This is the Official New Hampshire Fishing regulations and Information navigation page for the New Hampshire state rules and regulations guidebook overviews.
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Weather its New Hampshire Trout fishing, New Hampshire bass fishing, New Hampshire striper fishing, New Hampshire Salmon fishing, New Hampshire Catfish fishing, New Hampshire steelhead fishing, New Hampshire Panfish fishing, New Hampshire pike/muskie fishing, New Hampshire Walleye fishing,  New Hampshire Marlin Fishing, New Hampshire Salt Water Fishing, New Hampshire Tuna fishing, New Hampshire Tarpon fishing, New Hampshire Snook fishing, New Hampshire Red fish fishing We have the New Hampshire state fishing regulations for your trip into the wilderness or on the water covered in one easy to location.
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New Hampshire Fishing Report

If you’re planning a fishing trip to New Hampshire, you have some excellent choices for lakes and streams throughout the state including Bow Lake, Comerford Lake, Conway Lake, First Connecticut Lake, Great East Lake, Lake Francis, Lake Wentworth, Lake Winnipesaukee, Mascoma Lake, Massabesic Lake, Merrymeeting Lake, Moore Reservoir, Newfound Lake, Ossipee Lake, Paugus Bay, Second connecticut Lake, Silver Lake, Squam Lake, Sunapee Lake, Umbagog Lake, Winnisquam Lake and others. Many of the lakes in New Hampshire have camping facilities as well as other accommodations nearby. New Hampshire is well known for excellent Bass, Salmon and Trout fishing. Additionally, in waters around the state you’ll find populations of Crappie, Catfish, Tiger Musky, Northern Pike, Chain Pickerel, Bowfin and sunfish including Pumpkinseed Sunfish, Rock Bass, White Perch, Yellow Perch which are plentiful in some waters.

Fishing is regulated in New Hampshire by the Fish & Game Department.

Largemouth Bass and Smallmouth Bass
Fishing in New Hampshire.

Bass are one of the most sought after of all the game fish. Its appeal spans cultures, age groups and genders to tap on the heart strings of anglers everywhere. Join us in our endeavor to offer information about bass fishing on your favorite bass lake in the New Hampshire area.

Bass Fishing Lakes In New Hampshire

Bass are available in many lakes, ponds and rivers in NH. The major lakes that have a healthy population of bass include Bow Lake, Comerford Lake, Conway Lake, Great East Lake, Lake Wentworth, Lake Winnipesaukee, Mascoma Lake, Massabesic Lake, Merrymeeting Lake, Moore Reservoir, Newfound Lake, Ossipee Lake, Silver Lake, Squam Lake, Sunapee Lake, Umbagog Lake and Winnisquam Lake.

The New Hampshire state record largemouth bass was taken out of Lake Potanipo and Goose Pond was home to the NH state record smallmouth bass.

Trout Fishing in New Hampshire

The 5 primary trouts are the rainbow, brook, brown, cutthroat and lake trout. Brown trout are considered the most difficult to catch and brookies are the easiest. Pure cold water is key to survival of the trouts and the brook trout is the most sensitive to temperature. The others are comfortable in slightly warmer waters.

Trout Fishing Lakes In New Hampshire

Most of the fishing waters in New Hampshire have one or more species of trout. Major lakes with healthy populations of trout include Bow Lake, Conway Lake, First Connecticut Lake, Great East Lake, Lake Francis, Lake Wentworth, Lake Winnipesaukee, Mascoma Lake, Massabesic Lake, Merrymeeting Lake, Moore Reservoir, Newfound Lake, Ossipee Lake, Paugus Bay, Second connecticut Lake, Silver Lake, Squam Lake, Sunapee Lake, Umbagog Lake and Winnisquam Lake. The Connecticut River, Pemigewasset and other rivers and streams are a good place to find trout.

The New Hampshire state record brook trout was taken out of Pleasant Lake, the state record brown trout came from the Connecticut River, Newfound Lake was home to the state record lake trout, the NH state record rainbow trout was caught out of the Pemigewasset River and the state record sunapee trout was taken from Sunapee Lake.

Rainbow Trout
Oncorhynchus mykiss

Known for its tasty pink flesh, beauty and gameness, the rainbow trout is a favorite among the vast majority of trout fishing anglers. It also appeals to the fly fisherman as it can be tempted to take properly presented flies as well as other baits and lures. It feeds on small insects, minnows, crustaceans and worms. Rainbow trout fishing is fun for both sport and dining pleasures.

In waters that allow such migration the rainbow trout will remain in streams until it reaches 6" to 9" in length and then travel to lakes or oceans where it will bulk up and then return to the streams or rivers to spawn. Steelhead trout are rainbow trout which have adapted to the salt water environment. Fishing for steelhead is very similar to fishing for rainbows. However in winter the steelhead typically prefer spoons or bait rather than flies.

Brook Trout
Salvelinus fontinalis

Brook trout are found in clear cold waters which seldom exceed 68 degrees. As the waters to warm, the brook trout population begins to diminish. Its primary food source is small insects, mollusks, crustaceans and other small fishes.

Fishing for brook trout is the easiest of all the trouts. Look for gravel bottom streams with a moderate current, plenty of waterfalls and ponds which include rocks and cover. Overhanging trees offer additional shade, attract insects and offer protection from preying birds. Duplicate their food source and you are in business.

Brown Trout
Salmo trutta

The brown trout can tolerate slightly warmer waters than the brook trout and have taken over some of the fisheries formerly inhabited by the brookies. It is much more wary than other trouts which help ensure its longevity in waters where other trouts get fished out.

When brown trout fishing look for quiet water with lots of cover. Logs, under cuts in the bank, rock shelves, overhanging trees and brush are some of the brown trouts favorite hiding places. The larger they get, the more wary they become and are more inclined to feed at night under the protection of darkness.

Brown trout feed on worms, minnows, insects and crustaceans. Dry fly fishing for pan-sized browns is a favorite technique as they rise well to these crafty presentations. Larger browns tend to feed more on flesh and favor nutritious crustaceans, worms or small fishes. When fly fishing for large brown trout use wet flies which mimic the local natural baitfish.

Lake Trout
Salvelinus namaycush

The lake trout is by far the largest of the trouts. It lives in deep cold lakes and is also known as Great Lakes trout, Mackinaw trout and salmon trout. It feeds on virtually all forms of flesh which abound in its home waters. Minnows, smelt, eels and any variety of small fishes are part of the lake trout's diet. It's rich flaky flesh makes it a tasty table favorite.

In early spring these fish can be taken in the lake shallows on dry flies, wet flies and other slow moving presentations. Once the surface waters warm the lake trout retreats to deep water where trolling with heavy tackle is the preferred method. Spoons and baitfish imitating lures worked near the bottom provide the best results. As summer warms the water, cowbells and other flashing devices trolled deep often can get you to the depth where the lake trout stalk.

Salmon Fishing Lakes In New Hampshire

NH offers a nice variety of waters for catching salmon. Major lakes including Conway Lake, First Connecticut Lake, Lake Francis, Lake Winnipesaukee, Merrymeeting Lake, Newfound Lake, Ossipee Lake, Paugus Bay, Second connecticut Lake, Squam Lake, Sunapee Lake, Umbagog Lake and Winnisquam Lake are excellent choices along with the tributary waters flowing into and out of the lakes.

The New Hampshire state record atlantic salmon was taken out of Pleasant Lake, the NH state record chinook (or king) salmon was caught from the waters of the Exeter River, and the Piscataqua River gave up the state record coho salmon.

Walleye Fishing in New Hampshire

Walleye
Stizostedion vitreum

The walleye prefers moderately deep lakes with gravel, rock or sandy bottoms. It is found primarily in cold water lakes but has proven to survive in some warmer water impoundments. It is prized for its great tasting white, flaky flesh.

Walleye Fishing Waters In New Hampshire

The Connecticut River is probably the best option for walleye fishing in NH. Other rivers and some of the lakes record catches of walleye but it is sparse. The New Hampshire state record walleye was taken out of the Connecticut River.

New Hampshire walleye spawn in spring and when they have the option will choose to migrate from the lake up into feeder streams to spawn. If this option is not available they seek out shallow bars or shoals with clean bottom surfaces near deep water.

This toothy fish will eat virtually anything it can catch and get in its mouth. They prefer small fish and will eat crustaceans, worms and insects. They tend to be somewhat wary and prefer the safety of deeper darker water. Try fishing for walleye from sundown to midnight, particularly during the heat of summer.

Fish for New Hampshire walleye with live bait, crankbaits, spoons, small spinner baits as well as plastic worms and grubs.

Crappie Fishing in New Hampshire

Crappie are actually a member of the sunfish family and can be found in all the continental states. They are known by many different names, typically based on geographic location. Paper mouth, goggleye, bridge perch and speckled perch, just to name a few.

Crappie Fishing Lakes In New Hampshire

Crappie are a bit scarce in New Hampshire. Lake Winnipesaukee, Massabesic Lake and Moore Reservoir are the major lakes in NH with crappie. Other smaller lakes, ponds and rivers may also contain schools of crappie. The New Hampshire state record black crappie was taken out of Bellamy Reservoir.

Catfish Fishing in New Hampshire

There are many species of catfish and even more ways to catch them. Adults range in size from less than a pound to hundreds of pounds. They can be found in all types of water including ponds, streams, lakes and rivers. There are even species which spend a limited amount of time on dry land. Big giant catfish put up a very noble fight once hooked.

Catfish Fishing Lakes In New Hampshire

The New Hampshire state record white catfish was taken out of Big Cub Pond. Other major lakes with catfish populations include Lake Winnipesaukee and Lake Wentworth.

Sunfish Fishing in New Hampshire for Bluegills, Pumpkinseed Sunfish, Rock Bass, White Perch, Yellow Perch and Other NH Panfish.

One or more species of sunfish populate virtually all warm water streams, ponds and lakes throughout New Hampshire and around the world for that matter. They can survive in waters that provide their natural food source of minnows, crustaceans, insects and worms. Their competitive nature amongst themselves for food, makes them relatively easy to catch.

Sunfish Lakes In New Hampshire

While panfish can be found in most every type of water, major lakes typically contain larger populations of one or more species of sunfish. Major New Hampshire lakes with healthy populations of panfish include Bow Lake, Conway Lake, First Connecticut Lake, Great East Lake, Lake Francis, Lake Wentworth, Lake Winnipesaukee, Mascoma Lake, Massabesic Lake, Merrymeeting Lake, Moore Reservoir, Newfound Lake, Ossipee Lake, Silver Lake, Squam Lake, Sunapee Lake, Umbagog Lake and Winnisquam Lake.

The New Hampshire state record bluegill was taken out of Goodwin Pond, the NH state record pumpkinseed sunfish and white perch were both taken from Winnipesaukee and the state record yellow perch from Heads Pond.

Striper Fishing in New Hampshire

While stripers are native to salt water, they naturally migrate into fresh water streams to spawn. Their eggs must remain in motion in order to hatch so the fresh water rivers and streams which drain into the ocean become the spawning grounds for stripers.

Striped Bass Fishing Waters In New Hampshire

Striper fishing in NH is limited to the coastal waters in Great Bay and the tributaty waters flowing into the bay. The New Hampshire state record striped bass was taken out of the Atlantic Ocean, Great Bay.

Fishing for Tiger Musky, Northern Pike, Chain Pickerel and Bowfin in New Hampshire.

Tiger Musky - Muskellunge
Esox lucius ~ Esox masquinongy
USA Record: 51.2 lbs.
The tiger muskellunge is a cross of the musky and northern pike. Male Tiger Muskellunge are most often sterile yet some females are fertile. Tiger muskies tend to be smaller than non-hybrid muskies but grow very fast. The body is often quite silvery with brownish fins and tail, without spots but displays broken vertical markings. Like their parent, they eat any fish they can catch and prefer to ambush their prey. They also eat crayfish, frogs and birds. Use large lures and stout line when fishing for tiger muskellunge. They will hit lures and fresh cut bait. They are known for their speed and are exceptionally strong for short runs.

Northern Pike
Esox Lucius
IFGA Record: 55.1 lbs
The northern pike is a valient fighter and prefers water temperatures from 58 to 70 degrees. Also known as jack, jackfish, great northern pike and pickerel. While they have been transplanted into most states with cold water, they are native to the northern states and are abundant in the north-eastern states. Northern pike are basically olive in color with white and/or yellow bellies. The northern pike has light-colored marking on a dark body whish is opposite that of their cousins the muskies.They are an ambushing predator that eats frogs, crayfish, birds and virtually any fish they can get into their mouth. Use spinners, fish-immitating lures, jerk-baits or cutbait and fish close to cover.

Chain Pickerel
Esox niger
World Record: 9.4 lbs.
A freshwater fish in the pike family easily identified by the "chain-like marking along its sides. It can be found in the northwest, northeast and southeast sections of the USA. Its primary food source is smaller fish and is known to lie in wait to ambush its prey. While it can be eaten it is not considered one of the better sport fishes for table fare. The chain peickere can be caught on fish-imitation lures and live or cut bait. Watch the sharp teeth when handling. Prefers water temperatures from 62 to 70 degrees. Also known as pickerel, eastern pickerel, pike, grass pike, jackfish, jack and others.

Bowfin
Amia calva
World Record: 21.5 lbs.
Found in waters around Alabama, Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi, the bowfin prefers water temperatures of the warmer climates. It has an exceptionally long dorsal fin which extends back to the tail, made of about 50 spines or rays. Near the upper tail is an eye spot. They have very sharp teeth and a nasty disposition when hooked. Handle with caution. They are most often caught on cut bait and crayfish. They put up quite a fight and are not considered good eating. The bowfin is also known as dogfish, mud pike, mudfish, grindle, swamp bass and others.

New Hampshire Fishing Regulations Info Page     New Hampshire Fishing Regulations Guidebook