Smallmouth Bass fishing at Contoocook River

Spring smallmouth bass on Contoocook River hold shallow, usually 2 to 6 ft. Depth-wise the year is flat: 2 to 6 ft in summer, 2 to 6 ft once it turns cold. Put Riffle & run (mile 12.4) first on the milk run — a rock pile near 3 ft that grades prime for spring. The feeding windows run early morning and the evening. The summer box starts with a drop shot (goby/minnow) or a ned rig.

Rainbow Trout fishing at Contoocook River

Come spring, look for rainbow trout tight to the bank in 2 to 6 ft. Through summer count on 2 to 6 ft; the winter hold is 1 to 6 ft. Start at Current seam (mile 3.7). It's a current seam holding about 3 ft of water and rates prime come spring. Prime time lands in early morning and the evening. A dodger + spoon (deep troll) or a flutter spoon is the honest summer answer here.

Brown Trout fishing at Contoocook River

Start shallow in spring: brown trout sit in 1 to 6 ft that time of year. They don't go far with the seasons — 2 to 6 ft covers summer, 1 to 6 ft covers winter. Top water on the chart: Current seam (mile 3.7), a current seam in the 3 ft range, prime in summer. Fish it in after dark and early morning and you'll meet the bite. Throw a spoon at the thermocline or a deep stickbait (night) until the fish tell you otherwise.

Rock Bass fishing at Contoocook River

Spring puts rock bass in skinny water — 1 to 6 ft is the zone. Summer fish stay in 2 to 6 ft, and winter fish hold in 2 to 6 ft. Spring rock bass concentrate at Riffle & run (mile 12.4), a prime-rated rock pile around 3 ft. Warm-month bites cluster around the evening. A ned rig (small) or a marabou jig covers the summer program.

Crappie fishing at Contoocook River

Spring crappie on Contoocook River hold shallow, usually 2 to 6 ft. Depth-wise the year is flat: 2 to 6 ft in summer, 2 to 6 ft once it turns cold. Put Outside-bend hole (mile 0.6) first on the milk run — a creek channel near 5 ft that grades prime for fall. The feeding windows run early morning and the evening. The summer box starts with a jig trolled/spider-rigged or a small crankbait (trolled).

Pumpkinseed fishing at Contoocook River

Spring puts pumpkinseed in skinny water — 1 to 6 ft is the zone. Summer fish stay in 1 to 6 ft, and winter fish hold in 2 to 6 ft. Winter pumpkinseed concentrate at Eddy pocket (mile 2.3), a prime-rated eddy pocket around 4 ft. Warm-month bites cluster around the evening and early morning. A micro tube or a sponge spider (fly) covers the summer program.

How deep is Contoocook River?

Contoocook River is about 6 ft (2 m) deep at its deepest point. The contours here are modeled from the water's real shape and maximum depth, so treat them as a rough guide.

What fish are in Contoocook River?

Anglers target smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, brown trout, rock bass, crappie, pumpkinseed, chain pickerel, largemouth bass, yellow perch, brown bullhead, bluegill, white perch on Contoocook River.

Where is the best fishing spot on Contoocook River?

Riffle & run (mile 12.4) is the top-rated area: a rock pile in about 3 ft of water that rates prime for smallmouth bass in spring. The map above holds the full rated-spot list for every species and season.

When is the best time to fish Contoocook River?

For smallmouth bass, the summer bite is best in early morning and the evening. Each species page section below lists the seasonal windows, and the map shows a live NOW badge when you're inside one.

Is Contoocook River stocked with fish?

Yes — per NH Fish & Game stocking report records, Contoocook River was most recently stocked May 11 with 165 brown trout. The full stocking history is listed above.

What are the fishing regulations for Contoocook River?

Fishing on Contoocook River is regulated by the New Hampshire Fish and Game. Check the official New Hampshire regulations for current license requirements, season dates, and size and bag limits — special regulations can apply to this specific water.