What special fishing regulations apply at Connecticut River main stem — NH/VT boundary?

Connecticut River main stem — NH/VT boundary carries 4 special-regulation overlays that override New Hampshire's statewide 2026 rules, covering Smallmouth bass, Largemouth bass, and Brown trout. One of them reads: "NH/VT boundary water reciprocal — either NH or VT freshwater licence valid on entire main stem + 4 boundary impoundments (Wilder, Bellows Falls, Vernon, Moore/Comerford); 12 in min smallmouth + largemouth, 2 / day combined; walleye 15 in min, 6 / day; trout per NH rule; American shad spring spawning run April – June; Atlantic salmon stocking historic (USFWS Connecticut River restoration program ended 2012)." Every overlay on this water body is listed in full above.

Do I need a fishing license to fish Connecticut River main stem — NH/VT boundary?

Yes. Connecticut River main stem — NH/VT boundary is in New Hampshire, so a valid New Hampshire fishing license is required just as it is anywhere else in the state, issued by New Hampshire Fish & Game Department (NHF&G) — Inland Fisheries Division + Marine Fisheries Division. The special regulations on this page change the bag, size, slot, or gear rules for Connecticut River main stem; they do not waive the license requirement. Free-fishing days and youth exemptions follow the statewide New Hampshire rules.

Do Connecticut River main stem — NH/VT boundary's special rules replace New Hampshire's statewide limits?

Only where they conflict. New Hampshire's statewide 2026 regulations apply on Connecticut River main stem by default; the overlays above replace the matching statewide rules for the species or gear they name, while everything not specifically overridden still follows the statewide rule. When a water-body rule and the statewide rule disagree, the water-body rule wins.

Which species have special rules on Connecticut River main stem?

Smallmouth bass, Largemouth bass, and Brown trout have a water-body-specific rule on Connecticut River main stem — NH/VT boundary, each linking to its full New Hampshire regulations above. Species not listed here follow the statewide New Hampshire limits.

2026 regulation year

Connecticut River main stem — NH/VT boundary 2026 — New Hampshire Fishing Regulations

New Hampshire statewide rules apply unless overridden below.

Last updated June 5, 2026

Connecticut River main stem — NH/VT boundary carries 4 special-regulation overlays on top of New Hampshire's 2026 fishing rules — covering Smallmouth bass, Largemouth bass, Brown trout. Verify the agency booklet before launching: in-season changes are not yet wired to this page.

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State-level special regulation

NH/VT boundary water reciprocal — either NH or VT freshwater licence valid on entire main stem + 4 boundary impoundments (Wilder, Bellows Falls, Vernon, Moore/Comerford); 12 in min smallmouth + largemouth, 2 / day combined; walleye 15 in min, 6 / day; trout per NH rule; American shad spring spawning run April – June; Atlantic salmon stocking historic (USFWS Connecticut River restoration program ended 2012)
Source: New Hampshire special-water list

Per-species rules on Connecticut River main stem — NH/VT boundary

Smallmouth bass regulations →
12 in min, 2 / day combined; NH/VT reciprocal main stem
Largemouth bass regulations →
12 in min, 2 / day combined; impoundment pools (Wilder + Bellows Falls + Vernon + Moore/Comerford)
Brown trout regulations →
5 / 5 lb combined trout, no min; NH state-record brown trout 16 lb 6 oz (Pittsburg, 1975); NH/VT reciprocity

Official source

New Hampshire Fish & Game Department (NHF&G) — Inland Fisheries Division + Marine Fisheries Division publishes the authoritative 2026 New Hampshire fishing regulations. Special-regulation lakes and rivers are listed in the agency booklet — always verify before fishing.

Visit official New Hampshire fishing regulations →

Emergency-order channel

In-season closures, slot-limit changes, and run-count-driven harvest pauses are posted to New Hampshire Fish & Game Department's emergency-order feed — check it before any New Hampshire trip during the active season.

Other special-regulation waters in New Hampshire

Browse all water bodies →

Frequently asked questions

What special fishing regulations apply at Connecticut River main stem — NH/VT boundary?: Connecticut River main stem — NH/VT boundary carries 4 special-regulation overlays that override New Hampshire's statewide 2026 rules, covering Smallmouth bass, Largemouth bass, and Brown trout. One of them reads: "NH/VT boundary water reciprocal — either NH or VT freshwater licence valid on entire main stem + 4 boundary impoundments (Wilder, Bellows Falls, Vernon, Moore/Comerford); 12 in min smallmouth + largemouth, 2 / day combined; walleye 15 in min, 6 / day; trout per NH rule; American shad spring spawning run April – June; Atlantic salmon stocking historic (USFWS Connecticut River restoration program ended 2012)." Every overlay on this water body is listed in full above.
Do I need a fishing license to fish Connecticut River main stem — NH/VT boundary?: Yes. Connecticut River main stem — NH/VT boundary is in New Hampshire, so a valid New Hampshire fishing license is required just as it is anywhere else in the state, issued by New Hampshire Fish & Game Department (NHF&G) — Inland Fisheries Division + Marine Fisheries Division. The special regulations on this page change the bag, size, slot, or gear rules for Connecticut River main stem; they do not waive the license requirement. Free-fishing days and youth exemptions follow the statewide New Hampshire rules.
Do Connecticut River main stem — NH/VT boundary's special rules replace New Hampshire's statewide limits?: Only where they conflict. New Hampshire's statewide 2026 regulations apply on Connecticut River main stem by default; the overlays above replace the matching statewide rules for the species or gear they name, while everything not specifically overridden still follows the statewide rule. When a water-body rule and the statewide rule disagree, the water-body rule wins.
Which species have special rules on Connecticut River main stem?: Smallmouth bass, Largemouth bass, and Brown trout have a water-body-specific rule on Connecticut River main stem — NH/VT boundary, each linking to its full New Hampshire regulations above. Species not listed here follow the statewide New Hampshire limits.

← Back to New Hampshire regulations overview