CHAPTER Fis 400  FRESHWATER FISHING SEASONS AND RULES

 

Statutory Authority:  RSA 206:10, I, RSA Chapter 211

 

REVISION NOTE #1:

 

          Document #5016, eff 1-1-91, made extensive changes to the wording, format and structure of Chapters Fis 400 and Fis 500.  Document #5016 superseded all prior filings for the sections in these chapters except for Parts Fis 408 and Fis 410, which were not included in Document #5016.  The prior filings for former Fis 400 included the following documents:

 

#0745, eff 1-25-76

#2561, eff 12-27-83

#4688, eff 10-24-89

#0996, eff 1-1-78

#2675, eff 4-18-84

#4722, eff 1-1-90

#1041, eff 10-15-77

#2839, eff 8-31-84

#4723, eff 1-1-90

#1464, eff 1-1-80

#3169, eff 12-31-85

#4724, eff 1-1-90

#1669, eff 11-20-80

#4033, eff 4-1-86

#4788, eff 3-22-90

#1670, eff 11-20-80

#4121, eff 8-21-86

#4790, eff 3-27-90

#1844, eff 1-1-82

#4153, eff 10-31-86

#4808, eff 4-27-90

#1999, eff 4-15-82

#4306, eff 8-28-87

#4821, eff 5-29-90

#2172, eff 11-12-82

#4396, eff 4-18-88

#4920, eff 8-20-90

#2263, eff 1-7-83

#4397, eff 1-1-89

#5016, eff 1-1-91

#2500, eff 11-1-83

#4535, eff 12-2-88

 

 

          The rules in former Fis 501 through 511 governing county exceptions to the freshwater fishing rules have been amended and incorporated into Fis 400 by Document #5016.  The rules in former Part Fis 404 governing ice fishing have been amended and incorporated into different sections of Fis 400.  The rules in former Fis 406 governing bait fish and bait fish dealers have been amended and incorporated into Fis 502.  The rules in former Fis 411 governing prohibited actions have been amended and incorporated into Fis 402.  The rules governing fishing contests in former Fis 412 have been amended and incorporated into Fis 503.  The rules governing trophy fish and record fish programs in former Fis 413 have been amended and incorporated into Fis 504.  See the revision note at the head of Chapter Fis 500 for prior filings under that chapter.

 

REVISION NOTE #2:

 

            Document #13698, effective 7-26-23, adopted, readopted, or readopted with amendments various rules in Chapter Fis 400, including extensive renumbering of the sections within Part Fis 401 titled “Chapter Definitions” as paragraphs in a single section Fis 401.01, also titled “Chapter Definitions.”  Document #13698 also adopted Fis 401.01(u) defining “Tenkara.” 

 

Document #13698 replaces all prior filings for definitions in the former Part Fis 401.  The prior filings beginning with Document #5016, effective 1-1-91, which affected the definitions in Part Fis 401, included the following Documents: 

 

#5016, eff 1-1-91; EXPIRED 1-1-97

#5291, eff 1-1-92

#5718, eff 1-1-94

#6086, eff 1-1-96

#6432, eff 1-21-97

#6629, eff 1-1-98

#8442, eff 1-1-06

#9005, eff 1-1-08

#9773-A, eff 1-1-11

#10425, eff 1-1-14

#12510, eff 4-6-18

 

            Document #13698 also repealed Fis 402.09 titled “Hours for Taking” in Part Fis 402 titled “General Restrictions.”  This necessitated the renumbering of other rules in Part Fis 402 as indicated in the source notes.  The filings affecting the former Fis 402.09 included the following Documents:

 

            #6629, eff 1-1-98

            #8442, eff 1-1-06

            #10425, eff 1-1-14

 

PART Fis 401  CHAPTER DEFINITIONS

 

          Fis 401.01  Chapter Definitions.

 

          (a)  “Angling” means those methods of taking fish defined in RSA 207:1, I-a.

 

          (b)  “Artificial bait” means any fishing bait constructed by humans as an imitation or substitute for natural bait or fish forage and includes, but is not limited to spinners, spoons, poppers, plugs, jigs, and plastic, rubber, or other artificial imitations of natural bait.  “Artificial bait” does not include “fly” as defined in RSA 207:1 VII.

 

          (c)  “Bag limit” and “creel limit” means “bag limit and creel limit” as defined in RSA 207:1, II.

 

          (d)  Bait” means dead or live natural bait whether in part or whole and includes but is not limited to fish, mollusks, crustaceans, amphibians, invertebrates, reptiles, or their progeny or eggs, and power bait or any ingestible substance.

 

          (e)  “Black bass” means largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) and smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieui).

 

          (f)  “Cast of artificial flies” means no more than 3 flies.

 

          (g)  “Culling” means the act of exchanging a fish for one of the same species already in possession.

 

          (h)  “Cusk fishing device” means a device for storing line in a manner which is not free running and is securely attached to said device and to which is attached a sinker weighing at least one ounce not more than 6 inches above, and independent of, an attached single hook with one hook point for the attachment of bait.

 

          (i)  Fly fishing” means fishing by trolling or casting with only fly rod, fly reel, fly line combination, to include Tenkara, with an artificial fly or cast of artificial flies attached and does not include the use of spinning, spincast, and casting rods and reels and lead core lines.

 

          (j)  “Ice fishing” means taking freshwater fish during the open season through manmade openings in the ice by the use of ice fishing devices.

 

          (k)  “Ice fishing device” means any device used to take fish through the ice including a tip up, jig stick, rod in hand, or handline exclusive of a set line and cusk fishing device.

 

          (l)  “Ice-in” means that period when the surface of a body of water or a portion thereof is covered with sufficient ice to safely support a person.

 

          (m)  “Manmade opening” means a hole in the ice made by an ice cutting tool, including but not limited to augers, chisels, and saws, that is used for ice fishing and does not include areas that remain ice free due to current and movement created by dock aerators, bubblers, fans, and similar devices.

 

          (n)  “Minimum length” means the shortest total length of a fish allowed to be taken.  The term includes “minimum total length”.

 

          (o)  “Net” means any open fabric constructed of string, cord, thread, or wire knotted or woven together in such a way as to be capable of entraining or entrapping fin fish.

 

          (p)  “Personal use” means the utilization by an individual for noncommercial purposes, not for sale or barter.

 

          (q)  “Set line” means any unattended line which is placed in the freshwaters of the state, including through the ice, for the purpose of taking fish which is not under the direct view and control of the person placing said line.

 

          (r)  “Single hook artificial lure” means an artificial lure with one single hook with not more than 3 hook points.

 

          (s)  “Snagging” means the taking or attempting to take any fish by foul hooking, that is, hooking the fish in any part of the body other than inside the mouth. The term includes “snatching” and “lifting”.

 

          (t)  “Tandem fly” means 2, single pointed hooks dressed with feathers, hair, thread, tinsel, or any similar material and joined together by a single strand of wire or line, one behind the other to form a single artificial fly to which no spinner, spoon, or similar device is added.

 

          (u)  Tenkara” means a style of fly fishing that uses flies, a telescoping rod of bamboo, fiberglass, or composite material, and a short length of line without backing. This line is attached to the tip of the rod. The rod does not have guides or a reel seat.

 

          Tip-up” means a fishing device for storing line designed to be set through the ice and to indicate when something has disturbed the bait attached thereto.

 

          (w)  “Total length” means the greatest possible length of the fish with mouth closed and caudal, tail, or fin rays squeezed together to give the maximum over-all measurement.

 

          (x)  “Tributary” means any waters flowing directly or indirectly into a waterbody.

 

          (y)  “Trolling” means angling by trailing a line from a vessel, as defined in RSA 270-D:1, XI, being propelled by machinery, electric, or manual power.

 

          (z)  Trout” means brook, rainbow, brown, and golden trout, and all their hybrids.

 

Source.  (See Revision Note #1 at chapter heading for Fis 400 and Revision Note at chapter heading for Fis 500) #5016, eff 1-1-91; EXPIRED 1-1-97

 

New.  #6432, eff 1-21-97; ss by #6629, eff 1-1-98; ss by #8442, eff 1-1-06; ss by #10425, eff 1-1-14; ss by #13698, eff 7-26-23 (see Revision Note #2 at chapter heading for Fis 400)

PART Fis 402  GENERAL RESTRICTIONS

 

           Fis 402.01  Snagging Prohibited.  No person shall take any fish from the freshwaters of the state by snagging.  Any fish accidentally snagged shall be immediately returned to the water.

 

Source.  (See Revision Note #1 at chapter heading for Fis 400 and Revision Note at chapter heading for Fis 500) #5016, eff 1-1-91; EXPIRED 1-1-97

 

New.  #6432, eff 1-21-97; ss by #6629, eff 1-1-98; ss by #8442, eff 1-1-06; ss by #10425, eff 1-1-14; ss by #13698, eff 7-26-23 (see Revision Note #2 at chapter heading for Fis 400)

 

          Fis 402.02  Culling Prohibited.  No person shall cull any fish taken from the freshwaters of the state except as permitted under Fis 503.06.

 

Source.  (See Revision Note #1 at chapter heading for Fis 400 and Revision Note at chapter heading for Fis 500) #5016, eff 1-1-91; EXPIRED 1-1-97

 

New.  #6432, eff 1-21-97; ss by #6629, eff 1-1-98; ss by #8442, eff 1-1-06; ss by #10425, eff 1-1-14; ss by #13698, eff 7-26-23 (see Revision Note #2 at chapter heading for Fis 400)

 

           Fis 402.03  Set Line Prohibited.  No person shall take any fish from the freshwaters of the state by the use of a set line.

 

Source.  (See Revision Note #1 at chapter heading for Fis 400 and Revision Note at chapter heading for Fis 400 and Fis 500) #5016, eff 1-1-91; ss by #6086, eff 1-1-96; ss by #6629, eff 1-1-98; ss by #8442, eff 1-1-06; ss by #10425, eff 1-1-14; ss by #13698, eff 7-26-23 (see Revision Note #2 at chapter heading for Fis 400)

 

           Fis 402.04  Possession Exceeding Daily Bag Limit.

 

           (a)  No person shall have in possession, while fishing a stream, pond, or lake, or when leaving such waters, more than one day's legal bag limit of fish.

 

           (b)  Such possession shall be prima facie evidence that those fish exceeding one day's legal bag limit, but less than the 2 day's legal bag limit prohibited by RSA 207:5, were unlawfully taken by the possessor.

 

Source.  (See Revision Note #1 at chapter heading for Fis 400 and Revision Note at chapter heading for Fis 500) #5016, eff 1-1-91; EXPIRED 1-1-97

 

New.  #6432, eff 1-21-97; ss by #6629, eff 1-1-98; ss by #8442, eff 1-1-06; ss by #10425, eff 1-1-14; ss by #13698, eff 7-26-23 (see Revision Note #2 at chapter heading for Fis 400)

 

           Fis 402.05  Closed Waters Near Fish Hatcheries.  All waters above and below all state fish hatcheries, from a posted point 200 feet upstream, to a posted point 200 feet downstream, shall be closed to all fishing.

 

Source.  (See Revision Note #1 at chapter heading for Fis 400 and Revision Note at chapter heading for Fis 500) #5016, eff 1-1-91; EXPIRED 1-1-97

 

New.  #6432, eff 1-21-97; ss by #6629, eff 1-1-98; ss by #8442, eff 1-1-06; ss by #10425, eff 1-1-14; ss by #13698, eff 7-26-23 (see Revision Note #2 at chapter heading for Fis 400)

 

          Fis 402.06  Release of Fish.

 

            (a)  No live fish shall be released in any waters of the state unless they shall be returned into the waters from where taken, except as permitted by the executive director under a permit to release specified in Fis 805.

 

            (b)  No person shall have live lake trout, landlocked salmon, brook trout, black bass, northern pike, or black crappie in their possession, except if the person is participating in a permitted bass tournament or intra-scholastic fishing tournament, or if the person holds a current aquaculture permit, importation permit, possession permit, or permit to release for the fish in possession.

 

Source.  (See Revision Note #1 at chapter heading for Fis 400 and Revision Note at chapter heading for Fis 500) #5016, eff 1-1-91; EXPIRED 1-1-97

 

New.  #6432, eff 1-21-97; ss by #6629, eff 1-1-98; ss by #8119, eff 1-1-05; ss by #9773-A, eff 1-1-11; ss by #10854, eff 6-22-15

 

          Fis 402.07  Fishways Closed.

 

          (a)  In addition to the restrictions and closures specified in Fis 602.02 the waters surrounding any dam which contains a fishway shall be closed to all fishing as described below:

 

(1)  The Merrimack River as follows:

 

a.  The Amoskeag Dam in Manchester shall be closed to all fishing from the upstream side of the Amoskeag dam to the upstream side of the Amoskeag bridge and the area between the west bank of the river and the island adjacent to the powerhouse for a distance of 500' downstream from the Amoskeag powerhouse and fishway entrance; and

 

b.  The Garvins Falls Dam in Bow shall be closed to all fishing from below the Garvins Falls canal wall, including the fish bypass plunge pool, to a point 300’ downstream to the main river;

 

(2)  The Nashua River as follows:

 

a.  Jackson Mills Dam in Nashua shall be closed to all fishing in the waters between 200 feet above and 200 feet below the dam; and

 

b.  Mine Falls Dam in Nashua shall be closed to all fishing in the waters 200 feet below the dam;

 

(3)  The Pemigewasset River shall be closed to all fishing as follows:

 

a.  From the Ayers Island Dam in Bristol to a point 300 feet downstream delineated by posts set above the high water mark on each bank of the river; and

 

b.  The Eastman Falls Dam in Franklin shall be closed to all fishing 150 feet downstream marked with posts on both sides of the river; and

 

(4)  The Lamprey River as follows:

 

a.  The Wiswall Dam in Durham shall be closed to all fishing in the waters 50 feet above the Wiswall Dam year round and closed to all fishing 200 feet below Wiswall Dam between April 1 and July 31.

 

Source.  (See Revision Note #1 at chapter heading for Fis 400 and Revision Note at chapter heading for Fis 500) #5016, eff 1-1-91 (from Fis 411.05); EXPIRED 1-1-97

 

New.  #6432, eff 1-21-97; ss by #6629, eff 1-1-98; ss by #7926, eff 1-1-04; amd by #9405, eff 3-7-09; ss by #10095, eff 2-29-12; ss by #12933, eff 11-28-19

 

          Fis 402.08  Possession and Use of Live Fish for Bait.

 

          (a)  Only the following species shall be possessed and used as live fish for bait when fishing any freshwaters of the state:

 

(1)  Rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax);

 

(2)  Longnose dace (Rhinichthys cataractae);

 

(3)  Blacknose dace (Rhinichthys atratulus);

 

(4)  Northern redbelly dace (Phoxinus eos);

 

(5)  Lake chub (Couesius plumbeus);

 

(6)  Creek chub (Semotilius atromaculatus);

 

(7)  Fallfish (Semotilius corporalis);

 

(8)  Golden shiner (Notemigonus crysoleucas);

 

(9)  Common shiner (Luxilus cornutus);

 

(10)  Emerald shiner (Notropis atherinoides);

 

(11)  Spottail shiner (Notropis hudsonius);

 

(12)  Silvery minnow (Hybognathus nuchalis);

 

(13)  Creek chubsucker (Erimyzon oblongus);

 

(14)  Longnose sucker (Catostomus catostomus);

 

(15)  White sucker (Catostomus commersonii); and

 

(16)  Killifish/tomcod (Fundulus sp.).

 

Source.  #5718, eff 1-1-94; ss by #6086, eff 1-1-96; ss by #6629, eff 1-1-98; ss by #8119, eff 1-1-05; ss by #9249, eff 1-1-09, EXPIRED: 1-1-17

 

New.   #12510, eff 4-6-18

 

           Fis 402.09  Bob Houses.  In addition to the requirements of RSA 211:17-a relative to identification markings on any smelt shanty or bob house, each shanty or bob house shall be marked on the outside approximately halfway up on each side with 12 square inches of reflective material.

 

Source.  #8442, eff 1-1-06; ss by #10425, eff 1-1-14; ss by #13698, eff 7-26-23 (formerly Fis 402.10) (see Revision Note #2 at chapter heading for Fis 400)

 

           Fis 402.10  Use of Gaff Prohibited.  No person shall use a gaff in any freshwater of the state to take fish.

 

Source.  #9005, eff 1-1-08; ss by #10425, eff 1-1-14; ss by #13698, eff 7-26-23 (formerly Fis 402.11) (see Revision Note #2 at chapter heading for Fis 400)

 

            Fis 402.11  Trolling Restriction.  While anglers are being guided, as defined in RSA 207:1, XII and XIII, and taking freshwater fish by trolling, as defined in Fis 401.01(y), the number of lines being used for angling shall not exceed the legal number of lines allowed for each angler, excluding the guide(s).

 

Source.  #10007, eff 1-1-12; ss by #12510, eff 4-6-18; ss by #13698, eff 7-26-23 (formerly Fis 402.12) (see Revision Note #2 at chapter heading for Fis 400)

 

          Fis 402.12  Marking Prohibited.  No person shall tag, brand, fin clip or otherwise mark any fish taken from the freshwaters of the state prior to release of that fish back into waters of the state without first receiving either a permit to release wildlife pursuant to Fis 805.05 or a scientific license issued pursuant to Fis 1106.01.  The executive director and his employees shall not be subject to this restriction while acting in the performance of their official duties.

 

Source.  #12106, eff 2-16-17; renumbered by #13698 (formerly Fis 402.13) (see Revision Note #2 at chapter heading for Fis 400)

 

PART Fis 403  LIMITS FOR PARTICULAR SPECIES

 

          Fis 403.01  Statement of Applicability.

 

           (a)  The minimum sizes and daily bag limits specified in this part shall apply:

 

                  (1)  To all state waters except on boundary waters lying between this state and another state; and

 

        (2)  Only during such periods when such waters are open to the taking of fish under Fis 406   and Fis 407.

 

           (b)  The minimum size and bag limits for species not listed in this part shall be as specified for specific waterbodies under Fis 406 and Fis 407.

 

Source.  (See Revision Note #1 at chapter heading for Fis 400 and Revision Note at chapter heading for Fis 500) #5016, eff 1-1-91; EXPIRED 1-1-97

 

New.  #6432, eff 1-21-97; ss by #6629, eff 1-1-98; ss by #8442, eff 1-1-06; ss by #10425, eff 1-1-14; ss by #13698, eff 7-26-23 (see Revision Note #2 at chapter heading for Fis 400)

 

           Fis 403.02  General Restrictions for Length Limits.  Whenever a length limit is specified, the head and tail of the fish shall remain intact while on or leaving the waters of the state.

 

Source.  #6086, eff 1-1-96; ss by #6629, eff 1-1-98; ss by #8442, eff 1-1-06; ss by #10425, eff 1-1-14; ss by #13698, eff 7-26-23 (see Revision Note #2 at chapter heading for Fis 400)

 

          Fis 403.03  Black Bass (Micropterus dolomieui, M. salmoides).

 

           (a)  The daily bag limit for black bass shall be:

 

(1)  From January 1 to March 31, 2 fish, of which only one bass may be greater than 16 inches;

 

(2)  From April 1 to May 14 and June 16 to June 30, 2 fish;

 

(3)  From July 1 to December 31, 5 fish; and

 

(4)  Between May 15 to June 15, all black bass shall be immediately released unharmed at the site of catch to the waters from which taken.

 

Source.  (See Revision Note #1 at chapter heading for Fis 400 and Revision Note at chapter heading for Fis 500) #5016, eff 1-1-91; ss by #5234, eff 1-1-92; ss by #6629, eff 1-1-98; ss by #8442, eff 1-1-06; ss by #9773-A, eff 1-1-11; ss by #10425, eff 1-1-14; ss by #13698, eff 7-26-23 (see Revision Note #2 at chapter heading for Fis 400)

 

           Fis 403.04  Walleye (Sander vitreous).

 

           (a)  The daily bag limit for walleye shall be 2 fish.

 

           (b)  The minimum length for walleye shall be 18 inches.

 

Source.  (See Revision Note #1 at chapter heading for Fis 400 and Revision Note at chapter heading for Fis 500) #5016, eff 1-1-91; EXPIRED 1-1-97

 

New.  #6432, eff 1-21-97; ss by #6629, eff 1-1-98; ss by #8442, eff 1-1-06; ss by #10425, eff 1-1-14; ss by #13698, eff 7-26-23 (see Revision Note #2 at chapter heading for Fis 400)

 

          Fis 403.05  Other Fish Species.

 

          (a)  The daily limit for yellow perch (Perca flavescens), black crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus), and white perch (Morone americana) shall be 25 fish for each species.

 

          (b)  The daily limit for sunfish (Lepomis auritus, Lepomis gibbosus, Lepomis macrochirus) shall be 25 fish.

 

          (c)  The daily limit for horned pout (Ameiurus nebulosus, Ameiurus natalis), also known as bullhead, shall be 25 fish.

 

          (d)  The aggregate daily limit for black crappie, white perch, yellow perch, sunfish and horned pout shall not exceed 50 fish.

 

          (e)  There shall be no length or weight limits for black crappie, white perch, yellow perch, sunfish and horned pout.

 

          (f)  There shall be no limits on number, length or weight of white suckers (Catostomus commersonii), carp (Cyprinus carpio), cusk (Lota lota), and rock bass (Ambloplite rupestris).

 

Source.  (See Revision Note #1 at chapter heading for Fis 400 and Revision Note at chapter heading for Fis 500) #5016, eff 1-1-91; EXPIRED 1-1-97

 

New.  #6432, eff 1-21-97; ss by #6629, eff 1-1-98; ss by #8119, eff 1-1-05; ss by #8442, eff 1-1-06; ss by #10425, eff 1-1-14; ss by #10541, eff 4-1-14; ss by #10936, eff 1-1-16

 

          Fis 403.06  Lake Whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis).

 

          (a)  The daily bag limit for lake whitefish shall be 2 fish.

 

          (b)  There shall be no limits on length or weight of lake whitefish taken.

 

Source.  (See Revision Note #1 at chapter heading for Fis 400 and Revision Note at chapter heading for Fis 500) #5016, eff 1-1-91; EXPIRED 1-1-97

 

New.  #6432, eff 1-21-97; ss by #6629, eff 1-1-98; ss by #8442, eff 1-1-06; ss by #10425, eff 1-1-14; ss by #12161, eff 4-18-17

 

          Fis 403.07  American Shad (Alosa sapidissima).  American shad (Alosa sapidissima) taken by any method shall be immediately released back into the waters from which it was taken.

 

Source.  (See Revision Note #1 at chapter heading for Fis 400 and Revision Note at chapter heading for Fis 500) #5016, eff 1-1-91; EXPIRED 1-1-97

 

New.  #6432, eff 1-21-97; ss by #6629, eff 1-1-98; ss by #8442, eff 1-1-06; ss by #10263, eff 1-29-13; ss by #13475, eff 10-28-22

          Fis 403.08  Pickerel (Esox niger, Esox americanus americanus).

 

           (a)  The daily bag limit for pickerel shall be 10 fish.

 

           (b)  There shall be no limits on length or weight of pickerel taken.

 

Source.  (See Revision Note #1 at chapter heading for Fis 400 and Revision Note at chapter heading for Fis 500) #5016, eff 1-1-91; amd by #6086, eff 1-1-96; EXPIRED 1-1-97

 

New.  #6432, eff 1-21-97; ss by #6629, eff 1-1-98; ss by #8442, eff 1-1-06; ss by #10425, eff 1-1-14; ss by #13698, eff 7-26-23 (see Revision Note #2 at chapter heading for Fis 400)

 

           Fis 403.09  Northern Pike (Esox lucius).

 

           (a)  The minimum length for northern pike shall be 28 inches, except in Jericho Lake, Berlin as specified in Fis 406.05(f)(10).

 

           (b)  The daily bag limit for northern pike shall be one fish, except in Jericho Lake, Berlin as specified in Fis 406.05(f)(9).

Source.  (See Revision Note #1 at chapter heading for Fis 400 and Revision Note at chapter heading for Fis 500) #5016, eff 1-1-91; EXPIRED 1-1-97

 

New.  #6432, eff 1-21-97; ss by #6629, eff 1-1-98; ss by #7115, eff 9-29-99; ss by #8442, eff 1-1-06; ss by #10425, eff 1-1-14; ss by #13698, eff 7-26-23 (see Revision Note #2 at chapter heading for Fis 400)

 

           Fis 403.10  Smelt (Osmerus mordax).  The daily bag limit for smelt shall be 2 quarts liquid measure of whole, with head and tail intact, freshwater smelt in the 24 hours between 12 o'clock noon one day and 12 o'clock noon the following day except as otherwise provided in Fis 502.

 

Source.  (See Revision Note #1 at chapter heading for Fis 400 and Revision Note at chapter heading for Fis 500) #5016, eff 1-1-91; ss by #5292, eff 12-20-91; ss by #6432, eff 1-21-97; ss by #6629, eff 1-1-98; ss by #8442, eff 1-1-06; ss by #10425, eff 1-1-14; ss by #13698, eff 7-26-23 (see Revision Note #2 at chapter heading for Fis 400)

 

           Fis 403.11  Trout.  The daily limit for trout, as defined in Fis 401.01(z), taken in freshwaters of the state shall not exceed 5 fish or 5 pounds, whether taken from a single waterbody or several waterbodies.  More restrictive limits specified in Fis 406 and Fis 407 shall apply to specific waterbodies.

 

Source.  #5280, eff 1-1-92; ss by #6629, eff 1-1-98; ss by #8442, eff 1-1-06; ss by #10425, eff 1-1-14; ss by #13698, eff 7-26-23 (see Revision Note #2 at chapter heading for Fis 400)

 

           Fis 403.12  Lake Trout (Salvelinus namaycush) and Salmon (Salmo salar).  The aggregate daily limit for lake trout and salmon taken in freshwaters of the state shall not exceed 2 fish whether taken from a single waterbody or several waterbodies.  More restrictive limits specified in Parts Fis 406 and 407 shall apply to specific waterbodies.

 

Source.  #5280, eff 1-1-92; ss by #6629, eff 1-1-98; ss by #8442, eff 1-1-06; ss by #10425, eff 1-1-14; ss by #13698, eff 7-26-23 (see Revision Note #2 at chapter heading for Fis 400)

 

          Fis 403.13  River Herring.  The Merrimack River and tributaries shall be closed to the taking of alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus) and blueback herring (Alosa aestivalis).

 

Source.  #10936, eff 1-1-16

 

          Fis 403.14  Round Whitefish (Prosopium cylindraceum). Round whitefish (Prosopium cylindraceum) taken by any method shall be immediately released back into the waters from which it was taken.

 

Source.  #12161, eff 4-18-17

 

PART Fis 404 - RESERVED

 

Source.  (See Revision Notes at chapter headings for Fis 400 and Fis 500) #5016, eff 1-1-91

 

PART Fis 405  METHODS OF TAKING

 

          Fis 405.01  Statement of Applicability.  During the open season, fish shall be taken from the freshwaters of the state only by angling or by ice fishing except as listed below or as specified in RSA 211:9 and 211:2.

 

Source.  (See Revision Note #1 at chapter heading for Fis 400 and Revision Note at chapter heading for Fis 500) #5016, eff 1-1-91; EXPIRED 1-1-97

 

New.  #6432, eff 1-21-97; ss by #6629, eff 1-1-98; ss by #8442, eff 1-1-06; ss by #10425, eff 1-1-14; ss by #13698, eff 7-26-23 (see Revision Note #2 at chapter heading for Fis 400)

 

           Fis 405.02  Black Bass.

 

           (a)  In the freshwaters of the state open to the taking of fish, black bass may be taken by angling and ice fishing as follows:

 

(1)  During the period beginning June 16 and ending May 14, black bass may be taken by the use of bait, flies, and artificial lures; and

 

(2)  During the period beginning May 15 and ending June 15, black bass shall be taken only by artificial lures and flies.

 

Source.  (See Revision Note #1 at chapter heading for Fis 400 and Revision Note at chapter heading for Fis 500) #5016, eff 1-1-91; EXPIRED 1-1-97

 

New.  #6432, eff 1-21-97; ss by #6629, eff 1-1-98; ss by #8442, eff 1-1-06; ss by #10425, eff 1-1-14; ss by #13698, eff 7-26-23 (see Revision Note #2 at chapter heading for Fis 400)

 

           Fis 405.03  Carp.  In addition to angling and ice fishing, carp may be taken by bow and arrow with cord attached from the Merrimack River and Mascoma Lake.

 

Source.  (See Revision Note #1 at chapter heading for Fis 400 and Revision Note at chapter heading for Fis 500) #5016, eff 1-1-91; EXPIRED 1-1-97

 

New.  #6432, eff 1-21-97; ss by #6629, eff 1-1-98; ss by #8442, eff 1-1-06; ss by #10425, eff 1-1-14; ss by #13698, eff 7-26-23 (see Revision Note #2 at chapter heading for Fis 400)

 

    Fis 405.04  Cusk Fishing.

 

          (a)  In addition to angling and ice fishing, cusk may be taken through the ice by the use of a cusk fishing device as follows:

 

(1)  All cusk fishing devices shall be plainly marked with the name and address of the person setting, using, and having control of it;

 

(2)  The sinker of the cusk fishing device shall rest on the bottom of the waterbody being fished;

 

(3)  A person fishing for cusk through the ice with cusk fishing devices may set such devices and leave them unattended except that once during each 24-hour period said person shall visually inspect the bait end of the line;

 

(4)  While fishing with a cusk fishing device, the angler shall not engage in the activity of "bobbing," or "jigging," or any other activity so as to attract fish by movement of the bait; and  

 

(5)  Cusk fishing devices shall only be used in:

 

a.  First Connecticut Lake in Pittsburg;

 

b.  Second Connecticut Lake in Pittsburg;

 

c.  Third Connecticut Lake in Pittsburg;

 

d.  Lake Francis in Pittsburg;

 

e.  Newfound Lake in Bristol, Alexandria, Bridgewater, and Hebron;

 

f.  Silver Lake in Madison;

 

g.  Big Squam Lake in Holderness, Center Harbor, Sandwich, Moultonboro;

 

h.  Little Squam Lake in Holderness and Ashland;

 

i.  South Pond in Stark;

 

j.  Sunapee Lake in Newbury, New London and Sunapee;

 

k.  Wentworth Lake in Wolfeboro;

 

l.  Lake Winnipesaukee in Alton, Center Harbor, Gilford, Laconia, Meredith, Moultonboro, Tuftonboro, and Wolfeboro;

 

m.  Winnisquam Lake in Belmont, Sanbornton, Laconia, Tilton, and Meredith;

 

n.  Merrymeeting Lake in New Durham;

 

o.  Waukewan Lake in Meredith;

 

p.  Lovell Lake in Wakefield;

 

q.  Wentworth Lake in Wolfeboro; and

 

r.  Ossipee Lake in Freedom and Ossipee.

 

            (b)  Any fish other than cusk taken on a cusk fishing device shall be immediately liberated by cutting the line without removing the fish from the water.

 

Source.  (See Revision Note #1 at chapter heading for Fis 400 and Revision Note at chapter heading for Fis 500) #5016, eff 1-1-91; EXPIRED 1-1-97

 

New.  #6432, eff 1-21-97; ss by #6629, eff 1-1-98; ss by #8442, eff 1-1-06; ss by #9005, eff 1-1-08; ss by #8442, eff 1-1-06; ss by #9249, eff 1-1-09, EXPIRED: 1-1-17

 

New.  #12510, eff 4-6-18

 

          Fis 405.05  Smelt.

 

           (a)  In accordance with RSA 211:2-e, freshwater smelt shall be taken by angling only, except as otherwise provided in Fis 406, Fis 407, and Fis 502.

 

           (b)  Smelt shall not be taken from the freshwaters of the state by any method from March 15 through June 15 except as otherwise provided in Fis 406, Fis 407, and Fis 502.

 

           (c)  Each person taking freshwater smelt shall at all times keep their individual take in a separate unbreakable container marked with their name, except that an angler, while actually fishing for a species other than smelt, shall be permitted to keep live bait smelt in an unmarked container.

 

           (d)  A person shall not take smelt while using a boat being propelled by mechanical power.

 

Source.  (See Revision Note #1 at chapter heading for Fis 400 and Revision Note at chapter heading for Fis 500) #5016, eff 1-1-91; amd by #5234, eff 1-1-92; ss by #5291, eff 1-1-92; ss by #6629, eff 1-1-98; ss by #8442, eff 1-1-06; ss by #10425, eff 1-1-14; ss by #13698, eff 7-26-23 (see Revision Note #2 at chapter heading for Fis 400)

 

          Fis 405.06  White Suckers.

 

          (a)  In addition to angling and ice fishing, white suckers may be taken by hand dip nets not over 18 inches in diameter, drop nets not over 48 inches in diameter, spears or bow and arrow with cord attached, between March 1 and May 31, except as otherwise provided in Fis 406 and Fis 407.

 

          (b)  In addition to angling and ice fishing, white suckers may be taken for personal use as bait by use of traps, made of wire slats not more than 50 inches long nor more than 30 inches wide, with an aperture for the entrance of fish no smaller than 3 and 1/2 inches in diameter, except as otherwise provided in Fis 406 and Fis 407.  No more than 2 traps shall be used by a licensed fisherman, and all bait traps, holding boxes or other receptacles shall be plainly marked with the name and address of the owner and user.

 

          (c)  White suckers taken by spear or bow and arrow shall be suitably disposed of, and not left in, or adjacent to, the body of water so as to create a nuisance, odor or pollution of the body of water.

 

          (d)  The provisions of RSA 207:10 and RSA 211:13 shall not apply to persons taking white suckers as provided in this section.

 

Source.  (See Revision Note #1 at chapter heading for Fis 400 and Revision Note at chapter heading for Fis 500) #5016, eff 1-1-91; amd by #5718, eff 1-1-94; ss by #6432, eff 1-21-97; ss by #6629, eff 1-1-98; ss by #8442, eff 1-1-06; ss by #10425, eff 1-1-14; ss by #10936, eff 1-1-16

 

            Fis 405.07  Hooks or Other Devices for Attachment of Bait.

 

            (a)  While ice fishing, only a single hook with a single hook point, per ice fishing device, shall be used for bait.

 

            (b)  Except as specified in Fis 406.04(a) and 407.03(f) while taking fish in open water, 2 hooks may be used with bait per line, one with a single hook point and the other with no more than 3 hook points.

 

Source.  #6086, eff 1-1-96; ss by #6629, eff 1-1-98; ss by #8442, eff 1-1-06; ss by #8671, eff 1-1-07; ss by #9773-A, eff 1-1-11; ss by #12510, eff 4-6-18

 

PART Fis 406  SPECIFIC RULES FOR PONDS AND LAKES AND THEIR TRIBUTARIES

 

          Fis 406.01  Ponds, Lakes, and Tributaries.

 

           (a) The taking of fish from a lake or pond or a tributary as named in Table 400.1 below shall be subject to all of the following restrictions:

 

(1)  All of the general restriction provisions of Fis 402;

 

(2)  All of the limits for particular species contained in Fis 403;

 

(3)  The methods of taking contained in Fis 405, unless a more restrictive provision appears in the table below;

 

(4)  Unless a different rule provision is cited in the table below, the restrictions for a lake or pond as set forth in Fis 406.05(a); and

 

(5)  Unless a different rule provision is cited in the table below, the restrictions for a tributary as set forth in Fis 406.06(a).

 

          (b)  Commercial or organized activities conducted upon any lake or pond or its tributaries listed in Table 400.1 below shall also be subject to the rules specified in Fis 500.

 

Table 400.1 PONDS AND LAKES TABLE

 

POND/LAKE NAME(S)

TOWN(S)

POND RULES, 

Fis 406.05(a), unless otherwise noted

TRIBUTARY RULES, Fis 406.06(a), unless otherwise noted

Adder/Hopkins Pond

Andover

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Airport Pond

Whitefield

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Archery Pond

Allenstown

Fis 406.03(c)

 

Back Lake

Pittsburg

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Barbadoes Pond

Madbury

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Basin Pond

Chatham

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Bear Brook Pond, Big Bear

Errol

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Bear Brook Pond, Little Bear

Wentworth Location

Fis 406.03(a)

 

Belknap Recreation Area Pond

Gilford

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Big Brook Bog

Pittsburg

Fis 406.03(a)

 

Black Mountain Pond

Sandwich

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Black Pond

Lincoln

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Blue Pond

Madison

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Bog, Little/Fourteen &

    Half Pond

Odell

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Boundary Pond

Pittsburg

Fis 406.03(a)

 

Bragg Pond

Millsfield

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Butterfield Pond

Wilmot

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Campton Pond/Unnamed

Campton

Fis 407.02(e)

 

Carr Pond

Clarksville

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Carter Pond

Bean's Purchase

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Center Pond

Nelson

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Chapin Pond

Newport, Claremont

Fis 406.03(a)

 

Clarksville Pond

Clarksville

Fis 406.03(a)

 

Clough Pond

Loudon

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Coldrain Pond

New Durham

Fis 406.03(a)

 

Cold Spring/Abbott

    Forest Pond

Stoddard

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Cole Pond

Enfield

Fis 406.03(b)

 

Connecticut Lake, 1

Pittsburg

Fis 406.04(c)

 

    Connecticut River

 

 

Fis 407.01(a)

Connecticut Lake, 2

Pittsburg

Fis 406.04(c)

 

Connecticut Lake, 3

Pittsburg

Fis 406.04(c)

 

Conservation Pond

Wentworth

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Conway Lake

Conway, Eaton

Fis 406.04(k)

 

Coon Brook Bog

Pittsburg

Fis 406.03(a)

 

Conner Pond

Ossipee

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Corser Pond

Errol

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Cranberry Bog Pond

Columbia

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Dan Hole Pond, Big

Ossipee, Tuftonboro

Fis 406.04(c)

 

Deering Reservoir

Deering

Fis 406.05(d)

Fis 406.06(b)

Devils Washbowl

Odell

Fis 406.03(a)

 

Diamond Pond, Big

Stewartstown

Fis 406.04(c)

 

Diamond Pond, Little

Stewartstown

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Dublin Lake/Monadnock Pond

Dublin

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Dummer Pond, Big

Dummer

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Dummer Pond, Little

Dummer

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Duncan Lake

Ossipee

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Dustin Pond

Wentworth's Location

Fis 406.02(a)

 

East Inlet

Pittsburg

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Echo Lake

Franconia

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Ethan/Willey Pond

Bethleham

Fis 406.07(a)

 

Exeter Reservoir/Water

    Works Pond

Exeter

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Falls Pond

Albany

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Ferrin Pond

Weare

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Flat Mountain Pond 

Waterville

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Four Mile Pond

Dix's Grant

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Francis Lake

Pittsburg

Fis 406.04(c)

 

    Connecticut River

Clarksville

 

Fis 407.01

French Pond

Henniker

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Gilmore Pond

Jaffrey

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Gould Pond

Hillsboro

Fis 406.05(a)

 

   Sand Brook

Hillsboro

 

Fis 407.01

Granite Lake/Munsonville Pond

Nelson, Stoddard

Fis 406.04(c)

 

Greely Pond, Upper

Livermore

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Greenough Pond, Big

Wentworth Location

Fis 406.04(a)

 

Greenough Pond, Little

Wentworth Location

Fis 406.07(a)

 

Guinea Pond

Sandwich

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Halfmile Pond

Enfield

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Hall Pond, Lower

Sandwich

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Hall Pond, Middle

Sandwich

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Hall Pond, Upper

Sandwich

Fis 406.03(b)

 

Harris Pond

Pittsburg

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Hatch/Hidden Pond

Eaton

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Hellgate Pond

Second College Grant

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Hopkins Pond/Adder

Andover

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Hot Hole Pond

Loudon, Concord

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Hoyt's Pond

Madbury

Fis 406.03(a)

 

Hunkins Pond

Sanbornton

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Hunts Pond

Hancock

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Jacquith Pond

Pittsburg  

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Jericho Lake

Berlin

Fis 406.05 (f)

 

Jones Pond

Middleton

Fis 406.03(c)

 

Judd Pond

Clarksville

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Kiah Pond

Sandwich

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Lime Pond

Columbia

Fis 406.03(b)

 

Lonesome Lake

Lincoln

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Long Pond

Eaton

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Long Pond

Errol

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Long Pond

Benton

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Long Pond

Croydon

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Long Pond

Lempster

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Long Pond

Millsfield

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Lucas Pond

Northwood

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Manning Lake/Guinea Pond

Gilmanton

Fis 406.05(d)

Fis 406.06(b)

Meader Pond/Wachipauka Lake

Warren

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Merrymeeting Lake

New Durham

Fis 406.04(a)

 

Middle Pond

Pittsburg

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Millen Lake

Washington

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Millsfield Pond, Big

Millsfield

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Millsfield Pond, Little/Moose

Millsfield

Fis 406.03(a)

 

Mirror Lake

Whitefield, Dalton

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Moose Falls Flowage

Pittsburg

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Moose Pond

Pittsburg

Fis 406.03(a)

 

Morey Pond

Andover

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Mountain Pond

Brookfield

Fis 406.02(c)

 

Mountain Pond

Lyman

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Mountain Pond

Chatham

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Mt. Williams Pond

Weare

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Mud Pond

Easton

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Munn Pond

Errol

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Nathan Pond

Dixville

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Newfound Lake

Bristol, Alexandria,

Bridgewater, Hebron

Fis 406.04(b)

 

Nubanusit Lake

Hancock, Nelson

Fis 406.04(c)

 

Oliverian Pond

Benton

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Orange Pond

Orange

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Ossipee Lake

    Including Berry Bay,

    Broad Bay, and

    Leavitt Bay

Ossipee, Freedom

Fis 406.04(j)

 

Pea Porridge Pond

Madison

Fis 406.05(d)

Fis 406.06(b)

Peaked Hill Pond

Thornton

Fis 406.02(a)

Fis 406.06(a)

Perch Pond

Campton

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Perry Pond

Pittsburg

Fis 406.03(a)

 

Phillips Pond

Odell

Fis 406.03(a)

 

Pike Pond

Stark

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Pleasant Lake

New London

Fis 406.02(b)

 

Pleasant/Waukeena Pond

Danbury

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Pond of Safety

Randolph

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Profile Lake

Franconia

Fis 406.03(b)

 

Province Pond

Chatham

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Rand Pond

Goshen

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Round Pond

Pittsburg

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Russell Pond

Woodstock

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Rust Pond

Wolfeboro

Fis 406.05(d)

 

Saco Lake

Carroll

Fis 406.03(a)

 

Saltmarsh Pond

Gilford

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Sand Pond/Echo Lake

Lempster, Marlow

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Sandy Pond

Richmond

Fis 406.05(d)

Fis 406.06(b)

Sawyer Pond, Big

Livermore

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Sawyer Pond, Little

Livermore

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Scotts Bog

Pittsburg

Fis 406.03(a)

 

Sessions Pond

Dummer

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Shaw Pond

Franklin

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Shawtown/Shaw Pond

Freedom

Fis 406.03(b)

 

Sheehan Flowage Pond

Clarksville

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Shoal Pond

Lincoln

Fis 406.07(a)

 

Signal Pond

Errol

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Silver Lake

Madison

Fis 406.04(a)

 

Silver Lake

Harrisville, Nelson

Fis 406.04(c)

 

Simmons Pond

Warner

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Sky Pond

New Hampton

Fis 406.03(b)

 

Smith Pond

Washington

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Solitude Lake

Newbury

Fis 406.02(a)

 

South Pond

Stark

Fis 406.05(g)

 

Spectacle Pond

Groton, Hebron

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Spofford Lake

Chesterfield

Fis 406.05(b)

Fis 406.06(c)        

Spoonwood Lake

Nelson

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Squam Lake, Big

Including the Squam Channel

Holderness, Center

Harbor, Sandwich,

Moultonborough

Fis 406.04(g)

 

Squam Lake, Little Including the Squam River above the outlet dam in Ashland

Holderness, Ashland

Fis 406.04(a)

 

Stacy/Trout Pond

Freedom

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Star Lake

Springfield

Fis 406.05(c)

Fis 406.06(c)

Stirrup Iron Pond

Salisbury

Fis 406.03(a)

 

Stone Pond

Marlborough, Dublin

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Stonehouse Pond

Barrington

Fis 406.03(a)

 

Stratford Bog Pond

Stratford

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Stub Hill Pond

Pittsburg

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Success Pond

Success

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Sunapee Lake

Newbury, New London,

Sunapee

Fis 406.04(i)

Fis 406.06(e)

Suncook Lake

Barnstead

Fis 406.05(d)

Fis 406.06(b)

Sunset Lake/Places Pond

Alton, Gilmanton

Fis 406.05(d)

Fis 406.06(b)

Swains Pond

Wentworth

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Swanzey Lake

Swanzey

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Sweat Pond

Errol

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Three Ponds, Lower

Ellsworth, Warren

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Three Ponds, Middle

Ellsworth, Warren

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Three Ponds, Upper

Ellsworth, Warren

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Trio Pond, Lower 1&2

Odell

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Trio Pond, Upper 3

Odell

Fis 406.03(a)

 

Trout Pond

Lyme

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Unknown Pond

Pittsburg

Fis 406.03(a)

 

Waukewan Lake/Measley Pond

Meredith,

New Hampton

Fis 406.05(e)

Fis 406.06(a)

Webster Lake

Franklin

Fis 406.05(d)

Fis 406.06(b)

West Branch Pond/Terrill Dam

Pittsburg

Fis 406.03(a)

Fis 406.06(a)

Whitcomb Pond

Odell

Fis 406.02(a)

 

White Pond

Wilmot

Fis 406.02(a)

 

White Pond

Ossipee

Fis 406.03(a)

 

Whittemore Lake

Bennington, Greenfield

Fis 406.02(a)

 

Willard Pond

Antrim

Fis 406.03(a)

 

Winnipesaukee Lake

Alton, Center Harbor,

Gilford, Laconia,

Meredith, 

Moultonborough,

Tuftonboro, Wolfeboro

Fis 406.04(f)

 

   Front Bay, also

        known as Back Bay

        from the Main St

        Bridge to the dam

        at Berry's Mill

Wolfeboro

Fis 406.04(a)

 

      Except:

         the lake area within

500 ft of the Smith River and 500 feet on either side of the Main St Bridge in Wolfeboro

 

Fis 406.04 (f)

 

      Paugus Bay

 

Fis 406.04(d)

 

      Weirs Channel

 

Fis 406.04(e)

 

 Merrymeeting River    (tributary)

 

Fis 407.01

Winnisquam Lake

Belmont, Sanbornton,

Laconia, Tilton,

Meredith

Fis 406.04(h)

Fis 406.06(a)

Winnipesaukee River

 

 

Fis 407.01

Winona Lake

Meredith,

New Hampton,

Center Harbor

Fis 406.05(e)

Fis 406.06(a)

Wright Pond

Pittsburg

Fis 406.03(a)

York Pond

Berlin

Fis 406.05(c)

Fis 406.06(d)

All other ponds & lakes

 

Fis 406.05(a)

Fis 406.06(a)

 

Source.  (See Revision Note #1 at chapter heading for Fis 400 and Revision Note at chapter heading for Fis 500) #5016, eff 1-1-91; ss by #5234, eff 1-1-92; ss by #5291, eff 1-1-92; ss by #5718, eff 1-1-94; amd by #6115, eff 11-22-95; amd by #6086, eff 1-1-96; ss by #6629, eff 1-1-98; amd by #7582, eff 1-1-02; amd by #7763, eff 1-1-03; amd by #7926, eff 1-1-04; amd by #8119, eff 1-1-05; ss by #8442, eff 1-1-06; amd by #8671, eff 1-1-07; amd by #9005, eff 1-1-08; amd by #9249, eff 1-1-09; amd by #9773-A, eff 1-1-11; amd by #10007, eff 1-1-12; ss by #10425, eff 1-1-14; amd by #10936, eff 1-1-16; ss by #12933, eff 11-28-19; ss by #13698, eff 7-26-23 (see Revision Note #2 at chapter heading for Fis 400)

 

          Fis 406.02  Trout Waters.

 

          (a)  The taking of fish from this waterbody as referenced in Table 400.01 in Fis 406.01(d) shall be subject to the following restrictions:

 

(1)  This waterbody shall be managed as trout water;

 

(2)  The open season for taking all species except salmon and smelt shall be from the 4th Saturday in April through October 15;

 

(3)  The daily limit for brook trout shall be 5 fish or 5 pounds of fish whichever limit shall first be reached;

 

(4)  The open season for taking smelt shall be June 16 through October 15;

 

(5)  The open season for taking salmon shall be from the 4th Saturday in April to September 30;

 

(6)  The daily bag limit for salmon shall be 2 fish;

 

(7)  The minimum length for salmon shall be 15 inches;

 

(8)  The use of live fish, or the eggs thereof, for bait shall be prohibited, however the use of salmon eggs shall be permitted; and

 

(9)  The daily limit for all other species shall be as provided in Fis 403.

 

          (b)  The taking of fish from this waterbody as referenced in Table 400.1 in Fis 406.01(d) shall be subject to the restrictions in Fis 406.02(a) except that the use or possession of live rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax) for bait shall be permitted.

 

          (c)  The taking of fish from this waterbody as referenced in Table 400.1 in Fis 406.01(d) shall be subject to the following restrictions:

 

(1)  This waterbody shall be managed for trout;

 

(2)  The open season for taking all species except smelt shall be from the 4th Saturday in April through October 15th;

 

(3)  The open season for taking smelt shall be June 16 through October 15;

 

(4)  No person shall take brook trout 12 to 16 inches in length.  All brook trout 12 to 16 inches in length shall be immediately released unharmed into the waters from which taken;

 

(5)  The daily limit for brook trout shall be 2 fish of which only one may be over 16 inches;

 

(6)  Only single hook artificial lures and flies shall be used and all hooks shall be barbless or have all barbs pinched; and

 

(7)  The daily limit for all other species shall be as provided in Fis 403.

 

Source. (See Revision Note #1 at chapter heading for Fis 400 and Revision Note at chapter heading for Fis 500) #5016, eff 1-1-91; ss by #5234, eff 1-1-92; ss by #5291, eff 1-1-92; ss by #5718, eff 1-1-94; ss by #6432, eff 1-21-97; ss by #6629, eff 1-1-98; amd by #7926, eff 1-1-04; amd by #8119, eff 1-1-05; ss by #8442, eff 1-1-06; amd by #9005, eff 1-1-08; amd by #9249, eff 1-1-09; amd by #9773-A, eff 1-1-11; ss by #10007, eff 1-1-12; ss by #12510, eff 4-6-18

 

          Fis 406.03  Fly-Fishing Waters.

 

          (a)  The taking of fish from this waterbody as referenced in Table 400.1 in Fis 406.01(d) shall be subject to the following restrictions:

 

(1)  This waterbody shall be managed for trout;

 

(2)  The open season for taking all species, except salmon and smelt, shall be from the 4th Saturday in April through October 15 by fly fishing only;

 

(3)  The open season for taking smelt shall be June 16 through October 15 and shall be by fly fishing only;

 

(4)  The daily limit for brook trout shall be 5 fish or a total of 5 pounds of fish whichever limit shall first be reached; and

 

(5)  The daily limit for all other species shall be as provided in Fis 403.

 

          (b)  The taking of fish from this waterbody as referenced in Table 400.1 in Fis 406.01(d) shall be subject to the following restrictions:

 

(1)  This waterbody shall be managed for trout;

 

(2)  The open season for taking all species except smelt shall be from the 4th Saturday in April through October 15 by fly fishing only;

 

(3)  The open season for taking smelt shall be June 16 through October 15 and shall be by fly fishing only;

 

(4)  No person shall take brook trout 12 to 16 inches in length.  All brook trout 12 to 16 inches in length shall be immediately released unharmed into the waters from which taken;

 

(5)  The daily limit for brook trout shall be 2 fish of which only one may be over 16 inches; and

 

(6)  The daily limit for all other species shall be as provided in Fis 403.

 

          (c)  The taking of fish from this waterbody as referenced in Table 400.1 in Fis 406.01(d) shall be subject to the following restrictions:

 

(1)  This waterbody shall be managed for trout;

 

(2)  The open season for taking all species except salmon and smelt shall be from the 4th Saturday in April through October 15 by fly fishing only;

 

(3)  Fishing through the ice, from the ice, or from any object supported by the ice shall be prohibited;

 

(4)  The open season for taking smelt shall be June 16 through October 15 and shall be by fly fishing only;

 

(5)  The daily limit for brook trout shall be 2 fish; and

 

(6)  The daily limit for all other species shall be as provided in Fis 403.

 

Source.  #6629, eff 1-1-98; amd by #7926, eff 1-1-04; ss by #8442, eff 1-1-06; ss by #8671, eff 1-1-07; amd by #9773-A, eff 1-1-11; ss by #10007, eff 1-1-12; ss by #12510, eff 4-6-18

 

          Fis 406.04  Lake Trout and Salmon Waters.

 

          (a)  The taking of fish from this waterbody as referenced in Table 400.1 in Fis 406.01(b) shall be subject to the following restrictions:

 

(1)  This waterbody shall be managed for lake trout and salmon;

 

(2)  The open season for taking fish shall be all year round subject to the following restrictions:

 

a.  From January 1 to March 31, the waterbody shall be open to the taking of all species, except salmon and smelt, subject to the following restrictions:

 

1.  Fish shall only be taken by ice fishing;

 

2.  The combined daily bag limit for all trout species, including lake trout, shall be 2 fish;

 

3.  Only one hook with bait, as described in Fis 405.07(a), or an artificial lure or flies may be used to take fish through the ice; and

 

4.  No more than 2 ice fishing devices shall be used, except that in addition, a person may use 6 cusk fishing devices to take cusk as specified in Fis 405.04;

 

b.  From April 1 through September 30, the waterbody shall be open to the taking of all species, except smelt, by all legal methods.  The combined daily bag limit for lake trout, salmon, and trout shall be 2 fish;

 

c.  From October 1 through December 31, the waterbody shall be open to the taking of all species except lake trout, brook trout, salmon and lake whitefish;

 

d.  From October 1 through December 31, trolling to take fish shall be prohibited;

 

e.  From April 1 to December 31, no person shall take fish through the ice, from the ice, or supported by the ice;

 

f.  The open season for taking smelt shall be from June 16 through March 14; and

 

g.  When trolling to take fish:

 

1.  Only one artificial bait, one fly, one tandem fly, or one bait shall be used per rod; and

 

2.  Only a single hook with a single hook point shall be used with bait;

 

(3)  The minimum length for trout and salmon shall be 15 inches;

 

(4)  The minimum length for lake trout shall be 18 inches; and

 

(5)  For all species other than trout, lake trout, and salmon, the limits and methods of taking shall be as provided in Fis 403 and Fis 405.

 

          (b)  The taking of fish from this waterbody as referenced in Table 400.1 in Fis 406.01(b) shall be subject to the restrictions specified in Fis 406.04(a) except:

 

(1)  The minimum length for lake trout shall be 15 inches; and

 

(2)  The areas of the lake that lie within 500 feet of Cockermouth River and Fowler River shall be closed to all fishing from October 16 through December 31.

 

          (c)  The taking of fish from this waterbody as referenced in Table 400.1 in Fis 406.01(b) shall be subject to the following restrictions:

 

(1)  This waterbody shall be managed for lake trout, salmon, or both;

 

(2)  The open season for taking fish shall be all year round subject to the following restrictions:

 

a.  From January 1 to March 31, the waterbody shall be open to the taking of all species, except salmon and smelt, subject to the following restrictions:

 

1.  Fish shall only be taken by ice fishing;

 

2.  The combined daily bag limit for all trout species, including lake trout, shall be 2 fish;

 

3.  Only one hook with bait, as described in Fis 405.07(a), or an artificial lure or flies may be used to take fish through the ice; and

 

4.  No more than 2 ice fishing devices shall be used, except that in addition, a person may use 6 cusk fishing devices to take cusk as specified in Fis 405.04;

 

b.  From April 1 through September 30, the waterbody shall be open to the taking of all species, except smelt, by all legal methods. The combined daily bag limit for lake trout, salmon, and trout shall be 4 fish, of which no more than 2 fish may be lake trout, salmon, or both;

 

c.  From October 1 through December 31 the waterbody shall be open to the taking of all species except lake trout, trout, salmon, and lake whitefish;

 

d.  From October 1 through December 31, trolling to take fish shall be prohibited;

 

e.  From April 1 to December 31, no person shall take fish through the ice, from the ice, or supported by the ice; and

 

f.  The open season for taking smelt shall be from June 16 through March 14;

 

(3)  The minimum length for salmon shall be 15 inches;

 

(4)  The minimum length for lake trout shall be 18 inches;

 

(5)  Yellow perch shall not be used for bait; and

 

(6)  For all species other than trout, lake trout, and salmon, the limits and methods of taking shall be as provided in Fis 403 and Fis 405.

 

          (d)  This waterbody as referenced in Table 400.1 in Fis 406.01(b) shall be managed for lake trout, salmon, or both and, in addition to the restrictions in Fis 406.04(a), the area of Paugus Bay which lies between the railroad trestle which crosses Paugus Bay at its south end and the Lakeport Dam in the city of Laconia shall be closed to all fishing October 1 to March 31.

 

          (e)  This waterbody as referenced in Table 400.1 in Fis 406.01(b) shall be managed for lake trout, salmon, or both and, in addition to the restrictions in Fis 406.04(a), the area of open water that is not normally covered by ice in winter at the Weirs channel shall be closed to all fishing from October 1 to March 31.

 

          (f)  This waterbody as referenced in Table 400.1 in Fis 406.01(b) shall be managed for lake trout, salmon, or both, and, in addition to the restrictions in Fis 406.04(a), the following areas of the lake shall be closed to all fishing October 16 through December 31:

 

(1) The lake area within 500 feet of Gunstock River, Poor Farm Brook, Melvin River, Merrymeeting River, Mink Brook, and Smith River ; and

 

(2)  The lake area of Lake Winnipesaukee 500 feet on either side of the Main Street bridge inWolfeboro.

 

          (g)  This waterbody as referenced in Table 400.1 in Fis 406.01(b) shall be managed for lake trout, salmon, or both and, in addition to the restrictions in Fis 406.04(a), the area of the lake that lies within 500 feet of Barville Brook shall be closed to all fishing from October 16 through December 31.

 

          (h)  This waterbody as referenced in Table 400.1 in Fis 406.01(b) shall be managed for lake trout, salmon, or both and, in addition to the restrictions in Fis 406.04(a), the area of the lake that lies within 500 feet of Winnipesaukee River shall be closed to all fishing from October 16 through December 31.

 

          (i)  This waterbody as referenced in Table 400.1 in Fis 406.01(b) shall be managed for lake trout, salmon, or both and, in addition to the restrictions in Fis 406.04(a), the area of the lake that lies within 500 feet of Otter Brook shall be closed to all fishing from October 16 through December 31.

 

          (j)  This waterbody as referenced in Table 400.1 in Fis 406.01(b) shall be managed for lake trout, salmon, or both and, in addition to the restrictions in Fis 406.04(a), the area of the lake that lies within 500 feet of Bearcamp River shall be closed to all fishing from October 16 through December 31.

 

          (k)  This waterbody as referenced in Table 400.1 in Fis 406.01(b) shall be managed for lake trout, salmon, or both and, in addition to the restrictions in Fis 406.04(a), the area of the lake that lies within 500 feet of the outlet dam shall be closed to all fishing from October 16 through December 31.

 

Source. (See Revision Notes at chapter headings for Fis 400 and Fis 500) #5016, eff 1-1-91; ss by #5234, eff 1-1-92; ss by #5291, eff 1-1-92; ss by #5718, eff 1-1-94; amd by #6086, eff 1-1-96; ss by #6432, eff 1-21-97; ss by #6629, eff 1-1-98; amd by #6714, eff 3-11-98; amd by #7926, eff 1-1-04; amd by #8119, eff 1-1-05; ss by #8442, eff 1-1-06; amd by #8671, eff 1-1-07; amd by #9773-A, eff 1-1-11; ss by #10425, eff 1-1-14; ss by #12161, eff 4-18-17; ss by #13698, eff 7-26-23 (see Revision Note #2 at chapter heading for Fis 400)

 

          Fis 406.05  Other Waterbodies.

 

           (a)  The taking of fish from this waterbody, as referenced in Table 400.1 in Fis 406.01(b), shall be subject to the following restrictions:

 

(1)  The waterbody shall be open to the taking of all species, except salmon, lake trout, and smelt, all year round by all legal methods;

 

(2)  The open season for taking smelt shall be June 16 through March 14;

 

(3)  The open season for taking salmon shall be April 1 through September 30;

 

(4)  The open season for taking lake trout shall be January 1 through September 30;

 

(5)  The daily bag limit for salmon and lake trout shall be no more than 2 fish, whether 2 of a single species or one of each species;

 

(6)  The minimum length for salmon shall be 15 inches;

 

(7)  The daily limit for trout in open water shall be 5 fish or 5 pounds of fish, whichever limit shall first be reached, and 2 fish through the ice;

 

(8)  The minimum length for lake trout shall be 18 inches;

 

(9)  The daily limit for all other species shall be as provided in Fis 403; and

 

(10)  No more than 6 ice fishing devices shall be used to take fish while ice fishing, except that in addition, a person may use 6 cusk fishing devices to take cusk as specified in Fis 405.04.

 

          (b)  The taking of fish from this waterbody as referenced in Table 400.1 in Fis 406.01(b) shall be subject to the following restrictions:

 

(1)  This waterbody shall be closed to the taking of all fish October 16 through March 31;

 

(2)  The open season for taking all species except smelt shall be from April 1 through October 15;

 

(3)  From April 1 through October 15, no person shall take fish through the ice, from the ice, or from any object supported by the ice;

 

(4)  The open season for taking smelt shall be June 16 through October 15;

 

(5)  The daily limit for trout shall be 2 fish;

 

(6)  The daily limit for all other species shall be as provided in Fis 403.

 

          (c)  This waterbody as referenced in Table 400.1 in Fis 406.01(b) shall be closed to all fishing.

 

          (d)  The taking of fish from this waterbody as referenced in Table 400.1 in Fis 406.01(b) shall be subject to the following restrictions:

 

(1)  The waterbody shall be open to the taking of all species, except salmon, lake trout, and smelt, all year round by all legal methods;

 

(2)  The open season for taking salmon shall be April 1 through September 30;

 

(3)  The open season and methods for taking smelt shall be as follows:

 

a.  From June 16 through March 14, smelt shall be taken by angling only; and

 

b.  From March 15 through April 30, smelt shall only be taken:

 

1.  By means of a dip net not over 18 inches in diameter; and

 

2.  Between the hours of sunset and 12 midnight;

 

(4)  The daily limit for trout in open water shall be 5 fish or 5 pounds of fish, whichever limit shall first be reached, and 2 fish through the ice;

 

(5)  The daily limit for all other species shall be as provided in Fis 403; and

 

(6)  No more than 6 ice fishing devices shall be used to take fish while ice fishing, except that in addition, a person may use 6 cusk fishing devices to take cusk as specified in Fis 405.04.

 

          (e)  The taking of fish from this waterbody as referenced in Table 400.1 in Fis 406.01(b) shall be subject to the following restrictions:

 

(1)  The waterbody shall be open to the taking of all species, except salmon, lake trout, and smelt, all year round by all legal methods;

 

(2)  The open season for taking salmon shall be April 1 through September 30;

 

(3)  The open season for taking lake trout shall be January 1 through September 30;

 

(4)  The daily limit for salmon and lake trout shall be no more than 2 fish, whether 2 of one single species or one of each species;

 

(5)  The minimum length for salmon shall be 15 inches;

 

(6)  The daily limit for trout shall be 2 fish;

 

(7)  The open season for taking smelt shall be June 16 through March 14;

 

(8)  The minimum length for lake trout shall be 18 inches;

 

(9)  The daily limit for all other species shall be as provided in Fis 403; and

 

(10)  No more than 6 ice fishing devices shall be used to take fish while ice fishing, except that in addition, a person may use 6 cusk fishing devices to take cusk as specified in Fis 405.04.

 

          (f)  The taking of fish from this waterbody, as referenced in Table 400.1 in Fis 406.01(b), shall be subject to the following restrictions:

 

(1)  The waterbody shall be open to the taking of all species, except salmon, lake trout, and smelt, all year round by all legal methods;

 

(2)  The open season for taking smelt shall be June 16 through March 14;

 

(3)  The open season for taking salmon shall be April 1 through September 30;

 

(4)  The open season for taking lake trout shall be January 1 through September 30;

 

(5)  The daily bag limit for salmon and lake trout shall be no more than 2 fish, whether 2 of a single species or one of each species;

 

(6)  The minimum length for salmon shall be 15 inches;

 

(7)  The daily limit for trout in open water shall be 5 fish or 5 pounds of fish, whichever limit shall     first be reached, and 2 fish through the ice;

 

(8)  The minimum length for lake trout shall be 18 inches;

 

(9)  The daily limit for all other species shall be as provided in Fis 403, except the daily limit for northern pike shall be 3 fish;

 

(10)  The minimum length for northern pike shall be 20 inches; and

 

(11)  No more than 6 ice fishing devices shall be used to take fish while ice fishing, except that in addition, a person may use 6 cusk fishing devices to take cusk as specified in Fis 405.04.

 

          (g)  The taking of fish from this waterbody, as referenced in Table 400.1 in Fis 406.01(b), shall be subject to the following restrictions:

 

(1)  The waterbody shall be open to the taking of all species, except salmon, lake trout, and smelt, all year round by all legal methods;

 

(2)  The open season for taking smelt shall be June 16 through March 14;

 

(3)  The open season for taking salmon shall be April 1 through September 30;

 

(4)  The open season for taking lake trout shall be January 1 through September 30;

 

(5)  The daily bag limit for salmon and lake trout shall be no more than 2 fish, whether 2 of a single species or one of each species;

 

(6)  The minimum length for salmon shall be 15 inches;

 

(7)  The daily limit for trout in open water shall be 5 fish or 5 pounds of fish, whichever limit shall first be reached, and 2 fish through the ice;

 

(8)  The minimum length for lake trout shall be 15 inches;

 

(9)  The daily limit for all other species shall be as provided in Fis 403; and

 

(10)  No more than 6 ice fishing devices shall be used to take fish while ice fishing, except that in addition, a person may use 6 cusk fishing devices to take cusk as specified in Fis 405.04.

 

Source. (See Revision Note #1 at chapter heading for Fis 400 and Revision Note at chapter heading for Fis 500) #5016, eff 1-1-91; ss by #5234, eff 1-1-92; ss by #5291, eff 1-1-92; ss by #5718, eff 1-1-94; amd by #5757, eff 1-1-94; ss by #6432, eff 1-21-97; ss by #6629, eff 1-1-98; ss by #7115, eff 9-29-99; amd by #7582, eff 1-1-02; ss by #8442, eff 1-1-06; ss by #9005, eff 1-1-08; amd by #9249, eff 1-1-09; amd by #9773-A, eff 1-1-11; ss by #10007, eff 1-1-12; ss by #10425, eff 1-1-14; ss by #13698, eff 7-26-23 (see Revision Note #2 at chapter heading for Fis 400)

 

          Fis 406.06  Tributaries to Lakes and Ponds.

 

           (a)  Tributaries to this waterbody as referenced in Table 400.1 in Fis 406.01(b) shall be managed for trout subject to the following restrictions:

 

(1)  The open season for taking of all species, except salmon and smelt, shall be January 1 through October 15;

 

(2)  The daily limit for trout shall be 5 fish or 5 pounds of fish whichever limit shall first be reached;

 

(3)  The open season for taking smelt shall be January 1 through March 14 and June 16 through October 15;

 

(4)  Open season for taking salmon shall be from April 1 through September 30;

 

(5)  The daily bag limit for salmon shall be 2 fish;

 

(6)  The minimum length for salmon shall be 15 inches;

 

(7)  Fishing through the ice, from the ice, or from any object supported by the ice, shall be prohibited; and

 

(8)  The daily limit for all other species shall be as provided in Fis 403.

 

          (b)  Tributaries to this waterbody as referenced in Table 400.1 in Fis 406.01(b) shall:

 

(1)  Be subject to the restrictions in paragraph (a) above; and

 

(2)  Be open to the taking of smelt from March 15 through April 30 as follows:

 

a.  By means of a dip net, not over 18 inches in diameter;

 

b.  Freshwater smelt shall only be taken between the hours of sunset and 12 midnight; and

 

c.  The daily limit for smelt shall be 2 quarts liquid measure of whole, with head and tail intact, reshwater smelt.

 

          (c)  The tributaries to this waterbody shall be closed to all fishing.

 

          (d)  Tributaries to this waterbody as referenced in Table 400.1 in Fis 406.01(b) shall be subject to the restrictions in paragraph (a) above, except tributaries within the boundaries of the York Pond fish hatchery shall be closed to all fishing.

 

          (e)  Tributaries to this waterbody as referenced in Table 400.1 in Fis 406.01(b) shall be subject to the restrictions in paragraph (a) above, except that all tributaries shall be closed to all fishing from October 16 through May 31.

 

Source. (See Revision Note #1 at chapter heading for Fis 400 and Revision Note at chapter heading for Fis 500) #5016, eff 1-1-91; ss by #5234, eff 1-1-92; ss by #5291, eff 1-1-92; ss by #5718, eff 1-1-94; ss by #6432, eff 1-21-97; ss by #6629, eff 1-1-98; ss by #8442, eff 1-1-06; amd by #9249, eff 1-1-09; ss by #10425, eff 1-1-14; ss by #13698, eff 7-26-23 (see Revision Note #2 at chapter heading for Fis 400)

 

          Fis 406.07  Wild Trout Waters.

 

          (a)  The taking of fish from this waterbody as referenced in Table 400.1 in Fis 406.01(b) shall be subject to the following restrictions:

 

(1)  The open season for taking all species shall be the 4th Saturday in April through Labor Day;

 

(2)  Only single hook artificial lures and flies shall be used and all hooks shall be barbless or have all barbs pinched; and

 

(3)  All fish shall be immediately released unharmed to the water.

 

Source.  #7763, eff 1-1-03; ss by #8442, eff 1-1-06; ss by #10425, eff 1-1-14; ss by #13698, eff 7-26-23 (see Revision Note #2 at chapter heading for Fis 400)

 

PART Fis 407  SPECIFIC RULES FOR STREAMS AND RIVERS

 

          Fis 407.01  Applicability.

 

          (a)  The taking of fish from a river or stream as named in Table 400.2 below shall be subject to the limitations noted in the table and all of the following restrictions:

 

(1) All of the general restriction provisions of Fis 402;

 

(2) All of the limits for particular species contained in Fis 403; and

 

(3) The methods of taking contained in Fis 405, unless a more restrictive provision appears in the table below.

 

          (b)  Commercial or organized activities conducted upon any river or stream including those listed in Table 400.2 shall also be subject to the rules specified in Fis 500.

 

Table 400.2 RIVERS AND STREAMS TABLE

 

STREAM/RIVER NAMES(S)

TOWN(S)

LIMITATIONS

Alder Brook

Second College Grant

Fis 407.04 (a)

Androscoggin River

 

 

- from Errol dam to the markers

at the dead water at Bragg Bay

Errol

Fis 407.02 (c)

- from Bragg Bay to the

Dummer-Cambridge town line

Errol, Cambridge

Fis 407.02 (e)

- from the Dummer-Cambridge town

line to the Pontook Dam

Dummer

Fis 407.03 (a)

- from the Pontook Dam to

Wheeler Bay in Dummer at 44o 36.9011’N 71o 13.3816’W  to 44 o 36.9341’N 71 o 13.4449’W using WGS84 map datum

Dummer

Fis 407.02 (e)

- Wheeler Bay in Dummer including the outflow from the power canal, to the

Sawmill Dam in Berlin.

Dummer, Milan, Berlin

Fis 407.02(f)

- Sawmill Dam in Berlin to

the ME/NH boundary

Berlin

Fis 407.03(d)

Ammonoosuc River, except:

 

Fis 407.02(e)

- from the Apthorp Dam in

Littleton to the confluence with

the Connecticut River in Bath

Woodsville

Littleton, Lisbon

Landaff, Bath,

Woodsville

Fis 407.02 (f)

Ashuelot River, except:

 

Fis 407.02(e)

Surry Mountain Reservoir

Surry

Fis 406.05(a)

Ashuelot River, S. Branch, except:

 

Fis 407.02(e)

- from Old Richmond Road Bridge, E Swanzey to Marlborough Road Bridge, Troy

Swanzey, Troy

Fis 407.02(a)

Bearcamp River, except:

 

Fis 407.02(e)

- from the Tamworth/Ossipee

town line to Ossipee Lake

Ossipee

Fis 407.02(l)

Bellamy River, except:

 

Fis 407.02(e)

Bellamy Reservoir

Madbury

Fis 407.03(a)

Blackwater River, except:

 

Fis 407.02(e)

the Bays and Cilleyville Bog

Andover/Salisbury

Fis 407.03(a)

Carroll Stream, except:

 

Fis 407.02(e)

-upstream of its confluence with Airport Pond in Whitefield

Carroll/Whitefield

Fis 407.04(a)

Cocheco River, except:

 

Fis 407.02(e)

- from Watson Road Dam downstream

to the head of tide

Dover

Fis 407.02(n)

Connecticut River

 

 

- headwaters to Fourth

Connecticut Lake

Pittsburg

Fis 406.06(a)

- Fourth Connecticut Lake to

Third Connecticut Lake

Pittsburg

Fis 406.06(a)

- from Third Connecticut Lake

to Second Connecticut Lake

Pittsburg

Fis 406.06(a)

- from the dam at Second Lake to

the upstream side of the logging

bridge on the Magalloway Road

Pittsburg

Fis 407.02(b)

- from the Magalloway Road bridge

to the inlet at Green Point

on First Connecticut Lake

Pittsburg

Fis 407.02(a)

- from First Connecticut

Lake Dam to the signs on Lake Francis

Pittsburg

Fis 407.02(c)

- from the Murphy Dam on Lake

Francis to the boundary between

Canaan,Vermont and Pittsburg, New Hampshire

 

Fis 407.02(q)

- that portion of the river from

the boundary between Canaan, Vermont and Pittsburg, New Hampshire to the Massachusetts border

 

Fis 408

Contoocook River

 

 

-from Contoocook Lake downstream to the area marked with signs and wire in West Henniker

Jaffery, Peterborough, Hancock, Greenfield, Bennington, Antrim, Deering, Hillsboro, Henniker

Fis 407.03(a)

- from a point 2,500 feet

above the former paper mill dam in

West Henniker, marked by signs

and wire, upstream approximately

one mile to a point marked by

signs and wire

Henniker

Fis 407.02(g)

- from a point 2,500 feet above the former paper mill dam in West Henniker to the to the confluence with the Merrimack River, including the  Hopkinton Everett Flood Control Area

Henniker, Hopkinton

Concord

Fis 407.03(a)

Dead Diamond River, except:

 

Fis 407.02(p)

- from where the Swift Diamond River enters down to the mouth at the Magalloway River confluence

Second College Grant

Fis 407.03(c)

Ellis River, except:

 

Fis 407.02(e)

- from the covered bridge, Jackson

to the Iron Bridge in Glen

Jackson-Bartlett

Fis 407.02(a)

Exeter River

 

 

- west of Rte. 121A

Sandown, Chester

Fis 407.02(e)

- Rte. 121A to the

Fremont/Brentwood town line

Sandown, Danville,

Fremont, Chester,

Raymond

Fis 407.03(a)

- Fremont/Brentwood town line

to the Pickpocket Dam

Brentwood, Exeter

Fis 407.03(a)

-Downstream side of the Cross Road Bridge to Route 111 bridge

Exeter

Fis 407.02(n)

-Route 111 bridge to Squamscott River

Exeter

Fis 407.03(a)

Flints Brook

Hollis

Fis 407.04(a)

Gulf Brook

Chesterfield

Fis 407.04(a)

Hampton River

Hampton, Hampton Falls

Fis 407.03(a)

Isinglass River, except:

 

Fis 407.02(e)

 -from Rte 125 bridge downstream

to the confluence with the Cocheco River

Rochester, Barrington,

Dover

Fis 407.02(n)

Lamb Valley Brook

Second College Grant

Fis 407.04(a)

Lamprey River, except:

Deerfield

Fis 407.02(e)

- Raymond/Deerfield town

line to Wiswall Dam

Candia, Raymond,

Epping, Lee, Durham

Fis 407.03(a)

      -from Wiswall Dam to the first railroad

      trestle downstream of Packers Falls

Durham

Fis 407.02(n)

     - from the first railroad trestle

     downstream of Packers Falls to the

     head of tide

Durham, Newmarket

Fis 407.03(a)

Long Mountain Brook

Stratford/Odell

Fis 407.04(a)

Loomis Valley Brook

Second College Grant

Fis 407.04(a)

Lost River, except:

Woodstock

Fis 407.02(e)

- from a point 100 feet above

the parking area entrance bridge

to a point 100 feet below the last

foot bridge in Lost River Gorge

 

Fis 407.02(d)

Lyman Brook, except:

 

Fis 407.02(e)

- from its headwaters to the upper bridge on Meriden Hill Road in Columbia

Columbia

Fis 407.04(a)

Magalloway River – NH sections downstream to boundary line at 44.795602oN -071.062732oW to 44.795602oN -071.061793oW using WGS84 map datum

Second College Grant, Wentworths Location, Errol

Fis 407.03(c)

Mascoma River, except:

Fis 407.02(e)

- from the Canaan/Enfield town

line to Mascoma Lake

Enfield

Fis 407.02(l)

- from the Rte. 4 bridge South of

the Mascoma Lake Dam downstream

to the covered bridge

Lebanon

Fis 407.02(a)

Meadow Brook

Sharon

Fis 407.04(a)

Merrimack River

- from the confluence of the

Winnipesaukee River and the

Pemigewasset River to the MA/NH boundary

Bow

Fis 407.03(a)

Merrymeeting River

- from the Merrymeeting Lake

dam to a point 200 feet below the

Powder Mill Hatchery

New Durham

Fis 407.02(d)

- from 200 feet below Powder Mill

Hatchery to the lower dam at Alton

New Durham, Alton

Fis 407.03(a)

- lower dam at Alton to the bridge

on Route 11 at Alton Bay

Alton

Fis 407.02(h)

Nashua River

- from MA/NH boundary to its

confluence with the Merrimack River

Nashua

Fis 407.03(a)

Newfound River,  except:

 

Fis 407.02(e)

- the area between West Shore Road

to the dam adjacent to Crescent Street

in Bristol

Bristol

Fis 407.02(m)

Perry Stream,  except:

 

Fis 407.02(e)

- from Happy Corner Bridge

to Connecticut River

Pittsburg

Fis 407.02(a)

Pemigewasset

- from the headwaters to

the Route 104 bridge in

Bristol/New Hampton; except

Ashland, Bridgewater,

New Hampton, Bristol

Fis 407.02(e)

-from the Route 104 bridge in Bristol/New Hampton to Ayers Island Dam

Bristol, New Hampton

Fis 407.03(a)

- from 300 feet below Ayers Island Dam to the Eastmans Falls Dam in Franklin

Bristol, Hill, New Hampton,

Sanbornton, Franklin

Fis 407.03(a)

- from the posts 150’ below the

Eastman Falls Dam in Franklin

to the confluence with the Winnipesaukee River

Franklin

Fis 407.03(a)

Piscataquog River, except:

 

Fis 407.02(e)

- from the Howe Bridge

to Glen Lake

Goffstown

Fis 407.03(a)

Piscataquog River, South Branch, except:

 

Fis 407.02(e)

- from 300' upstream of the bridge located at 42o 57.447’N 71o 42.494’ W using WGS84 map datum on  Lyndeborough Road

downstream to the first bridge on Route 13 in New Boston

New Boston

Fis 407.02(j)

Pond Brook

Stratford/Odell

Fis 407.04(a)

Pow Wow River

South Hampton

Fis 407.03(a)

Saco River, except:

 

Fis 407.02(e)

- from a point at Lucy Brook

marked by a sign, downstream to

similar sign at the confluence

with Artist Falls Brook

North Conway

Fis 407.02(a)

Sand Brook

Hillsborough

Fis 407.04(a)

Soucook River, except:

 

Fis 407.02(e)

- from the Loudon Village Dam in

Loudon to its confluence with the

Merrimack River

Loudon

Fis 407.03(a)

Souhegan River,  except:

 

Fis 407.02(e)

- from a point 300 feet upstream of the

Green bridge on Old Wilton Road in

Greenville to a point 300 feet downstream of the Route 31 bridge in Wilton

Greenville, Wilton

Fis 407.02(j)

Sucker Brook

Hollis

Fis 407.03(a)

Sucker Brook, except:

 

Fis 407.02(e)

-from the Dam in Auburn Village

downstream to Lake Massabesic

Auburn

Fis 407.03(a)

Sugar River, except:

 

Fis 407.02(e)

- Rte 11/103 Bridge to the

so-called Oak Street Bridge

Newport

Fis 407.02(o)

Suncook River,  except:

 

Fis 407.02(e)


- Rte 126 Bridge in Barnstead

downstream to its

confluence with the Merrimack River

Barnstead, Pittsfield

Chichester, Epsom,

Pembroke, Allenstown

Fis 407.03(a)

Swift Diamond River

Dixville, Dix’s Grant, Second College Grant

Fis 407.02(p)

Swift River, except:

 

Fis 407.02(e)

- Rte. 113A Bridge downstream

to Rte. 113 Bridge

Tamworth

Fis 407.02(a)

Taylor River

- west of Rte. 95

Hampton, Hampton Falls

Fis 407.03(a)

Turkey River

Concord

Fis 407.03(a)

West Branch Mohawk River

Colebrook

Fis 407.04(a)

Winnipesaukee River,  except:

 

Fis 407.02(e)

- area between the dam at Paugus Bay to a point 500' downstream and Messer Street bridge in Laconia downstream to Dixon Point in Laconia, and from the old bridge abutment (Union Bridge) in Tilton/Belmont downstream to a point 1,000 feet below the dam at Lochmere.

Laconia, Belmont, Tilton

Fis 407.02(k)

- from the Franklin Falls Hydro Dam to

its confluence with the

Pemigewasset River

Franklin

Fis 407.03(a)

Witches Spring Brook

Hollis

Fis 407.04(a)

All other rivers and streams

 

Fis 407.02(e)

 

Source. (See Revision Note # 1 at chapter heading for Fis 400 and Revision Note at chapter heading for Fis 500) #5016, eff 1-1-91; ss by #5234, eff 1-1-92; ss by #5291, eff 1-1-92; ss by #5614, eff 4-16-93; ss by #5718, eff 1-1-94; amd by #6086, eff 1-1-96; amd by #6253, eff 5-22-96; ss by #6629, eff 1-1-98; ss by #7115, eff 9-29-99; ss by #7383, eff 10-25-00; amd by #7582, eff 1-1-02; amd by #7763, eff 1-1-03; amd by #7926, eff 1-1-04; amd by #8119, eff 1-1-05; ss by #8442, eff 1-1-06; amd by #8671, eff 1-1-07; amd by #9005, eff 1-1-08; amd by #9249, eff 1-1-09; amd by #9773-A, eff 1-1-11; amd by #10007, eff 1-1-12; ss by #10425, eff 1-1-14; ss by #10674, eff 1-1-15; amd by #10936, eff 1-1-16; amd by #11080, eff 4-22-16; ss by #12510, eff 4-6-18; ss by #12933, eff 11-28-19

 

          Fis 407.02  Trout Waters.

 

          (a)  The taking of fish from any waterbody shown as limited by this paragraph in Table 400.2 shall be subject to the following restrictions:

 

(1)  This waterbody shall be managed for trout;

 

(2)  The open season for taking of all species, except salmon and smelt, shall be January 1 through October 15;

 

(3)  Fish shall be taken by fly fishing only;

 

(4)  The daily limit for brook trout shall be 2 fish;

 

(5)  The open season for taking smelt shall be January 1 through March 14 and June 16 through October 15;

 

(6)  Open season for taking salmon shall be from April 1 through September 30;

 

(7)  The daily bag limit for salmon shall be 2 fish;

 

(8)  The minimum length for salmon shall be 15 inches;

 

(9)  Fishing through the ice, from the ice, or from any object supported by the ice, shall be prohibited; and

 

(10)  The daily limit for all other species shall be as provided in Fis 403.

 

          (b)  The taking of fish from any waterbody shown as limited by this paragraph in Table 400.2 shall be subject to the following restrictions:

 

(1)  This waterbody shall be managed for trout;

 

(2)  The open season for taking of all species, except salmon and smelt, shall be January 1 through October 15;

 

(3)  Fish shall be taken by fly fishing only;

 

(4)  All fish shall be immediately released unharmed to the water;

 

(5)  The open season for taking smelt shall be January 1 through March 14 and June 16 through October 15;

 

(6)  Open season for taking salmon shall be from April 1 through September 30;

 

(7)  Fishing through the ice, from the ice, or from any object supported by the ice, shall be prohibited; and

 

(8)  The daily limit for all other species shall be as provided in Fis 403.

 

          (c)  The taking of fish from any waterbody shown as limited by this paragraph in Table 400.2 shall be subject to the restrictions in Fis 407.02(a) and the minimum total length for trout shall be 12 inches.

 

          (d)  Any waterbody shown as limited by this paragraph in Table 400.2 shall be closed to all fishing.

 

          (e)  The taking of fish from any waterbody shown as limited by this paragraph in Table 400.2 shall be subject to the following restriction:

 

(1)  This waterbody shall be managed for trout;

 

(2)  The open season for taking of all species, except salmon and smelt, shall be January 1 through October 15;

 

(3)  The daily limit for brook trout shall be 5 fish or 5 pounds of fish whichever limit shall first be reached;

 

(4)  The open season for taking smelt shall be January 1 through March 14 and June 16 through October 15;

 

(5)  Open season for taking salmon shall be from April 1 through September 30;

 

(6)  The daily bag limit for salmon shall be 2 fish;

 

(7)  The minimum length for salmon shall be 15 inches;

 

(8)  Fishing through the ice, from the ice, or from any object supported by the ice, shall be prohibited;

 

(9)  The daily limit for all other species shall be as provided in Fis 403; and

 

(10)  There shall be no closed season for the taking of bait fish listed in Fis 402.08 by the use of traps in accordance with RSA 211:9 and Fis 405.06.

 

          (f)  The taking of fish from any waterbody shown as limited by this paragraph in Table 400.2 shall be subject to the following restrictions:

 

(1)  This waterbody shall be managed for trout;

 

(2)  The open season for taking of all species, except salmon and smelt, shall be January 1 through October 15;

 

(3)  The daily limit for brook trout shall be 5 fish or 5 pounds of fish whichever limit shall first be reached;

 

(4)  The open season for taking smelt shall be January 1 through March 14 and June 16 through October 15;

 

(5)  Open season for taking salmon shall be from April 1 through September 30;

 

(6)  The daily bag limit for salmon shall be 2 fish;

 

(7)  The minimum length for salmon shall be 15 inches;

 

(8)  Brown trout may be taken between 2 hours after sunset and one hour before sunrise;

 

(9)  Fishing through the ice, from the ice, or from any object supported by the ice, shall be prohibited;

 

(10)  The daily limit for all other species shall be as provided in Fis 403; and

 

(11)  There shall be no closed season for the taking of bait fish listed in Fis 402.08 by the use of traps in accordance with RSA 211:9 and Fis 405.06.

 

          (g)  The taking of fish from any waterbody shown as limited by this paragraph in Table 400.2 shall be subject to the following restrictions:

 

(1)  This waterbody shall be managed for trout;

 

(2)  The open season for taking of all species, except salmon and smelt, shall be January 1 through November 30;

 

(3)  Only single hook artificial lures and flies shall be used;

 

(4)  The daily limit for brook trout shall be 2 fish;

 

(5)  The open season for taking smelt shall be January 1 through March 14 and June 16 through October 15;

 

(6)  Open season for taking salmon shall be from April 1 through September 30;

 

(7)  The daily bag limit for salmon shall be 2 fish;

 

(8)  The minimum length for salmon shall be 15 inches;

 

(9)  The minimum length for brook trout shall be 12 inches;

 

(10)  Fishing through the ice, from the ice, or from any object supported by the ice, shall be prohibited; and

 

(11)  The daily limit for all other species shall be as provided in Fis 403.

 

          (h)  The taking of fish from any waterbody shown as limited by this paragraph in Table 400.2 shall be subject to the following restrictions:

 

(1)  This waterbody shall be managed for trout;

 

(2)  The open season for taking of all species, except smelt, shall be January 1 through October 31 subject to the following:

 

a. From January 1 through June 15 and October 1 through October 31, all fish:

 

1.  Shall be taken by fly fishing only;

 

2.  Shall be immediately released; and

 

3.  All hooks shall be barbless or have all barbs pinched; and

 

b. From June 16 through September 30 fish may be taken by all legal methods as follows:

 

1.  The combined daily limit for salmon, lake trout and brook trout shall be 2 fish;

 

2.  The minimum length for brook trout and salmon shall be 15 inches; and

 

3.  The minimum length for lake trout shall be 18 inches;

 

 

(3)  Fishing through the ice, from the ice, or from any object supported by the ice, shall be prohibited; and

 

(4)  The daily limit for all other species shall be as provided in Fis 403.

 

          (i)  The taking of fish from any waterbody shown as limited by this paragraph in Table 400.2 shall be subject to the following restrictions:

 

(1)  This waterbody shall be managed for trout;

 

(2)  The open season for taking of all species, except salmon and smelt, shall be January 1 through October 15;

 

(3)  The open season for taking smelt shall be January 1 through March 14 and June 16 through October 15;

 

(4)  The daily limit for brook trout shall be 5 fish or 5 pounds of fish whichever limit shall first be reached;

 

(5)  This waterbody, and its tributaries to the first upstream dam, shall be closed to the taking of salmon;

 

(6)  Fishing through the ice, from the ice, or from any object supported by the ice, shall be prohibited;

 

(7)  The daily limit for all other species shall be as provided in Fis 403; and

 

(8)  There shall be no closed season for the taking of bait fish listed in Fis 402.08 by the use of traps in accordance with RSA 211:9.

 

          (j)  The taking of fish from any waterbody shown as limited by this paragraph in Table 400.2 shall be subject to the following restrictions:

 

(1)  This waterbody shall be managed for trout;

 

(2)  There shall be no closed season for all species, except salmon and smelt;

 

(3)  From October 16 through June 15 all fish shall be immediately released and only single hook artificial lures and flies shall be used and all hooks shall be barbless or have all barbs pinched;

 

(4)  From June 16 through October 15 fish may be taken by all legal methods and the daily limit for brook trout shall be 5 fish or 5 pounds of fish whichever limit shall first be reached;

 

(5)  The open season for taking smelt shall be January 1 through March 14 and June 16 through October 15;

 

(6)  Open season for taking salmon shall be from April 1 through September 30;

 

(7)  The daily bag limit for salmon shall be 2 fish;

 

(8)  The minimum length for salmon shall be 15 inches;

 

(9)  Fishing through the ice, from the ice, or from any object supported by the ice, shall be prohibited;

 

(10)  The daily limit for all other species shall be as provided in Fis 403; and

 

(11)  There shall be no closed season for the taking of bait fish listed in Fis 402.08 by the use of traps in accordance with RSA 211:9.

 

          (k)  The taking of fish from any waterbody shown as limited by this paragraph in Table 400.2 shall be subject to the following restrictions:

 

(1)  This waterbody shall be managed for trout;

 

(2)  The open season for taking of all species, except smelt, shall be April 1 through September 30;

 

(3)  The open season for taking smelt shall be June 16 through September 30;

 

(4)  The daily limit for brook trout shall be 5 fish or 5 pounds of fish whichever limit shall first be reached;

 

(5)  The minimum length for lake trout shall be 18 inches;

 

(6)  The minimum length for salmon shall be 15 inches;

 

(7)  The daily bag limit for salmon and lake trout shall be no more than 2 fish, whether 2 of one single species or one of each species;

 

(8)  Fishing through the ice, from the ice, or from any object supported by the ice, shall be prohibited; and

 

(9)  The daily limit for all other species shall be as provided in Fis 403.

 

          (l)  The taking of fish from any waterbody shown as limited by this paragraph in Table 400.2 shall be subject to the following restrictions:

 

(1)  This waterbody shall be managed for trout;

 

(2)  The open season for taking of all species, except salmon and smelt, shall be January 1 through October 15;

 

(3)  The daily limit for brook trout shall be 5 fish or 5 pounds of fish whichever limit shall first be reached;

 

(4)  The open season for taking smelt shall be as follows:

 

a. From January 1 through March 14 and June 16 through October 15 smelt shall be taken by angling only; and

 

b. From March 15 through April 30 smelt shall only be taken:

 

1. By means of a dip net not over 18 inches in diameter; and

 

2. Between the hours of sunset and 12 midnight;

 

(5)  Open season for taking salmon shall be from April 1 through September 30;

 

(6)  The daily bag limit for salmon shall be 2 fish;

 

(7)  The minimum length for salmon shall be 15 inches;

 

(8)  Fishing through the ice, from the ice, or from any object supported by the ice, shall be prohibited;

 

(9)  The daily limit for all other species shall be as provided in Fis 403; and

 

(10)  There shall be no closed season for the taking of bait fish listed in Fis 402.08 by the use of traps in accordance with RSA 211:9.        

 

          (m)  The taking of fish from any waterbody shown as limited by this paragraph in Table 400.2 shall be subject to the following restrictions:

 

(1)  The open season for the taking of all species except smelt shall be January 1 through October 31 subject to the following:

 

a. From January 1 through March 31 the daily limit for trout, including lake trout shall be 2 fish;

 

b. From April 1 through September 30 the combined daily limit for salmon, lake trout, brook trout shall be 2 fish;

 

c. From October 1 through October 31 all fish shall be immediately released and all hooks shall be barbless or have all barbs pinched; 

 

d. Fish shall be taken by fly fishing only;

 

e. The minimum length for salmon and lake trout shall be 15 inches;

 

f. The open season for taking salmon shall be January 1 through October 31;

 

g. From January 1 through March 31 and from October 1 through October 31 all salmon shall be immediately released; and

 

h. The open season for taking smelt shall be January 1 through March 14 and June 16 through September 30.

 

          (n) The taking of fish from any waterbody limited by this paragraph in Table 400.2 shall be subject to the following restrictions:

 

(1)  This waterbody shall be managed for trout;

 

(2)  There shall be no closed season for all species, except smelt;

 

(3)  From October 16 through the 4th Saturday in April the taking of fish shall be subject to the following:

 

a. All fish shall be immediately released;

 

b. Only single hook artificial lures and flies shall be used; and

 

c. All hooks shall be barbless or have all barbs pinched;

 

(4)  From the 4th Saturday in April to October 15:

 

a. Fish may be taken by all legal methods; and

 

b. The daily limit for brook trout shall be 5 fish or 5 pounds of fish whichever limit shall first be reached;

 

(5)  The open season for taking smelt shall be January 1 through March 14 and June 16 through October 15;

 

(6)  The open season for taking salmon shall be from April 1 through September 30;

 

(7)  The daily bag limit for salmon shall be 2 fish;

 

(8)  The minimum length for salmon shall be 15 inches;

 

(9)  Fishing through the ice, from the ice, or from any object supported by the ice, shall be prohibited;

 

(10)  The daily limit for all other species shall be provided in Fis 403; and

 

(11)  There shall be no closed season for the taking of bait fish listed in Fis 402.08 by the use of traps in accordance with RSA 211:9.

 

          (o)  The taking of fish from any waterbody shown as limited by this paragraph in Table 400.2 shall be subject to the following restrictions:

 

(1)  This waterbody shall be managed for trout;

 

(2)  The open season for taking of all species, except salmon and smelt, shall be January 1 through November 30;

 

(3)  Fish shall be taken by fly fishing only;

 

(4)  The daily limit for brook trout shall be 2 fish;

 

(5)  The open season for taking smelt shall be January 1 through March 14 and June 16 through October 15;

 

(6)  Open season for taking salmon shall be from April 1 through September 30;

 

(7)  The daily bag limit for salmon shall be 2 fish;

 

(8)  The minimum length for salmon shall be 15 inches;

 

(9)  Fishing through the ice, from the ice, or from any object supported by the ice, shall be prohibited; and

 

(10)  The daily limit for all other species shall be as provided in Fis 403.

 

          (p)  The taking of fish from any waterbody shown as limited by this paragraph in Table 400.2 shall be subject to the following restrictions:

 

(1)  This waterbody shall be managed for trout;

 

(2)  The open season for taking of all species, except trout, salmon and smelt, shall be January 1 through December 31;

 

(3)  The open season for taking brook trout shall be January 1 through September 30;

 

(4)  The daily limit for brook trout shall be 5 fish or 5 pounds of fish whichever limit shall first be reached;

 

(5)  The open season for taking smelt shall be January 1 through March 14 and June 16 through October 15;

 

(6)  The open season for taking salmon shall be from April 1 through September 30;

 

(7)  The daily bag limit for salmon shall be 2 fish;

 

(8)  The minimum length for salmon shall be 15 inches;

 

(9) Fishing through the ice, from the ice, or from any object supported by the ice, shall be prohibited;

 

(10)  The daily limit for all other species shall be as provided in Fis 403; and

 

(11)  There shall be no closed season for the taking of bait fish listed in Fis 402.08 by the use of traps in accordance with RSA 211:9.

 

          (q)  The taking of fish from any waterbody shown as limited by this paragraph in Table 400.2 shall be subject to the following restrictions:

 

(1)  This waterbody shall be managed for trout;

 

(2)  The open season for taking of all species, except salmon and smelt, shall be January 1 through October 15;

 

(3)  From January 1 through March 31 the taking of fish shall be subject to the following:

 

a. All fish shall be immediately released;

 

b. Only single hook artificial lures and flies shall be used; and

 

c. All hooks shall be barbless or have all barbs pinched;

 

(4)  From April 1 to October 15:

 

a. Fish may be taken by all legal methods; and

 

b. The daily limit for brook trout shall be 5 fish or 5 pounds of fish whichever limit shall first be reached;

 

(5)  The open season for taking smelt shall be January 1 through March 14 and June 16 through October 15;

 

(6)  Open season for taking salmon shall be from April 1 through September 30;

 

(7)  The daily bag limit for salmon shall be 2 fish;

 

(8)  The minimum length for salmon shall be 15 inches;

 

(9)  Fishing through the ice, from the ice, or from any object supported by the ice, shall be prohibited;

 

(10)  The daily limit for all other species shall be as provided in Fis 403; and

 

(11)  There shall be no closed season for the taking of bait fish listed in Fis 402.08 by the use of traps in accordance with RSA 211:9.

 

Source. (See Revision Note #1 at chapter heading for Fis 400 and Revision Note at chapter heading for Fis 500) #5016, eff 1-1-91; ss by #5234, eff 1-1-92; ss by #5291, eff 1-1-92; amd by #5614, eff 4-16-93; ss by #5718, eff 1-1-94; ss by #6432, eff 1-21-97; ss by #6629, eff 1-1-98; ss by #7115, eff 9-29-99; amd by #7763, eff 1-1-03; amd by #7926, eff 1-1-04; amd by #8119, eff 1-1-05; ss by #8442, eff 1-1-06; amd by #8671, eff 1-1-07; ss by #9005, eff 1-1-08; ss by #9249, eff 1-1-09; ss by #10007, eff 1-1-12; ss by #10674, eff 1-1-15; amd by #10936, eff 1-1-16; amd by #11080, eff 4-22-16; ss by #12933, eff 11-28-19

 

          Fis 407.03  Other Waters.

 

          (a)  The taking of fish from any waterbody shown as limited by this paragraph in Table 400.2 shall be subject to the following restrictions:

 

(1)  There shall be no closed season for all species except salmon and smelt;

 

(2)  The daily limit for brook trout shall be 5 fish or 5 pounds of fish whichever limit shall first be reached in open water and 2 fish through the ice;

 

(3)  Open season for taking salmon shall be from April 1 through September 30;

 

(4)  The daily bag limit for salmon shall be 2 fish;

 

(5)  The minimum length for salmon shall be 15 inches;

 

(6)  The daily limit for all other species shall be as provided in Fis 403; and

 

(7)  No more than 6 ice fishing devices shall be used to take fish while ice fishing.

 

          (b)  The taking of fish from any waterbody shown as limited by this paragraph in Table 400.2 shall be subject to the following restrictions:

 

(1)  There shall be no closed season for all species except salmon and smelt;

 

(2)  From March 1 through September 30, the daily limit for brook trout shall be 5 fish or 5 pounds of fish whichever limit shall first be reached in open water and 2 fish through the ice;

 

(3)  From October 1 through the last day of February:

 

a. All brook trout shall be immediately released;

 

b. Only single hook artificial lures and flies shall be used; and

 

c. All hooks shall be barbless or have all barbs pinched;

 

(4)  Open season for taking salmon shall be from April 1 through September 30;

 

(5)  The daily bag limit for salmon shall be 2 fish;

 

(6)  The minimum length for salmon shall be 15 inches;

 

(7)  The daily limit for all other species shall be as provided in Fis 403; and

 

(8)  No more than 6 ice fishing devices shall be used to take fish while ice fishing.

 

          (c)  The taking of fish from any waterbody shown as limited by this paragraph in Table 400.2 shall be subject to the following restrictions:

 

(1)  The open season for taking of all species, except salmon and smelt, shall be January 1 through September 30;

 

(2)  All brook trout taken shall be immediately released;

 

(3)  There shall be no size or bag limit for black bass;

 

(4)  The daily limit for all other species shall be as provided in Fis 403;

 

(5)  All fish shall only be taken with:

 

a. Single hook artificial lures and flies; and

 

b. All hooks shall be barbless or have all barbs pinched; and

 

(6)  Fishing through the ice, from the ice or from any objected supported by the ice shall be prohibited.

 

          (d) The taking of fish from any waterbody shown as limited by this paragraph in Table 400.2 shall be subject to the following restrictions:

 

(1)  There shall be no closed season for all species;

 

(2)  All fish taken shall be immediately released;

 

(3)  All fish shall only be taken with:

 

a. Single hook artificial lures and flies; and

 

b. All hooks shall be barbless or have all barbs pinched; and

 

(4)  Fishing through the ice, from the ice or from any objected supported by the ice shall be prohibited.

 

Source. (See Revision Note #1 at chapter heading for Fis 400 and Revision Note at chapter heading for Fis 500) #5016, eff 1-1-91; ss by #5234, eff 1-1-92; ss by # 5291, eff 1-1-92; amd by #5614, eff 4-16-93; rpld by #6086, eff 1-1-96; ss by #6432, eff 1-21-97; ss by #6629, eff 1-1-98; ss by #7115, eff 9-29-99; amd by #7383, eff 10-25-00; amd by #7582, eff 1-1-02; amd by #7763, eff 1-1-03; ss by #8442, eff 1-1-06; ss by #9005, eff 1-1-08; amd by #9249, eff 1-1-09; amd by #9773-A, eff 1-1-11; ss by #10007, eff 1-1-12; ss by #10425, eff 1-1-14; ss by #10674, eff 1-1-15; amd by #10936, eff 1-1-16; ss by #12510, eff 4-6-18; ss by #12933, eff 11-28-19

 

          Fis 407.04  Wild Trout Waters.

 

          (a)  The taking of fish from this waterbody as referenced from Table 400.2 in Fis 407.01(d) shall be subject to the following restrictions:

 

(1)  This waterbody shall be managed for wild trout;

 

(2)  The open season for taking all species shall be January 1 through Labor day;

 

(3)  Only single hook artificial lures and flies shall be used and all hooks shall be barbless or have all barbs pinched;

 

(4)  All fish shall be immediately released unharmed to the water; and

 

(5)  Fishing through the ice, from the ice, or from any object supported by the ice shall be prohibited.

 

Source.  #7763, eff 1-1-03; ss by #8442, eff 1-1-06; ss by #10007, eff 1-1-12; ss by #10674, eff 1-1-15

 

PART Fis 408  CONNECTICUT RIVER RULES

 

Statutory Authority:  RSA 211:5

 

          Fis 408.01  Validity of Licenses.

 

          (a)  Vermont resident fishing licenses and New Hampshire fishing licenses shall be deemed valid for the taking of fish in the Connecticut River. For the purposes of this, “Connecticut River” means all waters of the river including the bays, set backs, and tributaries, only to the first highway bridge crossing said tributaries on the Vermont and New Hampshire sides.

 

          (b)  A person holding a New Hampshire non-resident license shall only take fish from that portion of the Connecticut River east of the Vermont low water mark.

 

          (c)  A person holding a Vermont non-resident license shall only take fish from that portion of the Connecticut River west of the Vermont low water mark.

 

Source.  #745, eff 1-25-76; ss by #2263, eff 1-7-83; ss by #2839, eff 8-31-84; ss by #4722, eff 1-1-90; ss by #4878, eff 7-23-90; ss by #6276, INTERIM, eff 6-26-96, EXPIRED 10-24-96

 

New.  #6432, eff 1-21-97; ss by #6950, INTERIM, eff 2-27-99, EXPIRED 6-27-99

 

New.  #7115, eff 9-29-99; ss by #8442, eff 1-1-06; ss by #10425, eff 1-1-14; ss by #13698, eff 7-26-23 (see Revision Note #2 at chapter heading for Fis 400)

 

          Fis 408.02  Trout.

 

          (a)  The season for taking brook, brown or rainbow trout by all legal methods shall open on January 1 and close October 15, except in the portion of the river from the boundary of Canaan, VT and Pittsburg, NH downstream to the Main St. bridge in West Stewartstown, NH from January 1st to March 31, during which only single barbless hook, artificial lures/flies shall be used. 

 

          (b)  The daily bag limit for trout through open water shall be 5 fish or 5 lbs., except that:

 

(1)  In that portion of the river from the Samuel Moore dam downstream to the Rte. 18 bridge the daily limit shall be one fish; and

 

(2)  In the portion of the river from the boundary of Canaan, VT and Pittsburg, NH downstream to the Main St. bridge in West Stewartstown, NH, from January 1st to March 31, all fish shall be immediately released.

 

          (c)  The daily bag limit through the ice shall be 2 fish, except in:

 

(1)  that portion of the river from the Samuel Moore dam downstream to the Rte. 18 bridge the daily limit shall be one fish; and

 

(2)  that portion of the river from the boundary of Canaan, VT and Pittsburg, NH downstream to the Main St. bridge in West Stewartstown, NH from January 1st to March 31, ice fishing shall be prohibited

 

Source.  #745, eff 1-25-76; ss by #2263, eff 1-7-83; ss by #2839, eff 8-31-84; amd by #3169, eff 12-31-85; ss by #4722, 1-1-90; ss by #5281, eff 1-1-92; EXPIRED 1-1-98

 

New.  #6950, INTERIM, eff 2-27-99, EXPIRED: 6-27-99

 

New.  #7115, eff 9-29-99; ss by #8442, eff 1-1-06; ss by #10425, eff 1-1-14; ss by #10936, eff 1-1-16; ss by #11080, eff 4-22-16

 

          Fis 408.03  Salmon.

 

           (a)  For the purposes of this section, the following definitions shall apply:

 

(1)  “Angling” means fishing with hook and line which is personally attended;

 

(2)  “Fly fishing” means angling with the use of a single or double, side by side, hook whose gape does not exceed 1/2 inch, dressed with hair, feathers, tinsel, thread, yarn, or similar material and provided that additional weight is not built into the fly in its construction, as in a weighted nymph, and no additional weight or other attachments such as spinners or swivels are attached to the hook, leader or line;

 

(3)  “River” means the main stem of the Connecticut River from the Massachusetts and New Hampshire border north to the base of the dam at Lake Francis in Pittsburg, New Hampshire;

 

(4)  “Snagging”, “snatching”, “lifting”, or “jigging” means the taking or attempting to take any fish by foul hooking, that is, hooking the fish in any part of the body other than inside the mouth;

 

(5)  “Take” or “taking” means killing or capturing or otherwise rendering into possession; and

 

(6)  “Commission” means the Connecticut River Atlantic Salmon Commission established under RSA 213:A-1, Article III.

 

           (b)  Connecticut River Basin Atlantic salmon licensing requirements shall be as follows:

 

(1)  No person shall take, attempt to take, assist in taking, or possess, on the waters or the shores of the river or any of its tributaries, any Atlantic salmon without first having obtained a Connecticut River Basin Atlantic salmon license from the fish and game department or its agent;

 

(2)  Such license shall be issued by the fish and game department on forms provided by the commission and shall be valid during the calendar year of issue;

 

(3)  No person shall be issued such license unless such person has first obtained a valid fishing license for all species required by the fish and game department;

 

(4)  The fee for such license shall be $10.50, $.50 of which shall be retained by the fish and game department; and

 

(5)  Such license shall be displayed in a conspicuous manner on the outer garment at all times when angling for Atlantic salmon.

 

           (c)  The seasons, methods, and limits shall be as follows:

 

(1)  No person shall take or attempt to take from the river or possess on the waters or shores of the river any Atlantic salmon except at such times as the commission declares an open season in the river or in specified areas of the river;

 

(2)  The fish and game department shall issue Connecticut River Atlantic salmon tags at no additional cost to the holders of the Connecticut River Basin Atlantic salmon license.  The number       of tags issued to each individual license holder by the fish and game department shall be as set forth           in regulations promulgated by the commission.  Any person taking any Atlantic salmon in the main stem of the Connecticut River shall immediately attach thereto a Connecticut River salmon tag and    the possession of an Atlantic salmon on the waters or shores of the river without such tag attached and the removal of such tag prior to preparation for consumption shall be prohibited;

 

(3)  During any open season declared by the commission, Atlantic salmon shall be taken by fly fishing only, the minimum length for Atlantic salmon shall be 15 inches and the daily and seasonal creel limit shall be as determined by the commission upon declaration of any open season;

 

(4)  Any Atlantic salmon taken under the provisions of this shall be presented to the fish and game department or its agent;

 

(5)  The snagging of Atlantic salmon shall be prohibited;

 

(6)  The taking of Atlantic salmon with the aid of an artificial light shall be prohibited;

 

(7)  The use of open or closed face spinning reels, spin cast reels, free spool reels, bait casting reels, similar devices, or lead core lines shall be prohibited;

 

(8)  No Atlantic salmon shall be taken within 250 feet of any dam or fishway;

 

(9)  The use of a gaff to land Atlantic salmon is prohibited; and

 

(10)  All Atlantic salmon taken contrary to subparagraphs (1) through (9) above shall be immediately returned, without avoidable injury, to the water from which taken.

 

          (d)  Nothing in these rules shall prohibit a duly authorized state, federal, or commission employee, acting within the scope of official employment, from taking or possessing Atlantic salmon for the purposes of research, management, or propagation.

 

          (e)  Any person who violates any provision of these rules shall be subject to the penalties set forth in RSA 206:19-a.

 

Source.  #745, eff 1-25-76; ss by #2263, eff 1-7-83; ss by #2839, eff 8-31-84; amd by #4095, eff 7-22-86; ss by #4808, eff 4-27-90; ss by #6276, INTERIM, eff 6-26-96, EXPIRED 10-24-96

 

New.  #6432, eff 1-21-97, EXPIRED: 1-21-05

 

New.  #8381, eff 6-21-05; ss by #8442, eff 1-1-06; ss by #10425, eff 1-1-14; ss by #13698, eff 7-26-23 (see Revision Note #2 at chapter heading for Fis 400)

 

            Fis 408.04  Black Bass.

 

            (a)  There shall be no closed season for taking black bass by all legal methods, except as otherwise provided in Fis 408.10.

 

            (b)  The daily bag limits shall be as follows:

 

(1)  From January 1 to March 31, 2 fish of which only one bass may be greater than 16 inches;

 

(2)  From April 1 to May 14 and June 16 to June 30, 2 fish; and

 

(3)  Between May 15 and June 15 all black bass shall be immediately released unharmed at the site of catch to the waters from which taken; and

 

(4) From July 1 to December 31, 5 fish.

 

            (c)  There shall be no limits on length or weight.

 

            (d)  During the period beginning May 15 and ending June 15, black bass shall be taken only by artificial lures and flies.

 

Source.  #745, eff 1-25-76; ss by #2263, eff 1-7-83; ss by #2839, eff 8-31-84; ss by #4808, eff 4-27-90; ss by #5281, eff 1-1-92; ss by #6627, eff 1-1-98; ss by #8442, eff 1-1-06; ss by #10007, eff 1-1-12; ss by #12510, eff 4-6-18

 

          Fis 408.05  Walleye or Pike Perch.

 

          (a)  There shall be no closed season for taking walleye, by all legal methods, except as provided in Fis 408.10.

 

           (b)  No person shall take walleye 16 to 18 inches in length.

 

          (c)  The daily bag limit shall be 4 fish of which only one may be larger than 18 inches.

 

Source.  #745, eff 1-25-76; amd by #1844, eff 1-1-82; ss by #2263, eff 1-7-83; ss by #2839, eff 8-31-84; ss by #4808, eff 4-27-90; ss by #6276, INTERIM, eff 6-26-96, EXPIRED 10-24-96

 

New.  #6432, eff 1-21-97; ss by #6627, eff 1-1-98; ss by #8442, eff 1-1-06; ss by #10425, eff 1-1-14; ss by #13698, eff 7-26-23 (see Revision Note #2 at chapter heading for Fis 400)

 

          Fis 408.06  Pickerel.

 

          (a)  There shall be no closed season for taking pickerel, by all legal methods, except as otherwise provided in Fis 408.10.

 

          (b)  The daily bag limit shall be 10 fish.

 

Source.  #745, eff 1-25-76; ss by #2263, eff 1-7-83; ss by #2839, eff 8-31-84; ss by #4808, eff 4-27-90; ss by #6276, INTERIM, eff 6-26-96, EXPIRED 10-24-96

 

New.  #6432, eff 1-21-97, EXPIRED: 1-21-05

 

New.  #8381, eff 6-21-05; ss by #8442, eff 1-1-06; ss by #10425, eff 1-1-14; ss by #13698, eff 7-26-23 (see Revision Note #2 at chapter heading for Fis 400)

 

          Fis 408.07  Horned Pout (Ameiurus nebulosus).

 

           (a)  There shall be no closed season for taking horned pout by all legal methods, except as otherwise provided in Fis 408.10.

 

           (b)  There shall be no length or weight limits.

 

          (c)  The daily bag limit shall be 25 horned pout.

 

 

Source.  #745, eff 1-25-76; ss by #2263, eff 1-7-83; ss by #2839, eff 8-31-84; ss by #4808, eff 4-27-90; ss by #6276, INTERIM, eff 6-26-96, EXPIRED 10-24-96

 

New.  #6432, eff 1-21-97, EXPIRED: 1-21-05

 

New.  #8381, eff 6-21-05; ss by #8442, eff 1-1-06; ss by #10425, eff 1-1-14; ss by #13698, eff 7-26-23 (see Revision Note #2 at chapter heading for Fis 400)

 

          Fis 408.08  Carp.  There shall be no closed season for taking carp by any legal method or by means of long bow, and arrow with cord attached, in that part of the Connecticut River beginning at the point on the northern boundary of Grafton County in New Hampshire which is directly opposite the town of Concord, Vermont, and ending to the south at the Massachusetts border.

 

Source.  #745, eff 1-25-76; ss by #2263, eff 1-7-83; ss by #2839, eff 8-31-84; ss by #4722, eff 1-1-90; ss by #6141, INTERIM eff 12-20-95, EXPIRED 4-18-96

 

New.  #6253, eff 5-22-96, EXPIRED: 5-22-04

 

New.  #8381, eff 6-21-05; ss by #8442, eff 1-1-06; ss by #10425, eff 1-1-14; ss by #13698, eff 7-26-23 (see Revision Note #2 at chapter heading for Fis 400)

 

           Fis 408.09  Ice Fishing for Certain Species.

 

          (a)  A person shall be permitted to take all species except salmon through the ice during the open season for such species, except as otherwise provided in Fis 408.10.

 

          (b)  No more than 6 ice fishing devices shall be used to take fish while ice fishing.

 

Source.  #745, eff 1-25-76; amd by 1844, eff 1-1-82; ss by #2263, eff 1-7-83; amd by #2500, eff 11-1-83; ss by #2839, eff 8-31-84; ss by #4722, eff 1-1-90; ss by #6141, INTERIM eff 12-20-95, EXPIRED 4-18-96

 

New.  #6253, eff 5-22-96, EXPIRED: 5-22-04

 

New.  #8381, eff 6-21-05; ss by #8442, eff 1-1-06; ss by #10425, eff 1-1-14; ss by #13698, eff 7-26-23 (see Revision Note #2 at chapter heading for Fis 400)

 

          Fis 408.10  Closed Season in Certain Portion of River.

 

           (a)  The Connecticut River shall be closed to the taking of all species from October 16 to December 31, in the portion of the river beginning at the confluence of the Upper Ammonoosuc River and the Connecticut River in Northumberland and ending at the northern boundary of the town of Canaan, Vermont.

 

          (b)  From a point 1600 feet upstream from the bridge in North Stratford, upstream to a point 250 feet below the Lyman Falls Dam in North Stratford, and marked by a sign, the following restrictions shall apply:

 

(1)  Fishing shall be permitted by artificial lures and flies only;

 

(2)  All lures and flies shall have barbless hooks or have all barbs pinched so that they will not interfere with removal of the hook from the fish; and

 

(3)  All fish shall be immediately released unharmed to the waters.

 

Source.  #745, eff 1-25-76; ss by #2263, eff 1-7-83; ss by #2839, eff 8-31-84; ss by #4722, eff 1-1-90; ss #4808, eff 4-27-90; ss #5281, eff 1-1-92; EXPIRED 1-1-98

 

New.  #6950, INTERIM, eff 2-27-99, EXPIRED: 6-27-99

 

New.  #7384, eff 10-25-00; ss by #8442, eff 1-1-06; ss by #10425, eff 1-1-14; ss by #13698, eff 7-26-23 (see Revision Note #2 at chapter heading for Fis 400)

 

          Fis 408.11  Liability for Prosecution.  Violators of the provisions of this part shall be liable to prosecution under the laws of New Hampshire or, alternatively, may be liable to prosecution under Vermont law.

Source.  #745, eff 1-25-76; ss by #2263, eff 1-7-83; ss by #2839, eff 8-31-84; ss by #4808, eff 4-27-90; ss by #6276, INTERIM, eff 6-26-96, EXPIRED 10-24-96

 

New.  #6432, eff 1-21-97, EXPIRED: 1-21-05

 

New.  #8381, eff 6-21-05; ss by #8442, eff 1-1-06; ss by #10425, eff 1-1-14; ss by #13698, eff 7-26-23 (see Revision Note #2 at chapter heading for Fis 400)

 

          Fis 408.12  American Shad (Alosa sapidissima).

 

          (a)  There shall be no closed season for taking American, sea-run, shad, by all legal fishing methods, from the waters of New Hampshire.  Such taking from designated brook trout waters shall be prohibited from October 16 to the Friday before the fourth Saturday in April.

 

          (b)  American shad (Alosa sapidissima) taken by any method shall be immediately released back into the waters from which it was taken.

 

Source.  #1844, eff 1-1-82; ss by #2263, eff 1-7-83; ss by #2839, eff 8-31-84; ss by #4808, eff 4-27-90; ss by #6276, INTERIM, eff 6-26-96, EXPIRED 10-24-96

 

New.  #6432, eff 1-21-97, EXPIRED: 1-21-05

 

New.  #8381, eff 6-21-05; ss by #8442, eff 1-1-06; ss by #10263, eff 1-29-13; ss by #13475, eff 10-28-22

 

          Fis 408.13  Northern Pike.

 

           (a)  Northern pike less than 28 inches total length shall not be taken.

 

           (b)  The daily bag limit shall be one fish.

Source.  #3169, eff 12-31-85; ss by #4808, eff 4-27-90; ss by #6276, INTERIM, eff 6-26-96, EXPIRED 10-24-96

 

New.  #6432, eff 1-21-97, EXPIRED: 1-21-05

 

New.  #8381, eff 6-21-05; ss by #8442, eff 1-1-06; ss by #10425, eff 1-1-14; ss by #13698, eff 7-26-23 (see Revision Note #2 at chapter heading for Fis 400)

 

          Fis 408.14  Fishways Closed.  Fishways on the Connecticut River shall be closed as follows:

 

           (a)  Vernon Dam in Vernon, Vermont and Hinsdale, New Hampshire shall be closed to all fishing 150 feet below the dam; and

 

          (b)  Wilder Dam in Wilder, Vermont and Lebanon, New Hampshire shall be closed to all fishing 150 feet below the dam.

 

Source.  #4722, eff 1-1-90; ss by #6141, INTERIM eff 12-20-95, EXPIRED 4-18-96

 

New.  #6253, eff 5-22-96, EXPIRED: 5-22-04

 

New.  #8381, eff 6-21-05; ss by #8442, eff 1-1-06; ss by by #10425, eff 1-1-14; ss by #13698, eff 7-26-23 (see Revision Note #2 at chapter heading for Fis 400)

 

          Fis 408.15  Method of Taking in Open Water.  Any person fishing in open water shall use no more than 2 lines.

 

Source.  #4808, eff 4-27-90; ss by #6276, INTERIM, eff 6-26-96, EXPIRED 10-24-96

 

New.  #6432, eff 1-21-97; ss by #6627, eff 1-1-98; ss by #8442, eff 1-1-06; ss by #10425, eff 1-1-14; ss by #13698, eff 7-26-23 (see Revision Note #2 at chapter heading for Fis 400)

 

          Fis 408.16  Other Species of Fish.

 

          (a)  There shall be no closed season for taking black crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus), white perch (Morone americana), yellow perch (Perca flavescens), horned pout, or sunfish (Lepomis auritus, L. gibosus, or L. macrochirus) by all legal methods, except as otherwise provided in Fis 408.10.

 

           (b)  The daily bag limit for black crappie shall be 25 fish.

 

          (c)  The daily bag limit for white perch shall be 25 fish.

 

           (d)  The daily bag limit for yellow perch shall be 25 fish.

 

          (e)  The daily bag limit for sunfish shall be 25 fish.

 

          (f)  The aggregate daily limit for black crappie, white perch, yellow perch, sunfish, and horned pout shall not exceed 50 fish.

 

          (g)  There shall be no limits on length or weight of black crappie, white perch, yellow perch, or sunfish taken.

 

Source.  #8442, eff 1-1-06; ss by #10425, eff 1-1-14; ss by #13698, eff 7-26-23 (see Revision Note #2 at chapter heading for Fis 400)

 

          Fis 408.17  River Herring.  The Connecticut River and tributaries shall be closed to the taking of alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus) and blueback herring (Alosa aestivalis).

 

Source.  #10936, eff 1-1-16

 

          Fis 408.18  Round Whitefish (Prosopium cylindraceum). Round whitefish (Prosopium cylindraceum) taken by any method shall be immediately released back into the waters from which it was taken.

 

Source.  #12161, eff 4-18-17

 

PART Fis 409  MASSACHUSETTS – NEW HAMPSHIRE BOUNDARY WATERS

 

          Fis 409.01  Waters Included.

 

          (a)  The following bodies of water, lying in the towns identified and subject to the rules specified in this part, shall be designated as Massachusetts-New Hampshire interstate waters:

 

(1)  Bent Pond in Winchester, New Hampshire and Warwick, Massachusetts;

 

(2)  Long Pond in Pelham, New Hampshire and Dracut, Massachusetts;

 

(3)  Lake Monomonac in Rindge, New Hampshire and Winchendon, Massachusetts;

 

(4)  Robbins Pond in Rindge, New Hampshire and Winchendon, Massachusetts; and

 

(5)  Tuxbury Pond in South Hampton, New Hampshire and Amesbury, Massachusetts.

 

Source.  (See Revision Note #1 at chapter heading for Fis 400 and Revision Note at chapter heading for Fis 500) #5016, eff 1-1-91; EXPIRED 1-1-97

 

New.  #6432, eff 1-21-97, EXPIRED: 1-21-05

 

New.  #8381, eff 6-21-05; ss by #8442, eff 1-1-06; ss by #10425, eff 1-1-14; ss by #13698, eff 7-26-23 (see Revision Note #2 at chapter heading for Fis 400)

 

          Fis 409.02  Seasons for All Species.  There shall be no closed season for taking any species, by all legal methods, in Massachusetts-New Hampshire interstate waters.

 

Source.  (See Revision Note #1 at chapter heading for Fis 400 and Revision Note at chapter heading for Fis 500) #5016, eff 1-1-91; EXPIRED 1-1-97

 

New.  #6432, eff 1-21-97, EXPIRED: 1-21-05

 

New.  #8381, eff 6-21-05; ss by #8442, eff 1-1-06; ss by #10425, eff 1-1-14; ss by #13698, eff 7-26-23 (see Revision Note #2 at chapter heading for Fis 400)

 

          Fis 409.03  Black Bass.

 

          (a)  The daily bag limit shall be:

 

(1)  From January 1 to March 31, 2 fish, of which only one black bass may be greater than 16 inches; and

 

(2)  From April 1 to May 14 and June 16 to June 30, 2 fish; and

 

(3)  Five fish from July 1 to ice-in.

 

           (b)  From May 15 through June 15, all black bass shall:

 

(1)  Be immediately released unharmed at the site of capture; and

 

(2)  Be taken by artificial lures and flies only.

 

Source.  (See Revision Note #1 at chapter heading for Fis 400 and Revision Note at chapter heading for Fis 500) #5016, eff 1-1-91; EXPIRED 1-1-97

 

New.  #6432, eff 1-21-97; ss by #7582, eff 1-1-02; ss by #8442, eff 1-1-06; ss by #10007, eff 1-1-12; ss by #10425, eff 1-1-14; ss by #13698, eff 7-26-23 (see Revision Note #2 at chapter heading for Fis 400)

 

          Fis 409.04  Other Species of Fish.

 

          (a)  There shall be no closed season for taking black crappie, white perch, yellow perch, horned pout, or sunfish by all legal methods.

 

          (b)  The daily bag limit for black crappie shall be 25 fish.

 

          (c)  The daily bag limit for white perch shall be 25 fish.

 

          (d)  The daily bag limit for yellow perch shall be 25 fish.

 

          (e)  The daily bag limit for horned pout shall be 25 fish.

 

          (f)  The daily bag limit for sunfish shall be 25 fish.

 

           (g)  The aggregate daily limit for black crappie, white perch, yellow perch, sunfish, and horned pout shall not exceed 50 fish.

 

          (h)  There shall be no limits on length or weight of black crappie, white perch, yellow perch, horned pout or sunfish.

 

          (i)  The taking of northern pike shall be subject to the following:

 

(1)  The minimum total length shall be 28 inches; and

 

(2)  The daily bag limit shall be one fish.

 

          (j)  The taking of walleye shall be subject to the following:

 

(1)  The minimum total length shall be 18 inches; and

 

(2)  The daily bag limit shall be 2 fish.

 

Source.  (See Revision Note #1 at chapter heading for Fis 400 and Revision Note at chapter heading for Fis 500) #5016, eff 1-1-91; EXPIRED 1-1-97

 

New.  #6432, eff 1-21-97, EXPIRED: 1-21-05

 

New.  #8381, eff 6-21-05; ss by #8442, eff 1-1-06; ss by #10425, eff 1-1-14; ss by #13698, eff 7-26-23 (see Revision Note #2 at chapter heading for Fis 400)

 

          Fis 409.05  Pickerel.

 

          (a)  The daily bag limit shall be 10 fish.

 

          (b)  There shall be no limits on length or weight for pickerel.

 

Source.  (See Revision Note #1 at chapter heading for Fis 400 and Revision Note at chapter heading for Fis 500) #5016, eff 1-1-91; EXPIRED 1-1-97

 

New.  #6432, eff 1-21-97, EXPIRED: 1-21-05

 

New.  #8381, eff 6-21-05; ss by #8442, eff 1-1-06; ss by #10425, eff 1-1-14; ss by #13698, eff 7-26-23 (see Revision Note #2 at chapter heading for Fis 400)

 

PART Fis 410  MAINE-NEW HAMPSHIRE INTERSTATE WATERS RULES

 

Statutory Authority:  RSA 211:4

 

Fis 410.01  Waters Included.

 

(a)  Interstate waters between New Hampshire and Maine subject to this part shall include:

 

(1)  Umbagog Lake in Errol/Cambridge, New Hampshire and Upton, Maine which shall include the waters of the Androscoggin River upstream of the Errol Dam, the waters of the Magalloway River upstream to coordinates 44.795602o -071.062732o to 44.795602o -071.061793o using WGS84 map datum within the state of New Hampshire and the waters of the Rapid River upstream to the marker at Cedar Stump in the State of Maine;

 

(2)  Province Lake in Effingham/Wakefield, New Hampshire and Acton/Newfield, Maine;

 

(3)  Balch Pond in Wakefield, New Hampshire and Parsonsfield, Maine;

 

(4)  Horn Pond, the northern terminus of which shall be delineated by signage, in Wakefield, New Hampshire and Acton, Maine;

 

(5)  Great East Lake in Wakefield, New Hampshire and Acton, Maine;

 

(6)  Milton Watershed in Milton, New Hampshire and Lebanon, Maine which shall include all of the Milton Three Ponds – Northeast Pond, Milton Pond and Townhouse Pond beginning at the dam in Milton to the influx of the Branch River and the Salmon Falls River;

 

(7)  Lower Kimball Pond in Chatham, New Hampshire and Fryeburg, Maine;

 

(8)  Spaulding Pond in Milton, New Hampshire and Lebanon, Maine; and

 

(9)  The Salmon Falls River in Wakefield, Milton, Rochester, Somersworth, and Rollinsford, New Hampshire and Acton, Berwick and South Berwick, Maine, including the upper reach of the Salmon Falls River beginning at the outlet dam of Great East Lake, also known as State Line Canal, to a point downstream marked by signage delineating the northern terminus of Horn Pond.

 

Source.  #745, eff 1-25-76; ss by #2263, eff 1-7-83; ss by #2839, eff 8-31-84; amd by #4153, eff 10-31-86; ss by #4723, eff 1-1-90; ss by #6141, INTERIM eff 12-20-95, EXPIRED 4-18-96

 

New.  #6253, eff 5-22-96; amd by #6628, eff 1-1-98; ss by #8381, eff 6-21-05; ss by #8442, eff 1-1-06; ss by #9005, eff 1-1-08; ss by #10425, eff 1-1-14; amd by #10936, eff 1-1-16; amd by #11080, eff 4-22-16

 

Fis 410.02  Ice Fishing Restrictions.

 

(a)  The open season for ice fishing except on Great East Lake as specified in Fis 410.06 and Salmon Falls River as specified in Fis 410.05, shall be January 1 to March 31 for all species except salmon.

 

(b)  No person shall take a salmon or cusk through the ice.

 

(c)  The daily bag limits shall be as follows:

 

(1)  Two lake trout, also known as togue, 2 rainbow trout, 2 brown trout or 2 brook trout except in Lake Umbagog as specified in Fis 410.07;

 

(2)  Pickerel shall be 10 fish;

 

(3)  Black bass shall be 2 fish with only one over 14 inches;

 

(4)  Smelt shall be 2 quarts; and

 

(5)  There shall be no bag limits on all other species of fish.

 

(d)  The minimum total lengths shall be as follows:

 

(1)  Lake trout, also known as togue, shall be 18 inches, except in Great East Lake as specified in Fis 410.06;

 

(2)  Brook trout shall be 6 inches, except in Lake Umbagog as specified in Fis 410.07;

 

(3)  Brown trout and rainbow trout shall be 10 inches in lakes and ponds; and

 

(4)  There shall be no length or weight limits on all other species of fish.

 

(e)  No person shall use more than 5 lines to take fish except in Great East Lake as specified in Fis 410.06..

 

(f)  No dead or living pickerel, goldfish, yellow perch, white perch, black bass, sunfish, crappie, horned pout, carp or any spiny finned fish shall be taken, sold or possessed for use as bait for fishing in New Hampshire-Maine interstate waters.

 

(g)  Smelt shall be taken only by angling in all interstate waters and their tributaries except in the tributaries of Great East Lake the taking of smelt shall be closed.

 

(h)  The following restrictions shall apply to ice fishing shacks on the Maine/New Hampshire interstate waters:

 

(1)  No person who owns any shack or temporary structure used for ice fishing shall place, or allow the shack or structure to be placed, on the ice more than 3 days before the waters on which the shack or structure is located are open to ice fishing;

 

(2)  All ice fishing shacks while on the ice shall be labeled on the outside in 2 inch letters with the name and address of the owner; and

 

(3)  Ice fishing shacks shall be removed from the ice within 3 days after those waters close to ice fishing.

 

Source.  #745, eff 1-25-76; ss by #2263, eff 1-7-83; ss by #2839, eff 8-31-84; ss by #4723, eff 1-1-90; ss by #6141, INTERIM eff 12-20-95, EXPIRED 4-18-96

 

New.  #6253, eff 5-22-96; amd by #7582, eff 1-1-02; ss by #8381, eff 6-21-05; ss by #8442, eff 1-1-06; ss by #9005, eff 1-1-08 ss by #10425, eff 1-1-14; ss by #10936, eff 1-1-16

 

Fis 410.03  Open Water Restrictions.

 

(a)  The open water fishing season, except on the Salmon Falls River, shall be April 1 to December 31 except that in all lakes and ponds between October 1 and December 31, all trout, landlocked salmon, and lake trout shall be released alive at once.

 

(b)  From May 15 to June 30, black bass shall be taken only with artificial lures and flies.

 

(c)  The daily bag limits shall be as follows:

 

(1)  Two lake trout, also known as togue, 2 salmon, 2 rainbow trout, 2 brown trout, or 2 brook trout except in Lake Umbagog as specified in Fis 410.07;

 

(2)  For pickerel the limit shall be 10 fish;

 

(3)  For black bass the limit shall be:

 

a.  Two fish from April 1 to May 14;

 

b.  Catch and immediate release from May 15 to June 30; and

 

c. Two fish from July 1 to December 31;

 

(4)  For smelt the limit shall be 2 quarts; and

 

(5)  There shall be no bag limits on all other species of fish.

 

(d)  The minimum total length shall be as follows:

 

(1)  For salmon the minimum total length shall be 14 inches;

 

(2)  For lake trout also known as togue, the minimum total length shall be 18 inches, except in Great East Lake pursuant to Fis 410.06;

 

(3)  For brook trout the minimum total length shall be 6 inches, except in Lake Umbagog pursuant to Fis 410.07;

 

(4)  For brown trout and rainbow trout the total minimum length shall be 10 inches in lakes and ponds and 6 inches in rivers and streams;

 

(5)  Only one black bass shall be greater than 14 inches; and

 

(6)  There shall be no length or weight limits on all other species of fish.

 

(e)  No person shall use more than 2 lines to take fish.

 

(f)  No dead or living pickerel, goldfish, yellow perch, white perch, black bass, sunfish, crappie, horned pout, carp or any spiny finned fish shall be taken, sold, or possessed for use as bait for fishing in New Hampshire-Maine interstate waters.

 

(g)  In all interstate waters and their tributaries smelt shall be taken only by angling except as follows:

 

(1)  In Lower Kimball Pond dip nets not over 18” in diameter shall be permitted between sunset and 12 midnight during the open water season; and

 

(2)  In the tributaries of Great East Lake the taking of smelt shall be closed.

 

Source.  #745, eff 1-25-76; ss by #2263, eff 1-7-83; ss by #2839, eff 8-31-84; ss by #4723, eff 1-1-90; ss by #5718, eff 1-1-94, EXPIRED: 1-1-00

 

New.  #7384, eff 10-25-00; amd by #7582, eff 1-1-02; ss by #8442, eff 1-1-06; ss by #9005, eff 1-1-08; ss by #10425, eff 1-1-14; ss by #10936, eff 1-1-16

 

Fis 410.04  RESERVED

 

Source.  #745, eff 1-25-76; ss by #2263, eff 1-7-83; ss by #2839, eff 8-31-84; ss by #4723, eff 1-1-90; ss by #6141, INTERIM eff 12-20-95, EXPIRED 4-18-96

 

New.  #6253, eff 5-22-96; ss by #6628, eff 1-1-98; ss by #7582, eff 1-1-02; ss by #8442, eff 1-1-06; ss by #9005, eff 1-1-08; ss by #10425, eff 1-1-14; rpld by #10936, 1-1-16

 

Fis 410.05  Salmon Falls River.

 

(a)  In the Salmon Falls River the exceptions to the general ice fishing and open water restrictions as specified in Fis 410.02 and Fis 410.03 shall be as follows:

 

(1)  The open water fishing season for the Salmon Falls River shall be January 1 to December 31; and

 

(2)  The Salmon Falls River shall be closed to ice fishing.

 

Source.  #745, eff 1-25-76; ss by #2263, eff 1-7-83; ss by #2839, eff 8-31-84; ss by #4723, eff 1-1-90; ss by #6141, INTERIM eff 12-20-95, EXPIRED 4-18-96

 

New.  #6253, eff 5-22-96, EXPIRED: 5-22-04

 

New.  #8381, eff 6-21-05; ss by #8442, eff 1-1-06; ss by #9005, eff 1-1-08; ss by #10425, eff 1-1-14; ss by #10674, eff 1-1-15

 

Fis 410.06  Great East Lake.

 

(a)  In Great East Lake the exceptions to the general ice fishing and open water restrictions as specified in Fis 410.02 and Fis 410.03 shall be as follows:

 

(1)  Only 2 lines may be used to take fish during the ice fishing season: and

 

(2)  Lake trout also known as togue, shall be 16 inches total minimum length.

 

Source.  #745, eff 1-25-76; ss by #2263, eff 1-7-83; ss by #2839, eff 8-31-84; ss by #4723, eff 1-1-90; ss by #5718, eff 1-1-94; ss by #6628, eff 1-1-98; ss by #8442, eff 1-1-06; ss by #9005, eff 1-1-08; ss by #10425, eff 1-1-14; ss by #10936, eff 1-1-16

 

Fis 410.07  Umbagog Lake.

 

(a)  In Umbagog Lake the exceptions to the general ice fishing and open water restrictions as specified in Fis 410.02 and Fis 410.03 shall be as follows:

 

(1)  Brook trout shall be 18 inches minimum total length; and

 

(2)  Brook trout daily bag limit shall be one fish.

 

(b)  That portion of Umbagog Lake north of a straight line between Molls Rock, Errol, New Hampshire and the red post between Spillman and Glassy Coves, Magalloway Plantation, Maine shall be closed to ice fishing.

 

(c)  In the Magalloway River in the state of New Hampshire there shall be no size or bag limit for black bass.

 

Source.  #745, eff 1-25-76; ss by #2263, eff 1-7-83; ss by #2839, eff 8-31-84; ss by #4723, eff 1-1-90; ss by #6141, INTERIM eff 12-20-95, EXPIRED 4-18-96

 

New.  #6253, eff 5-22-96; ss by #6628, eff 1-1-98; ss by #7582, eff 1-1-02; ss by #8442, eff 1-1-06; ss by #9005, eff 1-1-08; ss by #10425, eff 1-1-14; ss by #10674, eff 1-1-15; ss by #10936, eff 1-1-16

 

          Fis 410.08 – RESERVED

 

Source.  #745, eff 1-25-76; ss by #2263, eff 1-7-83; ss by #2839, eff 8-31-84; rpld by #4723, eff 1-1-90

 

          Fis 410.09 – RESERVED

 

Source.  #1464, eff 1-1-80; #745, eff 1-25-76; ss by #2263, eff 1-7-83; amd by #2500, eff 11-1-83; ss by #2839, eff 8-31-84; amd by #3169, eff 12-31-85; amd by #4153, eff 10-31-86; rpld by #4723, eff 1-1-90

 

PART Fis 411  RESERVED

 

          Fis 411.01  RESERVED

 

Source.  #5614, eff 4-16-93; ss by #6629, eff 1-1-98; ss by #8119, eff 1-1-05; ss by #10279, eff 2-28-13; rpld by #10674, eff 1-1-15

 

          Fis 411.02  RESERVED

 

Source.  #5614, eff 4-16-93; ss by #5991, eff 2-24-95; ss by #6629, eff 1-1-98; ss by #8119, eff 1-1-05; ss by #8442, eff 1-1-06; ss by #10425, eff 1-1-14; rpld by #10674, eff 1-1-15

 

          Fis 411.03  RESERVED

 

Source.  #5614, eff 4-16-93; ss by #6629, eff 1-1-98; ss by #6714, eff 3-11-98; amd by #7115, eff 9-29-99; ss by #8119, eff 1-1-05; ss by #10279, eff 2-28-13; rpld by #10674, eff 1-1-15


 

 

APPENDIX

 

Fis 401.01

RSA 206:10, I

 

 

Fis 402.01

RSA 206:10, I

Fis 402.02

RSA 206:10, I

Fis 402.03

RSA 206:10, I

Fis 402.04

RSA 206:10, I

Fis 402.05

RSA 206:10, I

 

 

Fis 402.09

RSA 206:10, I

Fis 402.10

RSA 206:10, I

Fis 402.11

RSA 206:10, I

 

 

Fis 403.01

RSA 206:10, I

Fis 403.02

RSA 206:10, I

Fis 403.03

RSA 206:10, I

Fis 403.04

RSA 206:10, I

 

 

Fis 403.08

RSA 206:10, I

Fis 403.09

RSA 206:10, I

Fis 403.10

RSA 206:10, I

Fis 403.11

RSA 206:10, I

Fis 403.12

RSA 206:10, I

 

 

Fis 405.01

RSA 206:10, I

Fis 405.02

RSA 206:10, I

Fis 405.03

RSA 206:10, I; RSA 211:2

 

 

Fis 405.05

RSA 206:10, I

 

 

Fis 406.01

RSA 206:10, I

 

 

Fis 406.04

RSA 206:10, I

Fis 406.05

RSA 206:10, I

Fis 406.06

RSA 206:10, I

Fis 406.07

RSA 206:10, I

 

 

Fis 408.01

RSA 206:10, I; RSA 211:5

 

 

Fis 408.03

RSA 206:10, I; RSA 211:5; RSA 213-A

 

 

Fis 408.05

RSA 206:10, I; RSA 211:5

Fis 408.06

RSA 206:10, I; RSA 211:5

Fis 408.07

RSA 206:10, I; RSA 211:5

Fis 408.08

RSA 206:10, I; RSA 211:5

Fis 408.09

RSA 206:10, I; RSA 211:5

Fis 408.10

RSA 206:10, I; RSA 211:5

Fis 408.11

RSA 206:10, I; RSA 211:5

 

 

Fis 408.13

RSA 206:10, I; RSA 211:5

Fis 408.14

RSA 206:10, I; RSA 211:5

Fis 408.15

RSA 206:10, I; RSA 211:5

Fis 408.16

RSA 206:10, I; RSA 211:5

 

 

Fis 409.01

RSA 206:10, I; RSA 211:4

Fis 409.02

RSA 206:10, I; RSA 211:4

Fis 409.03

RSA 206:10, I; RSA 211:4

Fis 409.04

RSA 206:10, I; RSA 211:4

Fis 409.05

RSA 206:10, I; RSA 211:4

Fis 410

RSa 206:10; 207:14

Fis 410.01(a) intro. &(a)(1)

RSA 206:10, I; RSA 207:14, II

Fis 410.02

RSA 206:10, I; RSA 207:14

Fis 410.03

RSA 206:10, I; RSA 207:14

Fis 410.05

RSA 206:10

Fis 410.06

RSA 206:10, I; RSA 207:14

Fis 410.07

RSA 206:10, I

Fis 411.01

RSA 206:10

Fis 411.02

RSA 206:10; RSA 214:9-e

Fis 411.03

RSA 206:10