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New Hampshire

Saltwater Fishing

Saltwater Fishing

New Hampshire › Fishing › Saltwater Fishing › Recreational & Commercial Regulations

Recreational & Commercial Regulations

Recreational Saltwater Fishing

Recreational saltwater fishing in New Hampshire provides diverse opportunities. Saltwater anglers can cast a line from boats, bridges, jetties or the beach. Many saltwater fish species are available along the coast and in our rivers and bays. Recreational saltwater fishing in N.H. requires a recreational saltwater license. See Recreational Licenses for details.

Below are species that have rules or laws that apply to recreational anglers or spearfishers while fishing in state waters. Additional regulations apply in federal waters for many of the species listed below. If you have questions about fishing in federal waters, contact NOAA Fisheries at (978) 281-9315 or visit the NOAA Fisheries recreational fishing regulations by species page.

Commercial Saltwater Fishing

New Hampshire has an active commercial marine fishing industry. Commercial finfish harvesting occurs almost exclusively in federal waters. State licenses may be required to harvest, transport, sell, or possess. Reporting Requirements: Any person holding a permit to net or harvest from coastal waters must submit a monthly report of fishing activities. Forms are available from the Fish and Game Marine Division. Fishermen must also participate in the National Marine Fisheries Service Vessel Trip Report program, if they have a federal permit. Groundfish: See tables below for specific information and Definitions for a list of groundfish species.

  • No mobile gear may be used to take finfish or crustaceans in state waters.
  • Minimum mesh size for gillnets and mobile gear is 6.5 inches to take, transport or possess groundfish.
  • All federally permitted vessels must abide by current federal trip limits for groundfish.

For a complete description of recreational and commercial licenses available see License Information.

Illustration of an American eel showing its long, snake-like body and continuous dorsal fin.
This illustration shows an American eel, a migratory fish species commonly found in New Hampshire rivers and coastal waters.

American Eel

Recreational Regulations

Closed Season: No closed season (except surrounding fishways)

Minimum Length (Total Length): 9 inches

Daily Bag Limit: 25 fish per day

Special Rules: Fishway closures apply October 2 – June 14
(see Coastal Harvest Section)

Commercial Regulations

Closed Season: Fishway closures: October 2 – June 14

Minimum Length (Total Length): 9 inches

Daily Bag Limit: No limit

Special Rules:
Illustration of an American plaice showing a flat body, eyes on the right side, and a large mouth.
This illustration features an American plaice, a flatfish species identified by its right-side eyes and broad body shape.

American Plaice

Recreational Regulations

Closed Season: No closed season

Minimum Length (Total Length): 14 inches

Daily Bag Limit: No bag limit

Special Rules:

  • All groundfish species that are filleted and skinned must retain at least 2 square inches of contiguous skin intact for identification purposes.

Commercial Regulations

Closed Season: Gill net: April 1 – June 30

Minimum Length (Total Length): 12 inches

Daily Bag Limit: Non-federally permitted vessels fishing in state waters with a commercial saltwater license are restricted to current daily trip limits for common pool vessels pursuant to 50CFR648.86. Federally permitted vessels, current federal regulations and trip limits apply.

Special Rules:

  • All groundfish species that are filleted and skinned must retain at least 2 square inches of contiguous skin intact for identification purposes.
Illustration of an American shad showing a large mouth, silvery body, and identifying features of the herring family.
This illustration depicts an American shad, the largest species in the herring family, commonly found in coastal and river waters.

American Shad

Recreational Regulations

Closed Season: Closed year round

Minimum Length (Total Length): Possession prohibited

Daily Bag Limit: Possession prohibited

Special Rules: All shad must be immediately released

Commercial Regulations

Closed Season: No closed season

Minimum Length (Total Length): No minimum length

Daily Bag Limit: No limit

Special Rules:

  • All shad taken in State waters must be immediately released
  • Commercial landing cannot exceed 5% of the total landing by weight per trip
Illustration of an Atlantic cod showing a speckled body pattern, three dorsal fins, and a small chin barbel.
This illustration features an Atlantic cod, a well-known saltwater species found in the North Atlantic and New Hampshire coastal waters.

Atlantic Cod

Recreational Regulations

Closed Season: Nov. 1 – Aug. 31

Minimum Length (Total Length): 23 inches

Daily Bag Limit: 1 fish per day

Special Rules:

  • Head and tail intact, unless fillet is ≥14 inches minimum
  • See Gulf of Maine Cod Spawning Protection Area map
  • All groundfish species that are filleted and skinned must retain at least 2 square inches of contiguous skin intact for identification purposes.

Commercial Regulations

Closed Season: April 1 – June 30

Minimum Length (Total Length): 19 inches

Daily Bag Limit: Non-federally permitted vessels fishing in state waters with a commercial saltwater license are restricted to current daily trip limits for common pool vessels pursuant to 50CFR648.86. Federally permitted vessels, current federal regulations and trip limits apply.

Special Rules:

  • All groundfish species that are filleted and skinned must retain at least 2 square inches of contiguous skin intact for identification purposes.
Illustration of an Atlantic halibut showing a flat body, eyes on the right side, and an arched lateral line.
This illustration features an Atlantic halibut, the largest flatfish species, identified by its right-side eyes and distinctive body shape.

Atlantic Halibut

Recreational Regulations

Closed Season: No closed season

Minimum Length (Total Length): 41 inches

Daily Bag Limit: 1 fish per trip/vessel

Special Rules:

  • Head and tail intact while on or leaving waters of the state
  • All groundfish species that are filleted and skinned must retain at least 2 square inches of contiguous skin intact for identification purposes.

Commercial Regulations

Closed Season: Gill net: April 1 – June 30

Minimum Length (Total Length): 41 inches

Daily Bag Limit: 1 fish per trip/vessel

Special Rules:

  • Head and tail intact
  • All groundfish species that are filleted and skinned must retain at least 2 square inches of contiguous skin intact for identification purposes.
Illustration of an Atlantic mackerel showing a streamlined body with blue-green wavy stripes along the back.
This illustration features an Atlantic mackerel, a fast-swimming saltwater fish commonly found in coastal waters.

Atlantic Mackerel

Recreational Regulations

Closed Season: No closed season

Minimum Length (Total Length): No minimum length

Daily Bag Limit: 20 fish harvest or possession per day

Special Rules:

Commercial Regulations

Closed Season: No closed season

Minimum Length (Total Length): No minimum length

Daily Bag Limit: No limit

Special Rules: Commercial saltwater license and coastal harvest permit required

• Possible new rules for 2026, check online Saltwater regulation digest for updates.

Illustration of an Atlantic menhaden showing a silvery body, scaleless head, and a series of small dark spots behind the gill.
This illustration depicts an Atlantic menhaden, a schooling forage fish commonly found in Atlantic coastal waters.

Atlantic Menhaden

Recreational Regulations

Closed Season: No closed season

Minimum Length (Total Length): No minimum length

Daily Bag Limit: No limit

Special Rules:

Commercial Regulations

Closed Season: Jan 1 – May 14

Minimum Length (Total Length): No minimum length

Daily Bag Limit: 6,000 lbs./day once state quota harvested

Special Rules:

  • Only non-directed or small scale gears permitted in state waters (call 603-868-1095 for list of allowable gears)
  • See gill net/small-scale purse seine restrictions
  • No receiving menhaden from harvester at sea or transfer catch while at sea.
  • Daily electronic reporting requirement for menhaden dealers
Illustration of an Atlantic sea herring showing a narrow body, teeth on the roof of the mouth, and a dorsal fin at midlength.
This illustration features an Atlantic sea herring, a common schooling fish found in Atlantic coastal waters.

Atlantic Sea Herring

Recreational Regulations

Closed Season: No closed season

Minimum Length (Total Length): No minimum length

Daily Bag Limit: No bag limit

Special Rules: Federal regulations apply in federal waters

Commercial Regulations

Closed Season: September 23 – November 3

Contact Marine Fisheries for prohibited landing days

Minimum Length (Total Length): No minimum length

Daily Bag Limit: Contact Marine Division for current trip limits: (603) 868-1095

Special Rules:

  • Fish and Game Director may revise closure dates
  • Max. incidental catch = 2,000 lbs./day during specific area closures
  • Permit required to possess herring
  • May be possessed without a permit for use as bait when tending lobster and crab pots and recreational fishing
Illustration of an Atlantic salmon showing a streamlined silvery body with dark spots along the upper sides and tail.
This illustration features an Atlantic salmon, a migratory fish species that moves between freshwater rivers and the Atlantic Ocean.

Atlantic Salmon (Sea-run)

Recreational Regulations

Closed Season: Closed year round

Minimum Length (Total Length): Possession prohibited

Daily Bag Limit: Possession prohibited

Special Rules: All sea-run Atlantic salmon caught on coastal and estuarine waters must be immediately released

Commercial Regulations

Closed Season: Closed year round

Minimum Length (Total Length): Possession prohibited

Daily Bag Limit: Possession prohibited
Illustration of an Atlantic wolffish showing a long body, strong jaw, and vertical dark bands along the sides.
This illustration features an Atlantic wolffish, a distinctive bottom-dwelling species known for its powerful jaws and banded appearance.

Atlantic Wolffish

Recreational Regulations

Closed Season: Closed year round

Minimum Length (Total Length): Possession is prohibited

Daily Bag Limit: Possession is prohibited

Special Rules:

Commercial Regulations

Closed Season: Closed year round

Minimum Length (Total Length): Possession is prohibited

Daily Bag Limit: Possession is prohibited
Illustration of a black sea bass showing a dark, deep-bodied shape with a spiny dorsal fin.
`1This illustration features a black sea bass, a popular saltwater fish species found along the Atlantic coast.

Black Sea Bass

Recreational Regulations

Closed Season: No closed season

Minimum Length (Total Length): 16.5 inches

Daily Bag Limit: 4 fish per day

Special Rules: Length does not include filament/tail extension

Commercial Regulations

Closed Season: No closed season

Minimum Length (Total Length): 11 inches

Daily Bag Limit: No limit

Special Rules:

  • Length does not include filament/tail extension
  • If harvest with pots or traps call Marine Fisheries (603) 868-1095 for gear specifications
Illustration of an Atlantic bluefin tuna showing a streamlined body, metallic blue back, and powerful tail.
This illustration features an Atlantic bluefin tuna, a large, fast-swimming species found in offshore Atlantic waters.

Bluefin Tuna

Recreational Regulations

Closed Season: No closed season

Minimum Length (Total Length): 27 inches Curved fork length — See definition.

Daily Bag Limit: Variable; see special rules

Special Rules:

This species is federally managed—be sure to follow federal regulations by calling 1-888-USA-TUNA or visiting the NOAA HMS permits and regulations page.

Commercial Regulations

Closed Season: No closed season

Minimum Length (Total Length): 73 inches CFL*

Daily Bag Limit: Variable; see special rules

Special Rules: This species is federally managed—be sure to follow federal regulations by calling 1-888-USA-TUNA or visiting the NOAA HMS permits and regulations page.
Illustration of a bluefish showing a streamlined silver-blue body and a strong, forked tail.
This illustration features a bluefish, a fast and aggressive saltwater species commonly found in Atlantic coastal waters.

Bluefish

Recreational Regulations

Closed Season: No closed season

Minimum Length (Total Length): No minimum length

Daily Bag Limit: Recreational — 3 fish per day; For-Hire — 5 fish per day

Special Rules: Non-offset, corrodible circle hooks required if angling with bait.

Commercial Regulations

Closed Season: October 1 – June 30 (by any method)

Minimum Length (Total Length): No minimum length

Daily Bag Limit: No limit

Special Rules: None
Illustration of a spiny dogfish showing a slender shark body with pointed snout and dorsal spines.
This illustration features a spiny dogfish, a small coastal shark commonly found in Atlantic waters.

Dogfish, Spiny

Recreational Regulations

Closed Season: No closed season

Minimum Length (Total Length): No minimum length

Daily Bag Limit: No bag limit

Special Rules: Finning prohibited

Commercial Regulations

Closed Season: May 1 – June 30

Minimum Length (Total Length): No minimum length

Daily Bag Limit: Contact Marine Division for current trip limits: (603) 868-1095

Special Rules:

  • Subject to additional closures contact Marine Division, (603) 868-1095
  • Finning prohibited
Illustration of a haddock showing a silvery body, dark lateral line, and a distinctive black spot near the pectoral fin.
This illustration features a haddock, a common North Atlantic groundfish identified by its dark side spot and lateral line.

Haddock

Recreational Regulations

Closed Season: March 1 – March 31

Minimum Length (Total Length): 18 inches

Daily Bag Limit: 15 fish per day

Special Rules:

  • Head and tail intact, unless fillet is ≥10 inches minimum
  • All groundfish species that are filleted and skinned must retain at least 2 square inches of contiguous skin intact for identification purposes.

Commercial Regulations

Closed Season: April 1 – June 30

Minimum Length (Total Length): 16 inches

Daily Bag Limit: Non-federally permitted vessels fishing in state waters with a commercial saltwater license are restricted to current daily trip limits for common pool vessels pursuant to 50CFR648.86. Federally permitted vessels, current federal regulations and trip limits apply.

Special Rules:

  • Head and tail intact, unless fillet is ≥10 inches minimum
  • All groundfish species that are filleted and skinned must retain at least 2 square inches of contiguous skin intact for identification purposes.
Illustration of a monkfish showing a large head, wide mouth, and flat body with an angler-like lure.
This illustration features a monkfish, a bottom-dwelling Atlantic species known for its large mouth and unique appearance.

Monkfish

Recreational Regulations

Closed Season: No closed season

Minimum Length (Total Length): 17 inches

Daily Bag Limit: No bag limit

Special Rules:

Commercial Regulations

Closed Season: No closed season

Minimum Length (Total Length): 17 inches

Daily Bag Limit: No limit

Special Rules:

  • Tails: minimum 11 inches; measured from the anterior portion of the fourth cephalic dorsal spine to the end of the caudal fin
  • Livers: shall not exceed 25% of the total weight of monkfish tails or 10% of the total weight of whole monkfish on any trip
Illustration of an ocean pout showing an elongated body, continuous dorsal fin, and mottled brown coloring.
This illustration features an ocean pout, a bottom-dwelling Atlantic fish species adapted to cold, deep waters.

Ocean Pout

Recreational Regulations

Closed Season: Closed year round

Minimum Length (Total Length): Possession is prohibited

Daily Bag Limit: Possession is prohibited

Special Rules:

Commercial Regulations

Closed Season: Closed year round

Minimum Length (Total Length): Possession is prohibited

Daily Bag Limit: Possession is prohibited

Special Rules: None
Illustration of an Atlantic pollock showing a streamlined body, light-colored belly, and forked tail.
This illustration features an Atlantic pollock, a common North Atlantic groundfish found in coastal and offshore waters.

Pollock

Recreational Regulations

Closed Season: No closed season

Minimum Length (Total Length): No minimum length

Daily Bag Limit: No bag limit

Special Rules:

  • 19 inches, if taken in federal waters
  • All groundfish species that are filleted and skinned must retain at least 2 square inches of contiguous skin intact for identification purposes.

Commercial Regulations

Closed Season: Gill net: April 1 – June 30

Minimum Length (Total Length): 19 inches

Daily Bag Limit: Non-federally permitted vessels fishing in state waters with a commercial saltwater license are restricted to current daily trip limits for common pool vessels pursuant to 50CFR648.86. Federally permitted vessels, current federal regulations and trip limits apply.

Special Rules: All groundfish species that are filleted and skinned must retain at least 2 square inches of contiguous skin intact for identification purposes.
Illustration of a rainbow smelt showing a slender silvery body with subtle iridescent coloring.
This illustration features a rainbow smelt, a small schooling fish commonly found in coastal and freshwater-connected waters.

Rainbow Smelt (Saltwater)

Recreational Regulations

Closed Season: No closed season

Minimum Length (Total Length): No minimum length

Daily Bag Limit: 4 liquid quarts

Special Rules: Head and tail must remain intact

Commercial Regulations

Closed Season: Net or Weirs: March 1 – December 15 inland of Memorial Bridge (Portsmouth)

Minimum Length (Total Length): No minimum length

Daily Bag Limit: 4 liquid quarts/day

Special Rules:

  • Head and tail intact
  • Bow nets and dip nets held in hand may be used in: Oyster, Squamscott, Bellamy, and Lamprey Rivers
  • Harvest Permit required for nets (see Coastal Harvest Section)
  • Commercial saltwater license required to sell
Illustration of an Acadian redfish showing a deep reddish body, large eyes, and a spiny dorsal fin.
This illustration features an Acadian redfish, a deepwater Atlantic species commonly found in cold offshore waters.

Redfish

Recreational Regulations

Closed Season: No closed season

Minimum Length (Total Length): 9 inches

Daily Bag Limit: No bag limit

Special Rules: All groundfish species that are filleted and skinned must retain at least 2 square inches of contiguous skin intact for identification purposes.

Commercial Regulations

Closed Season: Gill net: April 1 – June 30

Minimum Length (Total Length): 7 inches

Daily Bag Limit: Non-federally permitted vessels fishing in state waters with a commercial saltwater license are restricted to current daily trip limits for common pool vessels pursuant to 50CFR648.86. Federally permitted vessels, current federal regulations and trip limits apply.

Special Rules: All groundfish species that are filleted and skinned must retain at least 2 square inches of contiguous skin intact for identification purposes.
Comparison illustration of alewife and blueback herring highlighting differences in body depth, eye size, and dorsal fin position.
This illustration compares alewife and blueback herring, two river herring species, and shows key features used for identification.

River Herring (Alewife/Blueback Herring)

Recreational Regulations

Closed Season: Closed sunrise Wednesday – sunrise Thursday

Minimum Length (Total Length): No minimum length

Daily Bag Limit: See Squamscott River in Special River Restrictions.

Special Rules: See Special River Restrictions and Coastal Harvest Section. Fishing prohibited around fishway closure areas. Cocheco, Oyster, and Taylor rivers closed.

Commercial Regulations

Closed Season: Sunrise Wednesday – sunrise Thursday

Minimum Length (Total Length): No minimum length

Daily Bag Limit: No limit

Special Rules:
Illustration of a brown trout showing a golden-brown body with dark and red spots along the sides.
This illustration features a sea-run trout, a popular sport fish found in coldwater rivers and streams.

Salters (Sea-run Trout)

See definition.

Recreational Regulations

Closed Season: No closed season

Minimum Length (Total Length): No minimum length

Daily Bag Limit: 1 fish per day

Special Rules:

  • Recreational angling only
  • Anglers fishing Berry Brook in Rye: All fish species caught must be immediately released.
  • In Winnicut River: The salter daily limit applies only downstream of the B&M Railroad bridge

Commercial Regulations

Closed Season: Closed year round

Minimum Length (Total Length): Possession is prohibited

Daily Bag Limit: Possession is prohibited

Special Rules: No take or possession
Illustration of a shortfin mako shark showing a streamlined body, pointed snout, and crescent-shaped tail.
This illustration features a shortfin mako shark, a fast-swimming pelagic shark species found in offshore Atlantic waters.

Shortfin Mako Shark

Recreational Regulations

Closed Season: Closed year round

Minimum Length (Total Length): Possession is prohibited

Daily Bag Limit: Possession is prohibited

Special Rules: See Fis 603.20 for additional species not common to NH waters.

Commercial Regulations

Special Rules:

  • No take or possession.
  • See Fis 603.20 for additional species not common to NH waters.

Blue, Thresher, and Porbeagle Sharks

Recreational Regulations

Closed Season: No closed season

Minimum Length (Total Length): No minimum length

Daily Bag Limit: No bag limit

Special Rules:

  • All sharks — head, fins and tail must remain attached through landing.
  • Non-offset, corrodible circle hooks required if angling with bait.
  • Additional federal regulations apply in federal waters (call 1-978-281-9315).

Commercial Regulations

Closed Season: Blue and Thresher — No closed season

Minimum Length (Total Length): Blue and Thresher — No minimum length

Daily Bag Limit: Blue and Thresher — No Limit

Special Rules:

  • Porbeagle — No take in state waters.
  • All sharks — head, fins and tail must remain attached through landing
  • Additional federal regulations apply in federal waters (call 1-978-281-9315)
Illustration of a striped bass showing horizontal dark stripes along a silver body and a forked tail.
This illustration features a striped bass, a popular sport fish found in coastal and river waters.

Striped Bass

Recreational Regulations

Closed Season: No closed season

Minimum Length (Total Length): 28 inches to less than 31 inches

Daily Bag Limit: 1 fish per day

Special Rules:

  • Gaffing and culling are prohibited; No sale allowed, regardless of origin.
  • Non-offset, corrodible circle hooks required if angling with bait.
  • Head and tail must be intact while on or leaving the waters or shores of the state except may possess up to 2 fillets with skin intact and possess fish rack ≥ 28” and less than 31” TL with head/tail intact that fillets came from.
  • Total length is the straight-line distance from the tip of the snout to the tip of the tail (caudal fin) when the tail is squeezed to its maximum length while the fish is laying on its side.

Commercial Regulations

Closed Season: Closed year round

Minimum Length (Total Length): Possession is prohibited

Daily Bag Limit: Possession is prohibited

Special Rules:

Illustration of an Atlantic sturgeon showing a long body, bony scutes, and a pointed snout.
This illustration features an Atlantic sturgeon, a large migratory fish species protected in Atlantic coastal and river waters.

Sturgeon

Recreational Regulations

Closed Season: Closed year round

Minimum Length (Total Length): Possession is prohibited

Daily Bag Limit: Possession is prohibited

Special Rules: None

Commercial Regulations

Closed Season: Closed year round

Minimum Length (Total Length): Possession is prohibited

Daily Bag Limit: Possession is prohibited

Special Rules: Take and possession prohibited
Illustration of a summer flounder showing a flat body with eyes on the left side, a large mouth, and sharp teeth.
This illustration features a summer flounder, a flatfish species identified by its left-side eyes and distinctive body shape.

Summer Flounder

Recreational Regulations

Closed Season: No closed season

Minimum Length (Total Length): 15 inches

Daily Bag Limit: No bag limit

Special Rules:

  • Sale is prohibited
  • All groundfish species that are filleted and skinned must retain at least 2 square inches of contiguous skin intact for identification purposes.

Commercial Regulations

Closed Season: Closed year round

Minimum Length (Total Length): Possession is prohibited

Daily Bag Limit: Non-federally permitted vessels fishing in state waters with a commercial saltwater license are restricted to current daily trip limits for common pool vessels pursuant to 50CFR648.86. Federally permitted vessels, current federal regulations and trip limits apply.

Special Rules: Take prohibited
Illustration of a white perch showing a silvery body, deep shape, and spiny dorsal fin.
This illustration features a white perch, a common fish species found in estuaries and freshwater-connected waters.

White Perch

Recreational Regulations

Closed Season: No closed season

Minimum Length (Total Length): No minimum length

Daily Bag Limit: 25 fish per day

Special Rules: Sale is prohibited

Commercial Regulations

Closed Season: Closed year round

Minimum Length (Total Length): Non-federally permitted

Daily Bag Limit: Possession is prohibited

Special Rules:

Illustration of a windowpane flounder showing a thin, flat body with translucent fins and speckled coloring.
This illustration features a windowpane flounder, a flatfish species known for its thin body and delicate appearance.

Windowpane Flounder

Recreational Regulations

Closed Season: Closed year round

Minimum Length (Total Length): Possession is prohibited

Daily Bag Limit: Possession is prohibited

Special Rules: None

Commercial Regulations

Closed Season: Closed year round

Minimum Length (Total Length): Possession is prohibited

Daily Bag Limit: Non-federally permitted

Special Rules:

Illustration of a white hake showing an elongated body, pale coloring, and a long continuous dorsal fin.
This illustration features a white hake, a North Atlantic groundfish commonly found in deeper offshore waters.

White Hake

Recreational Regulations

Closed Season: No closed season

Minimum Length (Total Length): No minimum length

Daily Bag Limit: No limit

Special Rules: All groundfish species that are filleted and skinned must retain at least 2 square inches of contiguous skin intact for identification purposes.

Commercial Regulations

Closed Season: Gill net: April 1 – June 30

Minimum Length (Total Length): No min. length

Daily Bag Limit: Non-federally permitted vessels fishing in state waters with a commercial saltwater license are restricted to current daily trip limits for common pool vessels pursuant to 50CFR648.86. Federally permitted vessels, current federal regulations and trip limits apply.

Special Rules: All groundfish species that are filleted and skinned must retain at least 2 square inches of contiguous skin intact for identification purposes.
Illustration of a winter flounder showing a flat body with eyes on the right side and mottled brown coloring.
This illustration features a winter flounder, a flatfish species identified by its right-side eyes and small mouth.

Winter Flounder

Recreational Regulations

Closed Season: No closed season

Minimum Length (Total Length): 12 inches

Daily Bag Limit: 8 fish per day

Special Rules:

  • All groundfish species that are filleted and skinned must retain at least 2 square inches of contiguous skin intact for identification purposes.

Commercial Regulations

Closed Season: April 1 – June 30

Minimum Length (Total Length): 12 inches

Daily Bag Limit: Non-federally permitted vessels fishing in state waters with a commercial saltwater license are restricted to current daily trip limits for common pool vessels pursuant to 50CFR648.86. Federally permitted vessels, current federal regulations and trip limits apply.

Special Rules:

  • If not federally permitted for groundfish, may possess up to 500 lbs./vessel
  • All groundfish species that are filleted and skinned must retain at least 2 square inches of contiguous skin intact for identification purposes.
Illustration of a yellowtail flounder showing a flat body, arched lateral line, and eyes on the right side.
This illustration features a yellowtail flounder, a flatfish species identified by its arched lateral line and right-side eyes.

Yellowtail Flounder

Recreational Regulations

Closed Season: No closed season

Minimum Length (Total Length): 13 inches

Daily Bag Limit: No bag limit

Special Rules: All groundfish species that are filleted and skinned must retain at least 2 square inches of contiguous skin intact for identification purposes.

Commercial Regulations

Closed Season: Gill net: April 1 – June 30

Minimum Length (Total Length): 12 inches

Daily Bag Limit: Non-federally permitted vessels fishing in state waters with a commercial saltwater license are restricted to current daily trip limits for common pool vessels pursuant to 50CFR648.86. Federally permitted vessels, current federal regulations and trip limits apply.

Special Rules: All groundfish species that are filleted and skinned must retain at least 2 square inches of contiguous skin intact for identification purposes.
Illustration of a witch flounder showing a flat body, smooth brown coloring, and eyes on the right side.
This illustration features a witch flounder, a deepwater flatfish species found in cold Atlantic waters.

Witch Flounder

Recreational Regulations

Closed Season: No closed season

Minimum Length (Total Length): No minimum length

Daily Bag Limit: No limit

Special Rules: All groundfish species that are filleted and skinned must retain at least 2 square inches of contiguous skin intact for identification purposes.

Commercial Regulations

Closed Season: Gill net: April 1 – June 30

Minimum Length (Total Length): 13 inches

Daily Bag Limit: Non-federally permitted vessels fishing in state waters with a commercial saltwater license are restricted to current daily trip limits for common pool vessels pursuant to 50CFR648.86. Federally permitted vessels, current federal regulations and trip limits apply.

Special Rules: All groundfish species that are filleted and skinned must retain at least 2 square inches of contiguous skin intact for identification purposes.

This is a summary of fishing regulations. It is not the full laws or rules. It is intended only as a guide to seasons and other necessary marine information. For more detailed information concerning regulations, consult the New Hampshire Fish and Game Law Book, Fish and Game Administrative Rules, or contact your local Conservation Officer. Fish and Game laws and rules may be viewed at any Fish and Game office; Legislative Services, Administrative Rules, in the State House Annex, 25 Capitol St., Room 219, Concord, NH 03301; and at fishnh.com or nh.gov.

Angler holding a striped bass with text reminding anglers to know size regulations and report wildlife law violations in New Hampshire.
This New Hampshire Operation Game Thief message encourages anglers to follow size regulations and help protect natural resources by reporting wildlife law violations.
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