NH Fishing Without a License — Penalties, Fines & Creel Limits (2026)

NH fishing penalties: $50–$1,000. NHFG (603) 271-3361. Lake trout 2, salmon 2, striper 1/28″.

Fishing without a valid NH fishing license carries penalties from NHFG conservation officers.

ViolationFine RangeNotes
No fishing license (fresh)$50 – $500Per offense
No saltwater license$50 – $20018-mile coast
Over creel limit$100 – $1,000 per fishPer-fish basis

Key Creel Limits

SpeciesDaily LimitMin SizeNotes
Lake trout215″Winnipesaukee, Squam, Sunapee
Landlocked salmon215″Winnipesaukee — trophy fishery
Brook trout56″White Mtn streams — native brookies
Brown/rainbow trout512″Statewide stocked waters
Largemouth bass512″Lakes region, southern NH
Striped bass (salt)128″Seacoast — catch-and-release others

Call NHFG Dispatch: (603) 271-3361.

An NH fishing license is $45. Get yours. See costs.

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