Contoocook Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Contoocook Lake |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
 Contoocook Lake
Location in New Hampshire
Contoocook Lake
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Cheshire County, New Hampshire |
| Coordinates | 42°47′12″N 72°0′45″W / 42.78667°N 72.01250°W |
| Primary outflows | Contoocook River |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 2.8 mi (5 km) |
| Max. width | 0.5 mi (1 km) |
| Surface area | 344 acres (1.4 km2) |
| Average depth | 7 ft (2.1 m) |
| Max. depth | 23 ft (7.0 m) |
| Surface elevation | 1,007 feet (307 m) |
| Settlements | Rindge; Jaffrey |
Contoocook Lake is a lovely lake found in the southwestern part of New Hampshire, a state in the United States. It covers about 344 acres, which is roughly the size of 260 football fields! This lake is special because it stretches across two towns: Jaffrey and Rindge, both located in Cheshire County.
Contoocook Lake is known for its natural beauty and is a popular spot for outdoor activities. It's a great place to visit if you enjoy fishing or just want to spend time near the water.
About Contoocook Lake
Contoocook Lake is quite long, stretching about 2.8 miles (4.5 kilometers). It's also about 0.5 miles (0.8 kilometers) wide at its widest point. The lake isn't super deep, with an average depth of about 7 feet (2.1 meters). However, in some spots, it can reach a maximum depth of 23 feet (7 meters).
Where the River Begins
This lake, along with a smaller nearby pond called Pool Pond, is very important. They are the "headwaters" of the Contoocook River. This means the Contoocook River actually starts right here at Contoocook Lake! From the lake, the river flows north. It eventually joins the larger Merrimack River in a town called Penacook, New Hampshire.
Fishing in the Lake
Contoocook Lake is known as a "warmwater fishery." This means its waters are warm enough for certain types of fish to live and thrive there. It's a popular spot for people who enjoy fishing.
You can find many different kinds of fish swimming in Contoocook Lake, including:
- Largemouth bass: A popular sport fish known for its fighting spirit.
- Smallmouth bass: Another type of bass, often found in clearer, cooler parts of the lake.
- White perch: A silvery fish that's fun to catch.
- Yellow perch: These fish have cool stripes and are often found in schools.
- Black crappie: A tasty fish, often caught for dinner.
- Bluegill: Small, colorful fish, great for young anglers.
- Pumpkinseed: Another small, brightly colored sunfish.
- Chain pickerel: A long, slender fish with a unique chain-like pattern on its sides.
- Horned pout: A type of catfish, often found near the bottom.
These fish make the lake a lively place and a great destination for anyone who loves to cast a line!
