Fishing in the White Mountains & North Country
Explore fishing in the White Mountains & North Country of New Hampshire. Connecticut River Headwaters, Lake Francis, Fir
The Connecticut River begins in the Connecticut Lakes region of northern Coos County, flowing 410 miles through New Hampshire as the state's western border and offering excellent trout and salmon fishing with numerous public access points from Pittsburg to Lebanon.
1. Connecticut River Headwaters (Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Landlocked Salmon, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye)
Connecticut River, Coos CountyThe Connecticut River begins in the Connecticut Lakes region of northern Coos County, flowing 410 miles through New Hampshire as the state's western border and offering excellent trout and salmon fishing with numerous public access points from Pittsburg to Lebanon.
- Landlocked salmon · Limit: 2 per day · Min 15 in (many waters); special waters vary
- Largemouth & smallmouth bass · Limit: 5 combined · No minimum (some waters 12 in)
- Walleye · Limit: 5 · Min 15 in
Boat Launch: Connecticut River Headwaters →
2. Lake Francis (Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, Lake Trout, Landlocked Salmon, Smallmouth Bass)
Lake Francis, Coos CountyLake Francis is a 2,200-acre impoundment on the upper Connecticut River offering excellent lake trout and landlocked salmon fishing in a remote North Country setting.
- Landlocked salmon · Limit: 2 per day · Min 15 in (many waters); special waters vary
- Largemouth & smallmouth bass · Limit: 5 combined · No minimum (some waters 12 in)
3. First Connecticut Lake (Lake Trout, Landlocked Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, Smallmouth Bass)
First Connecticut Lake, Coos CountyFirst Connecticut Lake is a 3,520-acre lake at 2,000 feet elevation offering excellent lake trout and landlocked salmon fishing in a pristine wilderness setting.
- Landlocked salmon · Limit: 2 per day · Min 15 in (many waters); special waters vary
- Largemouth & smallmouth bass · Limit: 5 combined · No minimum (some waters 12 in)
Boat Launch: First Connecticut Lake Picnic and Launch Area Ramp →
4. Second Connecticut Lake (Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, Landlocked Salmon, Lake Trout)
Second Connecticut Lake, Coos CountySecond Connecticut Lake is a 1,240-acre lake offering excellent trout fishing at 1,800 feet elevation in the far northern reaches of New Hampshire.
- Landlocked salmon · Limit: 2 per day · Min 15 in (many waters); special waters vary
5. Umbagog Lake (Smallmouth Bass, Landlocked Salmon, Lake Trout, Rainbow Trout, Chain Pickerel, Northern Pike)
Umbagog Lake, Coos CountyUmbagog Lake is a 7,850-acre lake straddling the Maine-New Hampshire border, forming the headwaters of the Androscoggin River and offering exceptional smallmouth bass and landlocked salmon fishing with a national wildlife refuge.
- Largemouth & smallmouth bass · Limit: 5 combined · No minimum (some waters 12 in)
- Landlocked salmon · Limit: 2 per day · Min 15 in (many waters); special waters vary
- Chain pickerel · Limit: 5
- Northern pike · Limit: 5 · Min 24 in
Boat Launch: Umbagog Lake State Park Boat Ramp →
6. Androscoggin River (Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Brook Trout, Smallmouth Bass, Landlocked Salmon)
Androscoggin River, Coos CountyThe Androscoggin River flows 55 miles through New Hampshire from Umbagog Lake to Errol and onward into Maine, offering excellent trout and smallmouth bass fishing in a scenic northern river setting.
- ⚠ This water: NH special water: Berlin to Shelburne Sawmill Dam in Berlin to ME/NH boundary No closed season for all species. Single barbless hook, artificial lures/flies. Catch-and-release all species.
- Largemouth & smallmouth bass · Limit: 5 combined · No minimum (some waters 12 in)
- Landlocked salmon · Limit: 2 per day · Min 15 in (many waters); special waters vary
7. Saco River (Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Smallmouth Bass, Fallfish)
Saco River, Carroll CountyThe Saco River flows 62 miles through the White Mountains from Crawford Notch to Conway and into Maine, offering excellent trout fly fishing with numerous public access points along Route 302.
- Largemouth & smallmouth bass · Limit: 5 combined · No minimum (some waters 12 in)
Boat Launch: River Run Saco Canoe Access →
8. Ammonoosuc River (Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Smallmouth Bass)
Ammonoosuc River, Grafton/Coos countiesThe Ammonoosuc River flows 55 miles from the Mount Washington area through Bretton Woods, Twin Mountain, and Littleton to the Connecticut River, offering excellent trout streams accessible from Route 302.
- Largemouth & smallmouth bass · Limit: 5 combined · No minimum (some waters 12 in)
9. East Branch Saco River (Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout)
East Branch Saco River, Carroll CountyThe East Branch Saco River offers excellent wild brook trout fishing in the White Mountain National Forest with good walk-in access.
10. Wild River (Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout)
Wild River, Carroll CountyThe Wild River is a pristine trout stream flowing entirely within the White Mountain National Forest from the Maine border to the Androscoggin River, offering excellent brook trout fishing with wilderness access.
Boat Launch: Basin Recreation Area Ramp →
11. Ellis River (Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout)
Ellis River, Carroll CountyThe Ellis River flows from Pinkham Notch through Jackson Village to the Saco River, offering excellent trout fishing in a scenic mountain stream with easy road access.
Boat Launch: Basin Recreation Area Ramp →
12. Swift River (Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout)
Swift River, Carroll CountyThe Swift River in Albany offers excellent trout fishing in the White Mountain National Forest with access along the Kancamagus Highway.
- ⚠ This water: NH special water: Sandwich to Tamworth From Route 113A bridge downstream to Route 113 bridge Fly-fishing only. Daily limit for trout is 2 fish.
13. Peabody River (Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout)
Peabody River, Coos CountyThe Peabody River flows from the northern slopes of Mount Washington through Pinkham Notch, offering excellent wild brook trout fishing in a dramatic mountain setting.
14. Rocky Branch (Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout)
Rocky Branch, Carroll CountyRocky Branch is a wilderness trout stream in the White Mountain National Forest offering good brook trout fishing by foot access.
15. Dry River (Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout)
Dry River, Carroll CountyThe Dry River flows from the southern slopes of Mount Washington through Crawford Notch State Park, offering good brook trout fishing with trail access.
Boat Launch: Basin Recreation Area Ramp →
16. Pine River (Carroll Co.)
Pine River, Carroll CountyThe Pine River in Ossipee and Freedom offers good trout fishing with public access points in the eastern White Mountains.
17. Moose River (Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout)
Moose River, Coos CountyThe Moose River offers good trout fishing with remote wilderness access.
18. Israel River (Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, Brown Trout)
Israel River, Coos CountyThe Israel River flows through Jefferson and Lancaster to the Connecticut River, offering good trout fishing in the northern White Mountains.
Boat Launch: Martin Meadow Pond Boat Launch →
19. Johns River (Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Brook Trout)
Johns River, Coos CountyThe Johns River offers good trout fishing in the Whitefield area of northern New Hampshire with public access points.
Boat Launch: Martin Meadow Pond Boat Launch →
20. Upper Ammonoosuc River (Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, Brown Trout)
Upper Ammonoosuc River, Coos CountyThe Upper Ammonoosuc River provides good trout fishing in the remote northern sections of the White Mountains and Milan.
21. Diamond River (Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout)
Diamond River, Coos CountyThe Diamond River is a wild trout stream in the Magalloway River watershed offering excellent brook trout fishing in remote northern Coos County.
22. Clear Stream (Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout)
Clear Stream, Coos CountyClear Stream is a remote trout stream offering excellent brook trout fishing in the northern forest.
Boat Launch: Millsfield Pond Boat Launch →
23. Dead Diamond River (Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout)
Dead Diamond River, Coos CountyThe Dead Diamond River is a wilderness trout stream in the Diamond River watershed offering excellent remote brook trout fishing.
- ⚠ This water: NH special water: to Sept. 30 season. Daily limit of 5 brook trout or 5 lbs. All legal methods.
24. Magalloway River (Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, Landlocked Salmon, Smallmouth Bass)
Magalloway River, Coos CountyThe Magalloway River flows from Maine into Umbagog Lake, offering excellent trout and landlocked salmon fishing in the northwestern corner of New Hampshire.
- ⚠ This water: NH special water: Wentworth’s Location, Errol From the markers at the confluence with Sturtevant Stream at 44º50.41638’N-71º03.03498”W to the markers at confluence of Umbagog Lake at 44º47.73612’N-71º03.70758’W using WGS84 map datum.Jan. 1 through May 31 & day after Labor Day through September 30. Single barbless hook, artificial lures/flies. Catch
- Landlocked salmon · Limit: 2 per day · Min 15 in (many waters); special waters vary
- Largemouth & smallmouth bass · Limit: 5 combined · No minimum (some waters 12 in)
25. Mollidgewock Brook (Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout)
Mollidgewock Brook, Coos CountyMollidgewock Brook is a native brook trout stream in the Androscoggin River watershed.
Boat Launch: Mollidgewock Brook →
26. Merrill Brook (Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout)
Merrill Brook, Coos CountyMerrill Brook offers good wild brook trout fishing in the remote forests of northern Coos County.
Boat Launch: Pickering Park Boat Ramp →
27. West Branch Saco River (Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout)
West Branch Saco River, Carroll CountyThe West Branch Saco River offers excellent brook trout fishing in the White Mountain National Forest with wilderness trail access.
Boat Launch: West Branch Saco River →
28. Sawyer River (Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout)
Sawyer River, Carroll CountyThe Sawyer River offers good brook trout fishing in the White Mountain National Forest with walk-in access.
29. Pond Brook (Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout)
Pond Brook, Carroll CountyPond Brook offers good wild brook trout fishing in the northern White Mountains area.
- ⚠ This water: NH special water: – Labor Day season. Catch-and-release, single barbless hook artificial lures/flies. Managed for wild trout.
30. Cold River (Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout)
Cold River, Carroll CountyThe Cold River in Chatham and Fryeburg offers good trout fishing in the eastern White Mountains.
Boat Launch: Warren Lake Boat Access →
31. South Branch Cold River (Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout)
South Branch Cold River, Carroll CountyThe South Branch Cold River offers good wild brook trout fishing in the White Mountain National Forest.
Boat Launch: South Branch Cold River →
32. Thompson Brook (Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout)
Thompson Brook, Carroll CountyThompson Brook offers good brook trout fishing in the White Mountain National Forest.
Boat Launch: Echo Lake Boat Launch →
33. Great Brook (Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout)
Great Brook, Carroll CountyGreat Brook offers good wild trout fishing in the mountain streams of the Bartlett area.
34. Bemis Brook (Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout)
Bemis Brook, Carroll CountyBemis Brook offers good brook trout fishing in the White Mountain National Forest.
Boat Launch: Echo Lake Boat Launch →
35. Gibbs Brook (Brook Trout)
Gibbs Brook, Coos CountyGibbs Brook offers native brook trout fishing in the remote northern section of the White Mountain National Forest.
Boat Launch: Echo Lake Boat Launch →
36. Stony Brook (Coos Co.)
Stony Brook, Coos CountyStony Brook offers good brook trout fishing in the Connecticut River watershed of northern Coos County.
37. Perry Stream (Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout)
Perry Stream, Coos CountyPerry Stream offers good trout fishing in the remote Connecticut Lakes region.
Boat Launch: First Connecticut Lake Picnic and Launch Area Ramp →
38. Indian Stream (Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout, Landlocked Salmon)
Indian Stream, Coos CountyIndian Stream is a historic trout stream in the far northern corner of New Hampshire offering excellent brook trout and landlocked salmon fishing.
- Landlocked salmon · Limit: 2 per day · Min 15 in (many waters); special waters vary
39. Halls Stream (Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout)
Halls Stream, Coos CountyHalls Stream forms the western boundary of the Connecticut Lakes region offering good trout fishing in a remote northern setting.
40. Akers Pond (Rainbow Trout, Lake Trout, Landlocked Salmon, Brook Trout, Smallmouth Bass)
Akers Pond, New HampshirePopular fishing lake in the White Mountains & North Country region of New Hampshire.
- Landlocked salmon · Limit: 2 per day · Min 15 in (many waters); special waters vary
- Largemouth & smallmouth bass · Limit: 5 combined · No minimum (some waters 12 in)
41. Back Lake (Rainbow Trout, Lake Trout, Landlocked Salmon, Brook Trout, Smallmouth Bass)
Back Lake, New HampshirePopular fishing lake in the White Mountains & North Country region of New Hampshire.
- ⚠ This water: NH special water: Trout Pond Ramp 10 MPH speed limit some areas
- Landlocked salmon · Limit: 2 per day · Min 15 in (many waters); special waters vary
- Largemouth & smallmouth bass · Limit: 5 combined · No minimum (some waters 12 in)
42. Cedar Pond (Rainbow Trout, Lake Trout, Landlocked Salmon, Brook Trout, Smallmouth Bass)
Cedar Pond, New HampshirePopular fishing lake in the White Mountains & North Country region of New Hampshire.
- Landlocked salmon · Limit: 2 per day · Min 15 in (many waters); special waters vary
- Largemouth & smallmouth bass · Limit: 5 combined · No minimum (some waters 12 in)
Boat Launch: Cedar Pond Boat Access →
43. Christine Lake (Rainbow Trout, Lake Trout, Landlocked Salmon, Brook Trout, Smallmouth Bass)
Christine Lake, New HampshirePopular fishing lake in the White Mountains & North Country region of New Hampshire.
- Landlocked salmon · Limit: 2 per day · Min 15 in (many waters); special waters vary
- Largemouth & smallmouth bass · Limit: 5 combined · No minimum (some waters 12 in)
44. Conway Lake (Rainbow Trout, Lake Trout, Landlocked Salmon, Brook Trout, Smallmouth Bass)
Conway Lake, New HampshirePopular fishing lake in the White Mountains & North Country region of New Hampshire.
- Landlocked salmon · Limit: 2 per day · Min 15 in (many waters); special waters vary
- Largemouth & smallmouth bass · Limit: 5 combined · No minimum (some waters 12 in)
45. Fourth Connecticut Lake (Rainbow Trout, Lake Trout, Landlocked Salmon, Brook Trout, Smallmouth Bass)
Fourth Connecticut Lake, New HampshirePopular fishing lake in the White Mountains & North Country region of New Hampshire.
- Landlocked salmon · Limit: 2 per day · Min 15 in (many waters); special waters vary
- Largemouth & smallmouth bass · Limit: 5 combined · No minimum (some waters 12 in)
Boat Launch: Third Connecticut Lake boat ramp →
46. Greenough Pond (Rainbow Trout, Lake Trout, Landlocked Salmon, Brook Trout, Smallmouth Bass)
Greenough Pond, New HampshirePopular fishing lake in the White Mountains & North Country region of New Hampshire.
- Landlocked salmon · Limit: 2 per day · Min 15 in (many waters); special waters vary
- Largemouth & smallmouth bass · Limit: 5 combined · No minimum (some waters 12 in)
Boat Launch: Akers Pond Boat Ramp →
47. Lakes of the Clouds (Rainbow Trout, Lake Trout, Landlocked Salmon, Brook Trout, Smallmouth Bass)
Lakes of the Clouds, New HampshirePopular fishing lake in the White Mountains & North Country region of New Hampshire.
- Landlocked salmon · Limit: 2 per day · Min 15 in (many waters); special waters vary
- Largemouth & smallmouth bass · Limit: 5 combined · No minimum (some waters 12 in)
48. Lonesome Lake (Rainbow Trout, Lake Trout, Landlocked Salmon, Brook Trout, Smallmouth Bass)
Lonesome Lake, New HampshirePopular fishing lake in the White Mountains & North Country region of New Hampshire.
- ⚠ This water: NH special water: Trout Pond Remote Walk-in
- Landlocked salmon · Limit: 2 per day · Min 15 in (many waters); special waters vary
- Largemouth & smallmouth bass · Limit: 5 combined · No minimum (some waters 12 in)
Boat Launch: Echo Lake Boat Launch →
49. Moore Reservoir (Rainbow Trout, Lake Trout, Landlocked Salmon, Brook Trout, Smallmouth Bass)
Moore Reservoir, New HampshirePopular fishing lake in the White Mountains & North Country region of New Hampshire.
- Landlocked salmon · Limit: 2 per day · Min 15 in (many waters); special waters vary
- Largemouth & smallmouth bass · Limit: 5 combined · No minimum (some waters 12 in)
Boat Launch: Perkins Landing →
50. Pontook Reservoir (Rainbow Trout, Lake Trout, Landlocked Salmon, Brook Trout, Smallmouth Bass)
Pontook Reservoir, New HampshirePopular fishing lake in the White Mountains & North Country region of New Hampshire.
- Landlocked salmon · Limit: 2 per day · Min 15 in (many waters); special waters vary
- Largemouth & smallmouth bass · Limit: 5 combined · No minimum (some waters 12 in)
51. Profile Lake (Rainbow Trout, Lake Trout, Landlocked Salmon, Brook Trout, Smallmouth Bass)
Profile Lake, New HampshirePopular fishing lake in the White Mountains & North Country region of New Hampshire.
- ⚠ This water: NH special water: Trout Pond; Fly-fishing only No person shall take brook trout 12 to 16 inches in length. All brook trout 12 to 16 inches shall be immediately released unharmed. The daily limit for brook trout shall be 2 fish, of which only one may be over 16 inches.Cartop
- Landlocked salmon · Limit: 2 per day · Min 15 in (many waters); special waters vary
- Largemouth & smallmouth bass · Limit: 5 combined · No minimum (some waters 12 in)
Boat Launch: Echo Lake Boat Launch →
52. Success Pond (Rainbow Trout, Lake Trout, Landlocked Salmon, Brook Trout, Smallmouth Bass)
Success Pond, New HampshirePopular fishing lake in the White Mountains & North Country region of New Hampshire.
- ⚠ This water: NH special water: Trout Pond Ramp | 2. All tributaries will be closed to fishing Oct. 16 to May 31. | 1. Only one artificial bait, one fly, one tandem fly or one bait shall be used per rod; and, | 2. Only one hook with a single hook point shall be used with bait.Ramp Speed and other restrictions
- Landlocked salmon · Limit: 2 per day · Min 15 in (many waters); special waters vary
- Largemouth & smallmouth bass · Limit: 5 combined · No minimum (some waters 12 in)
53. Third Connecticut Lake (Rainbow Trout, Lake Trout, Landlocked Salmon, Brook Trout, Smallmouth Bass)
Third Connecticut Lake, New HampshirePopular fishing lake in the White Mountains & North Country region of New Hampshire.
- Landlocked salmon · Limit: 2 per day · Min 15 in (many waters); special waters vary
- Largemouth & smallmouth bass · Limit: 5 combined · No minimum (some waters 12 in)
Fishing Tips for the White Mountains & North Country
- Get a licence — All anglers need a valid state fishing licence — check your state's wildlife agency site.
- Check the weather & water conditions — always check forecasts and wind before heading out, especially on big water.
- Know the regulations — size and catch limits vary by water body in New Hampshire; check the local regulations first.
- Best times — early morning and late evening are prime. Many White Mountains & North Country waters fish best in spring and fall.
- Use the right gear — match your rod, line, and tackle to the species you're chasing and the water you're fishing.
More Regions in New Hampshire
- Dartmouth & Upper Valley
- Lakes Region & Lake Winnipesaukee
- Merrimack Valley & Seacoast
- Monadnock & Southwest
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