Welcome to 2025 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing

As the new Director of the NH Fish and Game Department, I am happy to present our fishing digest for freshwater anglers. The best thing about fishing the Granite State is that there is something for everyone. I am getting to know this beautiful state and learned that with 12,000 miles of rivers and streams, 975 lakes and ponds, and 140 Fish and Game boat launch sites there is great fishing to be had everywhere.

A New Hampshire fishing license is one of the best deals around. You get a full year of outdoor recreation, and dinner too if you are successful! Don’t forget our free fishing days on January 18 and June 7 in 2025, when you do not need a license to fish anywhere in the state. Children under 16 always fish for free, so be sure to bring the kids. Single-day permits are available for New Hampshire residents and 1-, 3-, and 7-day fishing permits are available for nonresidents.

Our hatchery staff typically stock over a million trout for your fishing enjoyment each year. We are moving forward with our hatchery modernization project, and construction of the new facility in New Hampton will be underway for the next couple of years. While this does mean a temporary reduction in the numbers we will be stocking, the improved facility will lead to better quality fish for all anglers to enjoy. To learn more about the modernization, visit www.wildlife.nh.gov/fishing-new-hampshire/new-hampshire-fish-hatcheries/nh-fish-hatchery-modernization-project.

We are very fortunate to have popular coldwater species of fish including lake trout, landlocked salmon, and brook, brown, and rainbow trout. But for those who prefer warmwater angling, New Hampshire offers small- and largemouth bass, pickerel, black crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch among others. So, consider casting for a new target species.

Thank you for your support and we will see you on the water.

Stephanie L. Simek, Ph.D.

Executive Director

N.H. Fish and Game Department