6 best places to go fishing in New Hampshire this summer

With summer on the way, it’s time to start planning your next fishing trip. These are six of the best places to go fishing in New Hampshire.

Summertime in New England is a uniquely magical experience. The weather is warm, but bodies of water stay cool, making for a perfect balance to outdoor activities. You don’t have to be a beach person to enjoy this naturally occurring happenstance, though. Heading to a nearby lake or river to go fishing for a few hours is equally enjoyable, and it doesn’t require you to buy a new bathing suit, which is always a plus in my book.

Before we wade into the waters (pun intended) of the six best places to go fishing in New Hampshire, let’s go over some important information you need to know before you gather your bait and tackle and head out to catch some trout. 

NH fishing license requirements & where to fish 

Fishing licenses are required for anyone over the age of 16 for freshwater and saltwater locations. If you plan to fish multiple times throughout the summer, you can apply for a general fishing license or a NH Recreational Saltwater Fishing License. Temporary passes are available for those who only want to catch fish over a one, three, or seven-day period, making it an ideal option if you’re just passing through New Hampshire on vacation. For more information on license requirements, click here and here.

Individual maps of fishing spots in New Hampshire (e.g., the Lakes Region, Seacoast, Upper Valley Region, and more) can be found here if you’d like to explore more than the six options we’re about to cover. If you’re a visual learner like me, check out this interactive map of where to fish throughout the Granite State. 

1. Lake Winnipesaukee

As someone who has grown up visiting Lake Winnipesaukee in the summer, I might be slightly biased with this suggestion, but I do think you’ll agree that this is one of the best places to go fishing in New Hampshire. Alton Bay, The Broads, and Moultonborough Bay are a few ideal spots around the lake to find rainbow trout, largemouth and smallmouth bass, yellow perch, white perch, and pickerel, among others. You’re also in for some gorgeous scenery in this area. 

For an in-depth look into what it’s like to fish at Lake Winnipesaukee, including specific season regulations, read through the Naswa Resort’s handy guide here.

A cove located near Bear Island on Lake Winnipesaukee on a sunny day. (John Rosset/CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)

2. Pemigewasset River 

Pemi, or the Pemigewasset River, is stocked with Atlantic salmon, trout, and bass every year by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, though eastern brook trout (squaretails) are some of the most popular among local anglers. Late spring through early fall is the best time to cast a line at this location, so you’ll be in for some prime fishing over June, July, and August. 

Click here for an environmental fact sheet about the area, and here for a closer look at common species found in Pemi, along with some helpful tips you need to know before you go. 

A view of the Pemigewasset River. (Robert Lindsell/CC BY 2.0)

3. Massabesic Lake 

Massabesic Lake is home to horned pout, yellow perch, smallmouth and largemouth bass, pickerel, and white perch, and is sometimes stocked with trout by the state’s Department of Fish and Game. Three boat launches are available around the lake, though the one located at Deerneck Bridge is only for cartop boats. You cannot launch your boat from this location if you have a trailer.

For additional information on the Lake Massabesic Watershed and any fishing restrictions that may be in place, read through the City of Manchester’s Guide here.

*Unrelated to fishing but a fun fact all the same, the lake gets its name, Massabesic, from a Native American word that means “the place of much water.”

Boats on the water of Massabesic Lake. (Jeff L/CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

4. Bear Brook State Park

Fly-fishing is the name of the game at Bear Brook State Park, though regular fishing is common as well. If you’re looking for a good family-friendly place to cast a line and teach your kids how to fish, there’s a special area here for children under the age of 12 who are still getting the hang of things. More information on the park itself, including parking fees, can be found here.

In terms of fishing, the primary species found at Bear Brook State Park are chain pickerel, brook trout, and smallmouth bass. Fishing reports, including daily updates, can be accessed through Fishbrain.com. 

5. Rye Harbor State Park

Now, I personally like to hang around Rye Harbor to watch the surfers, but the state park is a great place to go fishing if that’s more your speed. Recreational shellfish opportunities are available along the coast, and while you’re saltwater fishing at Rye Harbor, expect to see Atlantic salmon, bluefish, striped bass, and winter flounder, among others.

It’s recommended that you use circle hooks when you’re fishing in Rye, as this helps reduce the catch and release mortality rate. To learn more about that, and everything else you need to know about this location, click here. General info about Rye Harbor State Park (including whether you can bring your pet) is listed on the NH State Parks website.

Boats on the water at Rye Harbor State Park. (Dmoore5556/CC BY-SA 4.0)

6. Echo Lake State Park

Rounding out our list of the six best places to go fishing in New Hampshire is Echo Lake State Park. Day use reservations can be made in advance, which I suggest doing, given that walk-in spaces are only available on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Motorized boats are not permitted at Echo Lake, as this beautiful North Conway location is known for being a peaceful place to fish for trout. You can take a canoe or kayak onto the lake, or you can fish from the shoreline, depending on your preference.

To learn more about what it’s like to go fishing at Echo Lake State Park, click here. 

A view of the water at Echo Lake State Park. (Ken Gallager/CC BY-SA 4.0)

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

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