Bowfishing Laws in New Hampshire: What You Need to Know Before You Go

Bowfishing in New Hampshire is a legal and growing pursuit, but the rules are more specific than in many other states. The Granite State draws a firm line between rough fish and game fish — and which side of that line your target falls on determines whether your shot is legal.

Before you rig your bow and head to the water, you need to understand exactly what species you can take, what license you need, and where you’re allowed to shoot. This guide breaks down the current New Hampshire bowfishing regulations so you can get on the water with confidence.

Important Note: Bowfishing regulations in New Hampshire are enforced by the NH Fish and Game Department. Always verify current rules against the official New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest before each season, as rules can change with resource conditions.

Is Bowfishing Legal in New Hampshire?

Yes, bowfishing is legal in New Hampshire — but only for a specific category of fish. New Hampshire allows you to bowfish for non-game and invasive fish species, but you cannot bowfish for game fish. That distinction is the foundation of every bowfishing rule in the state.

Bowfishing and spearfishing are legal for certain species in New Hampshire, but not for trout, salmon, bass, or other gamefish. These methods are primarily used for carp and other rough fish. If you’re a bowhunter looking to extend your season, bowfishing offers a legitimate and productive outlet on New Hampshire’s many lakes and rivers.

Over 20,000 archery licenses are sold each year in New Hampshire, and every summer more bowhunters are extending their love of bowhunting by taking it to the water. Like most states, New Hampshire allows the regulated pursuit and taking of carp and suckers. The sport is well-established here, even if the target species list is shorter than in southern states.

For context on how New Hampshire compares to neighboring states, see our guide to bowfishing laws in Pennsylvania and bowfishing laws in Virginia.

What Fish Can You Bowfish for in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire does not publish a single named “bowfishing species list” the way some states do. Instead, the rules work by exclusion: game fish are off-limits, and non-game rough fish are generally fair targets. Spearing and bowfishing are permitted for certain species in specific waters.

The primary legal targets for bowfishers in New Hampshire are common carp (Cyprinus carpio) and white suckers (Catostomus commersonii). Rough fish are those fish which fall outside of the category of sport fish. They are species not commonly eaten and are often invasive species. Because they are not typically targeted by fishermen, bowfishing is a very good means of population control and removal of these often undesirable fish.

The following table summarizes which species fall into each category for bowfishing purposes in New Hampshire:

Species	Category	Bowfishing Status
Common Carp	Rough/Non-game	Legal
White Sucker	Rough/Non-game	Legal
Longnose Sucker	Rough/Non-game	Legal
Brook Trout	Game Fish	Prohibited
Brown Trout	Game Fish	Prohibited
Rainbow Trout	Game Fish	Prohibited
Landlocked Salmon	Game Fish	Prohibited
Largemouth Bass	Game Fish	Prohibited
Smallmouth Bass	Game Fish	Prohibited
Lake Trout	Game Fish	Prohibited

Except as otherwise specifically permitted, it is unlawful to use or have in possession poisons, explosives, net, set line, fishing otter, trawl, grapple, spear, jack, jack light, or electrical or other device for killing or stunning fish. This means bowfishing is permitted only where it has been specifically authorized by the Fish and Game rules — and only for non-game species. When in doubt about a specific species, contact NH Fish and Game directly before shooting.

Pro Tip: Common carp are the most abundant and accessible bowfishing target in New Hampshire. Shallow, weedy coves on lakes like Lake Winnipesaukee and the Merrimack River system hold good numbers of carp during the late spring and summer months.

Bowfishing License Requirements in New Hampshire

Bowfishing in New Hampshire falls under standard fishing regulations, not archery or hunting regulations. That means you need a valid New Hampshire fishing license — not a separate archery or bowfishing permit.

All persons 16 years or older need a license to fish in freshwater or saltwater in New Hampshire. Children under 16 always fish for free. Since bowfishing is a method of taking fish, the same age threshold applies whether you’re using a rod or a bow.

As of 2026, license fees per the NH eRegulations fee table are as follows:

• Resident Freshwater Fishing License: $45 (2026)
• Non-Resident Freshwater Fishing License: $63 (2026)
• 1-Day Non-Resident License: Available for short trips
• 3-Day and 7-Day Non-Resident Licenses: Available for extended visits

License costs listed here include $45 resident freshwater (2026) and $63 nonresident freshwater (2026), so confirm eligibility and carry proof while on the water. All freshwater anglers pay a $1 fisheries habitat fee, which is included in the license price. Revenue is used to improve and restore fisheries habitats.

New Hampshire fishing licenses can be purchased online through the Fish New Hampshire licensing system, from one of the state’s authorized license agents statewide, or in person or by mail at Fish and Game headquarters, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301.

Discounted licenses are available for resident seniors born in 1948 or later who have reached age 68. License types available include: Senior Freshwater Fishing, Senior Combination Hunting & Fishing, Senior Muzzleloader, and Senior Archery.

New Hampshire offers significant support to disabled veterans. NH residents with a verified 100% permanent disability rating from the Veterans Administration are eligible for a lifetime no-fee entry permit to the state’s parks, which cover fishing permits too. To apply, veterans must submit proof of residency, their permanent disability rating, and honorable discharge, along with a one-time $10 administration fee.

It is worth noting that by state law, anyone purchasing a hunting, archery, or trapping license must present from any year, any state: a previously held license of the same type, or a certificate of completion from an approved state hunter, bow hunter, or trapper education course. However, since bowfishing operates under a fishing license rather than an archery license, this bowhunter education requirement does not apply to bowfishers.

For more on how New Hampshire handles animal and wildlife licensing, see our guides on duck hunting laws in New Hampshire and beekeeping laws in New Hampshire.

Legal Bowfishing Equipment in New Hampshire

New Hampshire does not maintain a separate, dedicated bowfishing equipment statute. Instead, bowfishing gear must comply with the state’s general fishing equipment laws, and the use of a bow and arrow to take fish must fall within the category of permitted methods for non-game species.

Except as otherwise specifically permitted, it is unlawful to use or have in possession poisons, explosives, net, set line, fishing otter, trawl, grapple, spear, jack, jack light, or electrical or other device for killing or stunning fish. A bowfishing setup — bow, arrow, and retrieval line — is a specifically permitted method for non-game fish and is not covered by this prohibition.

Standard legal bowfishing equipment in New Hampshire includes:

• Bow type: Compound bows, recurve bows, and longbows are all acceptable. There is no specific draw weight requirement for bowfishing in state regulations.
• Arrows: Bowfishing arrows with barbed tips attached to a retrieval line are the standard setup and are not prohibited under state rules.
• Reels and lines: Bowfishing reels — either hand-wrap, spin-cast, or bottle-style — are permitted as they are part of the arrow retrieval system.
• Lights: Artificial lighting is addressed under night bowfishing rules (see below).

One important equipment note: the use of lead sinkers and jigs weighing 1 ounce or less, regardless of length, is prohibited in all fresh water. While this rule targets conventional fishing tackle, it reflects New Hampshire’s broader commitment to lead-free practices. If your bowfishing setup includes any weighted components, make sure they are lead-free. New Hampshire State law prohibits the use of lead sinkers and jigs weighing 1 ounce or less, regardless of length, in all fresh waters of New Hampshire.

Pro Tip: Because New Hampshire does not publish specific bowfishing equipment rules, contact the NH Fish and Game Department directly at (603) 271-3421 to confirm your specific setup before heading out — especially if you plan to fish from a boat with mounted lights.

Curious how equipment rules compare in other states? See our coverage of bowfishing laws in Ohio and bowfishing laws in Missouri.

Where You Can and Cannot Bowfish in New Hampshire

With 12,000 miles of rivers and streams, 975 lakes and ponds, and 140 Fish and Game boat launch sites, adventure is never far from shore. That gives bowfishers a large canvas to work with — but not every body of water is open to every method.

As a general rule, you can bowfish on public waters of New Hampshire where fishing is permitted and where you are targeting legal non-game species. Key access considerations include:

• Public lakes and ponds: Open to bowfishing for rough fish where standard fishing is permitted. Always check for water-specific restrictions in the current digest.
• Rivers and streams: Generally open, but some stretches have method restrictions. Fly-fishing-only waters prohibit all other methods, including bowfishing.
• Private land: You need landowner permission to access private shorelines or wade through private property to reach water. New Hampshire State law provides certain protections for landowners who open their land to those using it for outdoor recreation.
• State parks and wildlife management areas: Some areas have additional restrictions. Check with the managing agency before bowfishing in these locations.

Waters where bowfishing is clearly off the table include fly-fishing-only designated streams and ponds, areas with posted no-fishing signs, and any waterbody where a specific closure is in effect. Access to some waters may be restricted for environmental conservation or public safety reasons.

Some waters carry unique or heightened protections due to sensitive habitats, spawning migrations, or restoration efforts. For instance, headwater streams and designated wildlife reserves may impose stricter closures or gear restrictions. Always pull up the current NH Fish and Game regulation digest and check the specific water body before you go.

For related New Hampshire outdoor access topics, see our article on roadkill laws in New Hampshire.

Night Bowfishing Rules in New Hampshire

Night bowfishing is one of the most productive ways to target carp, which move into shallow water after dark. New Hampshire’s general fishing rules provide a useful baseline for understanding what is and is not allowed after sunset.

Fishing is allowed at any time of the day or night unless otherwise specified. This means night fishing — including bowfishing — is generally permitted in New Hampshire on waters that do not carry a specific daylight-only restriction. That is a permissive baseline compared to some other states.

However, the equipment prohibition on jack lights creates an important limitation. Except as otherwise specifically permitted, it is unlawful to use or have in possession poisons, explosives, net, set line, fishing otter, trawl, grapple, spear, jack, jack light, or electrical or other device for killing or stunning fish. The term “jack light” in this statute refers specifically to lights used to stun or attract fish for the purpose of taking them — a method historically used for illegal fish harvesting.

The practical implication for night bowfishers is this: lights mounted on a boat for visibility and illumination of the water surface are standard equipment in the sport. Whether those lights cross the line into “jack lighting” under New Hampshire law is a gray area that has not been explicitly resolved in a published state guidance document. Before running lights for night bowfishing, contact NH Fish and Game directly to get a clear answer for your specific setup.

Important Note: Because the jack light prohibition in RSA and NH Admin Code could potentially apply to bowfishing lights, getting written or recorded confirmation from a NH Fish and Game Conservation Officer before your first night bowfishing trip is strongly recommended. Violations can result in fines and license suspensions.

For comparison on how other states handle night bowfishing, see our guides on bowfishing laws in Minnesota and bowfishing laws in Tennessee.

Saltwater Bowfishing Rules in New Hampshire

New Hampshire has a short but productive coastline — about 18 miles of Atlantic shoreline — along with tidal rivers and estuaries that hold a variety of species. Saltwater bowfishing is a separate regulatory category from freshwater bowfishing.

Recreational saltwater fishing in N.H. requires a recreational saltwater license. All persons age 16 and older recreationally fishing in coastal and estuarine waters of the state must purchase a NH Saltwater Recreational Fishing License. If you plan to bowfish in tidal or coastal waters, this license replaces — or supplements — your freshwater license depending on where you’re fishing.

Below are species that have rules or laws that apply to recreational anglers or spearfishers while fishing in state waters. Additional regulations apply in federal waters for many of the species listed below. The saltwater digest specifically references spearfishers, which suggests that projectile-based methods are recognized in the saltwater context — but the regulations do not explicitly list bowfishing as a named permitted method for saltwater species.

State waters include all waters within 3 miles of the coastline. The area between 3 and 200 miles of shore is under the jurisdiction of the Federal government. If you venture beyond the 3-mile state water boundary, federal NOAA Fisheries regulations apply in addition to state rules.

Key points for anyone considering saltwater bowfishing in New Hampshire:

• A NH Recreational Saltwater Fishing License is required for all anglers 16 and older in coastal and estuarine waters.
• A NH Recreational Saltwater Fishing License is required for anglers participating in recreational saltwater fishing for finfish from coastal and estuarine waters of New Hampshire (both residents and non-residents need a license). Exemptions: If you are a Maine or Massachusetts resident holding a Recreational Saltwater license from Maine or Mass; or are fishing on a licensed charter boat.
• Saltwater game fish — including striped bass, bluefish, and Atlantic sturgeon — are protected species. Bowfishing for these species is not permitted.
• Atlantic sturgeon in particular is a federally protected species. Any interaction must be immediately released and reported.
• Possible new rules for 2026 — check the online Saltwater regulation digest for updates.

Coastal zones near estuaries may have separate saltwater licensing and seasonal rules. Because saltwater bowfishing guidance is not spelled out in detail by NH Fish and Game, your best course of action is to contact the Marine Fisheries Division directly before bowfishing in tidal or coastal waters.

For a broader look at how bowfishing regulations differ across the country, see our guides on bowfishing laws in North Carolina and bowfishing laws in Arizona. For more New Hampshire wildlife and animal law topics, visit our articles on pit bull laws in New Hampshire, hedgehog ownership laws in New Hampshire, and pet import laws in New Hampshire.

Key Takeaway: Bowfishing is legal in New Hampshire for non-game rough fish like carp and suckers. You need a valid NH fishing license (freshwater or saltwater depending on your location), game fish are strictly off-limits, and night bowfishing with lights requires direct confirmation from NH Fish and Game due to the state’s jack light prohibition. Always check the current NH Fish and Game laws and rules page before each trip.