New Hampshire Fishing Charters
New Hampshire fishing charters cover everything from big lake trout on Winnipesaukee to striped bass in the salt marshes near Portsmouth.
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Top Rated Charters in New Hampshire
New Hampshire Fishing Guide
Fishing in New Hampshire isn’t about volume—it’s about variety and access. You’ve got short coastal runs on the Atlantic side, a deep network of rivers and mountain-fed lakes inland, and solid seasonal migrations that keep things changing all year. Saltwater trips usually run out of Portsmouth or Rye, targeting striped bass, bluefish, and groundfish like haddock and cod. Half-day inshore trips stay close to the rocky coastline, while full-day offshore runs might push out 20–30 miles for cod or even tuna later in the summer.
Freshwater’s where most locals spend their time. Lake Winnipesaukee is the heavyweight here—big lake trout, landlocked salmon, and solid smallmouth bass. You’ll also find productive action on Newfound Lake, Squam Lake, and the Connecticut River system. Spring brings trolling season; summer turns into jigging, topwater, and drop-shotting. Ice fishing is a big deal too, with shantytowns popping up on most of the major lakes once things freeze solid.
Charters range from 4-hour bass or trout trips on the lakes to 8-hour haddock runs offshore. Most guides trailer their rigs, so they launch from public ramps based on season and bite pattern. Bait varies—live smelt and shiners for lake trout, clams and squid for haddock, chunk mackerel for stripers. Bring layers, especially in spring and fall. Mornings start cold even in June.
Regional Fishing Highlights
Seacoast (Portsmouth to Hampton)
This is your saltwater access point. Boats run out of the Piscataqua River and nearby marinas, hitting rocky shorelines, inlets, and ledges. Target striped bass with live eels or mackerel, troll umbrella rigs, or drift sandworms through current seams. In July and August, bluefish show up too. Offshore trips can reach Jeffrey’s Ledge for haddock and pollock. Tides matter here—plan around them.
Lakes Region (Winnipesaukee, Squam, Newfound)
Lakes around central New Hampshire offer deepwater trolling for salmon and lake trout early in the season, then transition to bass fishing in warmer months. Guides run small fiberglass boats or aluminum rigs with downriggers. Drop shot and Ned rigs work for smallmouth on rocky points. In winter, these same lakes turn into ice fishing hubs—tip-ups with live bait or jigging for lakers.
Connecticut River & Upper Valley
This western stretch of the state offers solid river smallmouth action, along with stocked trout sections and backwater pike zones. Smallmouth love rocky shoals and boulders—crankbaits and tubes work well. Spring means high water, but summer is float-trip season. There’s also carp in the deeper eddies if you’re looking for a fight on light tackle.
White Mountains Streams
For wild brook trout and peace and quiet, head into the higher elevations. Streams here are cold, clear, and full of native trout. Small spinners, dry flies, and micro jigs all produce. Expect tight casting quarters and plenty of hiking. Late spring through early fall is the window—snowmelt runs strong early, but by June things settle in nicely.
Fishing Seasons in New Hampshire
Spring
Ice-out kicks things off in late March or April. Trolling reigns early—lead core lines, DB smelt spoons, and live shiners for lake trout and salmon. Rivers run high, but trout start to wake up on nymphs and small spinners. Stripers begin arriving mid-May near Portsmouth, chasing herring and mackerel. Bass are pre-spawn and aggressive.
Summer
Saltwater fishing peaks in June and July. Stripers push into every creek and channel, and haddock bite offshore when weather allows. Inland, bass are post-spawn and hitting topwater. Salmon move deeper—downriggers become essential. Nights stay cool up north, but early mornings are best. Smallmouth are consistent in rocky lakes and rivers.
Fall
Big transitions in both fresh and salt. Salmon and trout move shallow again, chasing baitfish. Bass school up and hit jigs and jerkbaits. Stripers feed hard before their run south, especially around river mouths and rocky shoreline. Leaf drop can clog gear in rivers, but fish are active. It’s short but excellent.
Winter
Hardwater season is a major part of New Hampshire fishing. Lake trout, perch, crappie, and bass through the ice. Lake Winnipesaukee and Newfound are top picks. Jigging spoons or baited tip-ups do most of the work. Bring a heater, and check ice thickness—it changes fast with snow cover.
Most Popular Gamefish in New Hampshire
- Lake Trout – 18–30 inches. Caught deep on Winnipesaukee, Newfound, and Squam. Trolled with spoons or jigged through ice.
- Landlocked Salmon – 15–22 inches. Early season trolling near surface with smelt imitations; deeper with downriggers mid-summer
- Smallmouth Bass – 12–20 inches. Rocks and drop-offs in lakes and rivers. Tubes, drop shots, and crankbaits all work.
- Striped Bass – 20–40 inches. Fished along the coast near Portsmouth and Rye using live bait, plugs, or bucktails.
- Haddock – 16–24 inches. Offshore bottom fishing with clams or squid on bait rigs over hard bottom.
- Brook Trout – 6–14 inches. Found in cold mountain streams. Dry flies, spinners, and small jigs in low, clear water.
- Rainbow Trout – 10–18 inches. Stocked in lakes and rivers. Caught with worms, PowerBait, or flies.
- Bluefish – 20–36 inches. Summer visitors off the coast. Trolled or cast to with metals and soft plastics.
- Pike – 24–36 inches. Backwater sloughs of the Connecticut River. Spinnerbaits, live shiners, and jerkbaits.
New Hampshire Fishing FAQs
Do I need a license to fish in New Hampshire?
Yes—both residents and non-residents need a license for freshwater or saltwater fishing. You can buy them online or at tackle shops.
What are the best fishing spots near Portsmouth?
The Piscataqua River, Little Harbor, and nearby jetties and marshes hold striped bass from late spring through summer. Offshore trips target haddock and pollock.
When does ice fishing season usually start?
Lakes typically freeze enough by mid to late December, but it varies each year. Always check ice thickness and local regulations.
Where can I catch landlocked salmon in New Hampshire?
Your best bet is Lake Winnipesaukee, Newfound Lake, or Squam Lake. Early spring and fall are prime trolling windows.
What gear should I bring for a summer lake trip?
Layered clothing, polarized sunglasses, a good spinning rod for bass or trout, and sunscreen. Downriggers or lead core setups are used for salmon.
Are there kid-friendly fishing charters available?
Yes, many lake guides offer 2–4 hour trips perfect for kids, focusing on panfish or stocked trout. Calm water and easy access.
Is live bait allowed for trout?
In most stocked waters, yes—but some wild trout streams have artificial-only rules. Always check the current regulations.
How far offshore do haddock trips run?
Most haddock charters run 20–35 miles out, usually to Jeffrey’s Ledge. Full-day trips are standard.
Can I fish year-round in New Hampshire?
Yes, but species and methods change with the seasons. Open water fishing peaks spring through fall, then ice fishing takes over.