Great Trout Fishing In New Hampshire

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

Rainbow Trout
Brook Trout
Brown Trout
Lake Trout
Trout Lakes In The State
Available Trout Species
Top Trout Lures & Flies

New Hampshire Ponds Can Offer Ecxellent Fishing

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.

Fishing For Rainbow Trout

Rainbow trout are one of the most fished for trout species in the state, and can be found in numerous New Hampshire lakes and rivers. Known for its tasty pink flesh, rainbows are a favorite among the vast majority of trout anglers in the state. It also appeals to the fly fisherman as it can be caught on flies as well as other small baits and lures. It feeds on small insects, minnows, crustaceans and worms. It is ideal for both sport and dining pleasure. More...

Fishing For Brook Trout

Brook trout, with their stunning colors and willingness to bite, can be found in remote mountain streams and creeks across the state. These small but feisty fish can provide an exciting fishing experience for those willing to explore New Hampshire's more secluded and scenic locations. The primary food source of brookies is small insects, mollusks, crustaceans and other small fishes. In lakes where brook trout are stocked, shade over shallow cover is a great place to start. More...

Fishing For Brown Trout

Brown trout, another prized trout species, can be found in select New Hampshire lakes and rivers. Many of these fisheries are attracting anglers from near and far. These elusive and wary fish offer a challenge to anglers, requiring stealthy presentations and precise casting to entice a bite. Brown trout feed on worms, minnows, insects and crustaceans. Larger browns can be taken on jerkbaits, small crankbaits and spinners. More...

Fishing For Lake Trout

Lake trout are by far the largest of the trouts. They live in deep, cold lakes and feeds on virtually all forms of flesh which exist in its home waters. It's rich flaky flesh makes it a tasty table favorite. During early spring, lake trout can often be found in the shallows of lakes, readily taking dry flies, wet flies, and other slow-moving presentations. As surface temperatures rise, these trout typically migrate to deeper waters, prompting anglers to employ trolling with heavier tackle as the primary technique using spoons and baitfish-imitating lures. More...

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.