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Fallfish

Fallfish

Fallfish are New Hampshire's largest native minnow species and one of the most common fish in the state.

They offer excellent fishing opportunities year-round in New Hampshire and are known for their dogged fighting style, powerful runs on light tackle, and willingness to strike lures almost as large as themselves.

Scientific Name: Semotilus corporalis

Physical Characteristics:
  • These thick-bodied fish have large, silver, metallic-looking scales that overlap in half circles, with a snout extending slightly beyond the upper lip and a relatively large eye.
  • They can grow to 10 inches in length and live over 10 years, with some exceptional specimens reaching up to 20.75 inches.
  • Young fallfish display a dark lateral band, while adults develop distinctive coloration during spawning - males show tubercles on their heads concentrated around eyes and nose, along with rosy-red faces and orange fins.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Habitat generalists found throughout New Hampshire in nearly any freshwater environment, though most abundant in rivers and streams with rocky and gravel substrates.
  • They're also present in numerous medium to large rivers across all regions of the state.

Key Locations

  • Connecticut River, Merrimack River, Winnipesaukee River, and major lakes including Winnipesaukee, Opechee, Silver, Winnisquam, and Chocorua.
  • Target them in lakes like Winnipesaukee, Opechee, Silver, Winnisquam, and Chocorua, as well as the Connecticut and Merrimack river systems.

Specific Spots

  • Look for them in pools and slower-moving sections of rivers and streams, particularly areas 12-20 inches deep.
  • They often hold in shallow, open water.
  • Fallfish are structure-oriented occasionally but don't rely on cover as much as other species.

Fallfish FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Inline spinners being especially deadly. Texas rigs, jerkbaits, and ned rigs. Live bait with worms being particularly effective.

What flies work for Fallfish in New Hampshire?

Both dry flies and streamers. They respond particularly well to mouse patterns fished on the surface, creating explosive strikes. Olive Woolly Buggers with flash work effectively as streamers. During spring and summer, they'll take dry flies during daylight hours.

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

Excellent fishing opportunities year-round in New Hampshire, with peak action during warmer months. During spawning between March and June when water temperatures exceed 59°F, avoid targeting these fish to protect their reproductive cycle.

How do you catch Fallfish in New Hampshire?

Sight fishing - they often hold in shallow, open water, making them excellent targets for sight fishing. Texas rigs, jerkbaits, and ned rigs all work well. They'll also take live bait readily.

What do Fallfish eat?

As opportunistic omnivores, juvenile fallfish primarily consume chironomids and zooplankton until reaching about 100mm, then transition to small fish (including their own young), fish e.g.gs, terrestrial insects, aquatic insects, crustaceans, mollusks, leeches, and algae.

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