Great Trout Fishing In New Hampshire

Guide to fishing for rainbow, brook, brown and lake trout in local lakes and streams.

By AA-Fishing Staff Writers

New Hampshire is renowned for its excellent trout fishing opportunities, with a variety of trout species inhabiting its lakes and rivers. The purpose of this page is to share basic information about trout fishing and identify trout fishing waters in the state. Among the popular trout species found in the state are rainbow trout, brown trout, lake trout and brook trout. These species offer exciting challenges for anglers and are highly prized for their fighting ability and delicious taste.

Lake Winnipesaukee, the largest lake in New Hampshire, provides excellent trout fishing opportunities. The lake is known for its rainbow trout population, which can be caught by trolling with downriggers or casting from the shore. Another notable trout fishing destination is Lake Sunapee, which is home to both rainbow and lake trout. Anglers often target these species by trolling with spoons or live bait.

When it comes to rivers, the Connecticut River is a prime location for trout fishing in New Hampshire. This mighty river is home to a variety of trout species, including large brown trout and rainbow trout. The Merrimack River and the Pemigewasset River are also popular trout fishing destinations, offering anglers the chance to catch both stocked and wild trout.

New Hampshire boasts impressive state records for trout catches. The current state record for rainbow trout stands at an impressive 37 pounds, 8 ounces, caught in 1978. The state record for brown trout is 22 pounds, 4 ounces, caught in 1975. Brook trout, known for their vibrant colors, have a state record of 9 pounds, 11 ounces, caught in 1978. These records showcase the potential for landing trophy-sized trout in New Hampshire's waters.

Anglers should be mindful of the specific regulations governing trout fishing in different locations, including size limits, bag limits, and catch-and-release policies. Conservation efforts are crucial to maintaining healthy trout populations and ensuring future fishing opportunities. By following regulations and practicing responsible fishing, anglers can enjoy the abundance of trout fishing experiences that New Hampshire has to offer.

Trout Fishing Waters

Most of the fishing waters in New Hampshire have one or more species of trout. Major lakes with healthy populations of trout include Bow Lake, Comerford Lake, Conway Lake, First Connecticut Lake, Great East Lake, Lake Francis, Lake Sunapee, Lake Wentworth, Lake Winnipesaukee, Mascoma Lake, Massabesic Lake, Merrymeeting Lake, Moore Reservoir, Newfound Lake, Ossipee Lake, Paugus Bay, Second Connecticut Lake, Silver Lake, Squam Lake, Umbagog Lake and Winnisquam Lake. Ice fishing for trout is an option at many of these lakes in winter. The Connecticut River, Pemigewasset and other rivers and streams are a good place to find great trout fishing.

Click the images and links above for species details.

Select the best trout lures and baits

Trout spinners, crankbaits and jerkbaits work well for shallow, reasonably active fish. Salmon eggs, worms and prepared baits will work at virtually all depths.

New Hampshire State Record Trout

The state record rainbow trout was caught from the Pemigewasset River.

The state record brook trout was taken out of Pleasant Lake.

The state record brown trout came from the Connecticut River.

The state record lake trout was caught in Big Diamond Pond.

The 5 primary trouts are the rainbow, brook, brown, cutthroat and lake trout. Browns are considered the most difficult to catch and brookies are the easiest. Pure cold water is key to survival of the trouts.

For information regarding trout stocking in New Hampshire visit the New Hampshire Fish & Game Department website.

Watch trout fishing videos to see trout anglers in action.

Additional trout information

Trout Conservation
Trout Unlimited

Trout locations and info, by state.