Guide To The Secrets Of Walleye Fishing In New Hampshire

New Hampshire provides exciting opportunities for walleye fishing. Walleye, known for their delicious flavor and challenging behavior, can be found in select lakes and rivers across the state. While walleye populations are not as abundant in New Hampshire as in some other regions, the state still offers opportunities to catch these prized fish.

Merrymeeting Lake is a popular destination for walleye fishing in New Hampshire. This lake is known for its healthy walleye population, offering anglers the chance to hook into these elusive predators. The lake's structure, including rocky points and drop-offs, provides ideal habitats for walleye. Anglers often employ techniques such as trolling with crankbaits or using live bait rigs to entice these fish to bite.

When it comes to rivers, the Connecticut River is a notable location for walleye fishing. This expansive river is home to walleye populations, particularly in sections with deeper pools and rocky areas. Anglers targeting walleye in the Connecticut River often use jigs tipped with live bait or soft plastic swimbaits, as well as casting or trolling with crankbaits along the riverbanks.

New Hampshire's state records for walleye stands at over 12 pounds.

When engaging in walleye, sauger, and saugeye fishing in New Hampshire, it is crucial to be aware of and adhere to local fishing regulations, including size and bag limits. Respecting the environment and practicing catch-and-release for larger fish contributes to the sustainability of these populations and ensures future fishing opportunities. With the right techniques, knowledge, and respect for the fishery, anglers can enjoy the thrill of pursuing walleye and related species in the beautiful waters of New Hampshire.

Walleye Lakes In NH

Walleye prefer moderately deep lakes with gravel, rock or sandy bottoms. It is found primarily in cold water lakes but has proven to survive in warmer impoundments. It is prized for its great tasting filets. The Connecticut River, Lake Sunapee, Lake Winnipesaukee, Mascoma Lake and Squam Lake are among the top lakes for walleye fishing. Other rivers and some of the lakes record catches of walleye but it is sparse. Click here to learn all about walleye fishing.

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Top lures for walleye in New Hampshire

Jigs with a variety of trailers and bait work well in virtually any depth water. When walleyes are shallow, spinnerbaits, small crankbaits and rip baits are the often very productive. Jigs and ice jigs are very productive when ice fishing. As they move deeper, spoons are ideal for active walleye. Understanding the seasonal movements of walleyes improves your odds of selecting the right lures for conditions on local waters.

New Hampshire State Walleye, Sauger & Saugeye Records

The state record walleye was caught out of the Connecticut River.

Fishing For Walleye

This toothy fish will eat virtually anything it can catch and get in its mouth. They prefer small fish and will eat crustaceans, worms and insects. They tend to be somewhat wary and prefer the safety of deeper darker water. Trolling for walleye with deep diving crankbaits, jerkbaits, spinners and live bait provides a way to cover vast areas and locate concentrations of fish. Use of planer boards allows anglers to cover water out both sides of the boat while trolling. Try fishing for walleye from sundown to midnight, particularly during the heat of summer.

New Hampshire walleye spawn in spring and when they have the option will choose to migrate from the lake up into feeder streams to spawn. If this option is not available they seek out shallow bars or shoals with clean bottom surfaces near deep water.

Watch this video for walleye tips and tactics.

Walleye Resources

In-Fisherman - Walleye
U.S. Fish & Wildlife - Walleye
The National Wildlife Federation - Walleye

Also find information about walleye, sauger or saugeye fishing in these states.