Lake Horace Vacation Rentals

Why Rent On Lake Horace

Lake Horace is a 268-acre reservoir in the town of Weare, Hillsborough County, New Hampshire, formed in 1913 by damming the Piscataquog River. Originally built as Weare Reservoir to maintain water levels for a downstream power plant, the lake was renamed after Horace Chase, who donated the land that is now Chase Park — the public beach on the northern end. It is fed by the Piscataquog River from Deering Reservoir, and by Dudley Brook from spring-fed Pleasant Pond in Henniker, along with Putney Brook and Johnson Brook. That combination of spring-fed sources and a protected watershed produces water consistently among the clearer lakes in southern New Hampshire. Weare sits about 20 miles west of Manchester, making Lake Horace accessible for both day trips and multi-day stays without the drive to the Lakes Region.

On the water

Fishing at Lake Horace covers both cold- and warm-water species: rainbow and brown trout alongside smallmouth and largemouth bass, chain pickerel, black crappie, and brown bullhead. New Hampshire regulations apply throughout — the combined daily limit for trout and salmon is two fish from April 1 through September 30, with specific minimum lengths; ice fishing for trout runs January 1 through March 31; most species are closed from October through December. Check New Hampshire Fish and Game for current rules before fishing. Boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding all work well on the calm, clear water. Chase Park on the northern end provides the main public swimming area with a beach, picnic tables, and play structures, open to non-residents for a modest daily or seasonal fee. A public boat ramp adjacent to the park is free to use. No aquatic invasive species have been reported as established in Lake Horace — consistent with its spring-fed, relatively low-traffic character — but New Hampshire’s clean/drain/dry protocol is required before launching on any new water body.

What to do near Lake Horace

Henniker, a short drive east, is a classic New Hampshire village home to New England College and a well-preserved covered bridge over the Contoocook River — a worthwhile stop for anyone spending more than a day in the area. Manchester, 20 miles east, provides the full range of city services, dining, and the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport for fly-in visitors. The broader Hillsborough County landscape connects to the New Hampshire rail trails and state forest system for hiking and cycling on non-water days.

When to go and where to stay

Memorial Day through Labor Day is the primary swimming, boating, and warm-water fishing season. Trout fishing peaks in April and May when water temperatures sit in the optimal feeding range; bass fishing runs June through September. Fall, September and October, delivers foliage colour, quiet water, and continued good bass and pickerel fishing. Ice fishing and skating on smooth early-winter ice carry the lake into winter. Lake Shore Village Resort on the shoreline offers 19 lakeside cottages as the direct on-lake accommodation option. For additional properties in the Weare and Henniker area, browse Lake.com for pet-friendly rentals and homes with lake access — including options that keep Manchester’s city services within a 20-minute drive.