Fly Fishing New Hampshire: Rivers, Lakes, Seasons and Tips
Location Details / New Hampshire
Fly Fishing New Hampshire: Rivers, Lakes, Seasons and Tips
New Hampshire fly fishing runs from fly-fishing-only river water below the Connecticut Lakes in Pittsburg and Errol Dam on the Androscoggin, through wild brook trout streams in the White Mountains, to landlocked salmon on Lake Winnipesaukee, Squam, Newfound and Sunapee and striped bass in Great Bay and along the Seacoast.
New Hampshire packs a lot into a small state: streamers below a Pittsburg dam, a fly-fishing-only pool on the Saco, then Seacoast stripers the next morning.
The New Hampshire voices in our archive are guests who grew up here or keep coming back. On our September 30, 2024 episode, Monic Fly Lines - Get to Know - The Angler, I introduced Ryan Jarvis as an angler who grew up in New Hampshire fishing with his grandfather, later fished Maine and now lives in Colorado and works with Monic Fly Lines. His tip from that show fits Granite State pocket water: fix depth and drift before changing flies. Back on Guided EP #10, published May 15, 2020, globe-trotting angler Jeff Currier told our Guided series that among the trips on his calendar once pandemic travel opened up were about ten days of New England smallmouth plus brook trout fishing in northern New Hampshire. When an angler known for tigerfish and giant trevally plans time around North Country brookies, that tells you something.
Top species
Wild and stocked brook trout, brown and rainbow trout, landlocked Atlantic salmon, lake trout, smallmouth bass, striped bass
Best months
Rivers May to June and September to mid-October; salmon lakes at ice-out in April and May; Seacoast stripers late spring through fall
Top waters
Connecticut River and Connecticut Lakes (Pittsburg), Androscoggin River (Errol), Saco River, Ellis and Swift Rivers, Lake Winnipesaukee, Squam, Newfound and Sunapee lakes, Great Bay
License and regs
NH Fish and Game license prices; anglers 16 and older need a license; check rivers with special rules before you fish
Nearest airports
Manchester-Boston Regional (MHT), Boston Logan (BOS), Portland International Jetport (PWM), Burlington International (BTV)
Rule to know
Most rivers and streams close to all fishing from October 16 through December 31; fly-fishing-only sections carry their own limits
Where to Fly Fish in New Hampshire
Connecticut River and the Connecticut Lakes, Pittsburg
NH Fish and Game manages three fly-fishing-only sections of the upper Connecticut in Pittsburg. From the dam at Second Connecticut Lake down to the Magalloway Road bridge, every fish of every species is catch and release. From that bridge to the inlet at Green's Point on First Connecticut Lake, the trout limit is two. From the First Connecticut Lake dam to the signs on Lake Francis, it is two trout with a 12-inch minimum. Below Murphy Dam, it is catch and release with single barbless artificials from January 1 to March 31, then general limits from April 1 to October 15. The lakes hold landlocked salmon (First and Second Connecticut Lakes, Lake Francis) and lake trout. Perry Stream is fly-fishing only from Happy Corner Bridge to the river, and Pittsburg has more fly-fishing-only ponds than any other town on the state list.
Androscoggin River, Errol and Thirteen Mile Woods
From Errol Dam downstream to the markers at the dead water at Bragg Bay, the Androscoggin is fly-fishing only with a two-trout limit and a 12-inch minimum. The river holds brook, brown and rainbow trout and smallmouth bass. Route 16 follows the water south through the Thirteen Mile Woods Scenic Area, where Mollidgewock State Park sits on the bank about three miles below Errol and makes an easy base for a few days. Upstream, Umbagog Lake and the river down to Errol Dam are shared with Maine, so either state's license is valid there.
Saco River and the Mount Washington Valley
The Saco gives North Conway a fly-fishing-only stretch starting at Lucy Brook, with a two-trout limit, and two nearby rivers carry the same rule. The Ellis River is fly-fishing only from the covered bridge in Jackson to the Iron Bridge in Glen, and the Swift River runs fly-fishing only from the Route 113A bridge to the Route 113 bridge in Tamworth.
Lake Winnipesaukee and the Big Salmon Lakes
NH Fish and Game names Lake Winnipesaukee, Squam Lake, Newfound Lake and Sunapee Lake as its landlocked salmon waters and stocks salmon in 15 waterbodies statewide. Salmon are open April 1 to September 30, two a day, 15-inch minimum. Fly anglers troll or cast smelt streamers after ice-out; the department's own list names the Gray Ghost, Nine-Three, Supervisor and Winnipesaukee Smelt. The Merrymeeting River from the lower dam at Alton to the Route 11 bridge at Alton Bay is fly-fishing only from January 1 to June 15 and October 1 to 31.
Seacoast Stripers and Great Bay
The Gulf of Maine Council describes migrating striped bass using Great Bay and the Hampton-Seabrook estuary to feed and rest, from the deepest parts of the Piscataqua River to shallow flats, especially drop-offs next to tidal creeks and over eelgrass and mussel beds. The 2026 rules allow one striper a day from 28 to under 31 inches, with no closed season; gaffing is banned and bait anglers must use non-offset circle hooks. Anglers 16 and older need the $11 NH recreational saltwater license unless they hold a Maine or Massachusetts saltwater license or fish from a licensed charter.
Other Fly-Fishing-Only Water
The Sugar River in Newport is fly-fishing only with a two-trout limit and a January 1 to November 30 season. Shorter fly-only sections run on the Mascoma in Lebanon and the Newfound River in Bristol.
When to Go Fly Fishing in New Hampshire
New Hampshire is a cold-water state with a firm calendar: rivers open January 1 but fish best from late spring, salmon lakes peak at ice-out, and most moving water closes October 16. Treat this table as general guidance from NH Fish and Game seasons.
| Target | JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rivers and streams (general trout season) | ||||||||||||
| Connecticut River, Pittsburg (fly-fishing only) | ||||||||||||
| Androscoggin and Saco (fly-fishing only) | ||||||||||||
| Landlocked salmon lakes (open April 1) | ||||||||||||
| Smallmouth bass | ||||||||||||
| Seacoast striped bass |
Intensity:LightModerateHeavy
Blank cells mean closed, frozen or not worth planning around. October river fishing ends on the 15th; bass are catch and release with artificial lures and flies from May 15 to June 15.
Book a Local Pro in New Hampshire
Guide or lodge in New Hampshire? Get listed. No FFIP Certified guide, lodge or outfitter is in New Hampshire yet. Put your business in front of anglers planning Pittsburg, Errol and Seacoast trips.
Market Your ServicesBrowse every FFIP Certified pro in the guides and lodges directory.
Custom Flies and Rods from New Hampshire
These independent New Hampshire fly tyers sell their own flies through their own sites and Etsy shops.
- Peter Simonson Fly Dresser, Greenville: commissioned streamers and classic salmon flies, including historic Carrie Stevens streamers
- Shadcreek Flies, Hampstead: streamers and Spey and classic salmon flies for trout and salmon
- Saltwater Custom Flies (Joe Calcavecchia), New Hampshire: saltwater flies and streamers for striped bass, from the tyer behind the Striper Dragon and Mojo Squid
- JBs Hand Tied Flies, Windham: hand-tied saltwater streamers for false albacore and bonito, with custom colors
- Jay's Kebari Shop (Jay Guarneri), Nashua: tenkara kebari, dry flies and emergers for trout
- Erik Reinholz Hand Tied Flies, Rochester: hand-tied flies
- NH Fly Tyer, New Hampshire: hand-tied flies
- Fly's The Limit, Manchester: hand-tied flies
New Hampshire custom rod builders listed with FFIP:
- The Carlson Rod Company, Greenville: Dana Gray, who apprenticed with Sam Carlson, continues the Carlson Four bamboo fly rods in limited production
Tie flies or build rods in New Hampshire and want to be on this list? Get listed with FFIP.
New Hampshire Tips from Podcast Guests
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Fix your depth and drift before you change flies
From a guest who grew up fishing New Hampshire.
Ryan Jarvis, Monic Fly Lines representative and streamer and casting specialist, on Monic Fly Lines - Get to Know - The Angler -
Use sink-tip lines, not full-sinking lines, in river current
A smallmouth bass fly fishing guide on rivers near Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on the Fly Fishing Insider Podcast -
Target overcast, off-color days with dark flies for trophy trout
Simeon Myers, streamer angler targeting trophy trout on Pennsylvania limestone streams, on Trophy Trout Hunting - What Big Rapalas Tell You About Big Streamers -
Try an unfamiliar technique to sharpen your home game
Geoff Vukelich, Northern Minnesota streamer guide, on Streamer Fishing, Brooks, Lakers and Brown Trout, Plus The Comfort Zone -
Target drop-offs, points, and shoals with a straight chironomid rig
Christian Bacasa, founding host of the podcast, on Christian Bacasa - Passing of the Torch
Want more? Browse every tip in the Fly Fishing Tips Library, sorted by region, water type, species and skill, or start with the Great Lakes, Midwest and Northeast tips.
Hear New Hampshire on the Podcast
Monic Fly Lines - Get to Know - The Angler: Ryan Jarvis, who grew up fishing New Hampshire, on clear fly lines and why depth and presentation beat fly choice. Listen to the audio episode or read the episode notes.
Guided EP #10: Jeff Currier, Tigers, Peacock Bass and Daily Blogs: the global angler on jungle fish, heavy leaders and the northern New Hampshire brook trout trip on his list. Listen to the audio episode or read the episode notes.
Currier's heavy-tackle lessons, from peacock bass to giant trevally, are written up in Peacock Bass, Giant Trevally and Tigers.
Shop the Water: Flies and Gear for New Hampshire
Smelt streamers for salmon lakes, dries and a nymph for the fly-only rivers, two striper flies and rubber-soled boots. All in stock.
Gray Ghost Streamer, Size 4 (Set of 4)
Black Ghost Streamer, Size 4
Adams Classic Dry Fly, Size 14
Goddard Caddis, Size 16
Bead Head Pheasant Tail, Size 14
Clouser Deep Minnow, Chartreuse and White, Size 1/0
Lefty's Deceiver, Blue and White, Size 1/0
Slate SR Sticky Rubber Wading Boots
New Hampshire Fly Fishing Questions, Answered
How much is a nonresident New Hampshire fishing license?
The 2026 New Hampshire digest lists a nonresident freshwater fishing license at $63, a 1-day license at $15, a 3-day license at $28 and a 7-day license at $35. Residents ages 16 to 67 pay $45. A $2 transaction fee ($2.75 online) is added. Anglers under 16 do not need a New Hampshire license.
When is trout season in New Hampshire?
On New Hampshire rivers and streams, the general trout season runs January 1 to October 15, and most moving water is closed to all fishing from October 16 through December 31. Designated trout ponds open the fourth Saturday in April, landlocked salmon are open April 1 to September 30, and special-rule waters such as the Sugar River set their own dates.
Do you need a saltwater license to fly fish for stripers in New Hampshire?
Yes, if you are 16 or older. The New Hampshire recreational saltwater license costs $11, and both residents and nonresidents need it unless they hold a Maine or Massachusetts saltwater license or fish on a licensed charter. The 2026 striped bass limit is one fish a day, 28 to under 31 inches.
Is New Hampshire worth a fly fishing trip?
Yes, if you like variety in a short drive. New Hampshire offers fly-fishing-only rivers in Pittsburg, Errol and North Conway, landlocked salmon at ice-out on Lake Winnipesaukee and Newfound, and Seacoast stripers. June and September are the easiest months to fish it all.
Book the season you actually want
The best weeks go first, and the difference between a good trip and a great one is usually timing. Tell us the season you want and we'll find the water that fishes then.
Book a TripFly Fishing Insider Podcast has a referral partnership with Frontiers International Travel. If you book after being introduced through us, we may receive compensation at no additional cost to you.
Tight lines, everyone!
By Christian Bacasa, host of the Fly Fishing Insider Podcast. Last reviewed October 2026.
Prices, availability, flight routing and entry requirements change. Every figure on this page is the starting rate published by the lodge or by Frontiers International Travel at the time of writing, per angler, and is a starting point for a quote, not a quote. Seasons, lodge capacity, charter schedules, visa and passport rules and license requirements can all change without notice. Confirm current pricing, availability and entry requirements with your Frontiers specialist before you book anything.
Sources: Licenses and freshwater rules: 2026 New Hampshire Freshwater Digest, special rules, river rules, lake rules and interstate waters. NH Fish and Game: license requirements, fly-fishing-only waters, seasons, landlocked salmon, salmon methods, where to fish and saltwater FAQs. Striped bass: 2026 Saltwater Digest and Gulf of Maine Council. Thirteen Mile Woods: NH State Parks. Guest stories: Ryan Jarvis and Jeff Currier on the Fly Fishing Insider Podcast.