New Hampshire is a small state with oversized fishing. Lake Winnipesaukee alone is 72 square miles of landlocked salmon, lake trout, and smallmouth bass. The Connecticut River forms the entire western border with Vermont and holds everything from shad to pike. The White Mountain streams are loaded with native brook trout in water so cold it makes your knees ache. And then there's the short but productive coastline for saltwater action. What New Hampshire lacks in size, it makes up for in variety and quality. The fishing here has a charm that bigger states can't match.
Fishing License in New Hampshire
Anyone 16 or older needs a New Hampshire fishing license. Freshwater and saltwater require separate licenses. Buy online through NH Fish and Game, at town clerks, or at authorized agents.
| License Type | Cost | Valid For |
|---|---|---|
| Resident Freshwater | $25 | 1 year |
| Non-Resident Freshwater | $53 | 1 year |
| Resident 1-Day | $10 | 1 day |
| Non-Resident 3-Day | $28 | 3 days |
| Non-Resident 7-Day | $35 | 7 days |
| Youth (Under 16) | Free | N/A |
| Senior (68+ Resident) | Free | Permanent |
| Saltwater License | $11 | 1 year |
Age exemptions: Kids under 16 fish free in New Hampshire. Residents 68 and older get a permanent free license. Residents on active military duty also fish free.
Special permits: A separate saltwater license is needed for ocean and tidal water fishing. No separate trout stamp is required in New Hampshire - the freshwater license covers all species. A special permit is needed for the Connecticut River if fishing from the Vermont side.
Buy your license or check current fees on the NH Fish and Game website.
Top 10 Fishing Spots in New Hampshire
New Hampshire packs incredible fishing diversity into its compact borders. From the big lakes to mountain streams to the short coastline, here are the best spots.
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Download Free GuidePopular Fish Species in New Hampshire
New Hampshire's cold-water species drive the fishery, with landlocked salmon being the star attraction. Here are the main targets and general limits.
| Species | Season | Size Limit | Bag Limit | Best Technique |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brook Trout | Jan - Oct | 6" | 5/day | Small dry flies, worms, spinners |
| Landlocked Salmon | Jan - Sep | 15" | 2/day | Trolling streamers, lead-core |
| Smallmouth Bass | Year-round | None | 5/day | Tube jigs, crankbaits, topwater |
| Chain Pickerel | Year-round | 15" | 5/day | Spinnerbaits, live minnows |
Seasonal Fishing Calendar
New Hampshire's seasons are defined by ice. Ice-out on the big lakes triggers the spring salmon season. Summer is bass and panfish. Fall brings trophy trout opportunities.
| Species | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brook Trout | - | - | - | Good | Peak | Peak | Good | - | Peak | Good | - | - |
| Landlocked Salmon | Good | Good | Good | Peak | Peak | Good | - | - | Good | - | - | Good |
| Smallmouth Bass | - | - | - | - | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | - | - |
| Pickerel | Good | Good | Peak | Peak | Good | - | - | - | Good | Peak | Good | Good |
Fishing Regulations in New Hampshire
NH Fish and Game publishes a detailed freshwater digest annually. Rules vary by water body. Here are the statewide essentials.
- Fishing hours: Freshwater fishing is allowed from one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset, unless ice fishing. Ice fishing allows 24-hour fishing with tip-ups.
- Rod limit: Two lines maximum for open water fishing. Ice fishing permits up to 6 lines or tip-ups.
- Live bait: Live fish as bait are legal in most waters but cannot be transported between water bodies. Never release unused bait fish into a lake or stream. Crayfish are prohibited as bait statewide.
- Salmon and trout: Many lakes have specific regulations for landlocked salmon and lake trout. Trolling speed limits and lure restrictions apply on some waters. Check the digest carefully.
- Ice fishing: Very popular in NH. Tip-ups must have your name and address visible. All holes must be less than 12 inches in diameter. Clean up your mess - leave-no-trace applies.
- Lead tackle ban: Lead sinkers and jigs weighing 1 ounce or less are banned in New Hampshire to protect loons. Use non-toxic alternatives like tin or bismuth.
Download the current regulations digest from NH Fish and Game.
Tips for Fishing in New Hampshire
Target ice-out salmon
When the big lakes lose their ice in April, landlocked salmon are in the shallows feeding on smelt. This two to three week window is the best salmon fishing of the year. Troll slowly along the shoreline with streamer flies or small spoons in the top 10 feet of water. Winnipesaukee, Squam, Sunapee, and Newfound all produce during ice-out.
Fish the White Mountain brooks
The White Mountains are full of small streams with native brook trout. These fish are often tiny - 6 to 8 inches - but stunningly beautiful. A 4-weight fly rod, a box of small dry flies, and a willingness to bushwhack will put you on fish that see maybe a dozen anglers all year. The experience is about the journey as much as the fish.
Try ice fishing on Winnipesaukee
When Winnipesaukee freezes - usually by late January - the ice fishing scene comes alive. Lake trout, landlocked salmon, and burbot all bite through the ice. Set tip-ups with live smelt and jig with small spoons near the bottom. The Fish and Game publishes ice condition reports - don't trust your own assessment on a lake this large.
Wade the Connecticut River for smallmouth
The Connecticut River above Hanover has excellent smallmouth bass fishing from June through September. Wade the gravel bars and rocky runs with crawfish-colored tubes and small crankbaits. The fish run 1-3 pounds with occasional bigger ones. The scenery along the Upper Connecticut Valley is beautiful and the access is easy.
Bring non-lead tackle
New Hampshire banned small lead sinkers and jigs to protect common loons. This catches many visiting anglers off guard. Stock up on tin, bismuth, or steel alternatives before your trip. Most NH tackle shops carry compliant tackle, but the selection may be limited. Planning ahead saves frustration.
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