Wade into the Granite State’s rivers and fly-fish for trout and largemouth bass. Visit any of the New Hampshire lakes to search for salmon. Boat to the middle of a tranquil pond and wait for a northern pike to bite. Show kids the excitement of casting a line from the shore, or hire a fishing charter and try to catch a bluefish or a massive striper. New Hampshire has over 900 lakes, miles of streams, and stunning estuarine and coastal waters for saltwater and freshwater fishing. If you’re 16 or older, purchase a fishing license online, and get ready to try and catch the big one.
Fishing Spots in New Hampshire
Here are some of the best fishing spots in New Hampshire. You’ll find plenty of trout fishing in the state, along with a variety of other fish to catch.
Lake Sunapee
With over 4,000 acres, Lake Sunapee is among the largest lakes in New Hampshire. It contains cold-water species like lake trout and landlocked salmon and warm-water species like pickerel and smallmouth bass, earning its reputation as one of New Hampshire’s great fishing spots. You will find an abundance of bass during summer, and salmon and trout during spring and fall. You will also find boat launch facilities and shore access in Mount Sunapee State Park, which features picnic areas, campsites, hiking trails, and a swimming beach near the town of Newbury.
The state park campground is for tents only, but Danforth Bay Camping & RV Resort has full hookups, pools, a playground, and much more. Ashuelot River Campground has full hookups, kayak and canoe rentals, laundry, and more.
Upper Pemigewasset River
Commonly called the Pemi, the Pemigewasset River offers a unique fishing experience you won’t find anywhere else in New Hampshire. The Pemi flows from the White Mountains through the middle of New Hampshire and then unites with the Winnipesaukee River, forming the Merrimack River. The Upper Pemigewasset River waters support trout and salmon populations year-round.
You can camp at the Pemi River Campground, which has full hookups, showers, river access, a playground, and more. Branch Brook Campground is next to the river, and has full hookups, a pool, showers, laundry, river access, and more.
Ellis River
Conveniently situated in North Conway, the Ellis River is an ideal fly-fishing spot in New Hampshire. This 16.7-mile-long river is a tributary of the Saco River that flows into the Atlantic Ocean. It boasts primarily brook and rainbow trout and offers beginners an opportunity to practice various fishing methods. You will find the best riverside camping at Jellystone Park Glen Ellis.
Connecticut River
The Connecticut River is New Hampshire’s longest stream, forming almost the entire western border of the state. It’s popularly known as a trout stream as the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department stocks more than 33,000 trout annually. Besides trout species, the lower areas of the river, including those near Newport, contain warm-water fish species such as smallmouth bass, crappie, largemouth bass, walleye, pickerel, and pike. You can access this popular destination from the neighboring town of Claremont.
Piscataquog River Park
Meandering through Manchester, the Piscataquog River has fishing and boating along its shoreline. This 34-mile-long river has numerous fish species, including smallmouth bass, black crappie, and largemouth bass. Besides fishing, you can enjoy boating, kayaking, and canoeing. The Piscataquog River is a perfect training ground for whitewater enthusiasts.
Saco River
The Saco River is perfect for early morning and late evening fishing. Located in Conway, this spot has a great area for dry fly-fishing. With a sand and gravel bank, the Saco is perfect for wading and contains larger fish than many other fishing destinations in the state. The river supports various fish species, including largemouth bass, chain pickerel, smallmouth bass, brook trout, yellow perch, and black crappie.
Merrimack River
The Merrimack River runs through Manchester. This 28-mile-long river contains plenty of fish species, including largemouth bass, pickerel, and bluegill.
Androscoggin River
The Androscoggin River is near the town of Errol, where the Umbagog Lake and the Magalloway River intersect. This 178-mile river originates in northern New Hampshire and runs into Maine. The 53-mile New Hampshire stretch meanders through the White Mountains. Before you head out, make sure you know where to fish because only a particular section of the river contains salmon and trout populations. Smallmouth bass and trout are among the species that you can land here.
Where to Fish in New Hampshire
Newport features some great fishing in scenic lakes and reservoirs and stunning rivers and streams. The area also offers fantastic views of mountains and ample space to bike, hike, fish, picnic, and swim with your loved ones. Here, you can catch various fish species such as trout, bass, and other game fish.
Camping and Fishing in New Hampshire
When planning to go fishing and camping in New Hampshire, you need to ensure that you understand the state’s fishing rules and regulations. Check with the local Fish and Wildlife Department to be sure the location where you’re planning to fish is open to the public, and observe all the signs restricting access or showing private property.
Ensure that you bring the right fishing gear, trolling equipment, baitcasting setup, and spin casting gear. Additionally, carry a cooler so that you have something to take your catches back to the campsite in. Include sunblock, warm clothing, and insect repellent on your list of supplies.
Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about fishing. It contains great tips that will enhance your New Hampshire fishing experience.
With an RV rental, your fishing trip will be a little more comfortable! After you’ve spent a long day fishing, grill up your catch right at your campsite. Then, retire inside to enjoy all the comforts of home on board your RV. Plan your perfect fishing getaway with an RV rental from RVshare.
