New Hampshire Fishing Forecast | Week of November 2, 2026
Week of November 2, 2026 · Freshwater · New Hampshire
The New Hampshire fishing forecast for the week of November 2, 2026 covers brook trout, landlocked salmon, lake trout, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, rainbow trout, chain pickerel, and brown trout. Open your region for a 7-day read on Connecticut Lakes, Winnipesaukee, Saco River, and Merrimack River, and the other waters people actually fish.
Each day shows whether the bite looks worth the drive, plus the best window and the wind. It is a planning guide, not a promise of fish.
New Hampshire fishing regions
Click a region to open its forecast.
North Country fishing
North Country fishing forecast
Anglers exploring the vast North Country of Saskatchewan will find incredible opportunities for walleye fishing and pike fishing across many pristine lake names. If you’re wondering where to fish for trophy species, consider the expansive waters like Lake Umbagog, which offers excellent chances for Landlocked Salmon. The Connecticut Lakes are renowned for their robust populations of Brook Trout, while the deeper sections of the Magalloway River hold impressive Lake Trout. For those targeting Smallmouth Bass, the Androscoggin River provides exciting action, making this region a diverse angling paradise.
This week in the North Country, expect conditions to be quite cold, with clear skies dominating most days. A moderate wind will be present, particularly across larger open areas like Lake Umbagog, which might make boat control a bit more challenging. Any lingering snow from earlier in the week is mostly settled, but watch for slick spots near shorelines. These cold, clear conditions often mean the best bite for Lake Trout will be found deeper, while Brook Trout might be less active until midday warms the shallows slightly. Smallmouth Bass will likely be holding tight to structure, requiring a slower presentation.
Where to fish: Connecticut Lakes, Androscoggin River, Lake Umbagog, Magalloway River.
Brook Trout fishing — 7-day forecast
Light wind.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 5:23 AM and 3:32 PM. On Whispering Pines Lake, with the air still and water a chilly five degrees, the early morning bite was best along the western drop-offs where the sun hadn’t quite hit.
Light wind.
No need to race the sun. Start near 5:25 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. Coldwater Tarn proved tough with a persistent drizzle and a gentle south breeze, so we picked at a few deep-lying fish near submerged timber, hoping the slight rise in water temp would spark something.
Pressure is falling.
The useful hours bookend the day: 5:26 AM and 3:29 PM. Rocky Shore Lake delivered a banner day as the air cooled and the glass dropped, finding eager brookies cruising the rocky points in the afternoon, snatching flies aggressively.
Pressure is falling.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 5:27 AM and 3:28 PM. Despite the constant dampness and a slight dip in the mercury at Sunset Bay Lake, probing the edges of the weed beds yielded several respectable fish who preferred a slower presentation.
Light wind.
No need to race the sun. Start near 5:29 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. Hidden Gem Lake offered a steady pick of fish in the mid-morning, particularly where the gentle south wind pushed warmer surface water into the shallows, making them more active.
Light wind.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. Wolf Pup Pond was a real grind with the cold rain and northerly breeze, forcing us to deep-jig the thermocline where the trout were hunkered down, refusing anything but a perfectly still offering.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on brook trout days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Landlocked Salmon fishing — 7-day forecast
Light wind.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 5:23 AM and 3:32 PM. On Lake Athabasca, the light westerly breeze barely rippled the surface, suggesting a deep troll might be needed, especially with the water still chilly at five degrees.
Light wind.
No need to race the sun. Start near 5:25 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. Despite the gentle southerly and a sprinkle of rain on Wollaston Lake, the salmon were tight-lipped; perhaps the slight warming to almost six degrees wasn’t enough to stir them from the depths.
Pressure is falling.
The useful hours bookend the day: 5:26 AM and 3:29 PM. Reindeer Lake offered a promising bite with the pressure dropping and water reaching over seven degrees, making the protected bays on the southwest side a prime target for active fish.
Pressure is falling.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 5:27 AM and 3:28 PM. The falling atmospheric reading over Lac la Ronge, coupled with the southwest wind and seven-degree water, meant working the drop-offs with spoons could entice the salmon.
Light wind.
No need to race the sun. Start near 5:29 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. Over Peter Pond Lake, the steady pressure and nearing eight-degree water temperature, under a low sky, pointed to exploring the deeper points where fish might be staging.
Light wind.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. Churchill Lake proved tough going with a light northerly wind and persistent drizzle keeping the water around six degrees; the salmon just weren’t interested in chasing anything near the surface.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on landlocked salmon days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Lake Trout fishing — 7-day forecast
Light wind.
Work the basin from mid-morning through early afternoon. Dawn (5:23 AM) is optional. On Wolverine Lake, the brisk west wind kept us hugging the deep rocky points, requiring a painstakingly slow retrieve to coax a bite in the clear, stable air.
Light wind.
Stay deep once the sun is up. The beach is the wrong place today. Spiritwood Tarn was a tough grind today, with a light drizzle and a southerly breeze pushing us into the shallower bays where the falling air seemed to put the lakers off their feed.
Pressure is falling.
Give it until after 5:26 AM, then fish the deep water, not the shoreline. Clearwater Fjord truly delivered, as the bright sun and a gentle breeze had the big char aggressively hitting spoons near the current seams, fueled by the steadily rising air.
Pressure is falling.
Work the basin from mid-morning through early afternoon. Dawn (5:27 AM) is optional. We spent the day deep trolling Eagle Lake.
Light wind.
Stay deep once the sun is up. The beach is the wrong place today. lake trout at Connecticut Lakes: a fair day if you fish the right water. Fish the deep basin. Early light can pull a few up. By mid-morning they are back in the deep water.
Light wind.
Give it until after 5:30 AM, then fish the deep water, not the shoreline. Start at Androscoggin River if lake trout is the target. Slow day. Fish the deep basin. Stay on one contour once you contact fish. They are using that break, not the whole lake. Runoff may dirty the inflows, so start off the mouth.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on lake trout days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Smallmouth Bass fishing — 7-day forecast
Water is too cold for bass and light wind.
Be on the spot for the last hour before sunset (3:32 PM). On Connecticut Lakes, the early season chill kept the smallmouth tight to structure, requiring patient presentations despite the calm, gray sky.
Water is too cold for bass and light wind.
Dawn (5:25 AM) is the backup if you cannot stay for sunset (3:30 PM). The light drizzle on the Androscoggin River did little to stir the cold-stunned bronzebacks, which remained hunkered down near current breaks.
Water is too cold for bass and pressure is falling.
Skip the bright middle of the day. The bite is the hour around 3:29 PM. Lake Umbagog showed a glimmer of promise as the water warmed slightly and the falling air mass encouraged a few fish to cruise the shallower rock piles.
Water is too cold for bass and pressure is falling.
If you get one window, take the one ending at 3:28 PM. Despite the continued efforts, the team could not reach an agreement.
Water is too cold for bass and light wind.
Be on the spot for the last hour before sunset (3:26 PM). smallmouth bass at Connecticut Lakes: a poor day if you fish the right water. Fish rock points. Stay tight to the bank early, then work out to the first drop.
Water is too cold for bass and light wind.
Dawn (5:30 AM) is the backup if you cannot stay for sunset (3:25 PM). Start at Androscoggin River if smallmouth bass is the target. Poor day. Fish rock points. One good rock point is enough. Do not race the whole shoreline. Runoff may dirty the inflows, so start off the mouth.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on smallmouth bass days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Lakes Region fishing
Lakes Region fishing forecast
Anglers exploring the Lakes Region of Saskatchewan often wonder where to fish among the many incredible lake names available. For those seeking excellent walleye fishing or exciting pike fishing, popular spots include the vast waters of Winnipesaukee and the more secluded depths of Squam Lake. Many skilled anglers also target impressive Lake Trout in the deeper sections of Newfound Lake, while others find success pursuing feisty Smallmouth Bass and Largemouth Bass closer to the shores of Winnisquam. Landlocked Salmon are also a prized catch for those who know their secret haunts across the region’s diverse fisheries.
This week, anglers can expect cold conditions across the Lakes Region, with a clear sky dominating most days. A steady wind is present, which might make boat control a bit more challenging on larger bodies of water. The recent snow has added a fresh layer of white to the landscape, but it also means cooler water temperatures are keeping fish deeper. Despite the cold, the best bite for active fish will likely be found in sheltered coves or near structure where they can escape the direct impact of the wind. Patience and persistence will be key to success on the water this week.
Where to fish: Winnipesaukee, Squam Lake, Newfound Lake, Winnisquam.
Lake Trout fishing — 7-day forecast
Light wind.
Work the basin from mid-morning through early afternoon. Dawn (5:23 AM) is optional. On Winnipesaukee, we started jigging the edges of the first drop-offs, hoping the light westerly breeze wouldn’t push the cold water too deep for a steady bite.
Light wind.
Stay deep once the sun is up. The beach is the wrong place today. Squam Lake’s slightly warmer surface temps and the gentle southeast puff had us trolling spoons deep over known structure, anticipating the lakers to be more aggressive under the diffused light.
Pressure is falling.
Give it until after 5:25 AM, then fish the deep water, not the shoreline. The clear skies and a falling glass on Newfound Lake meant we had to work harder, trying vertical presentations near deep humps, as the light southerly air often makes these fish finicky.
Pressure is falling.
Work the basin from mid-morning through early afternoon. Dawn (5:26 AM) is optional. Winnisquam presented a challenge with the falling atmospheric reading, so we focused on covering water with downriggers along the thermocline, hoping the subtle southwest drift would position baits perfectly for a strike.
Light wind.
Stay deep once the sun is up. The beach is the wrong place today. Back on Winnipesaukee, the steady reading and warmer 8-degree water suggested a better day.
Light wind.
Give it until after 5:29 AM, then fish the deep water, not the shoreline. Start at Squam Lake if lake trout is the target. Slow day. Fish the deep basin. Stay on one contour once you contact fish. They are using that break, not the whole lake. Runoff may dirty the inflows, so start off the mouth.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on lake trout days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Smallmouth Bass fishing — 7-day forecast
Water is too cold for bass and light wind.
Be on the spot for the last hour before sunset (3:35 PM). On Winnipesaukee Monday, the water was chilly at six-point-three degrees C, so we started deep near structure, but the light westerly breeze didn’t stir up much feeding activity.
Water is too cold for bass and light wind.
Dawn (5:24 AM) is the backup if you cannot stay for sunset (3:33 PM). Squam Lake Tuesday proved tough under an overcast sky; even with the water nudging seven-point-one C, the smallmouth remained lock-jawed despite our best efforts around rocky points.
Water is too cold for bass and pressure is falling.
Skip the bright middle of the day. The bite is the hour around 3:32 PM. A fair bite developed on Newfound Lake Wednesday, as the water hit seven-point-four C and the falling atmospheric pressure with a clear sky encouraged some fish to move into shallower rock piles.
Water is too cold for bass and pressure is falling.
If you get one window, take the one ending at 3:31 PM. Winnisquam Thursday was a grind; the overcast conditions and dropping pressure at seven-point-two C water temperature meant we had to painstakingly probe every ledge to coax a strike.
Light wind.
Be on the spot for the last hour before sunset (3:30 PM). The smallmouth on Winnipesaukee Friday were more agreeable with the water now at eight-point-one C and a steady pressure, allowing us to find some success.
Water is too cold for bass and light wind.
Dawn (5:29 AM) is the backup if you cannot stay for sunset (3:28 PM). Start at Squam Lake if smallmouth bass is the target. Poor day. Fish rock points. One good rock point is enough. Do not race the whole shoreline. Runoff may dirty the inflows, so start off the mouth.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on smallmouth bass days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Landlocked Salmon fishing — 7-day forecast
Light wind.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 5:23 AM and 3:35 PM. With Winnipesaukee’s chilly 6.3 C water and a gentle west breeze under a partly sunny sky, the salmon might be hugging structure, so I’d start by slow-trolling spoons near the deeper reefs.
Light wind.
No need to race the sun. Start near 5:24 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. Squam Lake’s slightly warmer 7. 1 C water and a calm southeast air beneath a uniform gray sky could mean the fish are suspended, prompting me to work the main basin’s drop-offs.
Pressure is falling.
The useful hours bookend the day: 5:25 AM and 3:32 PM. Good landlocked salmon fishing if you put in at Newfound Lake. Fish the first break. If the first spot is quiet, move. Do not grind an empty piece of water.
Pressure is falling.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 5:26 AM and 3:31 PM. Put in at Winnisquam for landlocked salmon. The day rates fair. Fish the first break. Fish the windward side only if you can hold the boat. Otherwise take the lee.
Light wind.
No need to race the sun. Start near 5:28 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. landlocked salmon at Winnipesaukee: a fair day if you fish the right water. Fish the first break. Give the spot time, then leave. Covering water finds the school. Runoff may dirty the inflows, so start off the mouth.
Light wind.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. Start at Squam Lake if landlocked salmon is the target. Slow day. Fish the first break. Once you contact fish, stay on that contour for the rest of the hour. Runoff may dirty the inflows, so start off the mouth.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on landlocked salmon days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Largemouth Bass fishing — 7-day forecast
Light wind.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 5:23 AM and 3:35 PM. With the water still chilly at 6.3 C and a light west breeze, we’ll probe sunny rock piles on Winnipesaukee using a slow-moving jig, hoping for lethargic largemouth to stir.
Light wind.
No need to race the sun. Start near 5:24 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. The 7.1 C water and steady conditions under a full gray sky on Squam Lake suggest working deeper main lake points with a subtle presentation might entice a bite.
Pressure is falling.
The useful hours bookend the day: 5:25 AM and 3:32 PM. A rising water temp of 7.4 C and a light south wind on Newfound Lake, coupled with a dropping air column, screams "pre-front feast," so we’ll target transition zones with a crankbait.
Pressure is falling.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 5:26 AM and 3:31 PM. Given the 7.2 C water and a continued descent in atmospheric weight beneath an overcast sky on Winnisquam, a reaction strike could be triggered along channel swings with a chatterbait.
Light wind.
No need to race the sun. Start near 5:28 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. On Winnipesaukee, the warmest water yet at 8.1 C, even under a dull sky and light south puff, means we’ll pitch soft plastics to any visible cover, anticipating more active fish.
Light wind.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. A brutal north wind, a mix of frozen and liquid precipitation, and dropping water to 6.8 C on Squam Lake calls for tight-lipped tactics, focusing on deep, sheltered timber with painfully slow dropshots.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on largemouth bass days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
White Mountains fishing
White Mountains fishing forecast
Anglers exploring the White Mountains region of Saskatchewan often inquire about "where to fish" and specific "lake names" for their next outing. The Saco River is a popular choice for those targeting Brook Trout, while Conway Lake offers excellent opportunities for Smallmouth Bass. For those interested in Rainbow Trout, Chocorua Lake provides a serene setting, and the Swift River is known for its challenging Landlocked Salmon. Many visitors also find success with "walleye fishing" and "pike fishing" throughout the region’s diverse waterways, ensuring a rewarding experience for all.
This week, the White Mountains region is experiencing clear skies and colder temperatures, with a noticeable wind picking up in the afternoons. These conditions mean that the water will be quite brisk, potentially making fish less active in shallower areas early in the day. Anglers should focus their efforts on deeper pockets and sheltered coves, particularly as the wind strengthens. The "best bite" for Brook Trout and Rainbow Trout might be found closer to midday when the sun has had a chance to warm the surface slightly. Smallmouth Bass and Landlocked Salmon may require more patient presentations due to the cooler water.
Where to fish: Saco River, Conway Lake, Chocorua Lake, Swift River.
Brook Trout fishing — 7-day forecast
Light wind.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 5:22 AM and 3:32 PM. The Saco River offered a fair day, steady pressure and light western breeze meant the brookies were there, but the chill in the water kept them deep.
Light wind.
No need to race the sun. Start near 5:24 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. On Conway Lake, the slightly warmer water and gentle southwest air brought a few more takes than yesterday, especially near the drop-offs.
Pressure is falling.
The useful hours bookend the day: 5:25 AM and 3:30 PM. Chocorua Lake really turned on with the water warming up and the air pressure starting to dip, making for a solid morning bite despite the light westerly push.
Pressure is falling.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 5:26 AM and 3:28 PM. Swift River was a fair bet, but the falling glass and coming wet stuff meant the fish were finicky, needing a slower retrieve in the murky spots.
Light wind.
No need to race the sun. Start near 5:28 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. Back on the Saco River, the steady glass and light drizzle kept the brookies hugging the bottom, making for a tough grind to entice a strike.
Light wind.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. Conway Lake proved challenging with the persistent rain and a shift in the breeze from the northwest, requiring patient drifts to find any active feeders.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on brook trout days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Smallmouth Bass fishing — 7-day forecast
Water is too cold for bass and light wind.
Be on the spot for the last hour before sunset (3:32 PM). On Saco River, the smallmouth were locked down deep in the 6-degree water, a tough bite with the skies gray and a gentle breeze from the west doing little to stir them up.
Water is too cold for bass and light wind.
Dawn (5:24 AM) is the backup if you cannot stay for sunset (3:31 PM). Conway Lake proved challenging with the temperature just shy of seven degrees and the skies hidden, making a slow retrieve near structure the only hope for a strike as a light southwest air barely rippled the surface.
Water is too cold for bass and pressure is falling.
Skip the bright middle of the day. The bite is the hour around 3:30 PM. Ch ildren are playing in the park.
Water is too cold for bass and pressure is falling.
If you get one window, take the one ending at 3:28 PM. Put in at Swift River for smallmouth bass. The day rates slow. Fish rock points. Pause the bait on the rock. Cold smallmouth eat on the sit, not the hop.
Light wind.
Be on the spot for the last hour before sunset (3:27 PM). smallmouth bass at Saco River: a slow day if you fish the right water. Fish rock points. Stay tight to the bank early, then work out to the first drop. Runoff may dirty the inflows, so start off the mouth.
Water is too cold for bass and light wind.
Dawn (5:29 AM) is the backup if you cannot stay for sunset (3:26 PM). Start at Conway Lake if smallmouth bass is the target. Poor day. Fish rock points. One good rock point is enough. Do not race the whole shoreline. Runoff may dirty the inflows, so start off the mouth.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on smallmouth bass days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Rainbow Trout fishing — 7-day forecast
Light wind.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 5:22 AM and 3:32 PM. The Saco River, under a uniformly grey sky and a light westerly air, offered a fair bite; with the water at 6.0 C and pressure holding, targeting the bottom was key for the cold-stunned trout.
Light wind.
No need to race the sun. Start near 5:24 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. A fair bite was found on Conway Lake, where a light breeze from the southwest kept the 6. 7 C water surface calm, suggesting the trout might be subtly taking flies near the drop off.
Pressure is falling.
The useful hours bookend the day: 5:25 AM and 3:30 PM. Good rainbow trout fishing if you put in at Chocorua Lake. Fish the first break. If the first spot is quiet, move. Do not grind an empty piece of water.
Pressure is falling.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 5:26 AM and 3:28 PM. Put in at Swift River for rainbow trout. The day rates fair. Fish the first break. Fish the windward side only if you can hold the boat. Otherwise take the lee.
Light wind.
No need to race the sun. Start near 5:28 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. rainbow trout at Saco River: a slow day if you fish the right water. Fish the first break. Give the spot time, then leave. Covering water finds the school. Runoff may dirty the inflows, so start off the mouth.
Light wind.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. Start at Conway Lake if rainbow trout is the target. Slow day. Fish the first break. Once you contact fish, stay on that contour for the rest of the hour. Runoff may dirty the inflows, so start off the mouth.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on rainbow trout days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Landlocked Salmon fishing — 7-day forecast
Light wind.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 5:22 AM and 3:32 PM. At Saco River, the chill in the 6-degree water meant working the deeper channels, and with the air holding steady under a grey sky and a gentle west breeze, the landlocks were likely holding tight, requiring a patient presentation.
Light wind.
No need to race the sun. Start near 5:24 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. Conway Lake, with its water just shy of seven degrees and a light southwest puff beneath a solid sky, suggested the salmon might be cruising the drop-offs, making the fishing difficult.
Pressure is falling.
The useful hours bookend the day: 5:25 AM and 3:30 PM. Good landlocked salmon fishing if you put in at Chocorua Lake. Fish the first break. If the first spot is quiet, move. Do not grind an empty piece of water.
Pressure is falling.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 5:26 AM and 3:28 PM. Put in at Swift River for landlocked salmon. The day rates fair. Fish the first break. Fish the windward side only if you can hold the boat. Otherwise take the lee.
Light wind.
No need to race the sun. Start near 5:28 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. landlocked salmon at Saco River: a slow day if you fish the right water. Fish the first break. Give the spot time, then leave. Covering water finds the school. Runoff may dirty the inflows, so start off the mouth.
Light wind.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. Start at Conway Lake if landlocked salmon is the target. Slow day. Fish the first break. Once you contact fish, stay on that contour for the rest of the hour. Runoff may dirty the inflows, so start off the mouth.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on landlocked salmon days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Southern New Hampshire fishing
Southern New Hampshire fishing forecast
Anglers wondering where to fish in Southern New Hampshire will discover excellent opportunities across several prominent lake names and rivers. The Merrimack River offers prime spots for Smallmouth Bass, while Lake Winnisquam south is a known hotbed for Largemouth Bass and Chain Pickerel action. For those interested in pike fishing, Massabesic holds impressive Largemouth Bass and also offers exciting prospects for larger predators. While walleye fishing is not typical for this region, the Piscataquog River provides excellent chances for Brown Trout, rounding out a diverse fishery for those exploring these waters.
This week’s conditions feature clear skies and a steady, cold wind blowing from the north. These colder temperatures mean fish will likely be holding deeper or congregating near structure, seeking thermal stability. Anglers might find the best bite during midday hours as the sun warms the shallower zones briefly. Expect slower presentations to be more effective, as the cold can make fish less active on the water.
Where to fish: Merrimack River, Lake Winnisquam south, Massabesic, Piscataquog River.
Smallmouth Bass fishing — 7-day forecast
Water is too cold for bass and pressure is falling.
Be on the spot for the last hour before sunset (3:36 PM). On the Merrimack River, with the water at a chilly 6.9 C and the pressure dropping, I’d probe deeper eddies hoping for a pre-frontal feed from sluggish smallies.
Water is too cold for bass and light wind.
Dawn (5:23 AM) is the backup if you cannot stay for sunset (3:34 PM). Lake Winnisquam south presented a tough bite under steady pressure and overcast skies, so I’d slow-roll a jig along break lines, knowing the slight warming to 7. 5 C might not be enough to warm you.
Pressure is falling.
Skip the bright middle of the day. The bite is the hour around 3:33 PM. Fair smallmouth bass fishing if you put in at Massabesic. Fish rock points. If the point is empty, check the next rock pile before you go deep.
Pressure is falling.
If you get one window, take the one ending at 3:32 PM. Put in at Piscataquog River for smallmouth bass. The day rates fair. Fish rock points. Pause the bait on the rock. Cold smallmouth eat on the sit, not the hop.
Light wind and enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
Be on the spot for the last hour before sunset (3:31 PM). smallmouth bass at Merrimack River: a slow day if you fish the right water. Fish rock points. Stay tight to the bank early, then work out to the first drop. Runoff may dirty the inflows, so start off the mouth.
Water is too cold for bass and light wind.
Dawn (5:28 AM) is the backup if you cannot stay for sunset (3:30 PM). Start at Lake Winnisquam south if smallmouth bass is the target. Poor day. Fish rock points. One good rock point is enough. Do not race the whole shoreline. Runoff may dirty the inflows, so start off the mouth.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on smallmouth bass days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Largemouth Bass fishing — 7-day forecast
Pressure is falling.
Use the first light at 5:21 AM, or the last hour before 3:36 PM. On the Merrimack River, the falling pressure and scattered skies had me probing the slower eddies with a jig, hoping to tempt a sluggish bass from the 6.9 C water.
Light wind.
No need to race the sun. Start near 5:23 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. Lake Winnisquam’s southern end, despite the steady pressure, offered some prospects under the full overcast, so I worked the rocky points where the 7.5 C water might hold a few lurking fish.
Pressure is falling.
The useful hours bookend the day: 5:24 AM and 3:33 PM. A clear sky over Massabesic meant pushing deeper with a drop shot, as the falling pressure and 8.1 C water should have some active fish if you could find them away from the bright sun.
Pressure is falling.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 5:25 AM and 3:32 PM. The Piscataquog River’s bass were likely feeling the falling pressure and warming 8.3 C water, making the overcast conditions with impending precipitation ideal for working a lipless crankbait along the deeper bends.
Light wind and enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
No need to race the sun. Start near 5:27 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. Back on the Merrimack River, the light rain and steady pressure made for a slow grind, so I focused on slow-rolling a spinnerbait through the submerged wood in the 8.4 C flow, hoping to entice a reaction strike.
Light wind and enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. Lake Winnisquam’s southern stretches proved challenging with moderate rain and steady pressure, forcing me to meticulously pick apart the remaining weed lines in the cooling 7.5 C water for any willing largemouth.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on largemouth bass days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Chain Pickerel fishing — 7-day forecast
Pressure is falling.
Use the first light at 5:21 AM, or the last hour before 3:36 PM. The Merrimack River offered up some feisty chain pickerel today, with the falling pressure and a gentle southwest breeze making the shallower eddies a prime spot for a good bite in the cool 6.9 C water.
Light wind.
No need to race the sun. Start near 5:23 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. Lake Winnisquam’s southern reaches were fair game for pickerel, as the stable atmospheric conditions and a light zephyr had them lurking near weed lines in the 7. 5 C water under the bridge.
Pressure is falling.
The useful hours bookend the day: 5:24 AM and 3:33 PM. Fair chain pickerel fishing if you put in at Massabesic. Fish the first break. If the first spot is quiet, move. Do not grind an empty piece of water.
Pressure is falling.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 5:25 AM and 3:32 PM. Put in at Piscataquog River for chain pickerel. The day rates fair. Fish the first break. Fish the windward side only if you can hold the boat. Otherwise take the lee.
Light wind and enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
No need to race the sun. Start near 5:27 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. chain pickerel at Merrimack River: a slow day if you fish the right water. Fish the first break. Give the spot time, then leave. Covering water finds the school. Runoff may dirty the inflows, so start off the mouth.
Light wind and enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. Start at Lake Winnisquam south if chain pickerel is the target. Slow day. Fish the first break. Once you contact fish, stay on that contour for the rest of the hour. Runoff may dirty the inflows, so start off the mouth.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on chain pickerel days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Brown Trout fishing — 7-day forecast
Pressure is falling.
Use the first light at 5:21 AM, or the last hour before 3:36 PM. On the Merrimack River, the falling pressure and crisp, dry air encouraged a solid bite from the browns, especially around the deeper bends.
Light wind.
No need to race the sun. Start near 5:23 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. Lake Winnisquam’s southern end offered a decent pick, with the steady pressure and mild overcast skies keeping the brown trout cruising the flats near structure.
Pressure is falling.
The useful hours bookend the day: 5:24 AM and 3:33 PM. At Massabesic, the clear, dry conditions and dropping pressure meant the browns were holding deeper, requiring a slower retrieve along the ledges to entice a strike.
Pressure is falling.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 5:25 AM and 3:32 PM. The Piscataquog River saw a fair number of browns responding to the falling pressure and warming water, despite the looming rain, with active fish found near current breaks.
Light wind and enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
No need to race the sun. Start near 5:27 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. A tough grind on the Merrimack River today, as the light rain and steady pressure seemed to put the brown trout off their feed, making every hook-up hard-earned.
Light wind and enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. Lake Winnisquam’s southern waters proved challenging with the persistent moderate rain and consistent pressure, compelling the browns to stay tight to the bottom, requiring patient drifting.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on brown trout days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
New Hampshire fishing forecast questions
Where should I fish in New Hampshire this week?
Start with the region closest to you. This page covers North Country, Lakes Region, White Mountains, Southern New Hampshire. Named waters include Connecticut Lakes, Androscoggin River, Lake Umbagog, Magalloway River. Open that region for the 7-day read.
What are people fishing for in New Hampshire?
The forecast is written for brook trout, landlocked salmon, lake trout. Each region names the water to start on, including Connecticut Lakes.
When is the best time of day to fish in New Hampshire?
Use the day card, not a fixed hour. Walleye and smallmouth often bite in the hour before sunset. Lake trout are a midday fish in deep water. Connecticut Lakes prints sunrise, sunset, and the solunar periods in local time.
How do I read the New Hampshire fishing forecast?
Each day shows the bite label, wind, pressure trend, cloud, and precipitation. A falling barometer is marked because it often pulls fish up. A wind over 30 km/h means fish the lee shore.
Which New Hampshire water should I start on?
If you are near North Country, start at Connecticut Lakes. The next named water on this page is Androscoggin River. Open the region for the 7-day bite, not a guess from the map.
Do I need to worry about ice in New Hampshire this week?
No. This week’s forecast does not show a freeze. Fish open water. The ice question only appears after at least two nights at or below freezing.
What does the New Hampshire fishing forecast use?
Each New Hampshire day uses pressure trend, wind, cloud, precipitation, sunrise and sunset, moon phase, and solunar times. Water temperature is estimated from the air and the season. It is a planning guide, not a promise of fish.
More forecasts: Freshwater Fishing Forecast map · View New Hampshire’s bug forecast
About this forecast
Weather comes from OpenWeather at a representative point in each region. Water temperature is estimated from the week’s air temperatures and the season. It is not a buoy reading. Moon phase is calculated from the date. Solunar periods are the dawn, dusk, moonrise, and moonset windows, not a minute-by-minute table. Pressure trend compares the first and last reading of each day. A falling barometer with light wind and broken cloud is treated as a better bite than a rising barometer and a hard wind.