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 current New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest (click here to go to main Fishing page; PDF download in rightmost column).

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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