FISHING IN NEW HAMPSHIRE
Find a top freshwater New Hampshire fishing spot like Pawtuckaway Lake in Nottingham or, take a trip to a place such as Rye Harbor State Park to go saltwater surf fishing for striped bass.
FIND FISHING SPOTS NEAR YOU
TOP FISHING SPOTS IN NEW HAMPSHIRE
NEWFOUND LAKE
MINE FALLS PARK
PISCATAQUOG RIVER PARK
GET A NEW HAMPSHIRE FISHING LICENSE
COMMON CATCHES IN NEW HAMPSHIRE
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 6.5 foot medium or medium-heavy action graphite spinning rod |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 8-pound test monofilament fishing line |
| Lure | Spinnerbaits, Crankbaits, Frog & Toad Fishing Baits, Soft Plastic Baits, Topwater Fishing Baits |
SMALLMOUTH BASS
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
There is no doubt that the smallmouth bass rivals the largemouth in popularity.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 6-7.5 foot rod built for light line |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 8-pound test monofilament fishing line |
| Lure | Jerkbaits, Crankbaits, Jigs, Spinnerbait, Hook and a Worm (the best) |
BROWN TROUT
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
The brown trout is one of the world’s most widely distributed and highly esteemed freshwater fish.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 6-7 foot 1-3kg or heavier carbon fibre, graphite, or nano rod |
| Reel | 1000 or 2500 size reel |
| Line | 4-pound-test monofilament fishing line |
| Lure | Small Hooks (No. 12), Jigs, Crankbaits, Spoons, Minnows (use a sinker as well) |
BLUEFISH
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
You can sniff out bluefish by their smell, which is something like fresh cucumbers.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 7-foot, light- to medium-action spinning |
| Reel | Matching spinning reel with quality drag |
| Line | 15-20-pound braid; and 20-pound fluorocarbon leader |
| Lure | Popper's; Bluefish aren't picky about lure type, just needs to create a surface disturbance. Smaller does well. |
BLACK SEA BASS
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
Black sea bass are hermaphrodites; most begin their lives as females and change to males.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 6’6″ to 7′ foot long fast to extra-fast action spinning rod |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 20-pound fused fishing line, 30 pound fluorocarbon leader |
| Lure | Beak Bait Hook, Hammered Diamon Jig, Bank Sinker, Artificial Scented Shrimp Soft Bait |
AMERICAN SHAD
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
Black sea bass are hermaphrodites; most begin their lives as females and change to males.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | Long, lightweight spinning or fly rod |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 5-8 pound braided line works really well, run about 10 feet of clear monofilament or fluorocarbon for a leader. |
| Lure | Barbless Hooks, Flyes (white or yellow with red heads), Spinners, Spoons |
LAKES & PONDS
Learn about the structures in lakes and ponds. Learn where to find fish, tips and more.
STREAMS & RIVERS
River & stream fishing means knowing where the water is moving, and how fish behave in it.
SALTWATER BAY FISHING
Reefs, hills and shallows are some the best saltwater fishing locations.
