With miles of ocean front, numerous estuaries, hundreds of rivers, lakes and beautiful mountains, fly fishing in NH offers a wide range of options and some of the best scenery in the country.
New Hampshire Fishing Seasons: Brook, Rainbow, Brown Trout and their Hybrids
Rivers & Streams January 1 – October 1
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 and/or Salmon Waters January 1 – September 30 (fish can be taken by ice fishing only January 1 – March 31)
All Other Waters No closed season
Where are the Best Places for Fly Fishing in NH?
The Big Rivers: Some of the best experiences are on the big rivers of NH. From the Pemigewasset to the Androscoggin to the Connecticut and others. These rivers offer an extremely diverse marine habitat. From salmon and other androgynous fish species, to Pike to trout and bass.
White Mountain Streams: Fishing the White Mountain Streams for native Brookies is just beautiful. The native trout may often be very small, but they are stunning, and can provide a full day of awesome fishing. Get your smallest weight rod and get out there. Be respectful, leave no trace, use no barbs, and release all fish. Leave the fish alone if the water temps get too high.
The Ocean And Estuaries: There are some avid fly fisherman that hone in on Stripers, Steelhead, Salmon, Salty Browns during the right months of the year. All can be extremely difficult to target, but you can be continuously successful out there.
The Big Lakes: Central and northern NH offer extremely versatile and beautiful fishing experiences. From the largest, Lake Winnipesaukee, to lakes like Newfound, Umbagog, First Connecticut and Lake Francis, there is incredible fly fishing in NH to be had.
The bigger lakes of New Hampshire offer nearly every species that can be caught in NH. These lakes are often sought out for their landlocked Salmon, Lake Trout and also their warm water species. Though not all of the larger lakes have all of the species, they are some the most diverse bodies of water in the state.
The Little Lakes And Ponds: With designated trout ponds that offer endless hookups, other bodies of water with huge populations of bass, crappie, pickerel and more, there is fun for all types of anglers. This ranges anywhere from fly fishing the still pond waters, or the rivers that flow in and out of the bodies of water, to trolling and ice fishing. New Hampshire ponds offer some of the most fun fishing around.
Fly Fishing in NH: What Kinds Of Fish Can You Expect to Catch?
- Brook Trout
- Rainbow Trout
- Brown Trout
- Lake Trout
- Salmon
- Small And Large Mouth Bass
- Pike
- Sunfish
- Suckers
- Carp
License Information
Licenses can be picked up at various locations across the state. Many sporting goods stores, smaller country stores and Walmart sell licenses.
So take advantage of the opportunities for fly fishing NH – you won’t be disappointed! And while you’re here, be sure to book a room at the Royalty Inn in Gorham NH. All rooms have a refrigerator, microwave, free Wi-Fi, restaurant, indoor/outdoor pools, Jacuzzi, sauna, health club, game room, and guest laundry. It’s New Hampshire’s best vacation home away from home!
