New Hampshire is home to some great trout fishing as well as good fishing for bass and panfish species. There is also decent saltwater fishing to be found.
But before you set out to enjoy the fishing on offer in New Hampshire, it is important to have the right fishing license.
In this article, we help explain which license you need, how much it will cost, and where to buy a license and go fishing.
Who Needs a Fishing License in New Hampshire?
Anyone aged 16 and above who wishes to fish in the waters of New Hampshire is required to possess a valid fishing license, which must be carried while fishing (see here for info on at what age you have to buy a fishing license in all states).
A PDF or other fixed image of a valid license visible on a smartphone is sufficient to comply with the law, as long as a Conservation Officer can view the information contained on the license, and a photo ID can be presented.
Here is the license fees page: https://www.wildlife.nh.gov/licenses-and-permits/license-prices
Who Is Exempt From Needing a Fishing License in New Hampshire?
Minors under the age of 16 are exempt from the need to obtain a general firearm hunting, fishing, or archery license. However, they must acquire specific licenses for certain activities such as Special Archery Deer, Turkey Permit, Bear License, and Unit M and Unit L special Deer tags.
Additionally, non-resident minors under 16 need to purchase a muzzleloader license. On the bright side, minors are not obliged to pay a Wildlife Habitat Fee or submit a Harvest Information Survey (HIP).
New Hampshire Fishing License Age
Children can fish in New Hampshire without needing a fishing license up until age 16, when they must have a license to fish. Fortunately, there are reduced prices that apply to young anglers, which we have summarized in the tables below.
See here for info on how this age limit stacks up against other states.
How Much Is a Fishing License for New Hampshire?
The cost of a New Hampshire fishing license varies according to whether you are a resident or non-resident and what type of license you need. In the tables below, we have the prices listed for all types of New Hampshire fishing licenses and for different durations of licenses, along with relevant discounts and exemptions.
See here for info on fishing license fees in all 50 states.
Fishing License Cost in New Hampshire
New Hampshire offers two main types of fishing licenses:
- Freshwater Fishing Licenses – allow the taking of all species in the freshwaters of the state.
- Saltwater Fishing License – required for anglers age 16 and older participating in recreational saltwater fishing for finfish from coastal and estuarine waters (both residents and non-residents need a license).
Resident Fishing Licenses
To qualify for a resident fishing license in New Hampshire, an individual must be a bona fide resident of the state.
A New Hampshire resident is someone who holds a valid NH Driver’s license or Non-Driver Photo Identification issued by the State of NH Division of Motor Vehicles and does not claim a residence in any other state for any purpose.
| License Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Resident Freshwater Fishing (ages 16-67) | $45.00 |
| Resident 1-Day Freshwater Fishing (ages 16-67) | $10.00 |
| Senior Freshwater Fishing (age 68+) | $7.00 |
| Recreational Saltwater Fishing (age 16+) | $11.00 |
| Resident Hunting & Freshwater Fishing (ages 16-67) | $56.00 |
| Senior Combination Hunting and Fishing (age 68+) | $7.00 |
| Clam/Oyster (ages 16-67) | $30.00 |
Non-Resident Fishing Licenses
Non-residents, including out-of-state and foreign individuals, can purchase a non-resident fishing license to enjoy fishing in New Hampshire’s waters.
Full-time students in New Hampshire can buy non-resident fishing or hunting licenses at resident rates if they are registered for at least 12 credit hours per semester in high school, college, or graduate school. To avail of the reduced rate, students must present a valid and current school ID.
| License Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Nonresident Freshwater Fishing (age 16+) | $63.00 |
| Nonresident 1-Day Freshwater Fishing (age 16+) | $15.00 |
| Nonresident 3-Day Freshwater Fishing (consecutive days only) | $28.00 |
| Nonresident 7-Day Freshwater Fishing(consecutive days only) | $35.00 |
| Recreational Saltwater Fishing (age 16+) | $11.00 |
| Nonresident Hunting & Freshwater Fishing (age 16+) | $151.00 |
Who Can Purchase Discounted New Hampshire Fishing Licenses?
Discounted senior licenses are available for residents who are at least 68 years of age at the time of purchase, and born in or after 1948. This must be purchased annually, and all other license types are purchased at regular rates.
| License Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Senior Freshwater Fishing (age 68+) | $7.00 |
| Senior Combination Hunting and Fishing (age 68+) | $7.00 |
| Permanent Clam/Oyster License (age 68+) | FREE |
New Hampshire residents serving in the U.S. Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, or Coast Guard stationed outside the state can get free temporary hunting and fishing licenses. Non-resident military personnel on regular active duty stationed in New Hampshire can buy licenses at resident rates. (Not available online or at Walmart.)
Qualified N.H. residents may have access to the following licenses designated for permanent license holders:
- Disabled Veteran License (see here for more info on discounts and exemptions for veterans in other states)
- Paraplegic License
- Blind Fishing License
- Complimentary Fishing for the Developmentally Disabled (see here for info on free and discounted licenses for disabled anglers in all states).
See also: Discounts on Seniors Fishing Licenses in All States
Special Fishing Licenses in New Hampshire
The following special licenses are available for New Hampshire residents:
| License Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Newborn Lifetime Combination Hunting and Fishing (Parent/legal guardian must be N.H. resident. Child’s birth certificate required. Must be less than one year old at the time of application.) | $304.50 |
| Special Resident Milestone License(For New Hampshire residents born in or before 1947. Non-resident seniors are ineligible for the free permanent licenses. Not valid if the license holder moves out of state.) | FREE |
| Permanent Clam/Oyster License (age 68+) | FREE |
Purchase of these licenses can be made only at the Fish and Game headquarters in Concord, in person, or by mail. All other license types, including Saltwater Recreational Fishing, must be purchased annually, at any license agent, or online.
Where Can I Buy a New Hampshire Fishing Licence?
Fishing licenses in New Hampshire can be purchased from the following locations:
New Hampshire Fish and Game Department
Fishing licenses can be purchased directly from the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department’s office, located at their headquarters at 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301.
You can also call the NH Fish and Game Department licensing hotline at (603) 271-3421 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Mondays through Fridays.
Online
For convenience, fishing licenses can be purchased online through the NH Fish and Game’s licensing system. This platform allows applicants to browse available license types, make their selections, and securely complete the purchase.
Walmart and other Retail Outlets
Licenses can also be purchased at numerous license agent locations, such as select retail stores, bait and tackle shops, and sporting goods retailers. This option provides easy access for anglers who prefer purchasing licenses in person. You can also buy a fishing license from Walmart stores.
What Happens With New Hampshire Fishing License Fees?
The revenue generated from fishing license fees in New Hampshire is crucial for the management and conservation of the state’s aquatic resources. The fees collected go toward fishery management, habitat development, endangered species programs, and conservation education.
Does New Hampshire Have Reciprocal License Arrangements With Neighboring States?
Yes, New Hampshire has reciprocal fishing license agreements with the neighboring states of Maine (see here for Maine fishing license info) and Massachusetts (see here for Massachusetts fishing license info). This allows anglers from those states to fish in New Hampshire’s waters and vice versa without having to obtain an additional license.
Does New Hampshire Offer Lifetime Fishing Licenses?
New Hampshire offers lifetime fishing licenses for residents. Lifetime licenses are only available at the Concord headquarters office or by mail. This presents an excellent opportunity for individuals who anticipate pursuing hunting and/or fishing for years to come, as it secures the license cost permanently.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eThe rates can be found in this u003ca href=u0022https://www.wildlife.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt746/files/inline-images/lifetime-rates.pdfu0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 data-type=u0022linku0022 data-id=u0022https://www.wildlife.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt746/files/inline-images/lifetime-rates.pdfu0022 rel=u0022noreferrer noopeneru0022u003efee scheduleu003c/au003e and are non-refundable for any reason.
