New Hampshire Fishing Reports
Seasonal News, Tips, Techniques, and Resources to Have a Great Time Fishing in the Granite State
Summer 2024
The air warming up and school getting out means one thing: that another summer filled with fishing opportunities and memory making is upon us. The arrival of warmer weather also means that another New Hampshire angling tradition is almost here—Free Fishing Day. This year, the event where anyone can fish Granite State waters without a fishing license will take place on Saturday, June 1. This is an invaluable opportunity for the curious to pick up a rod and get hooked on the sport of fishing. Already a licensed and avid angler? Bring a friend out and share your passion for fishing!
Fishing Forecast and Conditions:
Anglers will be thrilled to hear that early weather predictions don’t indicate that the extreme amounts of rainfall we had last summer are in this season’s forecast. A mild May means that early summer trout can still be caught from shore (see stocking report for freshly stocked locations). As the summer heats up, trout will begin to move deeper and deeper into the waterbody they occupy. Heat will in fact be the condition anglers will need to contend with this summer; New Hampshire (known for unpredictable weather) is expected to experience above-average temperatures, which will have an effect on fish behavior and the bite.
Tips:
Hotter temperatures and warmer water tables can be tough on fishing because the fish become more lethargic and less likely to feed. Take advantage of those less than sunny days. Cooler air temp coupled with low light conditions can trigger fish to feed.
Targeting them during the cooler times of the day such as the early morning or at night can also be a great way to combat this. Nighttime fishing, in particular, can be incredibly fun and lead to lifetime memories. Fishing with a top water lure at night for bass can be extremely effective, and the mental image of them hitting that lure on the surface and the fight that will ensue is certainly not one that you, or a the person you are fishing with, will soon forget. Nighttime fishing also allows anglers a chance to target some unique species of fish, such as the brown bullhead or horned pout. Nothing says summertime night fishing in New Hampshire quite like grabbing a lantern, some worms, and fishing the bottom of a waterbody for horned pout. Not sure how to fish for them? Check out our YouTube video for a complete how to guide.
Other fishing opportunities:
Although not everyone’s first thought, New Hampshire’s 13 miles of coastline offer plenty of great surfcasting opportunities. By June 2, 30-plus pound stripers will begin to enter New Hampshire’s coastal waters. Surfcasting for stripers is an incredibly fun sport, and if you hook onto one of the big ones, you are sure to be addicted. Be sure to use circle hooks and to know the size limits when fishing for stripers. Get out there, Learn more about coastal access sites.
2023
Federal Aid in Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration
Federal Aid in Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration
Researching and managing fisheries and teaching people about aquatic ecosystems are funded by your license dollars and by the Federal Aid in Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program. Your purchases of fishing equipment and motorboat fuels make a difference to New Hampshire's fisheries.