144 regulations for New Hampshire, United States. Page 1 of 2.
Black Crappie — Connecticut River (New Hampshire)
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 25 each species; no more than 50 fish total combined for black crappie. No length or weight limits. Connecticut River (NH-VT interstate) rules: all New Hampshire resident and Vermont resident fishing licenses are valid; all other nonresidents with a N.H. nonresident fishing license shall only take fish east of the Vermont low water mark. Open to fishing all year, except no fishing Oct. 16 - Dec. 31 from the confluence of the Upper Ammonoosuc River and the Connecticut River in Northumberland, NH, to the northern boundary of the town of Canaan, VT. No more than 6 ice fishing devices are allowed; in open water no more than 2 lines may be used. No open season for Atlantic salmon until declared by the Connecticut River Atlantic Salmon Commission. These interstate limits apply along the entire NH-VT length of the Connecticut River, and the seasonal Northumberland-to-Canaan closure is the only reach-specific exception; elsewhere on the river these same limits apply. For species not listed in the interstate species rules, the general rules apply. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: Open to fishing all year (except the Northumberland-Canaan closure Oct. 16 - Dec. 31) · Daily limit: 25 each species; no more than 50 fish total combined · Size limit: No length or weight limits. · License required
Black Crappie — Lake Winnipesaukee
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 25 each species; no more than 50 fish total combined (white and yellow perch, black crappie, sunfish, horned pout) for black crappie. No length or weight limits. General rules for white and yellow perch, black crappie, sunfish and horned pout: 25 fish each species daily limit; no more than 50 fish total combined; no length or weight limits. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: No closed season (General Fishing Rules for Lakes & Ponds) · Daily limit: 25 each species; no more than 50 fish total combined (white and yellow perch, black crappie, sunfish, horned pout) · Size limit: No length or weight limits. · License required
Black Crappie — Massabesic Lake
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 25 each species; no more than 50 fish total combined (white and yellow perch, black crappie, sunfish, horned pout) for black crappie. No length or weight limits. General rules for white and yellow perch, black crappie, sunfish and horned pout: 25 fish each species daily limit; no more than 50 fish total combined; no length or weight limits. Water supply reservoir — partially closed to human activity: (1) the Back or West Pond of Lake Massabesic north and west of the line beginning at Fire Point, then due west to the Hillsborough-Rockingham county line, then southerly by the said line, crossing Birch Island to the mainland as marked by floats and signs; and (2) the outlet of Lake Massabesic from the outlet dam downstream to and including Mill Pond at Island Pond Road and the canal carrying the water to the pumping station. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: No closed season (General Fishing Rules for Lakes & Ponds) · Daily limit: 25 each species; no more than 50 fish total combined (white and yellow perch, black crappie, sunfish, horned pout) · Size limit: No length or weight limits. · License required
Black Crappie — Merrimack River (New Hampshire)
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 25 each species; no more than 50 fish total combined (white and yellow perch, black crappie, sunfish, horned pout) for black crappie. No length or weight limits. Merrimack River special rules: from Franklin to the Massachusetts border (except closed sections) — no closed season for all species except salmon; daily limit of 2 trout through the ice. These limits apply over the entire river in New Hampshire from Franklin to the Massachusetts border; the only reach-specific exceptions are the year-round closures below. Closed to all fishing: Garvins Falls Dam in Bow from the canal wall, including the fish bypass plunge pool, to a point 300 feet downstream; and in Manchester from the upstream side of Amoskeag Dam to the upstream side of Amoskeag Bridge, and between the west bank and the island adjacent to the powerhouse for 500 feet downstream of the fishway entrance. General rules for white and yellow perch, black crappie, sunfish and horned pout: 25 fish each species daily limit; no more than 50 fish total combined; no length or weight limits. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: No closed season for all species except salmon (Franklin to the Massachusetts border, except closed sections) · Daily limit: 25 each species; no more than 50 fish total combined (white and yellow perch, black crappie, sunfish, horned pout) · Size limit: No length or weight limits. · License required
Black Crappie — Winnisquam Lake
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 25 each species; no more than 50 fish total combined (white and yellow perch, black crappie, sunfish, horned pout) for black crappie. No length or weight limits. General rules for white and yellow perch, black crappie, sunfish and horned pout: 25 fish each species daily limit; no more than 50 fish total combined; no length or weight limits. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: No closed season (General Fishing Rules for Lakes & Ponds) · Daily limit: 25 each species; no more than 50 fish total combined (white and yellow perch, black crappie, sunfish, horned pout) · Size limit: No length or weight limits. · License required
Bluegill — Massabesic Lake
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 25 each species; no more than 50 fish total combined (white and yellow perch, black crappie, sunfish, horned pout) for bluegill. No length or weight limits. General rules for white and yellow perch, black crappie, sunfish and horned pout: 25 fish each species daily limit; no more than 50 fish total combined; no length or weight limits. (Sunfish limits shown on this species.) Water supply reservoir — partially closed to human activity: (1) the Back or West Pond of Lake Massabesic north and west of the line beginning at Fire Point, then due west to the Hillsborough-Rockingham county line, then southerly by the said line, crossing Birch Island to the mainland as marked by floats and signs; and (2) the outlet of Lake Massabesic from the outlet dam downstream to and including Mill Pond at Island Pond Road and the canal carrying the water to the pumping station. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: No closed season (General Fishing Rules for Lakes & Ponds) · Daily limit: 25 each species; no more than 50 fish total combined (white and yellow perch, black crappie, sunfish, horned pout) · Size limit: No length or weight limits. · License required
Bluegill — Merrimack River (New Hampshire)
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 25 each species; no more than 50 fish total combined (white and yellow perch, black crappie, sunfish, horned pout) for bluegill. No length or weight limits. Merrimack River special rules: from Franklin to the Massachusetts border (except closed sections) — no closed season for all species except salmon; daily limit of 2 trout through the ice. These limits apply over the entire river in New Hampshire from Franklin to the Massachusetts border; the only reach-specific exceptions are the year-round closures below. Closed to all fishing: Garvins Falls Dam in Bow from the canal wall, including the fish bypass plunge pool, to a point 300 feet downstream; and in Manchester from the upstream side of Amoskeag Dam to the upstream side of Amoskeag Bridge, and between the west bank and the island adjacent to the powerhouse for 500 feet downstream of the fishway entrance. General rules for white and yellow perch, black crappie, sunfish and horned pout: 25 fish each species daily limit; no more than 50 fish total combined; no length or weight limits. (Sunfish limits shown on this species.) Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: No closed season for all species except salmon (Franklin to the Massachusetts border, except closed sections) · Daily limit: 25 each species; no more than 50 fish total combined (white and yellow perch, black crappie, sunfish, horned pout) · Size limit: No length or weight limits. · License required
Brook Trout — Androscoggin River (New Hampshire)
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 5 fish or 5 pounds under general river rules; 2 fish (12-inch minimum) in the fly-fishing-only section below Errol Dam; catch-and-release only from Sawmill Dam to the Maine line for brook trout. Minimum length 12 inches in the Errol Dam - Bragg Bay fly-fishing-only section; no length limit elsewhere. Androscoggin River special rules by section: Errol Dam to the markers at the dead water at Bragg Bay — fly-fishing only, daily limit for trout 2 fish, minimum length 12 inches. Dummer-Cambridge town line to Pontook Dam — no closed season for all species except salmon, daily limit of 2 trout through the ice. Wheeler Bay in Dummer to Sawmill Dam in Berlin — brown trout may be taken any time of day or night during the open season. Sawmill Dam in Berlin to the ME/NH boundary — no closed season for all species, single barbless hook, artificial lures/flies, catch-and-release all species. Elsewhere the general rules for rivers and streams apply. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: January 1 to October 15 generally; no closed season (except salmon) from the Dummer-Cambridge town line to Pontook Dam and from Sawmill Dam to the ME/NH boundary · Daily limit: 5 fish or 5 pounds under general river rules; 2 fish (12-inch minimum) in the fly-fishing-only section below Errol Dam; catch-and-release only from Sawmill Dam to the Maine line · Size limit: Minimum length 12 inches in the Errol Dam - Bragg Bay fly-fishing-only section; no length limit elsewhere. · License required
Brook Trout — Back Lake
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 5 fish or 5 pounds combined (trout), whichever limit is reached first for brook trout. No length limit. Trout Pond rules: trout ponds open on the fourth Saturday in April; closed to salmon October 1 and to all species October 16. Fishing for any species is prohibited from October 16 until the fourth Saturday in April the following year. The daily combined limit for trout is 5 fish or 5 pounds, whichever limit is reached first. The use of live fish, or their eggs, for bait is prohibited (salmon eggs are permitted). Trout ponds are closed to ice fishing. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: Fourth Saturday in April through October 15 (closed to salmon October 1; fishing for any species prohibited October 16 until the fourth Saturday in April) · Daily limit: 5 fish or 5 pounds combined (trout), whichever limit is reached first · Size limit: No length limit. · License required
Brook Trout — Connecticut River (New Hampshire)
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 5 fish or 5 pounds through open water (1 fish from Samuel Moore Dam to the Rte. 18 bridge); 2 fish through the ice (1 fish in the same section); 2 fish (fly-fishing only) in designated Pittsburg headwater sections for brook trout. No length limit generally; 12-inch minimum in the First CT Lake dam - Lake Francis fly-fishing-only section. Connecticut River (NH-VT interstate) rules: all New Hampshire resident and Vermont resident fishing licenses are valid; all other nonresidents with a N.H. nonresident fishing license shall only take fish east of the Vermont low water mark. Open to fishing all year, except no fishing Oct. 16 - Dec. 31 from the confluence of the Upper Ammonoosuc River and the Connecticut River in Northumberland, NH, to the northern boundary of the town of Canaan, VT. No more than 6 ice fishing devices are allowed; in open water no more than 2 lines may be used. No open season for Atlantic salmon until declared by the Connecticut River Atlantic Salmon Commission. These interstate limits apply along the entire NH-VT length of the Connecticut River, and the seasonal Northumberland-to-Canaan closure is the only reach-specific exception; elsewhere on the river these same limits apply. Trout: the season for taking trout by all legal methods shall open on January 1 and close October 15. Through open water, the daily limit is 5 fish or 5 pounds (whichever limit is first reached), except the daily limit is 1 fish from the Samuel Moore Dam downstream to the Rte. 18 bridge. Through the ice, the daily limit is 2 fish (1 fish in the same section). From the Pittsburg, NH-Canaan, VT boundary downstream to the West Stewartstown-Canaan bridge, from January 1 through March 31, all trout and salmon shall be immediately released unharmed and fishing is permitted with barbless, single hook lures and flies only. Pittsburg headwater sections: dam at Second CT Lake to the Magalloway Road logging bridge — fly-fishing only, catch-and-release for all species; Magalloway Rd bridge to Green's Point on First CT Lake — fly-fishing only, daily limit for trout 2 fish; First CT Lake dam to the signs on Lake Francis — fly-fishing only, 2 trout, minimum length 12 inches. Lyman Falls special section (North Stratford): artificial lures and flies only, barbless hooks, all fish immediately released unharmed. Vernon Dam and Wilder Dam are closed to all fishing to a point 150 feet below each dam. Elsewhere on the river, the statewide New Hampshire limits apply. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: January 1 to October 15 (trout) · Daily limit: 5 fish or 5 pounds through open water (1 fish from Samuel Moore Dam to the Rte. 18 bridge); 2 fish through the ice (1 fish in the same section); 2 fish (fly-fishing only) in designated Pittsburg headwater sections · Size limit: No length limit generally; 12-inch minimum in the First CT Lake dam - Lake Francis fly-fishing-only section. · License required
Brook Trout — Dead Diamond River
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit Catch-and-release for brook trout from the confluence of the Swift Diamond River downstream to the Magalloway River; 5 brook trout or 5 lbs. daily from the headwaters to the Swift Diamond confluence for brook trout. No length limit. Dead Diamond River special rules: from the confluence of the Swift Diamond River downstream to the Magalloway River — Jan. 1 through Sept. 30 season, single barbless hook, artificial lures/flies, catch-and-release for brook trout, no limits for black bass. From the headwaters to the confluence with the Swift Diamond River — Jan. 1 to Sept. 30 season, daily limit of 5 brook trout or 5 lbs., all legal methods. Elsewhere on the river, the statewide New Hampshire limits apply. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: January 1 through September 30 · Daily limit: Catch-and-release for brook trout from the confluence of the Swift Diamond River downstream to the Magalloway River; 5 brook trout or 5 lbs. daily from the headwaters to the Swift Diamond confluence · Size limit: No length limit. · License required
Brook Trout — Ellis River
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 5 fish or 5 pounds under general river rules; 2 fish (fly-fishing only) from the covered bridge to the Iron Railroad Bridge for brook trout. No length limit. Ellis River special rule (Jackson): from the covered bridge in Jackson to the Iron Railroad Bridge in Glen — fly-fishing only, daily limit for trout is 2 fish. Elsewhere the general rules for rivers and streams apply. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: January 1 to October 15 · Daily limit: 5 fish or 5 pounds under general river rules; 2 fish (fly-fishing only) from the covered bridge to the Iron Railroad Bridge · Size limit: No length limit. · License required
Brook Trout — First Connecticut Lake
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit Combined daily limit for salmon and trout is 4 fish (April 1 - September 30), of which no more than 2 fish may be salmon; 2 trout (combined, all trout species) January 1 - March 31 through the ice for brook trout. No minimum length for trout. There is no minimum length for trout. Lake trout minimum length is 15 inches. From April 1 through September 30, the combined daily limit for salmon and trout is 4 fish, of which no more than 2 fish may be salmon. The daily limit for lake trout is 2 fish. Lake Trout and/or Salmon Lake rules: minimum length for trout, lake trout and landlocked salmon is 15 inches; the head and tail must remain intact while on or leaving the waters of the state. From January 1 to March 31, fish may be taken by ice fishing only, the combined daily bag limit for all trout species is 2 fish, the daily limit for lake trout is 2 fish, and the water is closed to the taking of landlocked salmon (salmon season is April 1 to September 30); two ice fishing devices are allowed per person — single hook with single hook point for bait, or an artificial lure or flies. From April 1 to September 30, the combined daily bag limit for all trout species is 2 fish and the daily limit for lake trout is 2 fish; open to the taking of all species, except no smelt may be taken from March 15 to June 15. From October 1 until December 31, closed to the taking of trout, lake trout, salmon, and whitefish, and trolling is prohibited. From April 1 through December 31, no person may take fish through the ice. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: Open year-round subject to Lake Trout and/or Salmon Lake restrictions: January 1 to March 31 ice fishing only; October 1 until December 31 closed to the taking of trout, lake trout, salmon, and whitefish · Daily limit: Combined daily limit for salmon and trout is 4 fish (April 1 - September 30), of which no more than 2 fish may be salmon; 2 trout (combined, all trout species) January 1 - March 31 through the ice · Size limit: No minimum length for trout. · License required
Brook Trout — Lake Francis
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit Combined daily limit for salmon and trout is 4 fish (April 1 - September 30), of which no more than 2 fish may be salmon; 2 trout (combined, all trout species) January 1 - March 31 through the ice for brook trout. No minimum length for trout. There is no minimum length for trout. Lake trout minimum length is 15 inches. From April 1 through September 30, the combined daily limit for salmon and trout is 4 fish, of which no more than 2 fish may be salmon. The daily limit for lake trout is 2 fish. Lake Trout and/or Salmon Lake rules: minimum length for trout, lake trout and landlocked salmon is 15 inches; the head and tail must remain intact while on or leaving the waters of the state. From January 1 to March 31, fish may be taken by ice fishing only, the combined daily bag limit for all trout species is 2 fish, the daily limit for lake trout is 2 fish, and the water is closed to the taking of landlocked salmon (salmon season is April 1 to September 30); two ice fishing devices are allowed per person — single hook with single hook point for bait, or an artificial lure or flies. From April 1 to September 30, the combined daily bag limit for all trout species is 2 fish and the daily limit for lake trout is 2 fish; open to the taking of all species, except no smelt may be taken from March 15 to June 15. From October 1 until December 31, closed to the taking of trout, lake trout, salmon, and whitefish, and trolling is prohibited. From April 1 through December 31, no person may take fish through the ice. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: Open year-round subject to Lake Trout and/or Salmon Lake restrictions: January 1 to March 31 ice fishing only; October 1 until December 31 closed to the taking of trout, lake trout, salmon, and whitefish · Daily limit: Combined daily limit for salmon and trout is 4 fish (April 1 - September 30), of which no more than 2 fish may be salmon; 2 trout (combined, all trout species) January 1 - March 31 through the ice · Size limit: No minimum length for trout. · License required
Brook Trout — Magalloway River
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit Catch-and-release for trout for brook trout. All trout must be released. Magalloway River special rules apply only within the New Hampshire sections named here. All NH sections downstream to the markers at the confluence with Sturtevant Stream — Jan. 1 through Sept. 30, single barbless hook, artificial lures/flies, catch-and-release for trout, no limits on black bass. From Sturtevant Stream to the confluence of Umbagog Lake — Jan. 1 through May 31 and the day after Labor Day through September 30: single barbless hook, artificial lures/flies, catch-and-release for trout, fishing from the ice prohibited; June 1 through Labor Day: single hook artificial lures/flies, only a single hook point may be used with bait, all hooks barbless or barbs pinched, use or possession of live fish for bait prohibited, catch and release for trout. Closed to all fishing Oct. 1 - Dec. 31. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: January 1 through September 30 (upper river); lower river to Umbagog Lake: Jan. 1 through May 31 and the day after Labor Day through September 30, plus June 1 through Labor Day under additional tackle rules; closed to all fishing Oct. 1 - Dec. 31 · Daily limit: Catch-and-release for trout · Size limit: All trout must be released. · License required
Brook Trout — Pemigewasset River
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 5 fish or 5 pounds under general river rules; 2 trout through the ice in the no-closed-season sections for brook trout. No length limit. Pemigewasset River special rules (Bristol to Franklin sections): from the Route 104 bridge to Ayers Island Dam, from 300 ft. below Ayers Island Dam to the Eastman Falls Dam in Franklin, and from 150 ft. below Eastman Falls Dam to the confluence of the Winnipesaukee River — no closed season for all species except salmon, daily limit of 2 trout through the ice. Closed to all fishing: from Ayers Island Dam 300 ft. downstream and from Eastman Falls Dam 150 ft. downstream. Elsewhere the general rules for rivers and streams apply. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: January 1 to October 15 generally; no closed season (except salmon) in the Bristol-Franklin special sections · Daily limit: 5 fish or 5 pounds under general river rules; 2 trout through the ice in the no-closed-season sections · Size limit: No length limit. · License required
Brook Trout — Pleasant Lake
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 5 fish or 5 pounds combined (trout), whichever limit is reached first for brook trout. No length limit. Trout Pond rules: trout ponds open on the fourth Saturday in April; closed to salmon October 1 and to all species October 16. Fishing for any species is prohibited from October 16 until the fourth Saturday in April the following year. The daily combined limit for trout is 5 fish or 5 pounds, whichever limit is reached first. The use of live fish, or their eggs, for bait is prohibited (salmon eggs are permitted). Trout ponds are closed to ice fishing. Pleasant Lake special rule: use or possession of rainbow smelt for bait shall be permitted. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: Fourth Saturday in April through October 15 (closed to salmon October 1; fishing for any species prohibited October 16 until the fourth Saturday in April) · Daily limit: 5 fish or 5 pounds combined (trout), whichever limit is reached first · Size limit: No length limit. · License required
Brook Trout — Profile Lake
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 2, of which only one may be over 16 inches for brook trout. Brook trout 12 to 16 inches must be immediately released unharmed. Fly-Fishing-Only Pond: all Trout Pond rules apply; in addition, fish may be taken only by fly-fishing (trolling or casting with only fly rod, fly reel, and fly line combination with an artificial fly or cast of artificial flies attached; spinning, spincast and casting rods and reels and lead core lines are not permitted). Profile Lake special rule: No person shall take brook trout 12 to 16 inches in length. All brook trout 12 to 16 inches shall be immediately released unharmed. The daily limit for brook trout shall be 2 fish, of which only one may be over 16 inches. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: Fourth Saturday in April through October 15 (closed to salmon October 1; fishing for any species prohibited October 16 until the fourth Saturday in April) · Daily limit: 2, of which only one may be over 16 inches · Size limit: Brook trout 12 to 16 inches must be immediately released unharmed. · License required
Brook Trout — Saco River (New Hampshire)
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 5 fish or 5 pounds under general river rules; 2 fish (fly-fishing only) from Lucy Brook to Artist Falls Brook for brook trout. No length limit. Saco River special rule (Conway): from Lucy Brook downstream to the confluence with Artist Falls Brook — fly-fishing only, daily limit for trout is 2 fish. Elsewhere the general rules for rivers and streams apply (January 1 to October 15; 5 fish or 5 pounds). Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: January 1 to October 15 · Daily limit: 5 fish or 5 pounds under general river rules; 2 fish (fly-fishing only) from Lucy Brook to Artist Falls Brook · Size limit: No length limit. · License required
Brook Trout — Umbagog Lake
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 1 for brook trout. Minimum length 18 inches. New Hampshire-Maine interstate water: all New Hampshire and Maine fishing licenses are valid. It is unlawful to fish in open water from January 1 - March 31, or to have more than two lines in use in open water. Ice fishing is allowed only from January 1 to March 31 in lakes and ponds (except cusk and salmon); no more than five lines (two on Great East Lake). It is unlawful to take, sell or possess for use as bait any of the following fish, dead or living — pickerel, goldfish, yellow perch, white perch, bass, sunfish, crappie, horned pout, carp or any spiny-finned fish. Umbagog Lake exceptions: that portion of Umbagog Lake north of a straight line between Molls Rock, Errol, New Hampshire and the red post between Spillman and Glassby Coves, Magalloway Plantation, Maine shall be closed to ice fishing; brook trout minimum length is 18 inches; brook trout daily limit is 1 fish. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: January 1 - September 30; catch and release only October 1 - December 31 · Daily limit: 1 · Size limit: Minimum length 18 inches. · License required
Brook Trout — Willard Pond
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 5 fish or 5 pounds combined (trout), whichever limit is reached first for brook trout. No length limit. Fly-Fishing-Only Pond: all Trout Pond rules apply; in addition, fish may be taken only by fly-fishing (trolling or casting with only fly rod, fly reel, and fly line combination with an artificial fly or cast of artificial flies attached; spinning, spincast and casting rods and reels and lead core lines are not permitted). Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: Fourth Saturday in April through October 15 (closed to salmon October 1; fishing for any species prohibited October 16 until the fourth Saturday in April) · Daily limit: 5 fish or 5 pounds combined (trout), whichever limit is reached first · Size limit: No length limit. · License required
Brown Trout — Androscoggin River (New Hampshire)
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 5 fish or 5 pounds under general river rules; 2 fish (12-inch minimum) in the fly-fishing-only section below Errol Dam; catch-and-release only from Sawmill Dam to the Maine line for brown trout. Minimum length 12 inches in the Errol Dam - Bragg Bay fly-fishing-only section; no length limit elsewhere. Androscoggin River special rules by section: Errol Dam to the markers at the dead water at Bragg Bay — fly-fishing only, daily limit for trout 2 fish, minimum length 12 inches. Dummer-Cambridge town line to Pontook Dam — no closed season for all species except salmon, daily limit of 2 trout through the ice. Wheeler Bay in Dummer to Sawmill Dam in Berlin — brown trout may be taken any time of day or night during the open season. Sawmill Dam in Berlin to the ME/NH boundary — no closed season for all species, single barbless hook, artificial lures/flies, catch-and-release all species. Elsewhere the general rules for rivers and streams apply. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: January 1 to October 15 generally; no closed season (except salmon) from the Dummer-Cambridge town line to Pontook Dam and from Sawmill Dam to the ME/NH boundary · Daily limit: 5 fish or 5 pounds under general river rules; 2 fish (12-inch minimum) in the fly-fishing-only section below Errol Dam; catch-and-release only from Sawmill Dam to the Maine line · Size limit: Minimum length 12 inches in the Errol Dam - Bragg Bay fly-fishing-only section; no length limit elsewhere. · License required
Brown Trout — Connecticut River (New Hampshire)
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 5 fish or 5 pounds through open water (1 fish from Samuel Moore Dam to the Rte. 18 bridge); 2 fish through the ice (1 fish in the same section); 2 fish (fly-fishing only) in designated Pittsburg headwater sections for brown trout. No length limit generally; 12-inch minimum in the First CT Lake dam - Lake Francis fly-fishing-only section. Connecticut River (NH-VT interstate) rules: all New Hampshire resident and Vermont resident fishing licenses are valid; all other nonresidents with a N.H. nonresident fishing license shall only take fish east of the Vermont low water mark. Open to fishing all year, except no fishing Oct. 16 - Dec. 31 from the confluence of the Upper Ammonoosuc River and the Connecticut River in Northumberland, NH, to the northern boundary of the town of Canaan, VT. No more than 6 ice fishing devices are allowed; in open water no more than 2 lines may be used. No open season for Atlantic salmon until declared by the Connecticut River Atlantic Salmon Commission. These interstate limits apply along the entire NH-VT length of the Connecticut River, and the seasonal Northumberland-to-Canaan closure is the only reach-specific exception; elsewhere on the river these same limits apply. Trout: the season for taking trout by all legal methods shall open on January 1 and close October 15. Through open water, the daily limit is 5 fish or 5 pounds (whichever limit is first reached), except the daily limit is 1 fish from the Samuel Moore Dam downstream to the Rte. 18 bridge. Through the ice, the daily limit is 2 fish (1 fish in the same section). From the Pittsburg, NH-Canaan, VT boundary downstream to the West Stewartstown-Canaan bridge, from January 1 through March 31, all trout and salmon shall be immediately released unharmed and fishing is permitted with barbless, single hook lures and flies only. Pittsburg headwater sections: dam at Second CT Lake to the Magalloway Road logging bridge — fly-fishing only, catch-and-release for all species; Magalloway Rd bridge to Green's Point on First CT Lake — fly-fishing only, daily limit for trout 2 fish; First CT Lake dam to the signs on Lake Francis — fly-fishing only, 2 trout, minimum length 12 inches. Lyman Falls special section (North Stratford): artificial lures and flies only, barbless hooks, all fish immediately released unharmed. Vernon Dam and Wilder Dam are closed to all fishing to a point 150 feet below each dam. Elsewhere on the river, the statewide New Hampshire limits apply. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: January 1 to October 15 (trout) · Daily limit: 5 fish or 5 pounds through open water (1 fish from Samuel Moore Dam to the Rte. 18 bridge); 2 fish through the ice (1 fish in the same section); 2 fish (fly-fishing only) in designated Pittsburg headwater sections · Size limit: No length limit generally; 12-inch minimum in the First CT Lake dam - Lake Francis fly-fishing-only section. · License required
Brown Trout — Contoocook River
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 2 through the ice in the no-closed-season sections; 2 fish (single hook artificials, 12-inch minimum) in the Henniker special section; otherwise 5 fish or 5 pounds under general river rules for brown trout. Minimum length 12 inches in the Henniker special section; no length limit elsewhere. Contoocook River special rules: Contoocook Lake downstream to the area marked with signs and wire in West Henniker, and from 2,500 ft. above the former paper mill dam in West Henniker to the confluence with the Merrimack River — no closed season for all species, daily limit of 2 trout through the ice. Henniker special section (from 2,500 ft. above the former paper mill dam upstream 1 mile, marked by signs and wire) — Jan. 1 through Nov. 30 season, single hook artificial lures/flies, daily limit for trout is 2 fish, minimum length 12 inches. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: No closed season for all species in the special-rule sections; Jan. 1 - Nov. 30 in the Henniker special section · Daily limit: 2 through the ice in the no-closed-season sections; 2 fish (single hook artificials, 12-inch minimum) in the Henniker special section; otherwise 5 fish or 5 pounds under general river rules · Size limit: Minimum length 12 inches in the Henniker special section; no length limit elsewhere. · License required
Brown Trout — Lake Francis
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit Combined daily limit for salmon and trout is 4 fish (April 1 - September 30), of which no more than 2 fish may be salmon; 2 trout (combined, all trout species) January 1 - March 31 through the ice for brown trout. No minimum length for trout. There is no minimum length for trout. Lake trout minimum length is 15 inches. From April 1 through September 30, the combined daily limit for salmon and trout is 4 fish, of which no more than 2 fish may be salmon. The daily limit for lake trout is 2 fish. Lake Trout and/or Salmon Lake rules: minimum length for trout, lake trout and landlocked salmon is 15 inches; the head and tail must remain intact while on or leaving the waters of the state. From January 1 to March 31, fish may be taken by ice fishing only, the combined daily bag limit for all trout species is 2 fish, the daily limit for lake trout is 2 fish, and the water is closed to the taking of landlocked salmon (salmon season is April 1 to September 30); two ice fishing devices are allowed per person — single hook with single hook point for bait, or an artificial lure or flies. From April 1 to September 30, the combined daily bag limit for all trout species is 2 fish and the daily limit for lake trout is 2 fish; open to the taking of all species, except no smelt may be taken from March 15 to June 15. From October 1 until December 31, closed to the taking of trout, lake trout, salmon, and whitefish, and trolling is prohibited. From April 1 through December 31, no person may take fish through the ice. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: Open year-round subject to Lake Trout and/or Salmon Lake restrictions: January 1 to March 31 ice fishing only; October 1 until December 31 closed to the taking of trout, lake trout, salmon, and whitefish · Daily limit: Combined daily limit for salmon and trout is 4 fish (April 1 - September 30), of which no more than 2 fish may be salmon; 2 trout (combined, all trout species) January 1 - March 31 through the ice · Size limit: No minimum length for trout. · License required
Brown Trout — Pemigewasset River
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 5 fish or 5 pounds under general river rules; 2 trout through the ice in the no-closed-season sections for brown trout. No length limit. Pemigewasset River special rules (Bristol to Franklin sections): from the Route 104 bridge to Ayers Island Dam, from 300 ft. below Ayers Island Dam to the Eastman Falls Dam in Franklin, and from 150 ft. below Eastman Falls Dam to the confluence of the Winnipesaukee River — no closed season for all species except salmon, daily limit of 2 trout through the ice. Closed to all fishing: from Ayers Island Dam 300 ft. downstream and from Eastman Falls Dam 150 ft. downstream. Elsewhere the general rules for rivers and streams apply. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: January 1 to October 15 generally; no closed season (except salmon) in the Bristol-Franklin special sections · Daily limit: 5 fish or 5 pounds under general river rules; 2 trout through the ice in the no-closed-season sections · Size limit: No length limit. · License required
Brown Trout — Saco River (New Hampshire)
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 5 fish or 5 pounds under general river rules; 2 fish (fly-fishing only) from Lucy Brook to Artist Falls Brook for brown trout. No length limit. Saco River special rule (Conway): from Lucy Brook downstream to the confluence with Artist Falls Brook — fly-fishing only, daily limit for trout is 2 fish. Elsewhere the general rules for rivers and streams apply (January 1 to October 15; 5 fish or 5 pounds). Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: January 1 to October 15 · Daily limit: 5 fish or 5 pounds under general river rules; 2 fish (fly-fishing only) from Lucy Brook to Artist Falls Brook · Size limit: No length limit. · License required
Brown Trout — Sugar River
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 5 fish or 5 pounds under general river rules; 2 fish (fly-fishing only) in the Newport special section for brown trout. No length limit. Sugar River special rule (Newport): Rte. 11/103 Bridge to the so-called Oak Street Bridge — Jan. 1 - Nov. 30 season, fly-fishing only, daily limit for trout is 2 fish. Elsewhere the general rules for rivers and streams apply. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: January 1 to October 15 generally; Jan. 1 - Nov. 30 in the Newport fly-fishing-only section · Daily limit: 5 fish or 5 pounds under general river rules; 2 fish (fly-fishing only) in the Newport special section · Size limit: No length limit. · License required
Brown Trout — Umbagog Lake
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 2 for brown trout. Minimum length 10 inches in lakes and ponds. New Hampshire-Maine interstate water: all New Hampshire and Maine fishing licenses are valid. It is unlawful to fish in open water from January 1 - March 31, or to have more than two lines in use in open water. Ice fishing is allowed only from January 1 to March 31 in lakes and ponds (except cusk and salmon); no more than five lines (two on Great East Lake). It is unlawful to take, sell or possess for use as bait any of the following fish, dead or living — pickerel, goldfish, yellow perch, white perch, bass, sunfish, crappie, horned pout, carp or any spiny-finned fish. Umbagog Lake exceptions: that portion of Umbagog Lake north of a straight line between Molls Rock, Errol, New Hampshire and the red post between Spillman and Glassby Coves, Magalloway Plantation, Maine shall be closed to ice fishing; brook trout minimum length is 18 inches; brook trout daily limit is 1 fish. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: January 1 - September 30; catch and release only October 1 - December 31 · Daily limit: 2 · Size limit: Minimum length 10 inches in lakes and ponds. · License required
Burbot — Lake Winnipesaukee
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit No daily limit for burbot. No length or weight limits. General rules for cusk (the New England name for burbot): no daily limits; no length or weight limits. Cusk can be taken by all legal methods (angling, trolling, tip-ups); six cusk fishing devices may be used to take cusk through the ice on approved waterbodies. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: No closed season (General Fishing Rules for Lakes & Ponds) · Daily limit: No daily limit · Size limit: No length or weight limits. · License required
Chain Pickerel — Connecticut River (New Hampshire)
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 10 for chain pickerel. No length limit. Connecticut River (NH-VT interstate) rules: all New Hampshire resident and Vermont resident fishing licenses are valid; all other nonresidents with a N.H. nonresident fishing license shall only take fish east of the Vermont low water mark. Open to fishing all year, except no fishing Oct. 16 - Dec. 31 from the confluence of the Upper Ammonoosuc River and the Connecticut River in Northumberland, NH, to the northern boundary of the town of Canaan, VT. No more than 6 ice fishing devices are allowed; in open water no more than 2 lines may be used. No open season for Atlantic salmon until declared by the Connecticut River Atlantic Salmon Commission. These interstate limits apply along the entire NH-VT length of the Connecticut River, and the seasonal Northumberland-to-Canaan closure is the only reach-specific exception; elsewhere on the river these same limits apply. Chain pickerel: the daily limit is 10 fish. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: Open to fishing all year (except the Northumberland-Canaan closure Oct. 16 - Dec. 31) · Daily limit: 10 · Size limit: No length limit. · License required
Chain Pickerel — Lake Winnipesaukee
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 10 for chain pickerel. No length or weight limits. General rules for chain pickerel: 10 fish daily limit; no length or weight limits. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: No closed season (General Fishing Rules for Lakes & Ponds) · Daily limit: 10 · Size limit: No length or weight limits. · License required
Chain Pickerel — Lamprey River
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 10 for chain pickerel. No length or weight limits. Lamprey River special rules: Raymond/Deerfield town line to Wiswall Dam — no closed season for all species, daily limit of 2 trout through the ice. Wiswall Dam to the first railroad trestle downstream of Packers Falls — no closed season for all species; Oct. 16 to the 4th Saturday in April — catch-and-release, single barbless hook, artificial lures/flies; 4th Saturday in April through Oct. 15 — daily limit for trout 5 fish or 5 lbs., all legal methods. Closed to all fishing 200 feet below Wiswall Dam between April 1 and July 31 and in the waters 50 feet above the Wiswall Dam year round. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: No closed season for all species (special-rule sections; see notes) · Daily limit: 10 · Size limit: No length or weight limits. · License required
Chain Pickerel — Massabesic Lake
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 10 for chain pickerel. No length or weight limits. General rules for chain pickerel: 10 fish daily limit; no length or weight limits. Water supply reservoir — partially closed to human activity: (1) the Back or West Pond of Lake Massabesic north and west of the line beginning at Fire Point, then due west to the Hillsborough-Rockingham county line, then southerly by the said line, crossing Birch Island to the mainland as marked by floats and signs; and (2) the outlet of Lake Massabesic from the outlet dam downstream to and including Mill Pond at Island Pond Road and the canal carrying the water to the pumping station. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: No closed season (General Fishing Rules for Lakes & Ponds) · Daily limit: 10 · Size limit: No length or weight limits. · License required
Chain Pickerel — Merrimack River (New Hampshire)
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 10 for chain pickerel. No length or weight limits. Merrimack River special rules: from Franklin to the Massachusetts border (except closed sections) — no closed season for all species except salmon; daily limit of 2 trout through the ice. These limits apply over the entire river in New Hampshire from Franklin to the Massachusetts border; the only reach-specific exceptions are the year-round closures below. Closed to all fishing: Garvins Falls Dam in Bow from the canal wall, including the fish bypass plunge pool, to a point 300 feet downstream; and in Manchester from the upstream side of Amoskeag Dam to the upstream side of Amoskeag Bridge, and between the west bank and the island adjacent to the powerhouse for 500 feet downstream of the fishway entrance. General rules for chain pickerel: 10 fish daily limit; no length or weight limits. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: No closed season for all species except salmon (Franklin to the Massachusetts border, except closed sections) · Daily limit: 10 · Size limit: No length or weight limits. · License required
Chain Pickerel — Ossipee Lake
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 10 for chain pickerel. No length or weight limits. General rules for chain pickerel: 10 fish daily limit; no length or weight limits. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: No closed season (General Fishing Rules for Lakes & Ponds) · Daily limit: 10 · Size limit: No length or weight limits. · License required
Chain Pickerel — Spofford Lake
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 10 for chain pickerel. No length or weight limits. Spofford Lake special rules: (1) this waterbody shall be closed to the taking of all fish October 16 through March 31; (2) the open season for taking all species except smelt shall be from April 1 through October 15; (3) from April 1 through October 15, no person shall take fish through the ice, from the ice, or from any object supported by the ice; (4) the open season for taking smelt shall be June 16 through October 15; (5) the daily limit for trout shall be 2 fish. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: April 1 through October 15 (all species except smelt); closed to the taking of all fish October 16 through March 31 · Daily limit: 10 · Size limit: No length or weight limits. · License required
Chain Pickerel — Umbagog Lake
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 10 for chain pickerel. No length limit. New Hampshire-Maine interstate water: all New Hampshire and Maine fishing licenses are valid. It is unlawful to fish in open water from January 1 - March 31, or to have more than two lines in use in open water. Ice fishing is allowed only from January 1 to March 31 in lakes and ponds (except cusk and salmon); no more than five lines (two on Great East Lake). It is unlawful to take, sell or possess for use as bait any of the following fish, dead or living — pickerel, goldfish, yellow perch, white perch, bass, sunfish, crappie, horned pout, carp or any spiny-finned fish. Umbagog Lake exceptions: that portion of Umbagog Lake north of a straight line between Molls Rock, Errol, New Hampshire and the red post between Spillman and Glassby Coves, Magalloway Plantation, Maine shall be closed to ice fishing; brook trout minimum length is 18 inches; brook trout daily limit is 1 fish. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: Open year round subject to interstate rules · Daily limit: 10 · Size limit: No length limit. · License required
Lake Trout — First Connecticut Lake
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 2 for lake trout. Minimum length 15 inches. There is no minimum length for trout. Lake trout minimum length is 15 inches. From April 1 through September 30, the combined daily limit for salmon and trout is 4 fish, of which no more than 2 fish may be salmon. The daily limit for lake trout is 2 fish. Lake Trout and/or Salmon Lake rules: minimum length for trout, lake trout and landlocked salmon is 15 inches; the head and tail must remain intact while on or leaving the waters of the state. From January 1 to March 31, fish may be taken by ice fishing only, the combined daily bag limit for all trout species is 2 fish, the daily limit for lake trout is 2 fish, and the water is closed to the taking of landlocked salmon (salmon season is April 1 to September 30); two ice fishing devices are allowed per person — single hook with single hook point for bait, or an artificial lure or flies. From April 1 to September 30, the combined daily bag limit for all trout species is 2 fish and the daily limit for lake trout is 2 fish; open to the taking of all species, except no smelt may be taken from March 15 to June 15. From October 1 until December 31, closed to the taking of trout, lake trout, salmon, and whitefish, and trolling is prohibited. From April 1 through December 31, no person may take fish through the ice. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: Open year-round subject to Lake Trout and/or Salmon Lake restrictions: January 1 to March 31 ice fishing only; October 1 until December 31 closed to the taking of trout, lake trout, salmon, and whitefish · Daily limit: 2 · Size limit: Minimum length 15 inches. · License required
Lake Trout — Great East Lake
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 2 for lake trout. Minimum length 16 inches (Great East Lake exception). New Hampshire-Maine interstate water: all New Hampshire and Maine fishing licenses are valid. It is unlawful to fish in open water from January 1 - March 31, or to have more than two lines in use in open water. Ice fishing is allowed only from January 1 to March 31 in lakes and ponds (except cusk and salmon); no more than five lines (two on Great East Lake). It is unlawful to take, sell or possess for use as bait any of the following fish, dead or living — pickerel, goldfish, yellow perch, white perch, bass, sunfish, crappie, horned pout, carp or any spiny-finned fish. Great East Lake exceptions: no more than 2 lines during ice fishing season; lake trout minimum length is 16 inches; no smelt may be taken in tributaries. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: January 1 - September 30; catch and release only October 1 - December 31 · Daily limit: 2 · Size limit: Minimum length 16 inches (Great East Lake exception). · License required
Lake Trout — Lake Francis
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 2 for lake trout. Minimum length 15 inches. There is no minimum length for trout. Lake trout minimum length is 15 inches. From April 1 through September 30, the combined daily limit for salmon and trout is 4 fish, of which no more than 2 fish may be salmon. The daily limit for lake trout is 2 fish. Lake Trout and/or Salmon Lake rules: minimum length for trout, lake trout and landlocked salmon is 15 inches; the head and tail must remain intact while on or leaving the waters of the state. From January 1 to March 31, fish may be taken by ice fishing only, the combined daily bag limit for all trout species is 2 fish, the daily limit for lake trout is 2 fish, and the water is closed to the taking of landlocked salmon (salmon season is April 1 to September 30); two ice fishing devices are allowed per person — single hook with single hook point for bait, or an artificial lure or flies. From April 1 to September 30, the combined daily bag limit for all trout species is 2 fish and the daily limit for lake trout is 2 fish; open to the taking of all species, except no smelt may be taken from March 15 to June 15. From October 1 until December 31, closed to the taking of trout, lake trout, salmon, and whitefish, and trolling is prohibited. From April 1 through December 31, no person may take fish through the ice. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: Open year-round subject to Lake Trout and/or Salmon Lake restrictions: January 1 to March 31 ice fishing only; October 1 until December 31 closed to the taking of trout, lake trout, salmon, and whitefish · Daily limit: 2 · Size limit: Minimum length 15 inches. · License required
Lake Trout — Lake Waukewan
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 2 for lake trout. Minimum length 15 inches. Lake Waukewan special rule: the daily limit for trout shall be 2 fish. General rules for lake trout: January 1 to September 30 — 2 fish daily limit, minimum length 15 inches. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: January 1 to September 30 · Daily limit: 2 · Size limit: Minimum length 15 inches. · License required
Lake Trout — Lake Winnipesaukee
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 2 for lake trout. Minimum length 15 inches. Lake Trout and/or Salmon Lake rules: minimum length for trout, lake trout and landlocked salmon is 15 inches; the head and tail must remain intact while on or leaving the waters of the state. From January 1 to March 31, fish may be taken by ice fishing only, the combined daily bag limit for all trout species is 2 fish, the daily limit for lake trout is 2 fish, and the water is closed to the taking of landlocked salmon (salmon season is April 1 to September 30); two ice fishing devices are allowed per person — single hook with single hook point for bait, or an artificial lure or flies. From April 1 to September 30, the combined daily bag limit for all trout species is 2 fish and the daily limit for lake trout is 2 fish; open to the taking of all species, except no smelt may be taken from March 15 to June 15. From October 1 until December 31, closed to the taking of trout, lake trout, salmon, and whitefish, and trolling is prohibited. From April 1 through December 31, no person may take fish through the ice. Lake Winnipesaukee special rules: the areas of the lake that lie within 500 feet of Gunstock River, Poor Farm Brook, Melvin River, Merrymeeting River, Mink Brook, and Smith River (outlet of Crescent Lake), and the lake area 500 feet on either side of the Main Street bridge in Wolfeboro, are closed to all fishing from Oct. 16 to Dec. 31. The following two areas are closed to all fishing October 1 through March 31: (1) the area of Paugus Bay which lies between the railroad trestle at its south end and the Lakeport Dam in Laconia; (2) the area of open water at Weirs Channel. When trolling to take fish: (1) only one artificial bait, one fly, one tandem fly or one bait shall be used per rod; and (2) only one hook with a single hook point shall be used with bait. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: Open year-round subject to Lake Trout and/or Salmon Lake restrictions: January 1 to March 31 ice fishing only; October 1 until December 31 closed to the taking of trout, lake trout, salmon, and whitefish · Daily limit: 2 · Size limit: Minimum length 15 inches. · License required
Lake Trout — Merrymeeting Lake
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 2 for lake trout. Minimum length 15 inches. Lake Trout and/or Salmon Lake rules: minimum length for trout, lake trout and landlocked salmon is 15 inches; the head and tail must remain intact while on or leaving the waters of the state. From January 1 to March 31, fish may be taken by ice fishing only, the combined daily bag limit for all trout species is 2 fish, the daily limit for lake trout is 2 fish, and the water is closed to the taking of landlocked salmon (salmon season is April 1 to September 30); two ice fishing devices are allowed per person — single hook with single hook point for bait, or an artificial lure or flies. From April 1 to September 30, the combined daily bag limit for all trout species is 2 fish and the daily limit for lake trout is 2 fish; open to the taking of all species, except no smelt may be taken from March 15 to June 15. From October 1 until December 31, closed to the taking of trout, lake trout, salmon, and whitefish, and trolling is prohibited. From April 1 through December 31, no person may take fish through the ice. When trolling to take fish: (1) only one artificial bait, one fly, one tandem fly or one bait shall be used per rod; and (2) only one hook with a single hook point shall be used with bait. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: Open year-round subject to Lake Trout and/or Salmon Lake restrictions: January 1 to March 31 ice fishing only; October 1 until December 31 closed to the taking of trout, lake trout, salmon, and whitefish · Daily limit: 2 · Size limit: Minimum length 15 inches. · License required
Lake Trout — Newfound Lake
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 2 for lake trout. Minimum length 15 inches. Lake Trout and/or Salmon Lake rules: minimum length for trout, lake trout and landlocked salmon is 15 inches; the head and tail must remain intact while on or leaving the waters of the state. From January 1 to March 31, fish may be taken by ice fishing only, the combined daily bag limit for all trout species is 2 fish, the daily limit for lake trout is 2 fish, and the water is closed to the taking of landlocked salmon (salmon season is April 1 to September 30); two ice fishing devices are allowed per person — single hook with single hook point for bait, or an artificial lure or flies. From April 1 to September 30, the combined daily bag limit for all trout species is 2 fish and the daily limit for lake trout is 2 fish; open to the taking of all species, except no smelt may be taken from March 15 to June 15. From October 1 until December 31, closed to the taking of trout, lake trout, salmon, and whitefish, and trolling is prohibited. From April 1 through December 31, no person may take fish through the ice. Newfound Lake special rules: the minimum length for lake trout is 15 inches; the minimum length for brook trout, rainbow trout, brown trout, or their hybrids is 15 inches. The area of the lake that lies within 500 feet of the Cockermouth River and Fowler River shall be closed to all fishing from Oct. 16 through Dec. 31. When trolling to take fish: (1) only one artificial bait, one fly, one tandem fly or one bait shall be used per rod; and (2) only one hook with a single hook point shall be used with bait. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: Open year-round subject to Lake Trout and/or Salmon Lake restrictions: January 1 to March 31 ice fishing only; October 1 until December 31 closed to the taking of trout, lake trout, salmon, and whitefish · Daily limit: 2 · Size limit: Minimum length 15 inches. · License required
Lake Trout — Nubanusit Lake
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 2 for lake trout. Minimum length 15 inches. There is no minimum length for trout. Lake trout minimum length is 15 inches. From April 1 through September 30, the combined daily limit for salmon and trout is 4 fish, of which no more than 2 fish may be salmon. The daily limit for lake trout is 2 fish. Lake Trout and/or Salmon Lake rules: minimum length for trout, lake trout and landlocked salmon is 15 inches; the head and tail must remain intact while on or leaving the waters of the state. From January 1 to March 31, fish may be taken by ice fishing only, the combined daily bag limit for all trout species is 2 fish, the daily limit for lake trout is 2 fish, and the water is closed to the taking of landlocked salmon (salmon season is April 1 to September 30); two ice fishing devices are allowed per person — single hook with single hook point for bait, or an artificial lure or flies. From April 1 to September 30, the combined daily bag limit for all trout species is 2 fish and the daily limit for lake trout is 2 fish; open to the taking of all species, except no smelt may be taken from March 15 to June 15. From October 1 until December 31, closed to the taking of trout, lake trout, salmon, and whitefish, and trolling is prohibited. From April 1 through December 31, no person may take fish through the ice. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: Open year-round subject to Lake Trout and/or Salmon Lake restrictions: January 1 to March 31 ice fishing only; October 1 until December 31 closed to the taking of trout, lake trout, salmon, and whitefish · Daily limit: 2 · Size limit: Minimum length 15 inches. · License required
Lake Trout — Silver Lake (New Hampshire)
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 2 for lake trout. Minimum length 15 inches. Lake Trout and/or Salmon Lake rules: minimum length for trout, lake trout and landlocked salmon is 15 inches; the head and tail must remain intact while on or leaving the waters of the state. From January 1 to March 31, fish may be taken by ice fishing only, the combined daily bag limit for all trout species is 2 fish, the daily limit for lake trout is 2 fish, and the water is closed to the taking of landlocked salmon (salmon season is April 1 to September 30); two ice fishing devices are allowed per person — single hook with single hook point for bait, or an artificial lure or flies. From April 1 to September 30, the combined daily bag limit for all trout species is 2 fish and the daily limit for lake trout is 2 fish; open to the taking of all species, except no smelt may be taken from March 15 to June 15. From October 1 until December 31, closed to the taking of trout, lake trout, salmon, and whitefish, and trolling is prohibited. From April 1 through December 31, no person may take fish through the ice. When trolling to take fish: (1) only one artificial bait, one fly, one tandem fly or one bait shall be used per rod; and (2) only one hook with a single hook point shall be used with bait. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: Open year-round subject to Lake Trout and/or Salmon Lake restrictions: January 1 to March 31 ice fishing only; October 1 until December 31 closed to the taking of trout, lake trout, salmon, and whitefish · Daily limit: 2 · Size limit: Minimum length 15 inches. · License required
Lake Trout — Spofford Lake
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 2 (trout) for lake trout. No length limit. Spofford Lake special rules: (1) this waterbody shall be closed to the taking of all fish October 16 through March 31; (2) the open season for taking all species except smelt shall be from April 1 through October 15; (3) from April 1 through October 15, no person shall take fish through the ice, from the ice, or from any object supported by the ice; (4) the open season for taking smelt shall be June 16 through October 15; (5) the daily limit for trout shall be 2 fish. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: April 1 through October 15 (all species except smelt); closed to the taking of all fish October 16 through March 31 · Daily limit: 2 (trout) · Size limit: No length limit. · License required
Lake Trout — Squam Lake
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 2 for lake trout. Minimum length 15 inches. Lake Trout and/or Salmon Lake rules: minimum length for trout, lake trout and landlocked salmon is 15 inches; the head and tail must remain intact while on or leaving the waters of the state. From January 1 to March 31, fish may be taken by ice fishing only, the combined daily bag limit for all trout species is 2 fish, the daily limit for lake trout is 2 fish, and the water is closed to the taking of landlocked salmon (salmon season is April 1 to September 30); two ice fishing devices are allowed per person — single hook with single hook point for bait, or an artificial lure or flies. From April 1 to September 30, the combined daily bag limit for all trout species is 2 fish and the daily limit for lake trout is 2 fish; open to the taking of all species, except no smelt may be taken from March 15 to June 15. From October 1 until December 31, closed to the taking of trout, lake trout, salmon, and whitefish, and trolling is prohibited. From April 1 through December 31, no person may take fish through the ice. Squam Lake special rule: the area of the lake that lies within 500 feet of Barville Brook shall be closed to all fishing from Oct. 16 to Dec. 31. When trolling to take fish: (1) only one artificial bait, one fly, one tandem fly or one bait shall be used per rod; and (2) only one hook with a single hook point shall be used with bait. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: Open year-round subject to Lake Trout and/or Salmon Lake restrictions: January 1 to March 31 ice fishing only; October 1 until December 31 closed to the taking of trout, lake trout, salmon, and whitefish · Daily limit: 2 · Size limit: Minimum length 15 inches. · License required
Lake Trout — Sunapee Lake
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 2 for lake trout. Minimum length 15 inches. Lake Trout and/or Salmon Lake rules: minimum length for trout, lake trout and landlocked salmon is 15 inches; the head and tail must remain intact while on or leaving the waters of the state. From January 1 to March 31, fish may be taken by ice fishing only, the combined daily bag limit for all trout species is 2 fish, the daily limit for lake trout is 2 fish, and the water is closed to the taking of landlocked salmon (salmon season is April 1 to September 30); two ice fishing devices are allowed per person — single hook with single hook point for bait, or an artificial lure or flies. From April 1 to September 30, the combined daily bag limit for all trout species is 2 fish and the daily limit for lake trout is 2 fish; open to the taking of all species, except no smelt may be taken from March 15 to June 15. From October 1 until December 31, closed to the taking of trout, lake trout, salmon, and whitefish, and trolling is prohibited. From April 1 through December 31, no person may take fish through the ice. Sunapee Lake special rules: (1) the area of the lake that lies within 500 feet of Otter Brook shall be closed to all fishing from Oct. 16 to Dec. 31; (2) all tributaries will be closed to fishing Oct. 16 to May 31. When trolling to take fish: (1) only one artificial bait, one fly, one tandem fly or one bait shall be used per rod; and (2) only one hook with a single hook point shall be used with bait. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: Open year-round subject to Lake Trout and/or Salmon Lake restrictions: January 1 to March 31 ice fishing only; October 1 until December 31 closed to the taking of trout, lake trout, salmon, and whitefish · Daily limit: 2 · Size limit: Minimum length 15 inches. · License required
Lake Trout — Winnisquam Lake
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 2 for lake trout. Minimum length 15 inches. Lake Trout and/or Salmon Lake rules: minimum length for trout, lake trout and landlocked salmon is 15 inches; the head and tail must remain intact while on or leaving the waters of the state. From January 1 to March 31, fish may be taken by ice fishing only, the combined daily bag limit for all trout species is 2 fish, the daily limit for lake trout is 2 fish, and the water is closed to the taking of landlocked salmon (salmon season is April 1 to September 30); two ice fishing devices are allowed per person — single hook with single hook point for bait, or an artificial lure or flies. From April 1 to September 30, the combined daily bag limit for all trout species is 2 fish and the daily limit for lake trout is 2 fish; open to the taking of all species, except no smelt may be taken from March 15 to June 15. From October 1 until December 31, closed to the taking of trout, lake trout, salmon, and whitefish, and trolling is prohibited. From April 1 through December 31, no person may take fish through the ice. Winnisquam Lake special rule: the area of the lake that lies within 500 feet of the Winnipesaukee River shall be closed to all fishing from Oct. 16 to Dec. 31. When trolling to take fish: (1) only one artificial bait, one fly, one tandem fly or one bait shall be used per rod; and (2) only one hook with a single hook point shall be used with bait. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: Open year-round subject to Lake Trout and/or Salmon Lake restrictions: January 1 to March 31 ice fishing only; October 1 until December 31 closed to the taking of trout, lake trout, salmon, and whitefish · Daily limit: 2 · Size limit: Minimum length 15 inches. · License required
Largemouth Bass — Connecticut River (New Hampshire)
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 2 (Jan. 1 to May 14); catch and release only May 15 to June 15; 5 (June 16 onward) for largemouth bass. Connecticut River (NH-VT interstate) rules: all New Hampshire resident and Vermont resident fishing licenses are valid; all other nonresidents with a N.H. nonresident fishing license shall only take fish east of the Vermont low water mark. Open to fishing all year, except no fishing Oct. 16 - Dec. 31 from the confluence of the Upper Ammonoosuc River and the Connecticut River in Northumberland, NH, to the northern boundary of the town of Canaan, VT. No more than 6 ice fishing devices are allowed; in open water no more than 2 lines may be used. No open season for Atlantic salmon until declared by the Connecticut River Atlantic Salmon Commission. These interstate limits apply along the entire NH-VT length of the Connecticut River, and the seasonal Northumberland-to-Canaan closure is the only reach-specific exception; elsewhere on the river these same limits apply. For species not listed in the interstate species rules, the general rules apply. Black bass (smallmouth bass and largemouth bass) general rules: January 1 to May 14 — 2 fish daily limit; May 15 to June 15 — catch and release only, artificial lures and flies only; June 16 onward — 5 fish daily limit. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: Open to fishing all year (except the Northumberland-Canaan closure Oct. 16 - Dec. 31) · Daily limit: 2 (Jan. 1 to May 14); catch and release only May 15 to June 15; 5 (June 16 onward) · License required
Largemouth Bass — Conway Lake
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 2 (Jan. 1 to May 14); catch and release only May 15 to June 15; 5 (June 16 to Dec. 31) for largemouth bass. Black bass (smallmouth bass and largemouth bass) general rules: January 1 to May 14 — 2 fish daily limit; May 15 to June 15 — catch and release only, artificial lures and flies only; June 16 onward — 5 fish daily limit. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: No closed season (General Fishing Rules for Lakes & Ponds) · Daily limit: 2 (Jan. 1 to May 14); catch and release only May 15 to June 15; 5 (June 16 to Dec. 31) · License required
Largemouth Bass — Jericho Lake
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 2 (Jan. 1 to May 14); catch and release only May 15 to June 15; 5 (June 16 to Dec. 31) for largemouth bass. Jericho Lake special rules: (1) this waterbody is open to the taking of all species, except salmon and smelt, all year-round by all legal methods; (2) the daily limit for northern pike is 3 fish; (3) the minimum length for northern pike is 20 inches. Black bass (smallmouth bass and largemouth bass) general rules: January 1 to May 14 — 2 fish daily limit; May 15 to June 15 — catch and release only, artificial lures and flies only; June 16 onward — 5 fish daily limit. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: Open to the taking of all species, except salmon and smelt, all year-round by all legal methods · Daily limit: 2 (Jan. 1 to May 14); catch and release only May 15 to June 15; 5 (June 16 to Dec. 31) · License required
Largemouth Bass — Lake Waukewan
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 2 (Jan. 1 to May 14); catch and release only May 15 to June 15; 5 (June 16 to Dec. 31) for largemouth bass. Black bass (smallmouth bass and largemouth bass) general rules: January 1 to May 14 — 2 fish daily limit; May 15 to June 15 — catch and release only, artificial lures and flies only; June 16 onward — 5 fish daily limit. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: No closed season (General Fishing Rules for Lakes & Ponds) · Daily limit: 2 (Jan. 1 to May 14); catch and release only May 15 to June 15; 5 (June 16 to Dec. 31) · License required
Largemouth Bass — Lake Winnipesaukee
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 2 (Jan. 1 to May 14); catch and release only May 15 to June 15; 5 (June 16 to Dec. 31) for largemouth bass. Black bass (smallmouth bass and largemouth bass) general rules: January 1 to May 14 — 2 fish daily limit; May 15 to June 15 — catch and release only, artificial lures and flies only; June 16 onward — 5 fish daily limit. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: No closed season (General Fishing Rules for Lakes & Ponds) · Daily limit: 2 (Jan. 1 to May 14); catch and release only May 15 to June 15; 5 (June 16 to Dec. 31) · License required
Largemouth Bass — Lamprey River
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 2 (Jan. 1 to May 14); catch and release only May 15 to June 15; 5 (June 16 onward) for largemouth bass. Lamprey River special rules: Raymond/Deerfield town line to Wiswall Dam — no closed season for all species, daily limit of 2 trout through the ice. Wiswall Dam to the first railroad trestle downstream of Packers Falls — no closed season for all species; Oct. 16 to the 4th Saturday in April — catch-and-release, single barbless hook, artificial lures/flies; 4th Saturday in April through Oct. 15 — daily limit for trout 5 fish or 5 lbs., all legal methods. Closed to all fishing 200 feet below Wiswall Dam between April 1 and July 31 and in the waters 50 feet above the Wiswall Dam year round. Black bass (smallmouth bass and largemouth bass) general rules: January 1 to May 14 — 2 fish daily limit; May 15 to June 15 — catch and release only, artificial lures and flies only; June 16 onward — 5 fish daily limit. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: No closed season for all species (special-rule sections; see notes) · Daily limit: 2 (Jan. 1 to May 14); catch and release only May 15 to June 15; 5 (June 16 onward) · License required
Largemouth Bass — Massabesic Lake
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 2 (Jan. 1 to May 14); catch and release only May 15 to June 15; 5 (June 16 to Dec. 31) for largemouth bass. Black bass (smallmouth bass and largemouth bass) general rules: January 1 to May 14 — 2 fish daily limit; May 15 to June 15 — catch and release only, artificial lures and flies only; June 16 onward — 5 fish daily limit. Water supply reservoir — partially closed to human activity: (1) the Back or West Pond of Lake Massabesic north and west of the line beginning at Fire Point, then due west to the Hillsborough-Rockingham county line, then southerly by the said line, crossing Birch Island to the mainland as marked by floats and signs; and (2) the outlet of Lake Massabesic from the outlet dam downstream to and including Mill Pond at Island Pond Road and the canal carrying the water to the pumping station. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: No closed season (General Fishing Rules for Lakes & Ponds) · Daily limit: 2 (Jan. 1 to May 14); catch and release only May 15 to June 15; 5 (June 16 to Dec. 31) · License required
Largemouth Bass — Merrimack River (New Hampshire)
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 2 (Jan. 1 to May 14); catch and release only May 15 to June 15; 5 (June 16 onward) for largemouth bass. Merrimack River special rules: from Franklin to the Massachusetts border (except closed sections) — no closed season for all species except salmon; daily limit of 2 trout through the ice. These limits apply over the entire river in New Hampshire from Franklin to the Massachusetts border; the only reach-specific exceptions are the year-round closures below. Closed to all fishing: Garvins Falls Dam in Bow from the canal wall, including the fish bypass plunge pool, to a point 300 feet downstream; and in Manchester from the upstream side of Amoskeag Dam to the upstream side of Amoskeag Bridge, and between the west bank and the island adjacent to the powerhouse for 500 feet downstream of the fishway entrance. Black bass (smallmouth bass and largemouth bass) general rules: January 1 to May 14 — 2 fish daily limit; May 15 to June 15 — catch and release only, artificial lures and flies only; June 16 onward — 5 fish daily limit. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: No closed season for all species except salmon (Franklin to the Massachusetts border, except closed sections) · Daily limit: 2 (Jan. 1 to May 14); catch and release only May 15 to June 15; 5 (June 16 onward) · License required
Largemouth Bass — Ossipee Lake
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 2 (Jan. 1 to May 14); catch and release only May 15 to June 15; 5 (June 16 to Dec. 31) for largemouth bass. Black bass (smallmouth bass and largemouth bass) general rules: January 1 to May 14 — 2 fish daily limit; May 15 to June 15 — catch and release only, artificial lures and flies only; June 16 onward — 5 fish daily limit. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: No closed season (General Fishing Rules for Lakes & Ponds) · Daily limit: 2 (Jan. 1 to May 14); catch and release only May 15 to June 15; 5 (June 16 to Dec. 31) · License required
Largemouth Bass — Silver Lake (New Hampshire)
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 2 (Jan. 1 to May 14); catch and release only May 15 to June 15; 5 (June 16 to Dec. 31) for largemouth bass. Black bass (smallmouth bass and largemouth bass) general rules: January 1 to May 14 — 2 fish daily limit; May 15 to June 15 — catch and release only, artificial lures and flies only; June 16 onward — 5 fish daily limit. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: No closed season (General Fishing Rules for Lakes & Ponds) · Daily limit: 2 (Jan. 1 to May 14); catch and release only May 15 to June 15; 5 (June 16 to Dec. 31) · License required
Largemouth Bass — Spofford Lake
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 2 (Jan. 1 to May 14, within the open season); catch and release only May 15 to June 15; 5 (June 16 to Oct. 15) for largemouth bass. Spofford Lake special rules: (1) this waterbody shall be closed to the taking of all fish October 16 through March 31; (2) the open season for taking all species except smelt shall be from April 1 through October 15; (3) from April 1 through October 15, no person shall take fish through the ice, from the ice, or from any object supported by the ice; (4) the open season for taking smelt shall be June 16 through October 15; (5) the daily limit for trout shall be 2 fish. Black bass (smallmouth bass and largemouth bass) general rules: January 1 to May 14 — 2 fish daily limit; May 15 to June 15 — catch and release only, artificial lures and flies only; June 16 onward — 5 fish daily limit. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: April 1 through October 15 (all species except smelt); closed to the taking of all fish October 16 through March 31 · Daily limit: 2 (Jan. 1 to May 14, within the open season); catch and release only May 15 to June 15; 5 (June 16 to Oct. 15) · License required
Largemouth Bass — Squam Lake
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 2 (Jan. 1 to May 14); catch and release only May 15 to June 15; 5 (June 16 to Dec. 31) for largemouth bass. Black bass (smallmouth bass and largemouth bass) general rules: January 1 to May 14 — 2 fish daily limit; May 15 to June 15 — catch and release only, artificial lures and flies only; June 16 onward — 5 fish daily limit. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: No closed season (General Fishing Rules for Lakes & Ponds) · Daily limit: 2 (Jan. 1 to May 14); catch and release only May 15 to June 15; 5 (June 16 to Dec. 31) · License required
Largemouth Bass — Sunapee Lake
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 2 (Jan. 1 to May 14); catch and release only May 15 to June 15; 5 (June 16 to Dec. 31) for largemouth bass. Black bass (smallmouth bass and largemouth bass) general rules: January 1 to May 14 — 2 fish daily limit; May 15 to June 15 — catch and release only, artificial lures and flies only; June 16 onward — 5 fish daily limit. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: No closed season (General Fishing Rules for Lakes & Ponds) · Daily limit: 2 (Jan. 1 to May 14); catch and release only May 15 to June 15; 5 (June 16 to Dec. 31) · License required
Northern Pike — Connecticut River (New Hampshire)
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 1 for northern pike. Minimum total length 28 inches. Connecticut River (NH-VT interstate) rules: all New Hampshire resident and Vermont resident fishing licenses are valid; all other nonresidents with a N.H. nonresident fishing license shall only take fish east of the Vermont low water mark. Open to fishing all year, except no fishing Oct. 16 - Dec. 31 from the confluence of the Upper Ammonoosuc River and the Connecticut River in Northumberland, NH, to the northern boundary of the town of Canaan, VT. No more than 6 ice fishing devices are allowed; in open water no more than 2 lines may be used. No open season for Atlantic salmon until declared by the Connecticut River Atlantic Salmon Commission. These interstate limits apply along the entire NH-VT length of the Connecticut River, and the seasonal Northumberland-to-Canaan closure is the only reach-specific exception; elsewhere on the river these same limits apply. Northern pike: the daily limit is 1 fish; minimum total length 28 inches. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: Open to fishing all year (except the Northumberland-Canaan closure Oct. 16 - Dec. 31) · Daily limit: 1 · Size limit: Minimum total length 28 inches. · License required
Northern Pike — Jericho Lake
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 3 for northern pike. Minimum length 20 inches. Jericho Lake special rules: (1) this waterbody is open to the taking of all species, except salmon and smelt, all year-round by all legal methods; (2) the daily limit for northern pike is 3 fish; (3) the minimum length for northern pike is 20 inches. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: Open to the taking of all species, except salmon and smelt, all year-round by all legal methods · Daily limit: 3 · Size limit: Minimum length 20 inches. · License required
Northern Pike — Umbagog Lake
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit No limit (all other species: open year round, no limit under NH-ME interstate rules) for northern pike. No length limit. NH-Maine general interstate rules: all other species (not separately listed) are open year round with no limit. New Hampshire-Maine interstate water: all New Hampshire and Maine fishing licenses are valid. It is unlawful to fish in open water from January 1 - March 31, or to have more than two lines in use in open water. Ice fishing is allowed only from January 1 to March 31 in lakes and ponds (except cusk and salmon); no more than five lines (two on Great East Lake). It is unlawful to take, sell or possess for use as bait any of the following fish, dead or living — pickerel, goldfish, yellow perch, white perch, bass, sunfish, crappie, horned pout, carp or any spiny-finned fish. Umbagog Lake exceptions: that portion of Umbagog Lake north of a straight line between Molls Rock, Errol, New Hampshire and the red post between Spillman and Glassby Coves, Magalloway Plantation, Maine shall be closed to ice fishing; brook trout minimum length is 18 inches; brook trout daily limit is 1 fish. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: Open year round subject to interstate rules · Daily limit: No limit (all other species: open year round, no limit under NH-ME interstate rules) · Size limit: No length limit. · License required
Ouananiche — Conway Lake
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 2 for ouananiche. Minimum length 15 inches. Lake Trout and/or Salmon Lake rules: minimum length for trout, lake trout and landlocked salmon is 15 inches; the head and tail must remain intact while on or leaving the waters of the state. From January 1 to March 31, fish may be taken by ice fishing only, the combined daily bag limit for all trout species is 2 fish, the daily limit for lake trout is 2 fish, and the water is closed to the taking of landlocked salmon (salmon season is April 1 to September 30); two ice fishing devices are allowed per person — single hook with single hook point for bait, or an artificial lure or flies. From April 1 to September 30, the combined daily bag limit for all trout species is 2 fish and the daily limit for lake trout is 2 fish; open to the taking of all species, except no smelt may be taken from March 15 to June 15. From October 1 until December 31, closed to the taking of trout, lake trout, salmon, and whitefish, and trolling is prohibited. From April 1 through December 31, no person may take fish through the ice. Conway Lake special rule: the area of the lake that lies within 500 feet of the outlet dam shall be closed to all fishing from Oct. 16 through Dec. 31. When trolling to take fish: (1) only one artificial bait, one fly, one tandem fly or one bait shall be used per rod; and (2) only one hook with a single hook point shall be used with bait. New Hampshire's landlocked salmon (the landlocked form of Atlantic salmon) is shown here on the species Ouananiche. Salmon may not be taken in any water body after September 30 and before April 1. Salmon may not be taken through the ice. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: April 1 to September 30 (closed to the taking of landlocked salmon January 1 - March 31 and October 1 - December 31) · Daily limit: 2 · Size limit: Minimum length 15 inches. · License required
Ouananiche — First Connecticut Lake
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit Combined daily limit for salmon and trout is 4 fish, of which no more than 2 fish may be salmon for ouananiche. No minimum length for trout; salmon minimum length 15 inches. There is no minimum length for trout. Lake trout minimum length is 15 inches. From April 1 through September 30, the combined daily limit for salmon and trout is 4 fish, of which no more than 2 fish may be salmon. The daily limit for lake trout is 2 fish. Lake Trout and/or Salmon Lake rules: minimum length for trout, lake trout and landlocked salmon is 15 inches; the head and tail must remain intact while on or leaving the waters of the state. From January 1 to March 31, fish may be taken by ice fishing only, the combined daily bag limit for all trout species is 2 fish, the daily limit for lake trout is 2 fish, and the water is closed to the taking of landlocked salmon (salmon season is April 1 to September 30); two ice fishing devices are allowed per person — single hook with single hook point for bait, or an artificial lure or flies. From April 1 to September 30, the combined daily bag limit for all trout species is 2 fish and the daily limit for lake trout is 2 fish; open to the taking of all species, except no smelt may be taken from March 15 to June 15. From October 1 until December 31, closed to the taking of trout, lake trout, salmon, and whitefish, and trolling is prohibited. From April 1 through December 31, no person may take fish through the ice. New Hampshire's landlocked salmon (the landlocked form of Atlantic salmon) is shown here on the species Ouananiche. Salmon may not be taken in any water body after September 30 and before April 1. Salmon may not be taken through the ice. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: April 1 to September 30 (closed to the taking of landlocked salmon January 1 - March 31 and October 1 - December 31) · Daily limit: Combined daily limit for salmon and trout is 4 fish, of which no more than 2 fish may be salmon · Size limit: No minimum length for trout; salmon minimum length 15 inches. · License required
Ouananiche — Great East Lake
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 2 for ouananiche. Minimum length 14 inches. New Hampshire-Maine interstate water: all New Hampshire and Maine fishing licenses are valid. It is unlawful to fish in open water from January 1 - March 31, or to have more than two lines in use in open water. Ice fishing is allowed only from January 1 to March 31 in lakes and ponds (except cusk and salmon); no more than five lines (two on Great East Lake). It is unlawful to take, sell or possess for use as bait any of the following fish, dead or living — pickerel, goldfish, yellow perch, white perch, bass, sunfish, crappie, horned pout, carp or any spiny-finned fish. Great East Lake exceptions: no more than 2 lines during ice fishing season; lake trout minimum length is 16 inches; no smelt may be taken in tributaries. New Hampshire's landlocked salmon (the landlocked form of Atlantic salmon) is shown here on the species Ouananiche. Salmon may not be taken in any water body after September 30 and before April 1. Salmon may not be taken through the ice. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: April 1 - September 30; catch and release only October 1 - December 31 · Daily limit: 2 · Size limit: Minimum length 14 inches. · License required
Ouananiche — Lake Francis
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit Combined daily limit for salmon and trout is 4 fish, of which no more than 2 fish may be salmon for ouananiche. No minimum length for trout; salmon minimum length 15 inches. There is no minimum length for trout. Lake trout minimum length is 15 inches. From April 1 through September 30, the combined daily limit for salmon and trout is 4 fish, of which no more than 2 fish may be salmon. The daily limit for lake trout is 2 fish. Lake Trout and/or Salmon Lake rules: minimum length for trout, lake trout and landlocked salmon is 15 inches; the head and tail must remain intact while on or leaving the waters of the state. From January 1 to March 31, fish may be taken by ice fishing only, the combined daily bag limit for all trout species is 2 fish, the daily limit for lake trout is 2 fish, and the water is closed to the taking of landlocked salmon (salmon season is April 1 to September 30); two ice fishing devices are allowed per person — single hook with single hook point for bait, or an artificial lure or flies. From April 1 to September 30, the combined daily bag limit for all trout species is 2 fish and the daily limit for lake trout is 2 fish; open to the taking of all species, except no smelt may be taken from March 15 to June 15. From October 1 until December 31, closed to the taking of trout, lake trout, salmon, and whitefish, and trolling is prohibited. From April 1 through December 31, no person may take fish through the ice. New Hampshire's landlocked salmon (the landlocked form of Atlantic salmon) is shown here on the species Ouananiche. Salmon may not be taken in any water body after September 30 and before April 1. Salmon may not be taken through the ice. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: April 1 to September 30 (closed to the taking of landlocked salmon January 1 - March 31 and October 1 - December 31) · Daily limit: Combined daily limit for salmon and trout is 4 fish, of which no more than 2 fish may be salmon · Size limit: No minimum length for trout; salmon minimum length 15 inches. · License required
Ouananiche — Lake Winnipesaukee
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 2 for ouananiche. Minimum length 15 inches. Lake Trout and/or Salmon Lake rules: minimum length for trout, lake trout and landlocked salmon is 15 inches; the head and tail must remain intact while on or leaving the waters of the state. From January 1 to March 31, fish may be taken by ice fishing only, the combined daily bag limit for all trout species is 2 fish, the daily limit for lake trout is 2 fish, and the water is closed to the taking of landlocked salmon (salmon season is April 1 to September 30); two ice fishing devices are allowed per person — single hook with single hook point for bait, or an artificial lure or flies. From April 1 to September 30, the combined daily bag limit for all trout species is 2 fish and the daily limit for lake trout is 2 fish; open to the taking of all species, except no smelt may be taken from March 15 to June 15. From October 1 until December 31, closed to the taking of trout, lake trout, salmon, and whitefish, and trolling is prohibited. From April 1 through December 31, no person may take fish through the ice. Lake Winnipesaukee special rules: the areas of the lake that lie within 500 feet of Gunstock River, Poor Farm Brook, Melvin River, Merrymeeting River, Mink Brook, and Smith River (outlet of Crescent Lake), and the lake area 500 feet on either side of the Main Street bridge in Wolfeboro, are closed to all fishing from Oct. 16 to Dec. 31. The following two areas are closed to all fishing October 1 through March 31: (1) the area of Paugus Bay which lies between the railroad trestle at its south end and the Lakeport Dam in Laconia; (2) the area of open water at Weirs Channel. When trolling to take fish: (1) only one artificial bait, one fly, one tandem fly or one bait shall be used per rod; and (2) only one hook with a single hook point shall be used with bait. New Hampshire's landlocked salmon (the landlocked form of Atlantic salmon) is shown here on the species Ouananiche. Salmon may not be taken in any water body after September 30 and before April 1. Salmon may not be taken through the ice. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: April 1 to September 30 (closed to the taking of landlocked salmon January 1 - March 31 and October 1 - December 31) · Daily limit: 2 · Size limit: Minimum length 15 inches. · License required
Ouananiche — Merrymeeting Lake
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 2 for ouananiche. Minimum length 15 inches. Lake Trout and/or Salmon Lake rules: minimum length for trout, lake trout and landlocked salmon is 15 inches; the head and tail must remain intact while on or leaving the waters of the state. From January 1 to March 31, fish may be taken by ice fishing only, the combined daily bag limit for all trout species is 2 fish, the daily limit for lake trout is 2 fish, and the water is closed to the taking of landlocked salmon (salmon season is April 1 to September 30); two ice fishing devices are allowed per person — single hook with single hook point for bait, or an artificial lure or flies. From April 1 to September 30, the combined daily bag limit for all trout species is 2 fish and the daily limit for lake trout is 2 fish; open to the taking of all species, except no smelt may be taken from March 15 to June 15. From October 1 until December 31, closed to the taking of trout, lake trout, salmon, and whitefish, and trolling is prohibited. From April 1 through December 31, no person may take fish through the ice. When trolling to take fish: (1) only one artificial bait, one fly, one tandem fly or one bait shall be used per rod; and (2) only one hook with a single hook point shall be used with bait. New Hampshire's landlocked salmon (the landlocked form of Atlantic salmon) is shown here on the species Ouananiche. Salmon may not be taken in any water body after September 30 and before April 1. Salmon may not be taken through the ice. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: April 1 to September 30 (closed to the taking of landlocked salmon January 1 - March 31 and October 1 - December 31) · Daily limit: 2 · Size limit: Minimum length 15 inches. · License required
Ouananiche — Newfound Lake
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 2 for ouananiche. Minimum length 15 inches. Lake Trout and/or Salmon Lake rules: minimum length for trout, lake trout and landlocked salmon is 15 inches; the head and tail must remain intact while on or leaving the waters of the state. From January 1 to March 31, fish may be taken by ice fishing only, the combined daily bag limit for all trout species is 2 fish, the daily limit for lake trout is 2 fish, and the water is closed to the taking of landlocked salmon (salmon season is April 1 to September 30); two ice fishing devices are allowed per person — single hook with single hook point for bait, or an artificial lure or flies. From April 1 to September 30, the combined daily bag limit for all trout species is 2 fish and the daily limit for lake trout is 2 fish; open to the taking of all species, except no smelt may be taken from March 15 to June 15. From October 1 until December 31, closed to the taking of trout, lake trout, salmon, and whitefish, and trolling is prohibited. From April 1 through December 31, no person may take fish through the ice. Newfound Lake special rules: the minimum length for lake trout is 15 inches; the minimum length for brook trout, rainbow trout, brown trout, or their hybrids is 15 inches. The area of the lake that lies within 500 feet of the Cockermouth River and Fowler River shall be closed to all fishing from Oct. 16 through Dec. 31. When trolling to take fish: (1) only one artificial bait, one fly, one tandem fly or one bait shall be used per rod; and (2) only one hook with a single hook point shall be used with bait. New Hampshire's landlocked salmon (the landlocked form of Atlantic salmon) is shown here on the species Ouananiche. Salmon may not be taken in any water body after September 30 and before April 1. Salmon may not be taken through the ice. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: April 1 to September 30 (closed to the taking of landlocked salmon January 1 - March 31 and October 1 - December 31) · Daily limit: 2 · Size limit: Minimum length 15 inches. · License required
Ouananiche — Nubanusit Lake
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit Combined daily limit for salmon and trout is 4 fish, of which no more than 2 fish may be salmon for ouananiche. No minimum length for trout; salmon minimum length 15 inches. There is no minimum length for trout. Lake trout minimum length is 15 inches. From April 1 through September 30, the combined daily limit for salmon and trout is 4 fish, of which no more than 2 fish may be salmon. The daily limit for lake trout is 2 fish. Lake Trout and/or Salmon Lake rules: minimum length for trout, lake trout and landlocked salmon is 15 inches; the head and tail must remain intact while on or leaving the waters of the state. From January 1 to March 31, fish may be taken by ice fishing only, the combined daily bag limit for all trout species is 2 fish, the daily limit for lake trout is 2 fish, and the water is closed to the taking of landlocked salmon (salmon season is April 1 to September 30); two ice fishing devices are allowed per person — single hook with single hook point for bait, or an artificial lure or flies. From April 1 to September 30, the combined daily bag limit for all trout species is 2 fish and the daily limit for lake trout is 2 fish; open to the taking of all species, except no smelt may be taken from March 15 to June 15. From October 1 until December 31, closed to the taking of trout, lake trout, salmon, and whitefish, and trolling is prohibited. From April 1 through December 31, no person may take fish through the ice. New Hampshire's landlocked salmon (the landlocked form of Atlantic salmon) is shown here on the species Ouananiche. Salmon may not be taken in any water body after September 30 and before April 1. Salmon may not be taken through the ice. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: April 1 to September 30 (closed to the taking of landlocked salmon January 1 - March 31 and October 1 - December 31) · Daily limit: Combined daily limit for salmon and trout is 4 fish, of which no more than 2 fish may be salmon · Size limit: No minimum length for trout; salmon minimum length 15 inches. · License required
Ouananiche — Ossipee Lake
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 2 for ouananiche. Minimum length 15 inches. Lake Trout and/or Salmon Lake rules: minimum length for trout, lake trout and landlocked salmon is 15 inches; the head and tail must remain intact while on or leaving the waters of the state. From January 1 to March 31, fish may be taken by ice fishing only, the combined daily bag limit for all trout species is 2 fish, the daily limit for lake trout is 2 fish, and the water is closed to the taking of landlocked salmon (salmon season is April 1 to September 30); two ice fishing devices are allowed per person — single hook with single hook point for bait, or an artificial lure or flies. From April 1 to September 30, the combined daily bag limit for all trout species is 2 fish and the daily limit for lake trout is 2 fish; open to the taking of all species, except no smelt may be taken from March 15 to June 15. From October 1 until December 31, closed to the taking of trout, lake trout, salmon, and whitefish, and trolling is prohibited. From April 1 through December 31, no person may take fish through the ice. Ossipee Lake special rule: the area of the lake that lies within 500 feet of the Bearcamp River shall be closed to all fishing from Oct. 16 through Dec. 31. When trolling to take fish: (1) only one artificial bait, one fly, one tandem fly or one bait shall be used per rod; and (2) only one hook with a single hook point shall be used with bait. New Hampshire's landlocked salmon (the landlocked form of Atlantic salmon) is shown here on the species Ouananiche. Salmon may not be taken in any water body after September 30 and before April 1. Salmon may not be taken through the ice. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: April 1 to September 30 (closed to the taking of landlocked salmon January 1 - March 31 and October 1 - December 31) · Daily limit: 2 · Size limit: Minimum length 15 inches. · License required
Ouananiche — Silver Lake (New Hampshire)
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 2 for ouananiche. Minimum length 15 inches. Lake Trout and/or Salmon Lake rules: minimum length for trout, lake trout and landlocked salmon is 15 inches; the head and tail must remain intact while on or leaving the waters of the state. From January 1 to March 31, fish may be taken by ice fishing only, the combined daily bag limit for all trout species is 2 fish, the daily limit for lake trout is 2 fish, and the water is closed to the taking of landlocked salmon (salmon season is April 1 to September 30); two ice fishing devices are allowed per person — single hook with single hook point for bait, or an artificial lure or flies. From April 1 to September 30, the combined daily bag limit for all trout species is 2 fish and the daily limit for lake trout is 2 fish; open to the taking of all species, except no smelt may be taken from March 15 to June 15. From October 1 until December 31, closed to the taking of trout, lake trout, salmon, and whitefish, and trolling is prohibited. From April 1 through December 31, no person may take fish through the ice. When trolling to take fish: (1) only one artificial bait, one fly, one tandem fly or one bait shall be used per rod; and (2) only one hook with a single hook point shall be used with bait. New Hampshire's landlocked salmon (the landlocked form of Atlantic salmon) is shown here on the species Ouananiche. Salmon may not be taken in any water body after September 30 and before April 1. Salmon may not be taken through the ice. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: April 1 to September 30 (closed to the taking of landlocked salmon January 1 - March 31 and October 1 - December 31) · Daily limit: 2 · Size limit: Minimum length 15 inches. · License required
Ouananiche — Squam Lake
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 2 for ouananiche. Minimum length 15 inches. Lake Trout and/or Salmon Lake rules: minimum length for trout, lake trout and landlocked salmon is 15 inches; the head and tail must remain intact while on or leaving the waters of the state. From January 1 to March 31, fish may be taken by ice fishing only, the combined daily bag limit for all trout species is 2 fish, the daily limit for lake trout is 2 fish, and the water is closed to the taking of landlocked salmon (salmon season is April 1 to September 30); two ice fishing devices are allowed per person — single hook with single hook point for bait, or an artificial lure or flies. From April 1 to September 30, the combined daily bag limit for all trout species is 2 fish and the daily limit for lake trout is 2 fish; open to the taking of all species, except no smelt may be taken from March 15 to June 15. From October 1 until December 31, closed to the taking of trout, lake trout, salmon, and whitefish, and trolling is prohibited. From April 1 through December 31, no person may take fish through the ice. Squam Lake special rule: the area of the lake that lies within 500 feet of Barville Brook shall be closed to all fishing from Oct. 16 to Dec. 31. When trolling to take fish: (1) only one artificial bait, one fly, one tandem fly or one bait shall be used per rod; and (2) only one hook with a single hook point shall be used with bait. New Hampshire's landlocked salmon (the landlocked form of Atlantic salmon) is shown here on the species Ouananiche. Salmon may not be taken in any water body after September 30 and before April 1. Salmon may not be taken through the ice. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: April 1 to September 30 (closed to the taking of landlocked salmon January 1 - March 31 and October 1 - December 31) · Daily limit: 2 · Size limit: Minimum length 15 inches. · License required
Ouananiche — Sunapee Lake
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 2 for ouananiche. Minimum length 15 inches. Lake Trout and/or Salmon Lake rules: minimum length for trout, lake trout and landlocked salmon is 15 inches; the head and tail must remain intact while on or leaving the waters of the state. From January 1 to March 31, fish may be taken by ice fishing only, the combined daily bag limit for all trout species is 2 fish, the daily limit for lake trout is 2 fish, and the water is closed to the taking of landlocked salmon (salmon season is April 1 to September 30); two ice fishing devices are allowed per person — single hook with single hook point for bait, or an artificial lure or flies. From April 1 to September 30, the combined daily bag limit for all trout species is 2 fish and the daily limit for lake trout is 2 fish; open to the taking of all species, except no smelt may be taken from March 15 to June 15. From October 1 until December 31, closed to the taking of trout, lake trout, salmon, and whitefish, and trolling is prohibited. From April 1 through December 31, no person may take fish through the ice. Sunapee Lake special rules: (1) the area of the lake that lies within 500 feet of Otter Brook shall be closed to all fishing from Oct. 16 to Dec. 31; (2) all tributaries will be closed to fishing Oct. 16 to May 31. When trolling to take fish: (1) only one artificial bait, one fly, one tandem fly or one bait shall be used per rod; and (2) only one hook with a single hook point shall be used with bait. New Hampshire's landlocked salmon (the landlocked form of Atlantic salmon) is shown here on the species Ouananiche. Salmon may not be taken in any water body after September 30 and before April 1. Salmon may not be taken through the ice. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: April 1 to September 30 (closed to the taking of landlocked salmon January 1 - March 31 and October 1 - December 31) · Daily limit: 2 · Size limit: Minimum length 15 inches. · License required
Ouananiche — Umbagog Lake
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 2 for ouananiche. Minimum length 14 inches. New Hampshire-Maine interstate water: all New Hampshire and Maine fishing licenses are valid. It is unlawful to fish in open water from January 1 - March 31, or to have more than two lines in use in open water. Ice fishing is allowed only from January 1 to March 31 in lakes and ponds (except cusk and salmon); no more than five lines (two on Great East Lake). It is unlawful to take, sell or possess for use as bait any of the following fish, dead or living — pickerel, goldfish, yellow perch, white perch, bass, sunfish, crappie, horned pout, carp or any spiny-finned fish. Umbagog Lake exceptions: that portion of Umbagog Lake north of a straight line between Molls Rock, Errol, New Hampshire and the red post between Spillman and Glassby Coves, Magalloway Plantation, Maine shall be closed to ice fishing; brook trout minimum length is 18 inches; brook trout daily limit is 1 fish. New Hampshire's landlocked salmon (the landlocked form of Atlantic salmon) is shown here on the species Ouananiche. Salmon may not be taken in any water body after September 30 and before April 1. Salmon may not be taken through the ice. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: April 1 - September 30; catch and release only October 1 - December 31 · Daily limit: 2 · Size limit: Minimum length 14 inches. · License required
Ouananiche — Winnisquam Lake
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 2 for ouananiche. Minimum length 15 inches. Lake Trout and/or Salmon Lake rules: minimum length for trout, lake trout and landlocked salmon is 15 inches; the head and tail must remain intact while on or leaving the waters of the state. From January 1 to March 31, fish may be taken by ice fishing only, the combined daily bag limit for all trout species is 2 fish, the daily limit for lake trout is 2 fish, and the water is closed to the taking of landlocked salmon (salmon season is April 1 to September 30); two ice fishing devices are allowed per person — single hook with single hook point for bait, or an artificial lure or flies. From April 1 to September 30, the combined daily bag limit for all trout species is 2 fish and the daily limit for lake trout is 2 fish; open to the taking of all species, except no smelt may be taken from March 15 to June 15. From October 1 until December 31, closed to the taking of trout, lake trout, salmon, and whitefish, and trolling is prohibited. From April 1 through December 31, no person may take fish through the ice. Winnisquam Lake special rule: the area of the lake that lies within 500 feet of the Winnipesaukee River shall be closed to all fishing from Oct. 16 to Dec. 31. When trolling to take fish: (1) only one artificial bait, one fly, one tandem fly or one bait shall be used per rod; and (2) only one hook with a single hook point shall be used with bait. New Hampshire's landlocked salmon (the landlocked form of Atlantic salmon) is shown here on the species Ouananiche. Salmon may not be taken in any water body after September 30 and before April 1. Salmon may not be taken through the ice. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: April 1 to September 30 (closed to the taking of landlocked salmon January 1 - March 31 and October 1 - December 31) · Daily limit: 2 · Size limit: Minimum length 15 inches. · License required
Rainbow Trout — Androscoggin River (New Hampshire)
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 5 fish or 5 pounds under general river rules; 2 fish (12-inch minimum) in the fly-fishing-only section below Errol Dam; catch-and-release only from Sawmill Dam to the Maine line for rainbow trout. Minimum length 12 inches in the Errol Dam - Bragg Bay fly-fishing-only section; no length limit elsewhere. Androscoggin River special rules by section: Errol Dam to the markers at the dead water at Bragg Bay — fly-fishing only, daily limit for trout 2 fish, minimum length 12 inches. Dummer-Cambridge town line to Pontook Dam — no closed season for all species except salmon, daily limit of 2 trout through the ice. Wheeler Bay in Dummer to Sawmill Dam in Berlin — brown trout may be taken any time of day or night during the open season. Sawmill Dam in Berlin to the ME/NH boundary — no closed season for all species, single barbless hook, artificial lures/flies, catch-and-release all species. Elsewhere the general rules for rivers and streams apply. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: January 1 to October 15 generally; no closed season (except salmon) from the Dummer-Cambridge town line to Pontook Dam and from Sawmill Dam to the ME/NH boundary · Daily limit: 5 fish or 5 pounds under general river rules; 2 fish (12-inch minimum) in the fly-fishing-only section below Errol Dam; catch-and-release only from Sawmill Dam to the Maine line · Size limit: Minimum length 12 inches in the Errol Dam - Bragg Bay fly-fishing-only section; no length limit elsewhere. · License required
Rainbow Trout — Back Lake
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 5 fish or 5 pounds combined (trout), whichever limit is reached first for rainbow trout. No length limit. Trout Pond rules: trout ponds open on the fourth Saturday in April; closed to salmon October 1 and to all species October 16. Fishing for any species is prohibited from October 16 until the fourth Saturday in April the following year. The daily combined limit for trout is 5 fish or 5 pounds, whichever limit is reached first. The use of live fish, or their eggs, for bait is prohibited (salmon eggs are permitted). Trout ponds are closed to ice fishing. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: Fourth Saturday in April through October 15 (closed to salmon October 1; fishing for any species prohibited October 16 until the fourth Saturday in April) · Daily limit: 5 fish or 5 pounds combined (trout), whichever limit is reached first · Size limit: No length limit. · License required
Rainbow Trout — Connecticut River (New Hampshire)
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 5 fish or 5 pounds through open water (1 fish from Samuel Moore Dam to the Rte. 18 bridge); 2 fish through the ice (1 fish in the same section); 2 fish (fly-fishing only) in designated Pittsburg headwater sections for rainbow trout. No length limit generally; 12-inch minimum in the First CT Lake dam - Lake Francis fly-fishing-only section. Connecticut River (NH-VT interstate) rules: all New Hampshire resident and Vermont resident fishing licenses are valid; all other nonresidents with a N.H. nonresident fishing license shall only take fish east of the Vermont low water mark. Open to fishing all year, except no fishing Oct. 16 - Dec. 31 from the confluence of the Upper Ammonoosuc River and the Connecticut River in Northumberland, NH, to the northern boundary of the town of Canaan, VT. No more than 6 ice fishing devices are allowed; in open water no more than 2 lines may be used. No open season for Atlantic salmon until declared by the Connecticut River Atlantic Salmon Commission. These interstate limits apply along the entire NH-VT length of the Connecticut River, and the seasonal Northumberland-to-Canaan closure is the only reach-specific exception; elsewhere on the river these same limits apply. Trout: the season for taking trout by all legal methods shall open on January 1 and close October 15. Through open water, the daily limit is 5 fish or 5 pounds (whichever limit is first reached), except the daily limit is 1 fish from the Samuel Moore Dam downstream to the Rte. 18 bridge. Through the ice, the daily limit is 2 fish (1 fish in the same section). From the Pittsburg, NH-Canaan, VT boundary downstream to the West Stewartstown-Canaan bridge, from January 1 through March 31, all trout and salmon shall be immediately released unharmed and fishing is permitted with barbless, single hook lures and flies only. Pittsburg headwater sections: dam at Second CT Lake to the Magalloway Road logging bridge — fly-fishing only, catch-and-release for all species; Magalloway Rd bridge to Green's Point on First CT Lake — fly-fishing only, daily limit for trout 2 fish; First CT Lake dam to the signs on Lake Francis — fly-fishing only, 2 trout, minimum length 12 inches. Lyman Falls special section (North Stratford): artificial lures and flies only, barbless hooks, all fish immediately released unharmed. Vernon Dam and Wilder Dam are closed to all fishing to a point 150 feet below each dam. Elsewhere on the river, the statewide New Hampshire limits apply. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: January 1 to October 15 (trout) · Daily limit: 5 fish or 5 pounds through open water (1 fish from Samuel Moore Dam to the Rte. 18 bridge); 2 fish through the ice (1 fish in the same section); 2 fish (fly-fishing only) in designated Pittsburg headwater sections · Size limit: No length limit generally; 12-inch minimum in the First CT Lake dam - Lake Francis fly-fishing-only section. · License required
Rainbow Trout — Contoocook River
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 2 through the ice in the no-closed-season sections; 2 fish (single hook artificials, 12-inch minimum) in the Henniker special section; otherwise 5 fish or 5 pounds under general river rules for rainbow trout. Minimum length 12 inches in the Henniker special section; no length limit elsewhere. Contoocook River special rules: Contoocook Lake downstream to the area marked with signs and wire in West Henniker, and from 2,500 ft. above the former paper mill dam in West Henniker to the confluence with the Merrimack River — no closed season for all species, daily limit of 2 trout through the ice. Henniker special section (from 2,500 ft. above the former paper mill dam upstream 1 mile, marked by signs and wire) — Jan. 1 through Nov. 30 season, single hook artificial lures/flies, daily limit for trout is 2 fish, minimum length 12 inches. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: No closed season for all species in the special-rule sections; Jan. 1 - Nov. 30 in the Henniker special section · Daily limit: 2 through the ice in the no-closed-season sections; 2 fish (single hook artificials, 12-inch minimum) in the Henniker special section; otherwise 5 fish or 5 pounds under general river rules · Size limit: Minimum length 12 inches in the Henniker special section; no length limit elsewhere. · License required
Rainbow Trout — Ellis River
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 5 fish or 5 pounds under general river rules; 2 fish (fly-fishing only) from the covered bridge to the Iron Railroad Bridge for rainbow trout. No length limit. Ellis River special rule (Jackson): from the covered bridge in Jackson to the Iron Railroad Bridge in Glen — fly-fishing only, daily limit for trout is 2 fish. Elsewhere the general rules for rivers and streams apply. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: January 1 to October 15 · Daily limit: 5 fish or 5 pounds under general river rules; 2 fish (fly-fishing only) from the covered bridge to the Iron Railroad Bridge · Size limit: No length limit. · License required
Rainbow Trout — First Connecticut Lake
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit Combined daily limit for salmon and trout is 4 fish (April 1 - September 30), of which no more than 2 fish may be salmon; 2 trout (combined, all trout species) January 1 - March 31 through the ice for rainbow trout. No minimum length for trout. There is no minimum length for trout. Lake trout minimum length is 15 inches. From April 1 through September 30, the combined daily limit for salmon and trout is 4 fish, of which no more than 2 fish may be salmon. The daily limit for lake trout is 2 fish. Lake Trout and/or Salmon Lake rules: minimum length for trout, lake trout and landlocked salmon is 15 inches; the head and tail must remain intact while on or leaving the waters of the state. From January 1 to March 31, fish may be taken by ice fishing only, the combined daily bag limit for all trout species is 2 fish, the daily limit for lake trout is 2 fish, and the water is closed to the taking of landlocked salmon (salmon season is April 1 to September 30); two ice fishing devices are allowed per person — single hook with single hook point for bait, or an artificial lure or flies. From April 1 to September 30, the combined daily bag limit for all trout species is 2 fish and the daily limit for lake trout is 2 fish; open to the taking of all species, except no smelt may be taken from March 15 to June 15. From October 1 until December 31, closed to the taking of trout, lake trout, salmon, and whitefish, and trolling is prohibited. From April 1 through December 31, no person may take fish through the ice. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: Open year-round subject to Lake Trout and/or Salmon Lake restrictions: January 1 to March 31 ice fishing only; October 1 until December 31 closed to the taking of trout, lake trout, salmon, and whitefish · Daily limit: Combined daily limit for salmon and trout is 4 fish (April 1 - September 30), of which no more than 2 fish may be salmon; 2 trout (combined, all trout species) January 1 - March 31 through the ice · Size limit: No minimum length for trout. · License required
Rainbow Trout — Great East Lake
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 2 for rainbow trout. Minimum length 10 inches in lakes and ponds. New Hampshire-Maine interstate water: all New Hampshire and Maine fishing licenses are valid. It is unlawful to fish in open water from January 1 - March 31, or to have more than two lines in use in open water. Ice fishing is allowed only from January 1 to March 31 in lakes and ponds (except cusk and salmon); no more than five lines (two on Great East Lake). It is unlawful to take, sell or possess for use as bait any of the following fish, dead or living — pickerel, goldfish, yellow perch, white perch, bass, sunfish, crappie, horned pout, carp or any spiny-finned fish. Great East Lake exceptions: no more than 2 lines during ice fishing season; lake trout minimum length is 16 inches; no smelt may be taken in tributaries. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: January 1 - September 30; catch and release only October 1 - December 31 · Daily limit: 2 · Size limit: Minimum length 10 inches in lakes and ponds. · License required
Rainbow Trout — Jericho Lake
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 5 fish or 5 pounds, whichever is reached first (open water); 2 fish through the ice for rainbow trout. No length limit. Jericho Lake special rules: (1) this waterbody is open to the taking of all species, except salmon and smelt, all year-round by all legal methods; (2) the daily limit for northern pike is 3 fish; (3) the minimum length for northern pike is 20 inches. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: Open to the taking of all species, except salmon and smelt, all year-round by all legal methods · Daily limit: 5 fish or 5 pounds, whichever is reached first (open water); 2 fish through the ice · Size limit: No length limit. · License required
Rainbow Trout — Lake Francis
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit Combined daily limit for salmon and trout is 4 fish (April 1 - September 30), of which no more than 2 fish may be salmon; 2 trout (combined, all trout species) January 1 - March 31 through the ice for rainbow trout. No minimum length for trout. There is no minimum length for trout. Lake trout minimum length is 15 inches. From April 1 through September 30, the combined daily limit for salmon and trout is 4 fish, of which no more than 2 fish may be salmon. The daily limit for lake trout is 2 fish. Lake Trout and/or Salmon Lake rules: minimum length for trout, lake trout and landlocked salmon is 15 inches; the head and tail must remain intact while on or leaving the waters of the state. From January 1 to March 31, fish may be taken by ice fishing only, the combined daily bag limit for all trout species is 2 fish, the daily limit for lake trout is 2 fish, and the water is closed to the taking of landlocked salmon (salmon season is April 1 to September 30); two ice fishing devices are allowed per person — single hook with single hook point for bait, or an artificial lure or flies. From April 1 to September 30, the combined daily bag limit for all trout species is 2 fish and the daily limit for lake trout is 2 fish; open to the taking of all species, except no smelt may be taken from March 15 to June 15. From October 1 until December 31, closed to the taking of trout, lake trout, salmon, and whitefish, and trolling is prohibited. From April 1 through December 31, no person may take fish through the ice. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: Open year-round subject to Lake Trout and/or Salmon Lake restrictions: January 1 to March 31 ice fishing only; October 1 until December 31 closed to the taking of trout, lake trout, salmon, and whitefish · Daily limit: Combined daily limit for salmon and trout is 4 fish (April 1 - September 30), of which no more than 2 fish may be salmon; 2 trout (combined, all trout species) January 1 - March 31 through the ice · Size limit: No minimum length for trout. · License required
Rainbow Trout — Lake Waukewan
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 2 (trout) for rainbow trout. No length limit. Lake Waukewan special rule: the daily limit for trout shall be 2 fish. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: Open water (ice-out to ice-in); through the ice where ice fishing is permitted · Daily limit: 2 (trout) · Size limit: No length limit. · License required
Rainbow Trout — Lake Winnipesaukee
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 2 (combined daily bag limit for all trout species) for rainbow trout. Minimum length 15 inches (trout). Lake Trout and/or Salmon Lake rules: minimum length for trout, lake trout and landlocked salmon is 15 inches; the head and tail must remain intact while on or leaving the waters of the state. From January 1 to March 31, fish may be taken by ice fishing only, the combined daily bag limit for all trout species is 2 fish, the daily limit for lake trout is 2 fish, and the water is closed to the taking of landlocked salmon (salmon season is April 1 to September 30); two ice fishing devices are allowed per person — single hook with single hook point for bait, or an artificial lure or flies. From April 1 to September 30, the combined daily bag limit for all trout species is 2 fish and the daily limit for lake trout is 2 fish; open to the taking of all species, except no smelt may be taken from March 15 to June 15. From October 1 until December 31, closed to the taking of trout, lake trout, salmon, and whitefish, and trolling is prohibited. From April 1 through December 31, no person may take fish through the ice. Lake Winnipesaukee special rules: the areas of the lake that lie within 500 feet of Gunstock River, Poor Farm Brook, Melvin River, Merrymeeting River, Mink Brook, and Smith River (outlet of Crescent Lake), and the lake area 500 feet on either side of the Main Street bridge in Wolfeboro, are closed to all fishing from Oct. 16 to Dec. 31. The following two areas are closed to all fishing October 1 through March 31: (1) the area of Paugus Bay which lies between the railroad trestle at its south end and the Lakeport Dam in Laconia; (2) the area of open water at Weirs Channel. When trolling to take fish: (1) only one artificial bait, one fly, one tandem fly or one bait shall be used per rod; and (2) only one hook with a single hook point shall be used with bait. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: Open year-round subject to Lake Trout and/or Salmon Lake restrictions: January 1 to March 31 ice fishing only; October 1 until December 31 closed to the taking of trout, lake trout, salmon, and whitefish · Daily limit: 2 (combined daily bag limit for all trout species) · Size limit: Minimum length 15 inches (trout). · License required
Rainbow Trout — Lamprey River
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 2 through the ice (Raymond to Wiswall Dam section); below Wiswall Dam, catch-and-release Oct. 16 to the 4th Saturday in April and 5 fish or 5 lbs. from the 4th Saturday in April through Oct. 15 for rainbow trout. No length limit. Lamprey River special rules: Raymond/Deerfield town line to Wiswall Dam — no closed season for all species, daily limit of 2 trout through the ice. Wiswall Dam to the first railroad trestle downstream of Packers Falls — no closed season for all species; Oct. 16 to the 4th Saturday in April — catch-and-release, single barbless hook, artificial lures/flies; 4th Saturday in April through Oct. 15 — daily limit for trout 5 fish or 5 lbs., all legal methods. Closed to all fishing 200 feet below Wiswall Dam between April 1 and July 31 and in the waters 50 feet above the Wiswall Dam year round. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: No closed season for all species (special-rule sections; see notes) · Daily limit: 2 through the ice (Raymond to Wiswall Dam section); below Wiswall Dam, catch-and-release Oct. 16 to the 4th Saturday in April and 5 fish or 5 lbs. from the 4th Saturday in April through Oct. 15 · Size limit: No length limit. · License required
Rainbow Trout — Merrymeeting Lake
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 2 (combined daily bag limit for all trout species) for rainbow trout. Minimum length 15 inches (trout). Lake Trout and/or Salmon Lake rules: minimum length for trout, lake trout and landlocked salmon is 15 inches; the head and tail must remain intact while on or leaving the waters of the state. From January 1 to March 31, fish may be taken by ice fishing only, the combined daily bag limit for all trout species is 2 fish, the daily limit for lake trout is 2 fish, and the water is closed to the taking of landlocked salmon (salmon season is April 1 to September 30); two ice fishing devices are allowed per person — single hook with single hook point for bait, or an artificial lure or flies. From April 1 to September 30, the combined daily bag limit for all trout species is 2 fish and the daily limit for lake trout is 2 fish; open to the taking of all species, except no smelt may be taken from March 15 to June 15. From October 1 until December 31, closed to the taking of trout, lake trout, salmon, and whitefish, and trolling is prohibited. From April 1 through December 31, no person may take fish through the ice. When trolling to take fish: (1) only one artificial bait, one fly, one tandem fly or one bait shall be used per rod; and (2) only one hook with a single hook point shall be used with bait. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: Open year-round subject to Lake Trout and/or Salmon Lake restrictions: January 1 to March 31 ice fishing only; October 1 until December 31 closed to the taking of trout, lake trout, salmon, and whitefish · Daily limit: 2 (combined daily bag limit for all trout species) · Size limit: Minimum length 15 inches (trout). · License required
Rainbow Trout — Newfound Lake
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 2 (combined daily bag limit for all trout species) for rainbow trout. Minimum length 15 inches (brook, rainbow, brown trout and their hybrids). Lake Trout and/or Salmon Lake rules: minimum length for trout, lake trout and landlocked salmon is 15 inches; the head and tail must remain intact while on or leaving the waters of the state. From January 1 to March 31, fish may be taken by ice fishing only, the combined daily bag limit for all trout species is 2 fish, the daily limit for lake trout is 2 fish, and the water is closed to the taking of landlocked salmon (salmon season is April 1 to September 30); two ice fishing devices are allowed per person — single hook with single hook point for bait, or an artificial lure or flies. From April 1 to September 30, the combined daily bag limit for all trout species is 2 fish and the daily limit for lake trout is 2 fish; open to the taking of all species, except no smelt may be taken from March 15 to June 15. From October 1 until December 31, closed to the taking of trout, lake trout, salmon, and whitefish, and trolling is prohibited. From April 1 through December 31, no person may take fish through the ice. Newfound Lake special rules: the minimum length for lake trout is 15 inches; the minimum length for brook trout, rainbow trout, brown trout, or their hybrids is 15 inches. The area of the lake that lies within 500 feet of the Cockermouth River and Fowler River shall be closed to all fishing from Oct. 16 through Dec. 31. When trolling to take fish: (1) only one artificial bait, one fly, one tandem fly or one bait shall be used per rod; and (2) only one hook with a single hook point shall be used with bait. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: Open year-round subject to Lake Trout and/or Salmon Lake restrictions: January 1 to March 31 ice fishing only; October 1 until December 31 closed to the taking of trout, lake trout, salmon, and whitefish · Daily limit: 2 (combined daily bag limit for all trout species) · Size limit: Minimum length 15 inches (brook, rainbow, brown trout and their hybrids). · License required
Rainbow Trout — Ossipee Lake
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 2 (combined daily bag limit for all trout species) for rainbow trout. Minimum length 15 inches (trout). Lake Trout and/or Salmon Lake rules: minimum length for trout, lake trout and landlocked salmon is 15 inches; the head and tail must remain intact while on or leaving the waters of the state. From January 1 to March 31, fish may be taken by ice fishing only, the combined daily bag limit for all trout species is 2 fish, the daily limit for lake trout is 2 fish, and the water is closed to the taking of landlocked salmon (salmon season is April 1 to September 30); two ice fishing devices are allowed per person — single hook with single hook point for bait, or an artificial lure or flies. From April 1 to September 30, the combined daily bag limit for all trout species is 2 fish and the daily limit for lake trout is 2 fish; open to the taking of all species, except no smelt may be taken from March 15 to June 15. From October 1 until December 31, closed to the taking of trout, lake trout, salmon, and whitefish, and trolling is prohibited. From April 1 through December 31, no person may take fish through the ice. Ossipee Lake special rule: the area of the lake that lies within 500 feet of the Bearcamp River shall be closed to all fishing from Oct. 16 through Dec. 31. When trolling to take fish: (1) only one artificial bait, one fly, one tandem fly or one bait shall be used per rod; and (2) only one hook with a single hook point shall be used with bait. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: Open year-round subject to Lake Trout and/or Salmon Lake restrictions: January 1 to March 31 ice fishing only; October 1 until December 31 closed to the taking of trout, lake trout, salmon, and whitefish · Daily limit: 2 (combined daily bag limit for all trout species) · Size limit: Minimum length 15 inches (trout). · License required
Rainbow Trout — Pemigewasset River
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 5 fish or 5 pounds under general river rules; 2 trout through the ice in the no-closed-season sections for rainbow trout. No length limit. Pemigewasset River special rules (Bristol to Franklin sections): from the Route 104 bridge to Ayers Island Dam, from 300 ft. below Ayers Island Dam to the Eastman Falls Dam in Franklin, and from 150 ft. below Eastman Falls Dam to the confluence of the Winnipesaukee River — no closed season for all species except salmon, daily limit of 2 trout through the ice. Closed to all fishing: from Ayers Island Dam 300 ft. downstream and from Eastman Falls Dam 150 ft. downstream. Elsewhere the general rules for rivers and streams apply. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: January 1 to October 15 generally; no closed season (except salmon) in the Bristol-Franklin special sections · Daily limit: 5 fish or 5 pounds under general river rules; 2 trout through the ice in the no-closed-season sections · Size limit: No length limit. · License required
Rainbow Trout — Pleasant Lake
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 5 fish or 5 pounds combined (trout), whichever limit is reached first for rainbow trout. No length limit. Trout Pond rules: trout ponds open on the fourth Saturday in April; closed to salmon October 1 and to all species October 16. Fishing for any species is prohibited from October 16 until the fourth Saturday in April the following year. The daily combined limit for trout is 5 fish or 5 pounds, whichever limit is reached first. The use of live fish, or their eggs, for bait is prohibited (salmon eggs are permitted). Trout ponds are closed to ice fishing. Pleasant Lake special rule: use or possession of rainbow smelt for bait shall be permitted. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: Fourth Saturday in April through October 15 (closed to salmon October 1; fishing for any species prohibited October 16 until the fourth Saturday in April) · Daily limit: 5 fish or 5 pounds combined (trout), whichever limit is reached first · Size limit: No length limit. · License required
Rainbow Trout — Saco River (New Hampshire)
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 5 fish or 5 pounds under general river rules; 2 fish (fly-fishing only) from Lucy Brook to Artist Falls Brook for rainbow trout. No length limit. Saco River special rule (Conway): from Lucy Brook downstream to the confluence with Artist Falls Brook — fly-fishing only, daily limit for trout is 2 fish. Elsewhere the general rules for rivers and streams apply (January 1 to October 15; 5 fish or 5 pounds). Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: January 1 to October 15 · Daily limit: 5 fish or 5 pounds under general river rules; 2 fish (fly-fishing only) from Lucy Brook to Artist Falls Brook · Size limit: No length limit. · License required
Rainbow Trout — Silver Lake (New Hampshire)
New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire limits — daily limit 2 (combined daily bag limit for all trout species) for rainbow trout. Minimum length 15 inches (trout). Lake Trout and/or Salmon Lake rules: minimum length for trout, lake trout and landlocked salmon is 15 inches; the head and tail must remain intact while on or leaving the waters of the state. From January 1 to March 31, fish may be taken by ice fishing only, the combined daily bag limit for all trout species is 2 fish, the daily limit for lake trout is 2 fish, and the water is closed to the taking of landlocked salmon (salmon season is April 1 to September 30); two ice fishing devices are allowed per person — single hook with single hook point for bait, or an artificial lure or flies. From April 1 to September 30, the combined daily bag limit for all trout species is 2 fish and the daily limit for lake trout is 2 fish; open to the taking of all species, except no smelt may be taken from March 15 to June 15. From October 1 until December 31, closed to the taking of trout, lake trout, salmon, and whitefish, and trolling is prohibited. From April 1 through December 31, no person may take fish through the ice. When trolling to take fish: (1) only one artificial bait, one fly, one tandem fly or one bait shall be used per rod; and (2) only one hook with a single hook point shall be used with bait. Source: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater (Lakes & Ponds and Rivers & Streams General and Special Rules, Last Updated January 2026). This is an abbreviated summary, not a legal document. Confirm current regulations with NH Fish and Game before you fish.
Season: Open year-round subject to Lake Trout and/or Salmon Lake restrictions: January 1 to March 31 ice fishing only; October 1 until December 31 closed to the taking of trout, lake trout, salmon, and whitefish · Daily limit: 2 (combined daily bag limit for all trout species) · Size limit: Minimum length 15 inches (trout). · License required