New Hampshire Fishing Reports

Seasonal News, Tips, Techniques, and Resources to Have a Great Time Fishing in the Granite State

Early Winter 2025

 

two ice anglers with black crappie catch Ice anglers rejoice! It is finally looking like the state will have a respectable ice fishing season this year with many bodies of water bearing safe ice statewide. To check the ice conditions of your local lake or pond, visit https://www.wildlife.nh.gov/get-outside/stay-safe-ice

Winter is the perfect time to go fishing because it gives anglers of all abilities increased access opportunities you don’t get at other times of the year. So if you haven’t been “fishing the hard water” in a few years, or are brand new to the sport, this is shaping up to be the perfect winter to get out on the ice. Remember, Free Fishing Day in New Hampshire is January 18, so take a friend and embrace the excitement of ice fishing. 



Fishing Forecast and Conditions: 

Early season cold weather and more forecasted means we will have plenty of ice even on the bigger lakes this season. A welcomed sight compared to the milder winters of previous years. Anglers across the state are already reporting a lot of early success’s for all types of fish species. Early season ice fishing offers anglers the chance to take advantage of trout stocked in the fall. Find out what waterbodies are stocked and open all year by visiting https://www.wildlife.nh.gov/fishing-new-hampshire/trout-fishing-new-hampshire/nh-lakes-and-ponds-stocked-trout-and-open-year

The long-range weather outlook for New Hampshire predicts a lot of sunny and partly cloudy days, which could hamper fishing success. Although under the ice, fish are still influenced by weather conditions and brighter days can lead to slower fishing. Aim to fish during the early mornings or early evenings on these types of days to increase your chances, and be sure not to miss a day with cloud cover even if you have to burn that day of PTO you’re saving. 



Tips:

Particularly for ice fishing, live bait is always productive for most of the target fish you are after. To find a list of bait dealers in our state visit https://www.wildlife.nh.gov/fishing-new-hampshire/baitfish-and-dealers-nh. If jigging is more your speed, particularly during the more clear days which are being forecasted, more natural color jigs usually render success. 

Black Crappie is a particularly popular fish to catch through the ice which are found throughout the state. This fish tastes great and is extremely fun to catch for anglers of all skill levels. As winter progresses, black crappie will start to occupy deeper holes and basins, and will be suspended there in schools. Jigging is usually the best way to target this species. For tackle, tungsten jig or soft bait will work, and anything with a horizontal presentation will render the best results. Drop your jig to the bottom, reel up about a foot or so, and perform slower rising actions, working about 1—2 feet of the water column.



Weighing fish Other Fishing Opportunities: 

Have you tried an ice fishing a derby yet? Fishing derby’s add to the excitement of fishing by adding a little friendly competition, prizes, comradery, and they often support local organizations. Ice fishing derbies are an awesome way to create excitement about the sport of fishing for both the young and old– See list of winter fishing derby’s, visit https://www.wildlife.nh.gov/fishing-new-hampshire/tournaments/ice-fishing-tournament-schedule.  

 

 

Information Icon

Federal Aid in Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration

Federal Aid in Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration

WSFR Logo ImageResearching 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.