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Fishing in New Hampshire
New Hampshire Fishing at a Glance
New Hampshire offers great fishing with nearly 1,000 fishable lakes and 19,000 miles of rivers and streams. If you’re looking to catch some coldwater fish, The Granite State has plenty of options including lake trout, landlocked salmon; and brook, brown, and rainbow trout. For those who prefer warm water fishing, here is also small-mouth and large-mouth bass as well as pickerel, black crappie, bluegil, and yellow perch
Here are five key things to keep in mind if you’re planning to fish in the Granite State.
First, you’ll need a fishing license. You can purchase a license online or at a bait and tackle shop. In addition, make sure to check the fishing regulations for the specific body of water you’ll be fishing in.
Second, if you’re hoping to catch trout, head to one of New Hampshire’s many stocked rivers and streams. These waters are regularly stocked with catchable-size trout, making them ideal for anglers of all levels of experience.
Third, fall is an excellent time to fish for bass in New Hampshire. Bass are known to be more active in cooler weather, so they’re easier to catch during the autumn months.
Fourth, ice fishing is a popular pastime in New Hampshire during the winter months. Many lakes and ponds across the state offer good ice fishing opportunities. Before you head out, make sure the ice is thick enough to support your weight.
Finally, remember to practice catch and release when fishing in New Hampshire. This helps to ensure that there will be fish for everyone to enjoy for years.
New Hampshire ranks #24 in the U.S. for fishing licenses per capita and has a good number of local fishing enthusiasts with over 11.36% of the population having fishing licenses.
Key Insights
- New Hampshire offers almost 1,000 fishable lakes and 19,000 miles of rivers and streams with a variety of fish species, including coldwater and warm water fish.
- You need a fishing license to fish in New Hampshire, and it’s important to check the fishing regulations for the specific body of water you’ll be fishing in.
- If you’re hoping to catch trout, head to one of New Hampshire’s many stocked rivers and streams.
- Fall is an excellent time to fish for bass in New Hampshire, and ice fishing is popular in the winter.
- Remember to practice catch and release when fishing in New Hampshire.
- New Hampshire ranks #24 in the U.S. for fishing licenses per capita and has over 11.36% of the population having fishing licenses.
Table of Contents
Estimated Fishing Enthusiasts
| Population: | 1,377,529 |
|---|---|
| Fishing Enthusiasts | 156,480 |
| Fishing License % | 11.36% |
| Hunters Rank | 24 |
The state of New Hampshire is mostly private land with just 15.8% of acres considered public land -ranking #19 amongst all states.
Land Types (Acres)
| Acres | % | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total | 5,740,200 | ||
| Public | 908,410 | 15.83% | 19 |
| Private | 4,831,790 | 84.17% | 31 |
| Tribal | 0 | 0.00% | no tribal land |
New Hampshire Fishing Licenses & Requirements
For the most accurate and updated information on fishing licenses and requirements, it’s always a good idea to check the New Hampshire DNR. We’ve provided their contact information and other helpful information for your convenience here.
New Hampshire DNR
11 Hazen Drive
Concord, NH 03301
- (603) 271-3421
Exploring New Hampshire’s rivers and streams is a great way to find some of the most popular varieties of fish. Brown trout lurk in deeper waters, displaying tremendous courage when they are caught on the hook. Rainbow trout, by contrast, tend to stick to shallower waters, although they may exhibit more skittish behavior than their counterparts. Anglers looking for an exciting fishing adventure should also look out for American eel, yellow perch, sunfish, smallmouth bass and largemouth bass – each species boasting its own unique traits that make them worthwhile catches.
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Fishing private land in New Hampshire
Fishing on private land in New Hampshire has some real advantages over public lakes, rivers, streams, and ponds *if you can get access. For instance, there’s nothing like having a quiet lake all to yourself and oftentimes there are simply more fish available to catch, because they haven’t been fished out. There are generally more processes for access private land for hunting than fishing, though some similar methods exist. For instance, you can sometimes join a fishing club in New Hampshire or if you have the money, it may be possible to rent some private land for fishing. Another option is to knock on doors or work your contacts in an area to see if a landowner would let you fish for the day or possibly be open to a longer term arrangement.
Fortunately Wing It is simplifying land access for fishing, hunting, camping, and more. We’re adding new land every day and if we have some in your area, you’ll see some great options below.
1. Lakes Region
2. Great North Woods
3. Monadnock Region
4. Seacoast Region
5. Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee
Fishing private land in New Hampshire
Fishing on private land in New Hampshire has some real advantages over public lakes, rivers, streams, and ponds *if you can get access. For instance, there’s nothing like having a quiet lake all to yourself and oftentimes there are simply more fish available to catch, because they haven’t been fished out. There are generally more processes for access private land for hunting than fishing, though some similar methods exist. For instance, you can sometimes join a fishing club in New Hampshire or if you have the money, it may be possible to rent some private land for fishing. Another option is to knock on doors or work your contacts in an area to see if a landowner would let you fish for the day or possibly be open to a longer term arrangement.
Fortunately Wing It is simplifying land access for fishing, hunting, camping, and more. We’re adding new land every day and if we have some in your area, you’ll see some great options below.