Spofford Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Spofford Lake |
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Ware's Grove Beach, October 2019
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 Spofford Lake
Location in New Hampshire
Spofford Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Cheshire County, New Hampshire |
| Coordinates | 42°54′44″N 72°26′34″W / 42.91222°N 72.44278°W |
| Primary outflows | Partridge Brook |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 2.0 mi (3.2 km) |
| Max. width | 1.0 mi (1.6 km) |
| Surface area | 732 acres (2.96 km2) |
| Average depth | 30 ft (9.1 m) |
| Max. depth | 66 ft (20 m) |
| Surface elevation | 715 ft (218 m) |
| Islands | Pierces Island |
| Settlements | Spofford (town of Chesterfield) |
Spofford Lake is a beautiful lake in southwestern New Hampshire, United States. It covers about 732 acres (2.96 km²) and is located in the town of Chesterfield. The lake is a popular spot for many fun activities.
Water from Spofford Lake flows into Partridge Brook, which then leads to the Connecticut River. In 2005, the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department recognized Spofford Lake as the cleanest lake in southwestern New Hampshire. The small village of Spofford is located right where the lake's water flows out.
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History of Spofford Lake
Spofford Lake has been a popular place for vacations and fun since the late 1800s. Over the years, it has seen many visitors and even a few famous people.
A Sad Event in 1882
In 1882, an unfortunate event happened on the lake. A talented 19-year-old piano player named Herman Rietzel and a singer named George Conly were enjoying a boat ride. They were both part of a music group led by Clara Louise Kellogg.
Later that day, their rowboat was found flipped over. It took some time to find Herman Rietzel and George Conly. This sad news was reported far beyond the local area.
Famous Visitors to Spofford Lake
The famous actor and comedian George Carlin spent several summers at Camp Notre Dame on Spofford Lake when he was a child. Other notable people, like SNL director Dave "Wacky" Wilson and cartoonist Leo Cullum, also attended the camp, which was owned by the Cullum family. After George Carlin passed away in 2008, some of his ashes were scattered in the lake, as he loved the place so much.
Fun Activities at Spofford Lake
Spofford Lake is a great place for outdoor fun, offering beaches, boating, and fishing.
Beaches and Boating
There are two main beaches on the lake: Ware's Grove and North Shore.
- Ware's Grove is located near the southwest end of the lake. It is open to everyone, but there is a small entrance fee. You can find it along New Hampshire Route 9A.
- North Shore beach is only for people who live in the area.
If you like boating, there is a public boat ramp west of Ware's Grove. This ramp gives you access to Pierces Island, which is managed by the New Hampshire Division of Forests and Lands. Pierces Island has hiking trails you can explore. There is also a golf course called Pine Grove Springs Country Club right next to the lake in Spofford.
Fishing in Spofford Lake
Fishing is a very popular activity here. The lake has both cold and warm water, which means many different types of fish can live there. Anglers (people who fish) often catch:
- Smallmouth bass
- Rainbow trout
- Northern pike
- Largemouth bass (especially known for good quality here)
In the late 1990s, Rock bass were introduced to the lake. These fish have become a bit of a problem for anglers because they can be a nuisance.
