Skip to main content
New Hampshire

Freshwater Fishing

Freshwater Fishing

License Information

Fishing licenses are required for people 16 years of age and older.

How to Use This Book

  1. Review License Information; Definitions; Important Laws and Rules, including Important Laws & Rules; and Ice Fishing Rules.
  2. If you want to fish a lake or pond, check to see if it is listed in Lakes & Ponds with Special Rules (Lakes & Ponds with Special Rules).
  3. If you want to fish a river or stream, check to see if it is listed in Rivers and Streams with Special Rules.
    • If it is listed, make note of any restrictions, seasons, bag limits, methods or additional/special rules shown for the specified section.
    • Follow Rivers & Streams: General & Special Rules, including seasons, bag limits, etc., as shown.
  4. Interstate Waters — see Interstate Waters.

Buying a License

Fishing and hunting licenses, valid Jan. 1 to Dec. 31 of each year, (except temporary licenses) may be purchased online via fishnh.com, from license agents, Fish and Game Department headquarters in Concord, Fish and Game Region 1 and 4 offices, and some town or city clerks. Applicants must purchase their own licenses.

Lost Licenses

Lost licenses may be reprinted at the original issuing agent or Fish and Game’s Concord headquarters. If purchased at a license agent, and it is at least one week from the date of issue, the license can be reprinted from the online sales site. There is no charge for reprints, however, there is a limit on the number of reprints allowed.

Violation/Revocation

Convictions for violations of any fishing law or rule, littering, or criminal trespass (RSA 214:19; 207:36-b; 635:2) will result in the revocation of your fishing license or privilege.

Residency Requirements

To obtain a license at resident rates, the person must present to the issuing agent a valid New Hampshire driver’s license or non-driver’s picture identification card issued by the N.H. Department of Safety, Div. of Motor Vehicles. Whenever the applicant is under 18 years of age, the parent or guardian of the applicant shall be a resident and present their valid N.H. driver’s license or non-driver’s picture identification.

Note: Any person who is no longer a legal resident of the state, but still retains a valid N.H. driver’s license, is guilty of a misdemeanor if he/she tries to obtain a resident fishing, hunting, or trapping license based on this driver’s license.

Disabled License Types

The following Permanent Disabled Licenses may be available to qualified N.H. residents: Disabled Veteran License, Paraplegic License, Blink Fishing License, Complimentary Fishing for Developmentally Disabled. Visit fishnh.com for information and application forms.

Military Licenses

N.H. residents who are regular active duty in the US Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, or Coast Guard permanently stationed outside the state are eligible for free temporary hunting and fishing licenses and may acquire them at no charge. Available at N.H. Fish and Game Headquarters in Concord; Region 1 and 4 offices; or by mail or fax (603) 271-5829 (download an Active Duty Military License application from the Fish and Game website and send with duty orders). A copy of duty orders must be presented for verification. Call (603) 271-3422 for information.

Non-resident military personnel on regular, active duty, and permanently stationed in New Hampshire, may purchase licenses at N.H. resident rates. (Cannot be purchased online or at Walmart.)