Photo : Forest Service - Northern Region, Public domain, Wikimedia Commons
New Hampshire
State, United States. Authority : New Hampshire Fish and Game Department.
2026 rules, checked on 23 September 2026.
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- Licence
- US$63Nonresident Freshwater Fishing
- Next opening
- —
- Minimum sizes
- 71.1 cmNorthern pike
Useful gear for this area
Chosen from the species and size limits regulated in this area.
Responsible gearDigital Hanging Scale 50 kgTo check the minimum size: Northern pike 71.1 cm here.
€30.90£16.90Not shipped to the United States
Fishing Accessory Box, 329 PiecesFor : northern pike, zander, walleye · feeder fishing
€45.90£25.90Not shipped to the United States
Responsible gearPredator Unhooking Kit: Gloves + Jaw SpreaderFor : northern pike, zander, walleye
€30.90£15.90Not shipped to the United States
Where to fish
© OpenStreetMap
2026 season calendar
General rule; lakes and ponds: open water ice-out to ice-in plus through-ice rules (2 fish)
May 15 - June 15 catch and release only, artificial lures and flies only
2 fish daily, minimum 15 inches
Solid bars: fishing allowed. Yellow line: today.
Minimum sizes
| Species | Minimum size | 0–80 cm |
|---|---|---|
| Walleye3 statewide general rule (lakes/ponds and rivers/streams) | 45.7 cm | |
| Northern pike3 statewide general rule | 71.1 cm | |
| Lake trout3 lakes and ponds general rule | 38.1 cm | |
| Landlocked salmon3 lakes and ponds general rule | 38.1 cm |
To check the minimum size: Northern pike 71.1 cm here. Digital Hanging Scale 50 kg €30.90£16.90Not shipped to the United States
Bag limits
| Species | Fish you may keep |
|---|---|
| Black bass (smallmouth and largemouth)3 June 16 - Dec. 31 (rivers: to Oct. 15); 2 fish Jan. 1 - May 14; catch and release May 15 - June 15 | 5 per day |
| Walleye3 no closed season on lakes/ponds; rivers Jan. 1 - Oct. 15 | 2 per day |
| Northern pike3 no closed season on lakes/ponds; rivers Jan. 1 - Oct. 15 | 1 per day |
| Trout (brook, rainbow, brown)3 5 fish or 5 pounds, whichever first (open water); 2 fish through the ice | 5 per day |
Licence
| Licence | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Resident Freshwater Fishing License1 | annual | US$45 |
| Resident Freshwater Fishing1 | annual | US$45 |
| Resident 1-day Freshwater Fishing1 | 1-day | US$10 |
| Senior Freshwater Fishing (resident, 68+)1 | annual | US$7 |
| Resident Hunting/Freshwater Fishing Combination (excl. $2.50 Wildlife Habitat Fee)1 | annual | US$56 |
| Nonresident Freshwater Fishing1 | annual | US$63 |
| Nonresident 1-day Freshwater Fishing1 | 1-day | US$15 |
| Nonresident 3-day Freshwater Fishing1 | 3-day | US$28 |
| Nonresident 7-day Freshwater Fishing1 | 7-day | US$35 |
Buy the licence on wildlife.nh.gov
- Ages and exemptions2
- License required for ages 16 and older (under 16 exempt). Senior Freshwater Fishing license ($7) for N.H. residents at least 68 years of age (born in 1948 or later). Prices include $1 agent fee and $1 Fisheries Habitat Fee; $2.00 transaction fee ($2.75 online) extra.
Good to know
General rules differ for lakes/ponds vs rivers/streams, with many waters under special rules. Black bass catch-and-release only (artificial lures/flies) May 15 - June 15. Landlocked salmon cannot be taken Oct. 1 - March 31.
What the authority does not publish
Points we could not find in the official texts: check with the authority.
- official price page shows no year label (current prices, consulted 2026-09-23)
- black bass minimum length not stated in general rules
- license validity (calendar year) not confirmed
- eRegulations digest used as official NH digest; agency link to it not verified on wildlife.nh.gov (site blocks automated access)
Rules change every year and can be amended during the season. Before fishing, check the text in force with the authority listed.
Where to fish
Fishing places listed in the official sources.
- Lake Winnipesaukee lake, Belknap County
Rainbow trout, Atlantic salmon, Lake trout, Smallmouth bass, Largemouth bass, Bluegill View on the map - Umbagog Lake lake, Coos County
Brook trout, Atlantic salmon, Smallmouth bass, Largemouth bass View on the map - Squam Lake lake, Belknap County
Rainbow trout, Atlantic salmon, Lake trout, Smallmouth bass, Largemouth bass View on the map - Newfound Lake lake, Grafton County
Rainbow trout, Atlantic salmon, Lake trout, Smallmouth bass View on the map - Lake Winnisquam lake, Belknap County
Rainbow trout, Atlantic salmon, Lake trout, Smallmouth bass, Largemouth bass, Bluegill View on the map - Lake Sunapee lake, Sullivan County
Atlantic salmon, Lake trout, Smallmouth bass, Largemouth bass View on the map - Moore Reservoir (Connecticut River) reservoir, Essex County
Brook trout, Rainbow trout, Brown trout, Smallmouth bass, Largemouth bass, Northern pike View on the map - Ossipee Lake lake, Carroll County
Rainbow trout, Brown trout, Atlantic salmon, Lake trout, Smallmouth bass, Largemouth bass View on the map - First Connecticut Lake lake, Coos County
Atlantic salmon, Lake trout View on the map - Lake Massabesic lake, Rockingham County
Brook trout, Rainbow trout, Brown trout, Smallmouth bass, Largemouth bass, Northern pike, Bluegill View on the map - Lake Francis lake, Coos County
Rainbow trout, Brown trout, Atlantic salmon, Lake trout View on the map - Great East Lake lake, York County
Rainbow trout, Brown trout, Lake trout, Smallmouth bass, Largemouth bass, Bluegill View on the map
Frequently asked questions
How much is a fishing licence in New Hampshire in 2026?
The “Nonresident Freshwater Fishing” licence costs US$63 (annual). Other options and prices are in the table above, with the official source.
What is the minimum size for northern pike in New Hampshire?
Northern pike: 71.1 cm. Any smaller fish must be released immediately.
Official sources
- NH Fish and Game - License Prices (accessed on 23 September 2026)
- 2026 NH Freshwater Fishing Digest - Licenses: Fees & Requirements (accessed on 23 September 2026)
- 2026 NH Freshwater Fishing Digest - Lakes & Ponds General Rules (accessed on 23 September 2026)
- 2026 NH Freshwater Fishing Digest - Rivers & Streams General Rules (accessed on 23 September 2026)
- www.eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater
Last checked : 23 September 2026.