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Atlantic Salmon

Atlantic Salmon

Atlantic salmon in New Hampshire are anadromous fish native to the North Atlantic Ocean that historically spawned in coastal rivers from Connecticut north to Quebec.

These streamlined fish have powerful, slightly forked caudal fins built for swimming upstream and leaping over waterfalls.

Physical Characteristics:
  • Adults display silvery sides with dark green backs and scattered x-shaped spots above the lateral line, while juveniles show distinctive oval-shaped parr marks along their sides.
  • Males develop large hook-shaped jaws during spawning season.
  • Fish ranging from 3.5 to 16 pounds being released.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Historically spawned in coastal rivers from Connecticut north to Quebec.
  • Native populations were extirpated from New Hampshire in the 1800s due to dam construction on the Merrimack and Connecticut Rivers.

Key Locations

  • Merrimack and lower Pemigewasset Rivers, Winnipesaukee, Winnipesaukee River, Merrymeeting River, Souhegan River.

Specific Spots

  • Near tributary inlets, river mouths, bridges, public docks, and tributary inlets and outlets where baitfish concentrate.
  • The Souhegan River became accessible after the Merrimack Village Dam removal in 2008.

Atlantic Salmon FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Atlantic Salmon in New Hampshire?

Live bait (smelt, shiners, worms), stickbaits (Rapala, Rebel, Yo-Zuri), spoons (Mooselook, Flash King, Sutton, Top Gun), and flash lures (Super Duper, Harry Lure).

What flies work for Atlantic Salmon in New Hampshire?

Weighted nymphs including olive or black Woolly Buggers, various bead-headed nymphs, and heron flies. Productive streamer patterns include smelt-imitating flies such as Gray Ghost and variations, Nine-Three, Supervisor, Winnipesaukee Smelt, and Maynard's Marvel.

When is the best time to fish for Atlantic Salmon in New Hampshire?

April marks prime season when over 1,000 broodstock salmon are stocked into the Merrimack and lower Pemigewasset Rivers. Early spring offers the best action with peak activity in Winnipesaukee occurring late March through early April.

How do you catch Atlantic Salmon in New Hampshire?

Successful methods include trolling with live bait or various lures. Dr.ift fishing live baits or suspending them under bobbers proves effective for both boat and shoreline anglers.

Where do Atlantic Salmon live in New Hampshire?

Historically spawned in coastal rivers from Connecticut north to Quebec. Native populations were extirpated from New Hampshire in the 1800s due to dam construction on the Merrimack and Connecticut Rivers.

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