Fishing Regulations in New Hampshire
Last updated: 2025-01-01
Regulations shown are approximate and may be outdated. Always check the official New Hampshire fish and game agency for current regulations.
Visit Official AgencyFishing License
New Hampshire requires a fishing license for anglers 16 and older. Resident and non-resident annual licenses are available, along with 1-day, 3-day, and 7-day options. A separate saltwater license is required for coastal fishing.
Get Your LicenseSpecies Regulations
| Species | Bag Limit | Size Limit | Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| largemouth-bass | 5 per day | 12 inches minimum | Jun 15 - Sep 30 harvest; catch-and-release year-round | Regulations vary by water body. Always check current NH Fish and Game regulations. |
| smallmouth-bass | 5 per day | 12 inches minimum | Jun 15 - Sep 30 harvest; catch-and-release year-round | |
| rainbow-trout | 5 per day (combined trout limit) | 6 inches minimum | Jan 1 - Oct 15 on most waters | Special regulations on designated fly-fishing-only waters. |
| brown-trout | 5 per day (combined trout limit) | 6 inches minimum | Jan 1 - Oct 15 on most waters | |
| brook-trout | 5 per day (combined trout limit) | 6 inches minimum | Jan 1 - Oct 15 on most waters | |
| northern-pike | 2 per day | 24 inches minimum | Year-round | |
| striped-bass | 1 per day | 28 inches minimum | Seasonal (check current year) | Saltwater regulations change frequently. Verify before fishing. |
Bag Limit: 5 per day
Size Limit: 12 inches minimum
Season: Jun 15 - Sep 30 harvest; catch-and-release year-round
Notes: Regulations vary by water body. Always check current NH Fish and Game regulations.
Bag Limit: 5 per day
Size Limit: 12 inches minimum
Season: Jun 15 - Sep 30 harvest; catch-and-release year-round
Bag Limit: 5 per day (combined trout limit)
Size Limit: 6 inches minimum
Season: Jan 1 - Oct 15 on most waters
Notes: Special regulations on designated fly-fishing-only waters.
Bag Limit: 5 per day (combined trout limit)
Size Limit: 6 inches minimum
Season: Jan 1 - Oct 15 on most waters
Bag Limit: 5 per day (combined trout limit)
Size Limit: 6 inches minimum
Season: Jan 1 - Oct 15 on most waters
Bag Limit: 2 per day
Size Limit: 24 inches minimum
Season: Year-round
Bag Limit: 1 per day
Size Limit: 28 inches minimum
Season: Seasonal (check current year)
Notes: Saltwater regulations change frequently. Verify before fishing.
Top Fishing Waters
Lake Winnipesaukee
lakeSpecies: largemouth-bass, smallmouth-bass, rainbow-trout, yellow-perch, crappie
Connecticut River
riverSpecies: smallmouth-bass, largemouth-bass, northern-pike, rainbow-trout, brown-trout
Squam Lake
lakeSpecies: largemouth-bass, smallmouth-bass, rainbow-trout, yellow-perch, crappie
Lake Sunapee
lakeSpecies: largemouth-bass, smallmouth-bass, rainbow-trout, brown-trout, yellow-perch
Androscoggin River
riverSpecies: rainbow-trout, brown-trout, brook-trout, smallmouth-bass
Great Bay
baySpecies: striped-bass
State Records
| Species | Weight | Year | Water |
|---|---|---|---|
| largemouth-bass | 10 lbs 8 oz | 1967 | Lake Potanipo |
| smallmouth-bass | 7 lbs 14 oz | 1970 | Goose Pond |
| rainbow-trout | 15 lbs 7 oz | 2006 | Connecticut River |
| brown-trout | 16 lbs 6 oz | 1975 | Lake Sunapee |
| brook-trout | 7 lbs 8 oz | 1911 | Crystal Lake |
| northern-pike | 28 lbs 5 oz | 2008 | Connecticut River |
| yellow-perch | 2 lbs 9 oz | 1969 | Milton Pond |
| crappie | 3 lbs 6 oz | 1981 | Spofford Lake |