Fly-fishing Guides - Drift, Wade or Paddle

Fly fishing the Rivers of New Hampshire

New Hampshire is blessed with a number of rivers worthy of the designation "trophy waters." From the upper and Lower Androscoggin and the Connecticut Rivers in northern New Hampshire, to the Ellis and Saco rivers in east-central NH to the Pemigewasset and Merrimack rivers running through the center of the state, you can find great rivers, with decent to excellent hatches. Many are open all year, while others close during the Fall for spawning or the winter to give fish a rest. (Check local rule books for particular local regulations and open seasons.)

Androscoggin River, Upper section in Errol

Best known for the "Alder Fly Hatch" in late June to early July, this river is best fished from mid-May to early July and in September and October when the water cools. It originates at the outlet of Lake Umbagog, which is fairly shallow and heats up considerably in the summer. There are plenty of deep spots to provide refuge and rapids to oxygenate the water, so fish hold over and there is evidence of some natural reproduction producing wild fish. Access is excellent, but it is a large river and fishes well from a drift boat. This is one of our favorite and most productive rivers. It has great potential for protection by special regulations, but remains open to general regulation fishing.  We have put together a special all-inclusive package for June 2008. See more details here, or contact us for more information.

When fishing the Upper Androscoggin some other places to stay are the Akers Pond Inn, Errol Motel.and the Great Northern Moose Lodge. 

Androscoggin River, Lower section in Gorham and Shelburne

This stretch of river was recently protected by catch and release regulations. Decades of pollution from paper mills in Berlin have rendered the fish inedible, anyway. But make no mistake, this is a beautiful stretch of river and it has done a good job of healing itself. Whether wadinig or fishing from a drift boat or canoe, this section offers the possibility of large fish for the skilled and patient fly angler.

Ellis and Saco Rivers, Jackson to North Conway

The Ellis river is great for pools and pocket water. Caddis, stoneflies and streamers are all effective, depending on the tiime of year. Anglers on the Saco River need to contend with the "rubber hatch' during the summer months as tubers and kayakers swarm the waters during July and August. Better to fish early or late anyway, as the waters warm considerably in the summer. Both rivers are well-stocked and can provide fast action.

Contoocook River

The Contoocook River is one of the prettiest rivers in southern New Hampshire.  The special regulations area in West Henniker is particularly nice.  In early spring it is a favorite of white-water kayakers. Most years by mid-May the fishermen take over.  There are some good caddis and mayfly hatches and almost any evening from June through September, you will find hatching insects on one or more pools.  Bring a wading staff and be careful wading the Contoocook, since the granite boulders are slick with algae and you might step over a boulder into a deep hole if you aren't careful.

Pemigewasset River

The Pemigewasset River starts in the White Mountains; flows through the center of New Hampshire; meets with the Winnepesauke River in Franklin forming the Merrimack River; and continues through New Hampshire to Massachusetts, where it flows into the Atlantic ocean at Newburyport.  Good fishing for trout and salmon can be found somewhere on this river just about all year.  We like to fish for trout in the area around North Woodstock, where the river gathers enough water from tributaries to provide cover and food for trout to survive and grow throughout the year. <pictures> Run-off from the White Mountains assures a good flow of cool water through the summer.  In the area around Bristol and Franklin we love to fish for the large broodstock Atlantic salmon in spring and fall. Drift boat trips for trout and salmon are great fun!  <video> <salmon 1> <salmon 2>