New Hampshire state waters, out to 3 miles
SizeNo size limit
Bag4 liquid quarts/day
SeasonOpen year-roundOpen today
Head and tail must remain intact.
NH F&G 2026 · checked · the official rulebook is the final word
How to tell it
Pencil-sized silver fish with an adipose fin and a fresh-cucumber smell; winter harbor runs. More on the rainbow smelt page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Rainbow smelt in other states4 rulebooks
Questions anglers ask4
What is the size limit for rainbow smelt in New Hampshire?
No size limit.
How many rainbow smelt can you keep in New Hampshire?
4 liquid quarts/day.
When is rainbow smelt season in New Hampshire?
Open year-round.
How current is this New Hampshire rainbow smelt 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.
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