New Hampshire
Fishing
A resident fishing license in New Hampshire costs $23 a year and a non-resident license $50, as of May 2026. This guide lists 5 top species (Smallmouth bass, Brook trout, Lake trout, Landlocked salmon, Rainbow trout) and 4 notable waters, led by Lake Winnipesaukee and Squam Lake. New Hampshire has saltwater access and a notable wild trout fishery; it earns a B grade here, shared with 5 other states.
Top Species
Resident License
Non-Resident License
Saltwater Access
Trout Streams
Wildlife Agency
New Hampshire has productive fishing in a small footprint. Lake Winnipesaukee, the largest lake in the state, holds lake trout, landlocked salmon, and smallmouth bass with a strong ice fishing culture in winter. The Connecticut River on the Vermont border holds walleye, bass, and pickerel in the deeper pools. The Swift River, Ellis River, and upper Androscoggin hold wild brown and rainbow trout in the White Mountain region.
The Atlantic coast is short — only 18 miles of coastline — but the Seacoast area produces striped bass in season, particularly around the Great Bay estuary system. The short coast limits opportunity compared to neighboring Massachusetts and Maine.
Resident licenses cost $23. New Hampshire is a good fishing state for its size. The White Mountains offer accessible trout fishing in streams running through tourist towns. Guide services on Winnipesaukee and the mountain streams are available and experienced. If you move to New Hampshire, you are never far from productive water.
Lake Winnipesaukee is the largest lake in New Hampshire and produces excellent smallmouth bass and lake trout. The Connecticut Lakes in the far north offer remote brook trout fishing. Short but productive Atlantic coast access for striped bass.
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More on New Hampshire
Also on New Hampshire: the full New Hampshire profile covers taxes, cost of living, crime and schools, and the county map lets you compare every county in the state. For related rules, read the New Hampshire country music guide and the New Hampshire gambling laws guide.
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Sources: State wildlife agencies, US Fish & Wildlife Service, Bassmaster, Field & Stream, In-Fisherman, Fly Fisherman magazine. License costs reflect annual resident/non-resident fishing license only; additional stamps (trout, salmon) may apply. Updated May 2026.