Fishing in New Hampshire
New Hampshire's lakes region is the heart of the state's fishery. Lake Winnipesaukee, Squam, Sunapee, and Newfound produce landlocked salmon, lake trout (togue), smallmouth bass, and white perch. The Connecticut and Androscoggin rivers run trout and salmon. The White Mountain brookie streams are wild and remote. New Hampshire's tiny coastline still delivers striped bass, mackerel, and bluefish through summer, with offshore haddock and cod a short run from Hampton or Rye.
License Types & Fees
| License | Fee |
|---|---|
| Resident Annual Freshwater | $45.00 |
| Resident Senior Freshwater | $7.00 |
| Resident 1-Day Freshwater | $10.00 |
| Resident Hunt + Freshwater Fishing Combo | $56.00 |
| Resident Senior Hunt + Freshwater Combo | $7.00 |
| Resident Recreational Saltwater | $11.00 |
| Resident Clam License (6–67) | $30.00 |
| Resident Oyster License (6–67) | $30.00 |
| Non-Resident Annual Freshwater | $63.00 |
| Non-Resident 1-Day Freshwater | $15.00 |
| Non-Resident 3-Day Freshwater | $28.00 |
| Non-Resident 7-Day Freshwater | $35.00 |
| Non-Resident Hunt + Freshwater Combo | $151.00 |
| Non-Resident Recreational Saltwater | $11.00 |
Fees are subject to change. Confirm current pricing on the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department website before purchasing.
Combination Hunt/Fish licenses do not include the $2.50 Wildlife Habitat Fee. A $2.00 transaction fee is added per license at retail (or $2.75 online). NH Apprentice Hunting Licenses are available at the regular hunting-license price.
Log Your New Hampshire Catches
CatchVault is available on iOS. Identify species with AI, measure with LiDAR, and keep a private journal of every fish you land in New Hampshire.
New Hampshire Fishing License FAQ
How much does a New Hampshire fishing license cost?
A resident annual freshwater fishing license in New Hampshire costs $45.00. Fees vary by residency, age, and license type, see the full breakdown above for short-term, non-resident, and senior options.
Where can I buy a New Hampshire fishing license?
New Hampshire fishing licenses are sold online by New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, and are also available from authorized retailers, bait shops, and sporting goods stores across the state.
Who issues fishing licenses in New Hampshire?
Fishing licenses in New Hampshire are issued by New Hampshire Fish and Game Department.