Striped Bass Fishing In New Hampshire

While New Hampshire may not be known for its striped bass fishing like some neighboring states, it still offers opportunities to catch these exciting and sought-after fish. Striped bass, also known as stripers, are primarily found in the coastal regions of the state, including estuaries, bays, and the Atlantic Ocean. They are known for their size, strength, and the thrilling fights they put up when hooked.

Hampton Beach State Park is a popular spot for striped bass fishing in New Hampshire. Anglers can cast from the shoreline or venture out on charter boats for a chance to catch these impressive fish. Rye Harbor and the Isles of Shoals are also renowned locations for targeting stripers, with anglers often employing techniques like live bait fishing, trolling, or casting with lures to entice these powerful fish into biting.

In terms of state records, New Hampshire has seen some impressive striped bass catches over the years. The current state record for striped bass is held by a 51-pound, 8-ounce fish caught in 1980. While not the same scale as records from some neighboring states, landing a striped bass of any size can provide a thrilling experience for anglers.

It's important to note that striped bass fishing in New Hampshire is subject to specific regulations, including size and bag limits, as well as seasonal restrictions. It is crucial for anglers to be familiar with these regulations and follow sustainable fishing practices to ensure the preservation of the striped bass population.

Although New Hampshire may not have the same reputation for striped bass fishing as some other states, anglers can still enjoy the excitement of targeting these prized fish in the coastal waters. With the right techniques, timing, and adherence to regulations, anglers have the chance to hook into striped bass and create memorable fishing experiences in the beautiful New Hampshire coastal environment.

Striped Bass Lakes

While stripers are native to salt water, they naturally migrate into fresh water streams to spawn. Their eggs must remain in motion in order to hatch so the fresh water rivers and streams become the ideal spawning grounds for stripers. Landlocked stripers then populate the lakes. Striper fishing in NH is limited to the coastal waters in Great Bay and the tributary waters flowing into the bay.

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New Hampshire State Record Striped Bass

The state record striped bass was caught from Great Bay.

Fishing for Stripers in New Hampshire

When fishing for stripers concentrate on the deeper waters in the lake. If you can locate schools of shad, stripers are often close by. When the baitfish are shallow over the deep water, you can catch stripers on crankbaits or by swimming spoons at appropriate depths. Check New Hampshire fishing reports for current striper information. And for the ultimate thrill try large topwater baits if you see any surface feeding action. When the stripers are deep, jigs and jigging spoons work well. Live and cut bait will also take striped bass when they are in medium to deeper water. Fish nearby or in the river channel if it is a defined depth change. Trolling is also an excellent way to fish for stripers. Use flashy lures in bigger sizes.

Striper Fishing Video

Learn the basics for catching striped bass.

Striped bass fishing information, by state.