New Hampshire state waters, out to 3 miles
Listed in NH digest with no recreational restrictions.
NH F&G 2026 · checked · the official rulebook is the final word
Often mistaken for
Atlantic thread herringLast dorsal ray trails a long thread. Tell them apartNot listed by New Hampshire: the default applies (No size limit, no bag limit).
AlewifeSingle spot only, slimmer. Tell them apartKeep the wrong fish and its rule applies.
How to tell it
Deep-bodied herring with a big black shoulder spot trailed by smaller spots; swims in tight flipping schools. More on the Atlantic menhaden page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Atlantic menhaden in other states7 rulebooks
Questions anglers ask4
What is the size limit for Atlantic menhaden in New Hampshire?
No size limit.
How many Atlantic menhaden can you keep in New Hampshire?
No bag limit.
When is Atlantic menhaden season in New Hampshire?
Open year-round.
How current is this New Hampshire Atlantic menhaden 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 menhaden in New Hampshire and this rule is on the screen before you take the picture. No signal needed.
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