, # of seats).

Dave M

MikeF-NH · 06-03-2017, 06:39 AM

...bringing my 19' boat Dave.

jeffatsquam · 06-03-2017, 07:07 AM

Squam is one of the best charted lakes on earth done in the 60's by Bradford Washburn World renowned map maker who had a place on Squam. He was also the curator of the Boston Museum of Science.

You can pick one up at Heath's hardware in center Harbor. or at any place of business in Holderness.

06-02-2017, 05:52 AM	#1
MikeF-NH Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 318 Thanks: 2 Thanked 120 Times in 80 Posts	Navigating Squam I will be headed up to Squam for the first time in the end of June for a long anniversary weekend. We plan to explore as much of that lake as possible but for years I have been reading about how dangerous that lake is to navigate with people even saying sometimes they find shallow rocks on the safe side of markers. I use navionics so I expect to have a decent view of what is coming up and what is under me but I am looking for advice on: 1.) reliable charts for the lake that I can use to become more familiar with the lake without experiencing its rocky dangers 2.) specific ideas of areas on the lakes where any of you have experienced problems or that I should avoid.

06-02-2017, 07:54 AM	#3
NH.Solar Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Jackson Pond, New Hampton Posts: 236 Thanks: 46 Thanked 141 Times in 78 Posts	Big Squam is indeed full of surprises but well worth the effort to figure out. The lake is unspoiled and just plain beautiful. The launch ramp on rte 113 has to be one of the best in the State. Walter's is a short walk from the launch parking area and a great spot to get a bite to eat before heading home. I did find a rock a little ways eastward of one of the black markers at Hubble's Reef with the bottom of my last boat. Luckily I was standing on the bow drift fishing and it amounted to no more than an alarming thunk. Pay close attention to your charts and navionics, and give the markers a little extra room and you should have no problems. Here's a couple of links that you might find useful; http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/maps...holderness.pdf http://www.nhnature.org/files/PDF/Wa...%20Islands.pdf __________________ Peter NH Solar

06-02-2017, 01:37 PM	#4
Dave M Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 395 Thanks: 4 Thanked 26 Times in 24 Posts	Boat/PVC You don't mention whether your bringing boat or PVC. If PVC there are rules for using on Squam(length, # of seats). Dave M

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06-02-2017, 07:00 AM	#2
burgerunh Senior Member Join Date: May 2016 Posts: 101 Thanks: 7 Thanked 32 Times in 22 Posts	Little Squam is a piece of cake so not much to worry about there. Big Squam is a whole different ball game. Pay attention to your navionics and you should be fine. Stay well clear of the markers.

06-03-2017, 06:39 AM	#5
MikeF-NH Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 318 Thanks: 2 Thanked 120 Times in 80 Posts	...bringing my 19' boat Dave.

06-03-2017, 07:07 AM	#6
jeffatsquam Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: moultonborough/sandwich Posts: 187 Thanks: 173 Thanked 77 Times in 50 Posts	Squam is one of the best charted lakes on earth done in the 60's by Bradford Washburn World renowned map maker who had a place on Squam. He was also the curator of the Boston Museum of Science. You can pick one up at Heath's hardware in center Harbor. or at any place of business in Holderness.