Pemigewasset River Fishing

Pemigewasset River fishing in New Hampshire is excellent with an abundance of trout, bass and Atlantic salmon, which is stocked yearly by the New Hampshire Fish and game Department. As most of the river’s corridor is undeveloped wilderness, its natural resources are of especially high quality. The best time for Pemigewasset River fishing is generally between late Spring all the way through the Fall season. As long as the weather is acceptable, just about any day can be a good fishing day in NH.

The Pemigewasset River starts its journey from the White Mountains in Franconia Notch and flows 65 miles through the length of New Hampshire to merge with the Winnepesauke River in Franklin and thereafter be called the Merrimack River. It gets its source from the White Mountains so the water stays cool even during the hottest Summer months. The river passes through the towns of Lincoln, North Woodstock, Woodstock, Thornton, Campton, Plymouth, Ashland, Bridgewater, Bristol, New Hampton, Hill, Sanbornton, and finally Franklin.

Being mostly undeveloped, the Pemigewasset River has a scarcity of tourists. That means less boat traffic and minimal competition with other anglers while fishing. It is not uncommon to spend a day fishing on the river and hardly see another person enjoying the same hobby. This is especially true in certain places like between the Franklin Falls Dam and the Eastman Falls Dam in Franklin, a mostly private stretch of water where the Pemigewasset River fishing is pristine and mostly untouched.

While there is only one officially designated public boat launch in Bristol, many fishermen access the river at different bridge crossings and unofficial boat launches. There are also campgrounds and NH cabin rentals along the Pemi with their own private boat launches.

Although other bodies of water in New Hampshire are more popular because of tourist development and ease of access, the Pemigewasset River fishing offers great opportunities with less competition while surrounded by the majestic natural beauty of the Lakes Region. Fishermen who enjoy peace and quiet while angling will find themselves attracted to all the Pemigewasset River has to offer.

Practice Safe Fishing: Be extra cautious when handling fish hooks and wear a life jacket when fishing from a boat or when fishing near deep water.

Be Courteous: Please don’t litter when fishing, give any nearby anglers plenty of room to fish and respect the boundaries of private property owners.

Respect the Outdoors: Observe but do not disturb the local wildlife, keep only the fish you plan to use and release any others.

Obey Fishing Laws: Obtain a fishing license and know the species of different NH fish, as well as the number and size of the fish you’re allowed to keep during the fishing season.

Pemigewasset River Fishing article by Pemi Shore Cottages.