Bass Fishing In New Hampshire

Guide to fishing for smallmouth and largemouth bass in NH.

By AA-Fishing Staff Writers

New Hampshire Bass Fishing

Bass fishing in New Hampshire is a beloved pursuit, cherished by anglers of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels. Few experiences rival the thrill of hooking into a largemouth or smallmouth bass, making it a timeless pastime that transcends cultural boundaries. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a novice angler eager to learn the ropes, mastering the art of bass fishing can be immensely rewarding. That's why this page is dedicated to offering invaluable insights and tips on bass fishing, providing a comprehensive guide on everything from bass fishing techniques to essential bass-catching strategies. Whether you're seeking advice on selecting the perfect lure or honing your casting skills, we're here to equip you with the knowledge and expertise needed to excel on the water. Dive into our wealth of information to discover the secrets of successful bass fishing and unlock the full potential of your angling endeavors.

Bass Fishing In The State

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Largemouth Bass Fishing In New Hampshire

Largemouth bass are the most abundant, and most pursued bass in New Hampshire. They are available in most warm-water lakes in the state, they tend to thrive in most water conditions and grow to bragging size in relative short order. Often called big mouth bass, or wide mouth bass, they are savvy predators that feed on most things that live in their territory. Bass in the 5 to 10-pound range are common in New Hampshire. The state record largemouth bass is over 10 pounds.

Finding & Catching Bigmouth Bass

Anglers can target big mouth bass in various lakes, reservoirs, and rivers. Spring and early summer are typically the best seasons for targeting largemouth bass as they are more active and feeding in the shallows near shoreline cover. Start with topwater baits, as they cover the water most efficiently. Reaction baits like crankbaits and spinnerbaits are the next choice. For finicky bass, plastic worms and jigs may entice a bite as you can move them very slowly around cover. In the heat of summer and the cold of winter bass move to deeper water, usually following the baitfish. Jigs, drop shot rigs and spoons are a good approach for bass holding in deep water. Vary your retrieve speed and action to find what the bass like today!

Largemouth bass are particularly abundant in water bodies like Lake Winnipesaukee, Squam Lake, and Bow Lake. These fish are known for their size, strength, and thrilling fights, making them a favorite target for many bass enthusiasts. The shallow weedy areas, submerged vegetation, and rocky structures found in these lakes provide ideal habitat for largemouth bass, allowing them to thrive.

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Smallmouth Bass Fishing In New Hampshire

While smallmouth bass don't grow as large as their cousin the largemouth, they make up the difference with tenacious fights. Known for long battles and spectacular jumps, smallies grow fat and strong but rarely exceed ten pounds. Their range and locations are often with or nearby the largemouths. The state record smallmouth bass is over 7 pounds.

New Hampshire offers excellent smallmouth bass fishing opportunities in rivers such as the Connecticut River, Merrimack River, and the Piscataqua River. These rivers provide the perfect conditions for smallmouth bass, with their rocky bottoms, fast currents, and deep pools. Anglers targeting smallmouth bass can have success using a variety of lures, including crankbaits, jigs, and topwater baits.

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Both largemouth and smallmouth bass can be caught throughout the fishing season in New Hampshire, but the best time to target them is typically during the warmer months. In the spring, as the water temperatures rise and the bass move into shallower waters to spawn, they become more active and aggressive. This period presents an excellent opportunity to catch trophy-sized bass. During the summer, bass can be found near structures such as submerged rocks, fallen trees, and weed beds, where they seek shelter and ambush their prey. The fall season is also a productive time for bass fishing, as they feed heavily in preparation for the winter months.

Bass are one of the most sought after of all the game fish. Its appeal spans cultures, age groups and genders to tap on the heart strings of anglers everywhere. Visit the Bass Knowledge Center for additional, valuable information about bass and bass fishing. Bass are available in many lakes, ponds and rivers in NH. In winter there are options for catching bass while ice fishing.

Best Bass Fishing Lakes In New Hampshire

The major lakes that have a healthy population of bass include Bow Lake, Comerford Lake, Conway Lake, Great East Lake, Lake Sunapee, Lake Wentworth, Lake Winnipesaukee, Mascoma Lake, Massabesic Lake, Merrymeeting Lake, Moore Reservoir, Newfound Lake, Ossipee Lake, Paugus Bay, Silver Lake, Squam Lake, Umbagog Lake and Winnisquam Lake.

When fishing for bass in New Hampshire, it's important to adhere to local fishing regulations, including size and bag limits, and practice catch-and-release whenever possible to ensure the sustainability of the fishery. Whether you're targeting largemouth or smallmouth bass, the thrill of hooking into these powerful fish amidst the beautiful New Hampshire scenery is an experience that will leave lasting memories for any angler.

Click the images and links above for species details.

New Hampshire State Record Bass

The state record largemouth bass was caught from Potanipo Lake.

The state record smallmouth bass came from Goose Pond.

Top 5 bass fishing lures for New Hampshire this year

When bass are shallow, spinnerbaits, crankbaits and stickbaits are the most productive. As they move deeper, worms and jigs are among the top producers.

Bass fishing basics video.

Understanding the primary seasonal movements of smallmouth bass and largemouth bass is key to locating them on local lakes in the Granite State.

Catch big bass!

Bass fishing information by state.

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