New Hampshire Fishing Licenses, Laws, and Regulations
Whether you prefer freshwater fishing to saltwater fishing, New Hampshire has both. Small mouthfish thrive in the Piscataquog River, while inshore fishing in the Atlantic holds great promise for catching flounder. It is important to find out about the fishing laws and regulations that apply to certain fish species and waters.
Getting a New Hampshire fishing license is quick and easy as it can be done online or over the phone. For those who prefer to buy them in person, they can do so at any legitimate fishing license store in fishing stores or outdoor sports stores. For resident and non-resident fishing licenses, a distinction is made between annual and lifelong fishing licenses. Knowing the differences saves time and money.
Different laws
No two states have the same precise fisheries laws and regulations as they are formulated based on the specific needs of a particular state. Nebraska offers both freshwater and saltwater fishing, so fishing rules and regulations must take this into account. The fishing regulations include details of baggage restrictions, size restrictions, fishing times, fishing methods, and more. These laws help conserve various species of fish so that future generations of anglers can enjoy the sport.
To help protect and maintain Nebraska’s waterways and fish stocks, everyone must do their part and participate in the effort. A skilled angler can teach a novice fisherman proper fishing and release practices to ensure that a fish will survive. Everyone has to be a good steward of nature and its fish and wildlife. Fishing laws can be modified to reflect current fish population assessments, such as spawning or overfished waterways.
Planning a weekend fishing trip
Planning a weekend fishing trip to New Hampshire is a tedious process, but once you get there you will know that all the hard work is going to be worth it. Every angler has dreamed of experiencing the thrill of fishing for a buoyant smallmouth bass on the Piscataquog River in Manchester or a flounder on the saltwater coast of the Atlantic.
However, before going on a New Hampshire fishing trip, make sure that you have read all of the state’s major fishing codes and have the necessary fishing licenses and permits to fish legally in state waters.
If you still don’t know how to do this, we’ve put together a simple guide that will explain everything you need to know about New Hampshire fishing license requirements.
Here are the basics:
What kind of license do you need to fish in the state of New Hampshire?
There are several types of licenses that can be obtained in the state of New Hampshire. As a general rule, anyone wishing to fish or bring fish within the jurisdiction of the state, without a few exceptions, must obtain one of the following licenses:
Freshwater fishing licenses
This type of license allows all types of fish to be caught in the state’s fresh waters. Temporary 1-, 3- and 7-day fishing licenses are available for non-residents. Data for the intended use is requested at the time of purchase and the data must be ongoing. Day licenses are also available for NH residents. These are the different freshwater licenses available in New Hampshire:
- Resident Hunting & Freshwater Fishing (proof of hunter ed. Course or previous hunting license required)
- Resident 1 day freshwater fishing
- Resident freshwater fishing (annually)
- Senior Freshwater Fishing (Available to NH residents born in 1948 or later and aged 68 or over at the time of purchase. Must be purchased annually)
- Seniors Combination Hunting and Fishing (Available to people born in 1948 or later and aged 68 or over at the time of purchase. Must be purchased annually. Proof of hunter training or previous hunting license required)
- NH Hunting & Freshwater Fishing for Life (Parents / legal guardians must be residents of the NH. Child’s birth certificate is required. Available from birth up to the day before the first birthday. Purchase from Fish and Game headquarters or by post)
- Non-resident hunting & freshwater fishing (proof of the hunter-ed. Course or previous hunting license required)
- Non-resident freshwater fishing1 (all species)
- Non-resident 1-day fishing water fishing
- 3-day freshwater fishing for non-residents (consecutive days only)
- Non-Resident 7-Day Freshwater Fishing1 (Consecutive Days Only)
Fishing license in salt water
Solo anglers 16 years of age or older participating in recreational saltwater fishing for finfish found in New Hampshire coastal and estuarine waters require an NH recreational saltwater fishing license for a fee of US $ 11. Please note that both residents and non-residents must obtain a fishing license for recreational fishing in salt water.
Who Are Considered New Hampshire Residents?
A New Hampshire resident is someone who has a valid NH driver’s license or non-driver photo ID issued by the State of NH Division of Motor Vehicles and who is not seeking residence in any other state for any purpose. In addition, full-time students attending school in New Hampshire can purchase fishing or hunting licenses for non-residents at local rates. Students can attend high school, college, or graduate school; you must be enrolled for at least 12 hours per semester. To qualify, the student must present a valid, up-to-date school ID.
Where are New Hampshire fishing licenses sold?
You can purchase a New Hampshire fishing license in one of the following convenient ways:
On-line. You can get your fishing license in New Hampshire through the state License website. The portal accepts major credit and debit cards such as Visa, Discover and Mastercard as payment options. Please note that there is a $ 2.75 transaction fee to purchase your license online.
In person via the NHFG office. You can also purchase your fishing license from the New Hampshire Fishing and Games Office at 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301. There is a $ 2 transaction fee for each license form.
Through license agents. Another convenient way to get a fishing license is to purchase it from 185 friendly license agents across the country. The locations and addresses of these agents are in the FishNH website. A $ 2 transaction fee may also be charged.
How much does a New Hampshire fishing license cost?
There are a variety of fishing licenses that you can purchase in the state of New Hampshire. The cost of these licenses depends on several factors, such as: B. your age, the period of validity or your residence status. To find out which one to buy, please refer to the matrix below.
|
residence |
License type | 2020 fee | Age |
| NH RESIDENTS | Local hunting & freshwater fishing
Proof of hunting hg. Course or previous hunting license required. |
$ 56.00 | 16-67 |
| Resident 1 day freshwater fishing | $ 10.00 | 16-67 | |
| Resident freshwater fishing | $ 45.00 | 16-67 | |
| Recreational fishing in salt water | $ 11.00 | 16+ | |
| Senior freshwater fishing
Available to NH residents born in 1948 or later and aged 68 or over at the time of purchase. Must be bought annually. |
$ 7.00 | 68+ | |
| Combination of hunting and fishing for senior citizens
Available to those born in 1948 or later and who are 68 years or older at the time of purchase. Must be bought annually. Proof of hunter training or a previous hunting license required. |
$ 7.00 | 68+ | |
| Lifetime NH hunting and freshwater fishing for Newborn
Parent / legal guardian must be a resident of the NH. The child’s birth certificate is required. Available from birth up to the day before the first birthday. Buy from Fish and Game headquarters or by mail. |
$ 304.50 | Less than a year | |
| NON RESIDENTS | Hunting and freshwater fishing by non-residents
Proof of hunting hg. Course or previous hunting license required. |
$ 151.00 | 16+ |
| Non-resident freshwater fishing1 (all species) | $ 63.00 | 16+ | |
| Recreational fishing in salt water | $ 11.00 | 16+ | |
| Non-resident 1-day fishing water fishing | $ 15.00 | 16+ | |
| 3-day freshwater fishing for non-residents (consecutive days only) | $ 28.00 | 16+ | |
| Non-Resident 7-Day Freshwater Fishing (Consecutive Days Only) | $ 35.00 | 16+ |
Please note that all rates include a $ 1.00 agent fee. Additionally, a $ 1.00 Fishing Habitat Fee is included with all freshwater fishing licenses. All of these fees are on top of the $ 2.00 per license application form that is collected when purchasing a fishing license.
In addition, if you were a New Hampshire resident and were born prior to 1948, you have the right to purchase a free permanent Milestone License or a combined hunting and fishing license. Contact Fish and Games headquarters for more information.
Other licenses
Aside from general salt and freshwater fishing licenses, you may also need one of the following depending on your intended use.
| Selected other licenses |
2020 fee |
| Resident guide, hunting or fishing | $ 100.00 |
| Guide, hunting or fishing | $ 100.00 |
| Retail sale of bait dealers | $ 26.00 |
| Wholesalers for bait dealers | $ 76.00 |
Please note that the permits listed above are only available in person or by mail from the NH Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301 (603) 271-3422.
Daily limits and other New Hampshire fishing regulations
To protect New Hampshire waters and maintain a healthy fish population, please follow these fishing rules:
| species | season | Baggage limits & minimum lengths |
| Smallmouth Bass & Largemouth Bass | January 1st to March 31st | Daily limit of 2 fish; only 1 fish> 16 inches |
| April 1 to May 14 and June 16 to June 30 | Daily limit of 2 fish; no length limit. | |
| May 15th to June 15th | Just catch and let go | |
| July 1st to December 31st | Daily limit of 5 fish; no length limit | |
| Brown trout, brown trout, rainbow trout and their hybrids | Open water (ice-out to ice-in) | Daily limit of 5 fish or 5 pounds, whichever comes first; no length limit. |
| Through the ice | Daily limit of 2 fish; no length limit | |
| Lake trout | January 1st to September 30th | Daily limit of 2 fish. Minimum length 18 inches. The daily pocket limit for lake trout and salmon is 2 fish (2 lake trout, 2 salmon or 1 fish each). |
| Landlocked salmon | April 1st to September 30th | Daily limit of 2 fish. Minimum length 15 inches. The daily pocket limit for lake trout and salmon is 2 fish (2 lake trout, 2 salmon or 1 fish each). |
| Chain picker | No closed season. | Daily limit of 10 fish; no length or weight restrictions. |
| Northern pike | No closed season. | 1 daily fish limit; Minimum length 28 inches |
| Pikeperch | No closed season. | Daily limit of 2 fish; Minimum length 18 inches; no weight limit. |
| White and yellow perch, black crappie, sunfish, horned pout | No closed season. | 25 fish per species daily limit; no more than 50 fish in total; no length or weight restrictions. |
| Rock bass | No closed season. | No closed season. |
| carp | No closed season. | No daily limits; no length or weight restrictions. |
| Cusk | No closed season. | No daily limits; no length or weight restrictions. |
| River herring | No closed season. | |
| American shad | No closed season. | Just catch and let go |
| Lake whitefish | January 1st to September 30th | Daily limit of 2 fish; no length or weight restrictions. |
| Round whitefish | No open season. | |
| Mammal | No closed season for fishing, ice fishing or trapping. | No daily limits; no length or weight restrictions |
| March 1st to May 31st | No daily limits; no length or weight restrictions |
frequently asked Questions
Q: Do I need a license if my child (under 16 years old) is fishing while I am watching?
No, you don’t need a license, but there is absolutely nothing you can do to help the child, including baiting the hook, casting the line, netting, or removing the fish.
Q: Is it legal to fish at night in New Hampshire?
Fishing for most species is permitted at any time of the day or night. Trout and salmon are only excluded from one hour before sunrise to two hours after sunset. Some sections of the river allow brown trout to be caught from two hours after sunset to one hour before sunrise.
Q: When is the New Hampshire Free Fishing Day?
Free fishing days are offered on:
- The first Saturday in June and
- The third Saturday in January