Fishing Fun: 7 New Hampshire State Parks to Reel in the Big One

With its wide variety of state parks and excellent fishing opportunities, New Hampshire is a terrific destination for anglers. Whether you're looking to catch trout, bass or perch, these state parks provide serene environments, well-stocked waters and beautiful scenery.

Here are some of the best state parks in the Granite State to head to from private boat lift rentals and marinas.

Pawtuckaway State Park

Located in Nottingham, Pawtuckaway State Park features a large lake filled with largemouth bass, pickerel, and black crappie. With its boat launches, shoreline fishing spots and kayak rentals, it’s a great destination for both beginners and experienced anglers to try their luck. 

• Water: Fresh
• Key Species: Largemouth bass, black crappie, pickerel
• Fishing Type: Boat, shore, kayak

Echo Lake State Park

Situated in the White Mountains near North Conway, Echo Lake offers a peaceful fishing experience with stunning mountain views. The lake is stocked with trout, making it a favorite spot for fly fishing. Non-motorized boats are not allowed, but it’s a peaceful area for kayaking and canoeing. 

• Water: Fresh
• Key Species: Trout
• Fishing Type: Shore, fly, kayak, canoe

Bear Brook State Park

The expansive Bear Brook State Park in Allenstown has numerous ponds, including Beaver Pond and Catamount Pond, which are home to largemouth bass, pickerel and sunfish. The park also provides easy shore access and boat rentals.

• Water: Fresh
• Key Species: Sunfish, pickerel, largemouth bass
• Fishing Type: Boat, shore

Franconia Notch State Park

Echo Lake (not to be confused with Echo Lake State Park) and Profile Lake, within Franconia Notch State Park, offer prime fishing for brook trout. Profile Lake is designated as a fly-fishing-only water body, attracting experienced anglers looking for a challenge.

• Water: Fresh
• Key Species: Brook trout
• Fishing Type: Fly-fishing only 

Wellington State Park

Wellington State Park is situated on the shores of Newfound lake in Bristol. It boasts one of the clearest and deepest lakes in New Hampshire. Anglers can catch lake trout, smallmouth bass and salmon in this pristine environment. There is a free boat launch for those trailering a boat from home or a private boat slip for rent.

• Water: Fresh
• Key Species: Salmon, smallmouth bass, lake trout
• Fishing Type: Boat, shore

White Lake State Park

White Lake State Park, located in Tamworth, is a great spot for families and anglers seeking chain pickerel and yellow perch. Motorized boats aren’t permitted, but the calm waters and easy access make it ideal for canoe and kayak fishing.

• Water: Fresh
• Key Species: Yellow perch, chain pickerel
• Fishing Type: Canoe, kayak, shore

Umbagog Lake State Park

Bordering Maine in Errol, Umbagog Lake State Park is a remote fishing haven known for its diverse fish populations, including smallmouth bass, perch and northern pike. Its wilderness setting makes for a peaceful and rewarding fishing adventure from private boat docks for rent or marinas in New Hampshire. There are boat launches for lake access.

• Water: Fresh
• Key Species: Perch, northern pike, smallmouth bass
• Fishing Type: Boat, shore