New Hampshire offers a diverse angling landscape ranging from the high-elevation trout streams of the White Mountains to the deep glacial lakes of the Lakes Region and the productive Atlantic coastline. Anglers can pursue trophy landlocked salmon, smallmouth bass, and walleye in freshwater, or head to the Seacoast for prized striped bass and bluefish.
Species & Seasons
Brook, Brown, and Rainbow Trout
General river and stream season runs from the fourth Saturday in April through October 15; many ponds remain open year-round for ice fishing.
Landlocked Salmon
Managed season runs April 1 through September 30 with a two-fish daily limit and 15-inch minimum length in most designated waters.
Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass
Catch and release only from May 15 to June 15 to protect spawning beds; regular harvest season begins June 16 with a 12-inch minimum.
Lake Trout
Popular for both summer deep-trolling and winter ice fishing; season is April 1 to September 30 in most lakes, with specific ice fishing rules.
Striped Bass
Saltwater season is generally active May through October; regulations typically allow one fish per day within a strict 28-inch to 31-inch slot limit.
Walleye
Found primarily in the Connecticut River where they can be targeted year-round, though spawning closures apply to specific tributaries in spring.
Northern Pike
Available year-round in many waters like Moore Reservoir and the Connecticut River; excellent targets for winter tip-up fishing through the ice.
Top Waters
Lake Winnipesaukee
The state's largest waterbody, renowned for its landlocked salmon, lake trout, and nationally recognized smallmouth bass fishing.
Connecticut River
A major boundary river providing New Hampshire's best walleye fishing and productive stretches for trout and smallmouth bass.
Squam Lake
A scenic, clear-water lake famous for producing trophy-sized smallmouth bass and high-quality landlocked salmon.
Great Bay
A large tidal estuary near the coast that serves as a primary nursery and feeding ground for striped bass and winter flounder.
Newfound Lake
One of the deepest and cleanest lakes in the state, offering exceptional habitat for large lake trout and salmon.
Ammonoosuc River
A premier destination for fly anglers seeking wild and stocked brook trout in a classic mountain stream setting.
Hampton Harbor
The hub for New Hampshire's saltwater fleet, providing quick access to inshore stripers and offshore groundfish like haddock.
Local Charters, Bait Shops & More
Support New Hampshire's local fishing businesses — guides, tackle shops, marinas, fly shops, and more.
NH Rivers Guide
Charter/GuideWarner, NH
Professional drift boat and wade fishing guide service specializing in the Pemigewasset and Merrimack Rivers.
Eastman's Docks
Charter/GuideSeabrook, NH
Operating a fleet of deep-sea fishing vessels for haddock, pollock, and bluefish trips in the Gulf of Maine.
Lopstick Lodge & Guide Service
Charter/GuidePittsburg, NH
Provides expert northern NH guides for trout and salmon fishing in the First, Second, and Third Connecticut Lakes.
Atlantic Queen II
Charter/GuideRye, NH
Offering daily saltwater fishing excursions from Rye Harbor targeting seasonal coastal species.
Smith & Town Guides
Charter/GuideBerlin, NH
Local experts providing guided fishing and outdoor adventures in the remote waters of the Great North Woods.
AJ's Bait & Tackle
Bait & Tackle ShopMeredith, NH
A staple of the Lakes Region specializing in gear and live bait for Winnipesaukee salmon and lake trout.
Suds 'n Soda
Bait & Tackle ShopGreenland, NH
Comprehensive tackle shop catering to Great Bay and Seacoast saltwater anglers as well as local freshwater enthusiasts.
Derry Bait & Tackle
Bait & Tackle ShopDerry, NH
Full-service local shop providing a wide variety of live baits and seasonal tackle for southern NH ponds.
Old Town Bait & Tackle
Bait & Tackle ShopEpping, NH
Conveniently located shop offering expert advice and supplies for bass and pickerel fishing in local rivers.
Wildlife Taxidermy and Sport Shop
Bait & Tackle ShopManchester, NH
A long-standing Manchester business offering fishing licenses, equipment, and expert taxidermy services.
Silver Sands Marina
MarinaGilford, NH
A full-service marina on Lake Winnipesaukee offering boat slips, service, and rentals for anglers.
Paugus Bay Marina
MarinaLaconia, NH
Offers comprehensive marine services, storage, and easy access to the central fishing grounds of Winnipesaukee.
Great Bay Marine
MarinaNewington, NH
A premier coastal marina located on the Piscataqua River, serving saltwater anglers and commuters.
Meredith Marina
MarinaMeredith, NH
Centrally located on Lake Winnipesaukee, offering boat rentals, sales, and a fueling station for fishermen.
The Evening Rise
Fly ShopWarner, NH
Specializes in fly fishing gear, expert instruction, and high-quality equipment for regional trout streams.
North Country Angler
Fly ShopNorth Conway, NH
The premier fly shop for the White Mountains, offering guided trips, flies, and equipment for mountain trout.
Tall Timber Fly Shop
Fly ShopPittsburg, NH
Located in the heart of the 'Trophy Stretch' of the Connecticut River, providing flies and gear for the far north.
Mountain Pond Fly Shop
Fly ShopOssipee, NH
Offers a specialized selection of fly tying materials and gear for anglers targeting the Ossipee River valley.
Irwin Marine
Boat DealerLaconia, NH
NH's most respected boat dealer, offering a wide range of fishing-ready boats and outboard motors.
Daverin Marine
Boat DealerAuburn, NH
Specializing in sales and service of aluminum fishing boats and pontoons for southern NH lakes.
Goodhue Boat Company
Boat DealerMoultonborough, NH
A family-owned dealership providing sales and service for premium fishing and recreational watercraft.
Stone River Gear
Rod BuilderBedford, NH
Offers high-end custom rod components, fly reels, and specialized fishing gear for discriminating anglers.
NH Custom Rods
Rod BuilderDerry, NH
Independent builder focusing on custom spinning and casting rods tailored to local freshwater conditions.
Bamboo Rod Workshop
Rod BuilderWarner, NH
Operated through The Evening Rise, providing handcrafted bamboo fly rods and restoration services.
Elias Custom Rods
Rod BuilderHampton, NH
Specializes in saltwater surf rods and boat rods built to withstand the rigors of the Atlantic coast.
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Resource details are gathered from public sources and may change. Always confirm licenses, limits, and season dates with the official state agency before you fish.