New Hampshire Fly Fishing
Is Fly Fishing popular in New Hampshire?
Fly fishing is a very popular activity in the state of New Hampshire. The state is home to a diverse range of waters, including rivers, streams, and lakes, that offer great opportunities for fly fishing. The state is particularly known for its trout fishing, with many rivers and streams that are well-stocked with trout. The state also offers a variety of other fish species such as smallmouth and largemouth bass, northern pike, landlocked salmon and many more.
New Hampshire has a rich fly fishing culture, and many fly fishing guides and shops are available throughout the state catering to fly fishing enthusiasts. These guides and shops can provide everything from fly fishing lessons, equipment rental, to guided trips. In addition, New Hampshire has many fly fishing clubs and groups that meet regularly and provide a great opportunity for fly anglers to connect with other like-minded individuals and learn from experienced anglers.
Overall, New Hampshire offers a great environment for fly fishing with a wide range of fishing opportunities, great resources for anglers, and a passionate fly fishing community.
What are the top targeted species for anglers in New Hampshire?
The top targeted species for fly fishing anglers in New Hampshire would be:
Trout: New Hampshire is home to a wide variety of trout species, including brook, brown, and rainbow trout. These species are found in many of the state's rivers and streams, making it a popular destination for trout fly fishing.
Smallmouth Bass: Smallmouth bass can be found in many of the state's rivers, and are known to be an aggressive and hard-fighting species.
Landlocked Salmon: Landlocked salmon can be found in many of the state's lakes and are known to be a challenging species to catch on a fly rod.
Atlantic Salmon: Atlantic salmon are not native to New Hampshire but they are stocked in some rivers and can be caught with fly fishing.
Northern Pike: Northern pike can be found in many of the state's lakes and are known to be an aggressive species that can put up a strong fight when caught on a fly rod.
Largemouth Bass: Largemouth bass can also be found in many of the state's rivers and lakes and is known to be a popular species for fly fishing.
Additionally, there are other species such as panfish, catfish, and carp that can be caught using fly fishing, although they are not as popular as the above-mentioned.
Popular spots to fly fish in New Hampshire
New Hampshire offers a wide variety of fly fishing opportunities, but some of the top spots for fly fishing in the state include:
The Connecticut River: This river is considered by many to be one of the best fly fishing destinations in the state, offering great opportunities to catch brook, brown, and rainbow trout.
The Androscoggin River: The Androscoggin River is a great spot for fly fishing, offering the chance to catch brook, brown, and rainbow trout, as well as landlocked salmon.
The Merrimack River: This river offers excellent fly fishing opportunities for a variety of species, including brook, brown, and rainbow trout, as well as smallmouth and largemouth bass.
The Saco River: The Saco River is a great spot for fly fishing, offering the chance to catch brook, brown, and rainbow trout, as well as landlocked salmon.
The Upper Ammonoosuc River: This river is a great spot for fly fishing, offering the chance to catch brook, brown, and rainbow trout, as well as landlocked salmon.
The Pemigewasset River: Known for its great hatches and good dry fly fishing, The Pemigewasset River is a great spot for fly fishing, offering the chance to catch brook, brown, and rainbow trout.
The Baker River: this river is known for its good hatches and offer a good opportunity to catch brook trout.
The Squam Lake: this lake is known for its good landlocked salmon and lake trout fishing.
Keep in mind that many rivers and streams in New Hampshire are seasonal, and that some have specific regulations on the methods, timing, and catch limits, so it is always recommended to check with the local authorities before fishing.
What are Fly Fishing regulations for New Hampshire?
The fly fishing regulations in New Hampshire are set by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department (NHF&G) and can vary depending on the location, species, and time of year. Here are some general regulations to keep in mind:
Licenses: All anglers over the age of 16 are required to have a valid fishing license. Licenses can be obtained online, by phone, or at one of the NHF&G's authorized agents.
Catch limits: The NHF&G sets daily and seasonal catch limits for different species of fish. Anglers are required to know and abide by these limits.
Open seasons: The NHF&G sets specific dates for the open seasons for different species. Anglers are required to know and abide by these dates.
Fly fishing only: Some waters in New Hampshire are designated as "Fly Fishing Only" waters, and anglers are required to use only flies, lures, and artificial baits when fishing in these waters.
Tributary regulations: Some tributaries have specific regulations for fly fishing, anglers must know and abide by these regulations.
Special regulations: Some waters have special regulations that may include catch and release, specific gear, or specific times and dates when fishing is allowed.
It is always a good idea to check the current regulations before going fly fishing in New Hampshire, as they can change from year to year and vary depending on the location. The NHF&G website is a good resource for this information, or visit local fly fishing shop or guide who can provide guidance on the current regulations.
Popular Fly Shops in New Hampshire
The Fly Fishing Shop" in North Conway: This shop offers a wide variety of fly fishing gear and clothing, as well as fly fishing classes and guided trips. The shop is staffed by experienced fly fishing guides who can provide advice and tips on the best fly fishing spots in the area.
"The Streamside Fly Shop" in Lincoln: This shop offers a wide variety of fly fishing gear, including rods, reels, flies, and clothing. They also offer fly fishing classes and guided trips, as well as fly fishing clinics and events throughout the year.
"The Angler's Den" in Manchester: This shop offers a wide variety of fly fishing gear and clothing, as well as fly fishing classes and guided trips. The shop is staffed by experienced fly fishing guides who can provide advice and tips on the best fly fishing spots in the area.
"The Lazy River Outfitters" in Ashland: This shop offers a wide variety of fly fishing gear, flies, and clothing. They also offer fly fishing classes and guided trips, as well as fly fishing clinics and events throughout the year. They are specialized on fishing for brook trout and landlocked salmon.
These are only a few examples of the many fly fishing shops that can be found in New Hampshire, each of them has their own specialties and offerings, It is always recommended to check out multiple shops to find the one that best suits your needs and preferences.
What is the History of Fly Fishing in New Hampshire?
Fly fishing has a long history in New Hampshire, dating back to the early 1800s. The state's abundance of rivers, streams, and lakes, as well as its diverse range of fish species, have made it a popular destination for fly fishing enthusiasts.
In the early days of fly fishing in New Hampshire, anglers used traditional fly fishing methods such as casting a line with a long rod and using a reel to retrieve the line. The flies used were also traditional, often made from natural materials such as feathers and fur.
During the 1800s, the state's fish and game laws began to be established, and the state's first fish hatchery was built in 1868, which helped to improve the population and variety of fish in the state's waters. This led to an increase in popularity of fly fishing in New Hampshire, as more and more anglers were able to catch a wider variety of fish.
In the early 1900s, the sport of fly fishing continued to evolve, with the introduction of new fly fishing equipment and techniques. The introduction of new materials, such as graphite rods, made fly fishing more accessible to anglers, and the development of new fly patterns and tying techniques made it easier to imitate different types of fish.
In recent years, fly fishing has continued to grow in popularity in New Hampshire, with many fly fishing guides and shops catering to fly fishing enthusiasts. Additionally, many fly fishing clubs and groups have been established, providing a great opportunity for fly anglers to connect with other like-minded individuals and learn from experienced anglers.
Overall, the history of fly fishing in New Hampshire is a rich one, with the sport evolving and growing over time, while still maintaining its traditional roots.
