Paugus Bay facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Paugus Bay |
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 Paugus Bay
Location in New Hampshire
Paugus Bay
Location in the United States
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| Location | Belknap County, New Hampshire |
| Coordinates | 43°34′34″N 71°27′33″W / 43.57611°N 71.45917°W |
| Primary inflows | Lake Winnipesaukee |
| Primary outflows | Winnipesaukee River |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 4.5 mi (7.2 km) |
| Max. width | 0.8 mi (1.3 km) |
| Surface area | 1,227 acres (4.97 km2) |
| Average depth | 23 ft (7.0 m) |
| Max. depth | 80 ft (24 m) |
| Surface elevation | 504 ft (154 m) |
| Islands | Plummer Island; Big Island; Little Island |
| Settlements | Laconia: Weirs Beach, Lakeport |
Paugus Bay is a beautiful body of water in central New Hampshire, USA. It covers about 1,227 acres and is located in Belknap County. This bay is part of the famous Lakes Region and is found within the city of Laconia. Paugus Bay is connected to the much larger Lake Winnipesaukee and flows into the Winnipesaukee River. It's a great spot for fishing and enjoying nature!
Contents
Discover Paugus Bay
Paugus Bay is a large water body in the heart of New Hampshire. It's a popular place for many outdoor activities. The bay is about 4.5 miles long and 0.8 miles wide. Its deepest point is around 80 feet, but its average depth is about 23 feet.
Where is Paugus Bay?
Paugus Bay is located in Belknap County. This county is in the central part of New Hampshire. The bay is a key part of the state's "Lakes Region." This area is famous for its many beautiful lakes and outdoor fun.
The city of Laconia surrounds parts of Paugus Bay. Two villages within Laconia, Weirs Beach and Lakeport, are right on the bay's shores.
How is Paugus Bay Connected?
At its northern end, a short channel links Paugus Bay to Lake Winnipesaukee. Lake Winnipesaukee is one of New Hampshire's biggest lakes. This connection is found near the village of Weirs Beach.
At the southern end of Paugus Bay, a dam separates it from Opechee Bay. This dam is located in the village of Lakeport. In the 1800s, this dam was built. It raised the water level of Paugus Bay to match Lake Winnipesaukee. Water flowing out of Paugus Bay travels down the Winnipesaukee River. This river eventually joins the Merrimack River.
What's in a Name?
Paugus Bay is named after a historical figure, Chief Paugus. He was a Native American leader. Chief Paugus was known for his role in a conflict called Dummer's War. This war took place in the early 1700s. The bay honors his memory by carrying his name.
Fish and Wildlife
Paugus Bay is a great place for fishing. It is home to many different types of fish. The bay is known as both a coldwater and warmwater fishery. This means it has fish that like both cool and warmer water.
Some of the fish you might find in Paugus Bay include:
- Brook trout
- Rainbow trout
- Lake trout
- Land-locked salmon (salmon that live in fresh water)
- Lake whitefish
- Smallmouth bass
- Largemouth bass
- Chain pickerel
- White perch
- Black crappie
- Bluegill
- Horned pout (a type of catfish)
