New Hampshire Fishing License (2026): Cost, Where to Buy & Rules
Issued by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department
How much is a fishing license in New Hampshire (NH)?
A resident annual New Hampshire fishing license costs $45.00, and a non-resident (out-of-state) annual license is $63.00. New Hampshire also offers short-term day passes for out-of-state visitors and discounted youth and senior licenses, all sold by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department.
How does New Hampshire compare? See the 2026 fishing license cost by state price index.
🎫 Buy a New Hampshire Fishing License →Fishing in New Hampshire
New Hampshire fishing is lakes and mountains. Winnipesaukee and the big lakes hold landlocked salmon and lake trout, the mountain streams give up wild brook trout, and largemouth and smallmouth fill the ponds. A short stretch of seacoast at Hampton and Great Bay adds striped bass in summer. Ice fishing is a fixture here, so the state offers both a lively open-water season and a busy hard-water one.
New Hampshire Fishing License Types & 2026 Prices
Resident Annual
Freshwater
$45.00
Non-Resident Annual
Freshwater
$63.00
Non-Resident 3-Day
Freshwater
$28.00
Senior (68+)
Freshwater
$7.00
NH resident 68+ (born 1948 or later); residents born on/before 1947 get a free permanent Milestone license
Youth (under 16)
Free✅ Prices verified September 2026 from the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. License fees can change year to year — confirm current rates with the agency before you buy.
Who needs a New Hampshire fishing license?
Most adult anglers need a license to fish in New Hampshire. Several groups are exempt or pay a reduced fee:
- Youth
- Children under 16 do not need a license. A fishing license is required for people 16 and older; anglers under 16 fish free.
- Seniors (68+)
- $7.00 Senior resident freshwater fishing license for residents who have reached age 68 (born 1948 or later). Residents born in or before 1947 receive a FREE permanent "milestone" license. A separate free permanent clam/oyster license is available to all residents 68+.
- Anglers with disabilities
- New Hampshire residents with a verified 100% permanent disability rating from the VA are eligible for a lifetime no-fee license (one-time $10 administration fee; proof of residency, permanent-disability rating and honorable discharge required).
- Veterans & military
- The lifetime no-fee license above covers NH resident veterans rated 100% permanently disabled by the VA (one-time $10 admin fee).
- Free fishing days (2026)
- Saturday, January 17, 2026 and Saturday, June 6, 2026 — New Hampshire's two Free Fishing Days; residents and non-residents may fish without a license on those days. All other regulations still apply.
Short-term day licenses are available for visitors and occasional anglers. Always confirm the current rules with the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department before heading out. ✅ Exemptions verified August 2026.
Saltwater & beach fishing in New Hampshire
No license required for saltwater fishing in New Hampshire
Where to buy a New Hampshire fishing license
Online (cheapest): buy directly from the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department — that’s the cheapest option, with no third-party markup.
In person: most sporting goods retailers (Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s, Walmart) and many tackle shops in New Hampshire also sell licenses.
New Hampshire Fishing Limits by Species (2026)
General statewide bag, size, and season limits for popular New Hampshire species.
| Species | Daily Bag | Min Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Landlocked SalmonBig-lake limits vary; confirm current rule | 2 | 15" | Varies |
| Lake TroutStatewide 15-inch minimum; water-specific limits apply | 2 | 15" | Varies |
| Brook TroutMany streams have reduced limits | 5 | No limit | Varies |
| Smallmouth Bass2 fish Jan 1–May 14; catch-and-release only May 15–Jun 15; 5 fish Jun 16–Dec 31 | 5 | No limit | Seasonal (see notes) |
⚠️ Limits are general statewide references and change year to year — many lakes and rivers carry their own bag, size, and slot rules. Always confirm the current regulation for your specific water with the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department before you keep a fish. Reviewed July 2026.
New Hampshire Fishing License FAQ
How much is a fishing license in New Hampshire?
A resident annual fishing license in New Hampshire costs $45.00, and a non-resident (out-of-state) annual license costs $63.00. New Hampshire also offers short-term (day) licenses for visitors, discounted youth and senior options. Licenses are sold by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department.
How much is an out-of-state fishing license in New Hampshire?
An out-of-state (non-resident) annual fishing license in New Hampshire costs $63.00. For a shorter trip, New Hampshire also sells 3-Day licenses. Buy online from the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department before you fish.
Do you need a fishing license in New Hampshire?
Yes. New Hampshire requires a fishing license to fish recreationally. Children under 16 are exempt. $7.00 Senior resident freshwater fishing license for residents who have reached age 68 (born 1948 or later). Residents born in or before 1947 receive a FREE permanent "milestone" license. A separate free permanent clam/oyster license is available to all residents 68+. Always confirm current rules with the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department before you fish.
Where do you buy a New Hampshire fishing license?
Buy directly from the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department online — that's the cheapest option (no third-party markup). You can also buy at most sporting-goods retailers and many tackle shops in New Hampshire.
Fishing licenses in nearby states
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