Squamscott River

Boat Ramps: 4
Access Points: 8
Species: 7

The Squamscott River is a tidal stream located in southeastern New Hampshire that serves as an important fishing destination for both freshwater and saltwater anglers. Beginning as the Exeter River, it transforms into the Squamscott at the dam in downtown Exeter and flows approximately 4 miles before entering Little Bay, which is part of the Great Bay Estuary system. This river is particularly known for its striped bass fishing and serves as a critical migratory pathway for various fish species. The Squamscott connects to the larger Great Bay ecosystem, creating a dynamic fishing environment where freshwater and saltwater species converge.

New Hampshire licenses and regulations4 to check before you go

Species & education

Learn what type of fish are at Squamscott River and what's needed to catch them.

Find which waters have the species you want to catch

Largemouth Bass

Micropterus salmoides

Smallmouth Bass

Micropterus dolomieu

Rainbow Trout

Oncorhynchus mykiss

Brown Bullhead

Ameiurus nebulosus

Chain Pickerel

Esox niger

Striped Bass

Morone saxatilis

White Perch

Morone americana

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Squamscott River. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Know where you can legally fish on Squamscott River

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

New Hampshire licenses and regulations

New Hampshire Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

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New Hampshire Fishing License

Persons 16 years or older need a license to fish in freshwater or saltwater in New Hampshire.

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New Hampshire Fishing Regulations

This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.

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New Hampshire Stream Access Laws

Fishing is a New Hampshire tradition, one that we strive to pass on to present and future generations. With greater than 70% of New Hampshire’s land under private ownership, access for most shoreline and stream fishing occurs over private property. If we are to maintain the New Hampshire fishing tradition, it is important to remember that access to private land is a privilege provided to us through the generosity of landowners sharing their land. Practicing positive landowner relations is the key to maintaining access for present and future generations of anglers.

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Take Squamscott River with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

Use the map without signal
Download the map around Squamscott River to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Squamscott River to find where and when fish are biting for you.

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