The lake is roughly triangular in shape, with the vertexes pointing north, east, and south.

The lake extends several miles north from the course of the Winnipesaukee River, which forms the lake's southeastern side, with the northern point being formed by the confluence of several smaller creeks near the village of Meredith Center.

The Abenaki people occupied the Winnisquam and Winnipesaukee area until colonists arrived in the mid-18th century.

The warm water species include small- and largemouth bass, pickerel, horned pout, white perch, northern pike, walleye, black crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch.

Remote lake and brook trout stocking is common when authorities find it necessary.