This document is only a synopsis of New Hampshire's fishing seasons and does not contain all the pertinent laws or administrative rules. For additional information, please consult the 2007 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest.* (PDF, 1.8 MB)

Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout & their Hybrids

• Rivers & Streams: January 1 - October 15
• Wild Trout Streams: January 1 - Labor Day
• Trout Ponds: 4th Saturday in April - October 15
• Wild Trout Ponds: 4th Saturday in April - Labor Day
• Lake Trout &/or Salmon Waters: January 1 - September 30
• All Other Waters: No closed season

Lake Trout

• All Waters: January 1 - September 30

Landlocked Salmon

• 4th Saturday in April - September 30 (Pleasant Lake, New London)
• All Other Waters: April 1 - September 30

Atlantic Salmon Brood Stock Fishery (along the Merrimack and lower Pemigewasset rivers)

• Catch & Release October 1 - March 31
• 1 Fish/Day, 5 Fish/Season April 1 - September 30

NOTE: A special permit is required to participate in this specialized fishery (click here to purchase online for $11). Additional restrictions apply. Click here for information and a map of access points.

Largemouth Bass & Smallmouth Bass

• Rivers & Streams: January 1 - October 15; Catch & Release May 15 - June 15
• Trout Ponds: 4th Saturday in April - October 15; Catch & Release May 15 - June 15
• All Other Waters: No closed season; Catch & Release May 15 - June 15

Rainbow Smelt: See the current N.H. Freshwater Fishing Digest

All Other Species

• Rivers & Streams: January 1 - October 15
• Trout Ponds: 4th Saturday in April - October 15
• All Other Waters: No closed season

Fishing Seasons for Interstate Waters: See the current N.H. Freshwater Fishing Digest

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