New Hampshire state waters, out to 3 miles
SizeNo size limit
BagNo bag limit
SeasonOpen year-roundOpen today
Federal regulations apply in federal waters.
NH F&G 2026 · checked · the official rulebook is the final word
Often mistaken for
AlewifeDeeper body, bigger eye, shoulder spot. Tell them apartSizeNo size limit
BagSee Squamscott River special restrictions
SeasonClosed weekly sunrise Wednesday to sunrise Thursday
Blueback herringBlue-black back, spot. Tell them apartSizeNo size limit
BagSee Squamscott River special restrictions
SeasonClosed weekly sunrise Wednesday to sunrise Thursday
Atlantic menhadenBig spot plus trailing spots. Tell them apartSizeNo size limit
BagNo bag limit
SeasonOpen year-round
Keep the wrong fish and its rule applies.
How to tell it
Classic slim silver herring — no spots, no threads; deep-blue back over bright chrome. More on the Atlantic herring page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Atlantic herring in other states2 rulebooks
Questions anglers ask4
What is the size limit for Atlantic herring in New Hampshire?
No size limit.
How many Atlantic herring can you keep in New Hampshire?
No bag limit.
When is Atlantic herring season in New Hampshire?
Open year-round.
How current is this New Hampshire Atlantic herring rule?
Source: NH F&G 2026, last checked Sep 10, 2026. A watchman re-reads the agency's pages nightly. Rules change mid-season by proclamation; the official rulebook is the final word.
In the appPoint the camera at an Atlantic herring in New Hampshire and this rule is on the screen before you take the picture. No signal needed.
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