New Hampshire Fishing Seasons: The Ultimate Guide for 2025

From the rugged White Mountains to its short but vibrant stretch of Atlantic coastline, New Hampshire packs a serious punch for anglers. The Granite State might be small, but it’s home to a seriously impressive variety of fishing opportunities all year round. It boasts everything from saltwater trips off the coast to pristine lakes and inland rivers. Whether you’re after Striped Bass in the surf, Trout-chasing in a mountain stream, or even dropping lines through ice, there’s always something biting here.

Before you pick your spot and pack your tackle box, you’ll want to know exactly what’s biting – and when. No matter if you’re planning a saltwater adventure or heading inland for some freshwater action, we’ve got you covered below. This guide will take you through New Hampshire’s fishing seasons month by month, so you’ll know the best time to target your dream catch. 

What fish are in season in New Hampshire and when?

Variety is the name of the game when it comes to fishing in New Hampshire – and that goes for its seasons, too. Whenever you plan your trip, you’ll find something biting. From spring Trout runs in mountain streams to summer Striped Bass blitzes along the coast, each month brings its own highlights. What’s in season depends on where you fish and what you’re after. 

New Hampshire Saltwater Fishing Seasons

Despite its modest coastline, New Hampshire will keep saltwater anglers happy all year-round. Close to shore, you’ll find Striped Bass, Bluefish, and Flounder during the warmer months. These inshore favorites usually stick around from late spring through early fall. However, the bays and coastal waters are nearly always full of fish, no matter the weather.

Then you have the chance to head a bit further out. New Hampshire’s offshore grounds can produce Haddock, Pollock, and Cod for a fair portion of the year, with Tuna and Mackerel species showing up, too. Timing is key when hitting the deeper waters, so planning ahead can really pay off.

New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Seasons

As for freshwater fishing, New Hampshire boasts year-round staples like Largemouth Bass and Panfish. While these fish lurk in the waters whenever you visit, paying attention to the weather, moon phases, and time of day can help you land the perfect catch. Summer brings extra variety too, with Smallmouth Bass heating up the action in rivers and lakes. Meanwhile, Perch keep things interesting through fall and even into the ice fishing season. 

For Trout action, however, there are clear seasons where the action peaks and dips. Fishing in the state’s mountain streams really takes off in spring, with another strong run in the fall giving anglers a second shot before winter sets in. This is especially popular with fly fishers, thanks to healthy populations of Brook, Brown, and Rainbow Trout.

Put it all together, and New Hampshire’s freshwater fishing scene has something to offer no matter the season!

When can I go fishing in North Hampshire?

Want to see what’s biting right now? Take a look at what New Hampshire guides are saying this month. If you have a particular season in mind, keep reading to find out what’s in store when you want to go fishing in New Hampshire…

• January
• February
• March
• April
• May
• June
• July
• August
• September
• October
• November
• December

January

If you don’t mind the cold, January is the perfect time to embrace a New England tradition: ice fishing! Bundle up, drill a hole, and drop a line for Panfish like Perch and Crappie. Even better, you can also drop lines for bragging rights with Lake Trout and landlocked Salmon in deeper lakes like Winnipesaukee or Newfound.

Make sure to check the ice conditions (safety first!), and bring a thermos of something hot and tasty. For many locals, it’s not just about the catch, but the friendships made out on the ice.

February

Similarly, February is prime for ice fishing season in New Hampshire. By now, the ice is thick enough on most big lakes to drop your lines safely, and the bite is strong as fish feed to keep warm. Lake Trout, Rainbow Trout, and White Perch are top targets, while Crappie and Bluegill keep things lively for family outings.

Tip-ups and shanties dot the ice, making the frozen lakes look like little villages on the water. So if you’re searching for a picturesque trip, you couldn’t do much better. Just don’t forget your license and warm boots!

March

As the days start to grow longer, March can offer some of the season’s best ice fishing – but also its trickiest conditions. Warmer days and cold nights can make for variable ice on the water, so caution is key.

This is the time to target bigger Trout and Salmon where regulations allow. Some rivers may begin to show signs of thawing, hinting at the open-water season just around the corner.

April

We mentioned open water season – here it is! When April hits, “ice-out” is the magic phrase here. Lakes start to shed their winter coats, rivers swell with snowmelt, and open-water anglers rejoice. Trout stocking begins, and rivers like the Saco and the Pemigewasset see the first fly fishers testing their luck.

Lake Trout and Landlocked Salmon wake up hungry after the long winter, making early spring trolling rewarding on the bigger lakes.

May

If April marks the start of open water fishing season, May is when it all kicks off in earnest in New Hampshire. Rivers and streams are flowing, the water’s warming up, and the Trout bite is excellent. Rainbow, Brook, and Brown Trout are all fair game, with fly fishing reaching its stride as insect hatches pick up.

Bass anglers, prepare to get excited too – Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass start to stir in shallower waters. And on the coast, Striped Bass make their long-awaited return on their migration north.

June

Summer’s almost here, and June might well be New Hampshire’s most versatile – and exciting – month for anglers. The rivers run clear, the lakes are alive, and you can target everything from Trout to Bass to Tautog, and even early-season Stripers.

This is also when families flock to the water – whether you’re casting from a canoe, wading a stream, or heading for the saltwaters. Flounder, Haddock, and Mackerel add variety for coastal anglers looking for tasty fresh fillets, while jumbo-sized Bluefin Tuna lurk in deeper waters. If you’re lucky, you may even encounter their cousins, the Yellowfin Tuna.

July

July brings beautiful warm days and even warmer waters. This means one thing – top angling action! In the lakes, Smallmouth Bass are in their element, while Largemouths lurk in shady spots. Early mornings and late evenings are best for Trout fishing as water temperatures climb.

Along the coast, Stripers are in full swing, with plenty of action from shore or a boat. Bluefish may crash the party too, giving light-tackle anglers a thrill. Similarly to June, oversized Bluefin and Yellowfin Tuna are hanging out in deeper waters. If you’re ready to do battle, you couldn’t wish for better opponents!

August

August keeps the summer fun going. For freshwater anglers, Bass and Panfish are steady picks for a relaxing day on the water. Just beware that you’ll need to fish deeper waters – or head out at dawn and dusk for better bites.

Saltwater anglers can keep chasing Stripers, target Flounder, or test their luck with offshore day trips for Mackerel, along with both staple Tuna species. This is also a great month to introduce the kids to fishing – warm water, good weather, and lots of species to chase. What more could you want?

September

As the summer season winds down, New Hampshire’s fishing heats back up. Cooler nights mean the water drops to more comfortable temperatures for Trout, which start feeding more actively again. Fly fishers will fall in love with the stunning fall scenery and crisp mornings along the streams.

Out on the saltwaters, Striped Bass are on the move south, giving coastal anglers one last shot at a trophy fish. Speaking of trophy fish, Bluefin Tuna are especially abundant during this time of year, while Haddock are still here in good numbers. The crowds may start to thin out, but the bite stays strong.

October

There’s still no sign of things properly winding down, as October is one of the best times to fish New Hampshire’s rivers and streams. Brook and Brown Trout spawn, offering anglers a chance at a trophy fish, while the fall foliage adds an extra layer of magic to every cast. However, you’ll need to follow local rules to protect these fish’s spawning beds. 

Bass are also still active in lakes, stocking up before winter, while hardy anglers may find lingering Stripers and the last of the Bluefin Tuna offshore. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, you’ll want to turn their attention inland this time of year.

November

It’s no surprise that November can be hit or miss weather-wise. But if you’re up for it, you’ll find fewer anglers to compete with on the water. And plenty of fish, too. Trout are still an option in the mountain streams, while late-season Bass can surprise you on sunny days.

While most saltwater charters pack up, many eager fishers start prepping their gear for ice season. It won’t be long before the lakes freeze up again!

December

December is the bridge between open water and hard water seasons. Early in the month, you may find open rivers or small lakes skimmed with ice – perfect for scouting your next shanty spot. Once the ice is safe, the cycle starts anew… Tip-ups come out, and another season of New Hampshire fishing kicks off under frosty skies. 

If you can find a captain still working, ​​Pollock are popular during this time of year thanks to their resilience in all types of water. You’ll find them lurking around offshore ledges and wrecks.

New Hampshire Fishing Seasons FAQs

New Hampshire Fishing Seasons: All Action, All Year!

There it is! Now you know exactly when to cast your line in the Granite State for the fishing adventure of your dreams. As you’ve seen, whether you’re chasing Stripers off the coast or following Trout in the mountain streams, New Hampshire’s waters promise something special year-round. Team up with a local guide or head out solo – either way, you’re in for an exciting day, stunning scenery, and unforgettable catches.

What’s your favorite season to fish in New Hampshire? Any local tips or secret spots you’d like to share? Drop your thoughts in the comments below – we’d love to hear from you!

Katie

Katie is a Philosophy graduate from the UK, and now she spends her time asking (and answering!) the important questions, such as: What, exactly, are the best ways to bait a hook for Redfish? She first cast a line in Florida as a teenager, and it took her a while to circle back to angling as a hobby, but now she's hooked. Her personal fishing highlight? Reeling in a rare Golden Trevally while cruising the deep waters off the United Arab Emirates!