Brook Trout
Brook trout are New Hampshire's only native stream-dwelling trout species and serve as the state's freshwater fish.
These char (not true trout) are more abundant in northern New Hampshire where cooler air temperatures maintain suitable water conditions year-round, while southern populations depend heavily on groundwater-influenced streams for summer cooling.
Scientific Name: Salvelinus fontinalis
- These char are characterized by their olive-green to dark brown backs with distinctive black wave-like markings called vermiculations, yellow and red spots surrounded by blue halos, and white-edged fins.
- In New Hampshire, wild brook trout rarely exceed 10 inches, though the state record was 9 pounds, 25.5 inches.
Fishing in New Hampshire
Merrimack River
Contoocook River
Great Bay
Lake Winnisquam
Lake Winnipesaukee
Piscataqua River
Sunapee Lake
Pemigewasset River
Bellamy River
Squam Lake
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- They inhabit small to medium-sized rivers and streams with mixtures of pools, riffles, and runs enhanced by undercut banks and fallen trees.
- Prime habitat areas include the White Mountains (identified as the 'last bastion' of resilient brook trout habitat), North Country region with extensive strongholds, and watersheds of major rivers like the Ammonoosuc, Androscoggin, Pemigewasset, Saco, and Connecticut.
Key Locations
- Productive waters include most headwater and mountain brooks, designated trout ponds, and specific lakes like Pleasant (Elkins), White (Tamworth), Highland (Andover), plus Tewksbury, Saltmarsh, and Perch ponds.
- The Pemigewasset River through Lincoln, Campton, and Thornton, East Branch Pemigewasset, Suncook River from Barnstead to Pembroke, and Isinglass River from Barrington to Strafford offer excellent brook trout fishing.
Specific Spots
- Target areas with structure like boulders, fallen logs, undercut banks, and pool edges where current breaks.
Brook Trout FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Brook Trout in New Hampshire?
Small inline spinners like Rooster Tails and Mepps Aglia in gold or silver are highly effective, as are small spoons and worms.
What flies work for Brook Trout in New Hampshire?
Recommended flies include foam beetles, hair-winged caddis, Adams, Elk Hair Caddis, Pheasant Tail nymphs, Hare's Ears, Woolly Buggers, Stimulators, Chubby Chernobyl, and Purple Juju Baetis. Size 16-18 Caddis with size 18-20 Prince nymphs work well on small streams.
When is the best time to fish for Brook Trout in New Hampshire?
The best times to target brook trout in New Hampshire are late April through June and again in September-October when temperatures are optimal. Avoid fishing during fall spawning season to protect reproduction.
How do you catch Brook Trout in New Hampshire?
Target areas with structure like boulders, fallen logs, undercut banks, and pool edges where current breaks.
What do Brook Trout eat?
Brook trout are efficient predators feeding on aquatic macroinvertebrates (mayflies, caddisflies, stoneflies), terrestrial insects (beetles, caterpillars, spiders, grasshoppers), and occasionally small fish.
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