New Hampshire License Price Calculator
How Much Is a Fishing License in New Hampshire?
A New Hampshire resident annual fishing license costs $45.00. Non-residents pay $63.00 for the same annual license.
New Hampshire holds a free fishing day in the dead of winter — anyone can ice fish without a license on the state's designated January date (it also holds a second free day on the first Saturday in June), though tournament anglers must still be licensed. (New Hampshire Fish and Game Dept.)
New Hampshire Fishing License Price Table (2026)
| License Type | Resident | Non-Resident | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual | $45.00 | $63.00 | Freshwater resident annual |
| 1-Day | $10.00 | $15.00 | Short-term option |
| Non-Res 7-Day | N/A | $35.00 | See notes below |
| Youth (Under 16) | Free | Free | Most states exempt young anglers |
The Senior Discount Kicks In at an Unusual Age
New Hampshire's senior freshwater rate ($7.00, down from $45.00) applies starting at age 68 — not the more common 65 or 70 cutoffs used in most other states' fee schedules.
Saltwater Requires Its Own Separate License
New Hampshire doesn't offer a combined freshwater/saltwater license. Anglers fishing the state's coastal and estuarine waters need a separate $11 saltwater license on top of whatever freshwater license they hold.
New Hampshire Fishing Seasons & Bag Limits (2026)
These are New Hampshire's default statewide season windows and bag/size limits for the most commonly targeted species. Many individual lakes, rivers, and reservoirs carry their own special regulations that override these defaults — always confirm the rules for your specific water before you fish.
| Species | Season | Min. Size | Daily Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trout (combined species) | 4th Saturday in April – October 15 (general ponds); rivers/streams closed Oct. 16 – Dec. 31 | No statewide min. | 5/day or 5 lbs, whichever comes first |
| Lake Trout | January 1 – September 30 (ice fishing only Jan. 1 – Mar. 31) | No statewide min. | 2/day |
| Bass (Largemouth/Smallmouth) | Year-round; mandatory catch-and-release May 15 – June 15 | Check current digest | Check current digest |
Where to Buy a New Hampshire Fishing License Locally
In addition to the official state portal linked above, New Hampshire fishing licenses are typically available at Walmart, Bass Pro Shops, Cabela's, and Dick's Sporting Goods locations statewide, along with independent bait & tackle shops. Call ahead if you need a specific license type (combination, lifetime, or trout stamp) since not every retail counter carries every product.
New Hampshire Fishing License — FAQs
How much is a New Hampshire fishing license?
A resident freshwater annual license costs $45.00. Non-residents pay $63.00.
Is there a senior discount in New Hampshire?
Yes. Residents 68 and older pay just $7.00 for a freshwater license.
Does New Hampshire have a combined freshwater/saltwater license?
No. Saltwater fishing requires its own separate $11 license.
What are New Hampshire's short-term options?
1-day at $10 (resident)/$15 (non-resident), plus non-resident-only 3-day ($28) and 7-day ($35) options.
Where can I buy a New Hampshire fishing license?
Through the NH Fish and Game licensing system at wildlife.nh.gov.