Landlocked Atlantic salmon fishing in New Hampshire freshwater
In New Hampshire freshwater, landlocked Atlantic salmon peak May–June and September–October and are around January–November, spawning in October, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. April: Winnipesaukee ice-out salmon.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Landlocked Atlantic salmon in New Hampshire freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryAround
- FebruaryAround
- MarchAround
- AprilArrivingWinnipesaukee ice-out salmon.
- MayPeak
- JunePeak
- JulyAround
- AugustAround
- SeptemberPeak
- OctoberSpawning
- NovemberAround
- DecemberNot here
Where to fish landlocked Atlantic salmon near Lake Winnipesaukee, Squam Lake, Connecticut Lakes
Winnipesaukee's salmon, lakers and smallmouth, North Country trout ponds, the upper Connecticut, and small bass lakes everywhere.
What to use for landlocked Atlantic salmon
- Minnows (fatheads, shiners)Hooked lightly through the lips or behind the dorsal on a #6 to #2 hook under a slip bobber for crappie, perch and walleye; a big golden shiner on a 2/0 to 4/0 for largemouth, pike and stripers.
- Leader10–20 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook#2–3/0
- Jig head1/8–1/2 oz
- Braid10–30 lb
Feeds in 36–64°F water, best at 46–58°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch landlocked Atlantic salmon in New Hampshire freshwater?
Peak season is May–June and September–October, with fish spawning in October (often a closed or catch-and-release window — check the rule). Landlocked Atlantic salmon are in New Hampshire freshwater January–November. April: Winnipesaukee ice-out salmon.
Where do landlocked Atlantic salmon hold in New Hampshire freshwater?
Look on lake, river — around Lake Winnipesaukee, Squam Lake, Connecticut Lakes, Androscoggin River, Merrimack River.
What is the best bait for landlocked Atlantic salmon in New Hampshire freshwater?
Live bait: minnows (fatheads, shiners). Minnows (fatheads, shiners): Hooked lightly through the lips or behind the dorsal on a #6 to #2 hook under a slip bobber for crappie, perch and walleye; a big golden shiner on a 2/0 to 4/0 for largemouth, pike and stripers. Tackle: leader 10–20 lb fluorocarbon, hook #2–3/0, jig head 1/8–1/2 oz, braid 10–30 lb.
What are the rules for landlocked Atlantic salmon in New Hampshire freshwater?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department (NH Fish and Game) and change — read the current rule at https://www.wildlife.nh.gov/fishing-new-hampshire/fishing-seasons-nh before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://www.wildlife.nh.gov/licenses-and-permits.
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All about landlocked Atlantic salmon · New Hampshire fresh water, the whole year