Fishing is a beloved pastime in the United States, and New Hampshire is no exception. With its diverse range of habitats and species, the state offers a unique fishing experience, particularly for trout enthusiasts. This article will provide a comprehensive guide to trout fishing in New Hampshire, focusing on the best locations, fishing seasons, size limits, and, most importantly, the fishing license requirements.
Best Trout Fishing Locations in New Hampshire
New Hampshire is home to a variety of trout habitats, including stocked ponds and wild streams. Here are some of the best locations for trout fishing in the state:
- Androscoggin River: This river hosts brown, brook, and rainbow trout. The best fishing spots are near the Maine border, where trout hide in the cool waters during the summer. There are also fly-fishing-only sections for those who prefer this type of gear.
- Pemigewasset River: Running through Franconia Notch State Park, this river has excellent wading spots for fly fishing. The best time for trout fishing is in late May and early June.
- Contoocook River: Located west of Concord, this river provides a great habitat for trout with its deep, cold waters. It’s perfect for fly fishing, but be prepared with a good-quality pair of hip waders as the water gets deep quickly.
- Saco River: This river is a great spot for catching stocked brook, brown, or rainbow trout. The best time for trout fishing is in the spring, especially for brown trout, when the river is high after heavy rains.
- Sugar River: A tributary of the Connecticut River, the Sugar River houses rainbow, brown, and brook trout. The fly-fishing-only areas near the town of Newport are particularly popular.
New Hampshire Trout Size Limit
In New Hampshire, the size limit for trout varies depending on the type of water body. For managed trout lakes, landed lake trout must be at least 15 inches in length, and rainbow, brown, and brook trout and their hybrids must be at least 18 inches in length to keep. For wild trout ponds, there is no minimum length limit for any of the trout species.
New Hampshire Trout Fishing Season
The trout fishing season in New Hampshire extends from January 1 to September 30. From January to March 31, trout are only allowed to be fished through the ice. Ice fishing for trout is prohibited from April 1 through September. Certain designated trout ponds are only open for trout fishing from the end of April through mid-October.
New Hampshire Fishing License
Anyone over the age of fifteen is required to possess a New Hampshire fishing license when fishing in state waters, both for residents and non-residents. Licenses can be purchased from the New Hampshire Fish and Game’s website or in person at one of their office locations.