Best Times & Seasons to Fish in New Hampshire (Full Guide)

New Hampshire offers some of the best fishing in the United States. Understanding the best seasons and times to fish can greatly impact your success.

The best times to fish in New Hampshire are early morning and late evening. Summer and fall are the best months for most species in New Hampshire.

Month	New Hampshire Fishing Location
January	Connecticut River (Pittsburg) – Ice fishing for lake trout and northern pike.
February	Winnipesaukee Lake (Meredith) – Ice fishing for lake trout, salmon, and whitefish.
March	Squam Lake (Holderness) – Early spring fishing for smallmouth bass and rainbow trout.
April	Pemigewasset River (Woodstock) – Spring fishing for brown trout and brook trout.
May	Lake Sunapee (Newbury) – Spring fishing for rainbow trout and landlocked salmon.
June	Merrimack River (Concord) – Summer fishing for smallmouth bass and striped bass.
July	Lake Winnisquam (Laconia) – Summer fishing for largemouth bass and pickerel.
August	Lake Umbagog (Cambridge) – Summer fishing for smallmouth bass and northern pike.
September	Androscoggin River (Gorham) – Fall fishing for brook trout and landlocked salmon.
October	Squam Lake (Holderness) – Fall fishing for lake trout and white perch.
November	Connecticut Lakes (Pittsburg) – Late fall fishing for lake trout and rainbow trout.
December	Great Bay (Greenland) – Ice fishing for yellow perch and smelt.

In this article, we will discuss the best times and seasons to fish in New Hampshire. We will also talk about where some of the best fishing in the state is on a month-by-month basis.

Best Sections of Creeks/Rivers to Fly Fish in New Hampshire

Connecticut River (Pittsburg to Northumberland) – Best months: May to October, Targeted fish: Trout, Smallmouth Bass.

Merrimack River (Concord to Manchester) – Best months: April to November, Targeted fish: Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike.

Androscoggin River (Errol to Berlin) – Best months: April to October, Targeted fish: Trout, Salmon.

Pemigewasset River (Lincoln to Bristol) – Best months: May to October, Targeted fish: Trout, Smallmouth Bass.

Swift River (Tamworth to Conway) – Best months: April to October, Targeted fish: Trout.

Saco River (Conway to Bartlett) – Best months: April to October, Targeted fish: Trout, Smallmouth Bass.

Ashuelot River (Keene to Hinsdale) – Best months: April to October, Targeted fish: Trout.

Contoocook River (Peterborough to Penacook) – Best months: April to November, Targeted fish: Smallmouth Bass, Trout.

Lamprey River (Newmarket to Durham) – Best months: April to October, Targeted fish: Trout.

Suncook River (Barnstead to Pembroke) – Best months: April to October, Targeted fish: Smallmouth Bass, Trout.

Best Sections of Lakes to Fish in New Hampshire

Lake Winnipesaukee – Best months: May to September, Targeted fish: Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Trout, Salmon.

Squam Lake – Best months: May to September, Targeted fish: Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Trout.

Newfound Lake – Best months: May to September, Targeted fish: Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Trout.

Lake Sunapee – Best months: May to September, Targeted fish: Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Trout, Salmon.

Lake Winnisquam – Best months: May to September, Targeted fish: Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Trout.

Ossipee Lake – Best months: May to September, Targeted fish: Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Trout.

Lake Wentworth – Best months: May to September, Targeted fish: Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Trout.

Great East Lake – Best months: May to September, Targeted fish: Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Trout.

Lake Massabesic – Best months: May to September, Targeted fish: Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Trout.

Bow Lake – Best months: May to September, Targeted fish: Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Trout.

Recommended Fishing Guides in New Hampshire

These New Hampshire-based charters are some of the best at putting you on great fishing action. The captains are knowledgeable and professional and are sure to put you on fish. By clicking the links below, you will be taken to the charter’s respective profile on Fishing Booker where you can read reviews, learn more about the charter, view photos, and book online at the best rate.

Recommended Fishing Charters	Location
Ledge Runner Charters	New Castle, NH
The Charter Doctor	Portsmouth, NH
Seacoast NH Sportfishing	Rye, NH

Species Seasonal Breakdown

Bluefin Tuna

When fishing for bluefin tuna in New Hampshire, the best time is generally during summer, from June to September. Early morning and late afternoon are prime times for tuna fishing. Some popular locations for tuna fishing in New Hampshire include Jeffrey’s Ledge, Stellwagen Bank, the Isle of Shoals, and the Gulf of Maine.

Flounder

Flounder are typically more active during the warmer months, from May to October. Early morning and late afternoon are good times to catch flounder as they feed best during low-light conditions. Some good locations for flounder fishing in New Hampshire include Hampton Harbor, Rye Harbor, Portsmouth Harbor, and the Piscataqua River.

Atlantic Cod

The best months to target cod are typically from May to October. Early morning and late afternoon are the prime times to catch fish. Some great locations for cod fishing in New Hampshire include Jeffrey’s Ledge, Stellwagen Bank, Isle of Shoals, and the Gulf of Maine.

Haddock

The best months to target haddock are typically from May to September. Early morning and late afternoon are the optimal times to find them. Some great locations for haddock fishing in New Hampshire include Jeffrey’s Ledge, Stellwagen Bank, Isle of Shoals, and the Gulf of Maine.

Bluefish

The best months to target bluefish are typically from June to September. Early morning and late afternoon are the prime times to fish. Some great locations for bluefish fishing in New Hampshire include Hampton Harbor, Rye Harbor, Portsmouth Harbor, and the Isle of Shoals.

Striped Bass

The best months to target striped bass are typically from May to October when water temperatures are warmer. Early morning and late afternoon are the prime times of day to catch them, as they are often more active during low light conditions. Some great locations for striped bass fishing in New Hampshire include the Piscataqua River, Hampton Harbor, Great Bay, Portsmouth Harbor, and the mouth of the Merrimack River.

Brown Trout

The best months to target brown trout are typically from April to June and September to October. Early morning and late afternoon are the prime times to catch them, as brown trout are more active during low-light conditions. Some top locations for brown trout fishing in New Hampshire include the Saco River, Ammonoosuc River, Upper Pemigewasset River, Wildcat River, and Swift River.

Brook Trout

The best months to target brook trout are typically from April to June and September to October. During these periods, brook trout are more active and easier to catch. Early morning and late afternoon are the optimal time to fish. As for locations, some great spots for brook trout fishing in New Hampshire include the Swift River, Upper Pemigewasset River, Ammonoosuc River, Wild River, and Ellis River.

Rainbow Trout

The best time is during the cooler months, from April to June and September to October. Rainbow trout are more active during these periods, especially in the early morning and late afternoon. Some top locations for rainbow trout fishing in New Hampshire include the Connecticut, Ammonoosuc, Swift, Saco, and Upper Pemigewasset.

Landlocked Salmon

The best months to target landlocked salmon are typically from April to June and September to October. Early morning and late afternoon are the optimal times to catch them, as landlocked salmon are more active during low-light conditions. Some great locations for landlocked salmon fishing in New Hampshire include Lake Winnipesaukee, Lake Sunapee, Newfound Lake, Squam Lake, and Lake Winnisquam.

Lake Trout

The best months to target lake trout are typically from April to June and September to November. During these periods, lake trout are more active and easier to catch. Early morning and late afternoon are the prime times of day to find them. As for locations, some great spots for lake trout fishing in New Hampshire include Lake Winnipesaukee, Newfound Lake, Squam Lake, Lake Sunapee, and Big Squam Lake.

Largemouth Bass

The best time is during the warmer months, from May to October. Largemouth bass are more active during this period, especially in the early morning and late afternoon. Some top locations for largemouth bass fishing in New Hampshire include Lake Winnipesaukee, Squam Lake, Merrymeeting Lake, Pawtuckaway Lake, and the Connecticut River.

Smallmouth Bass

The best months to target smallmouth bass are typically from May to September when the water temperatures are warmer. Early morning and late afternoon are the prime times to catch bass. Some of the best smallmouth bass fishing in New Hampshire include Lake Winnipesaukee, Squam Lake, Merrymeeting Lake, Pawtuckaway Lake, and the Connecticut River.

Northern Pike

The best months to target pike are typically from May to October. Early morning and late afternoon are the prime times to catch them. Try fishing in Lake Winnipesaukee, Lake Sunapee, Merrymeeting Lake, Connecticut River, and Squam Lake.

Carp

The best months to target carp are typically from May to September when water temperatures are warmer. Carp become more active during these months and are more likely to feed. Some great spots for carp fishing in New Hampshire include the Merrimack, Connecticut, Piscataquog, Nashua, and Bellamy Reservoir.

Yellow Perch

The best months to target yellow perch are typically from April to June and September to October. During these periods, yellow perch are more active and easier to catch. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times of the day. Some great spots for yellow perch fishing in New Hampshire include Lake Winnipesaukee, Squam Lake, Great Bay, Pawtuckaway Lake, and Bow Lake.

Catfish

The prime months for catfish fishing are usually from May to September, when the water temperatures are warmer. Catfish are more active during these months and tend to feed more readily. Nighttime and early morning are the best times to target catfish. As for locations, some top spots for catfish fishing in New Hampshire include the Merrimack River, Connecticut River, Great Bay, Piscataqua River, and Lamprey River.

Crappie

The best months for crappie fishing are typically April, May, June, September, and October. During these months, crappie are more active and easier to catch. Early morning and evening are ideal times of day. As for locations, some great spots for crappie fishing in New Hampshire include Lake Winnipesaukee, Lake Sunapee, Merrymeeting Lake, Great East Lake, and Bow Lake.

Walleye

The best months to target walleye are typically April, May, June, September, and October. These are the times when walleye are most active and easier to catch. Early morning and evening are the prime time of the day to find them. As for locations, some top spots for walleye fishing in New Hampshire include the Connecticut River, Lake Winnipesaukee, the Merrimack River, Lake Sunapee, and the Pemigewasset River.

American Shad

The prime months for American shad fishing are typically April, May, and June. During this period, shad migrate up rivers from the ocean to spawn. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to catch them. As for locations, some great spots for American shad fishing in New Hampshire include the Merrimack River, Piscataqua River, Cocheco River, Lamprey River, and Exeter River.

Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Maine. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Massachusetts. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of Connecticut’s best times to fish.

Best Fishing in New Hampshire on Seasonal Basis

Winter

Lake Winnipesaukee: Get ready to catch lake trout, known for their size and fighting spirit.
Squam Lake: Here, you’ll find plenty of yellow perch that offer a challenge.
Contoocook River: Try your luck with brown trout.
Lake Massabesic: Explore this hidden gem and aim for chain pickerel, aggressive predators with sharp teeth.

Spring

Lake Winnipesaukee: Catch rainbow trout in the largest lake in New Hampshire.
Merrimack River: Try your luck with striped bass in this river.
Squam Lake: Explore this peaceful lake and reel in some exciting smallmouth bass.
Connecticut River: Head to the border between New Hampshire and Vermont for a chance to catch delicious walleye.

Summer

Connecticut River: In the summer, anglers can fish in the Connecticut River for species like smallmouth bass, northern pike, and catfish.
Lake Winnipesaukee: Lake Winnipesaukee is a popular summer fishing spot, offering opportunities to catch species such as smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and lake trout.
Squam Lake: Squam Lake is a great destination for summer fishing, with anglers targeting species like smallmouth bass, pickerel, and yellow perch.
Merrimack River: The Merrimack River provides excellent summer fishing for species like smallmouth bass, striped bass, and channel catfish.

Fall

Lake Winnipesaukee: Ice fishing on Lake Winnipesaukee is popular during winter, targeting species such as lake trout, salmon, and whitefish.
Squam Lake: Ice fishing on Squam Lake is productive in winter, with anglers targeting species like lake trout and white perch.
Lake Sunapee: Ice fishing on Lake Sunapee is a favorite winter activity, with anglers targeting species such as rainbow trout and landlocked salmon.
Great Bay: Ice fishing on Great Bay is exciting during winter, with anglers targeting species like yellow perch and smelt.