Whole Day Wade Trips with Freestone Guide Service
Private Trip
River Fishing
Full-day guided fly fishing experience in New Hampshire riversProfessional instruction with Guided Kevin plus lunch includedSmall group setting accommodating maximum two guests
Looking for a solid day on New Hampshire's waters? This full-day wade fishing trip puts you right in the thick of some of the Granite State's best fishing action. You'll spend quality time with Guided Kevin, learning the ins and outs of fly fishing while targeting everything from scrappy brook trout to aggressive northern pike. With lunch taken care of and just two anglers max per trip, you get the kind of personal attention that makes the difference between a good day and one you'll talk about for years. Just remember to grab that New Hampshire fishing license before you head out.
This isn't your typical crowded charter boat experience. Wade fishing gets you up close and personal with the fish, feeling every current and reading every ripple. Kevin knows these New Hampshire waters like the back of his hand, and he's not just there to net your fish—he's there to teach you how to read the water, match the hatch, and present your fly like you mean it. The day starts early with gear check and a quick rundown of the spots you'll hit. You'll move between different sections of river throughout the day, each offering its own challenges and rewards. The beauty of wade fishing is the intimacy—you're not just casting into the void, you're stalking specific fish in specific lies. Kevin will point out the subtle differences in water flow, the perfect seams where fish wait for food, and how to approach each spot without spooking your target. Lunch comes at the perfect time when you need to refuel and share stories about the morning's action.
Wade fishing requires a different approach than boat fishing, and Kevin's got the experience to show you the ropes. You'll learn proper wading techniques that keep you safe and stealthy—reading bottom structure, understanding current dynamics, and positioning yourself for the best presentation. The fly selection changes throughout the day as conditions shift and different hatches come off. Kevin carries an arsenal of proven patterns for New Hampshire waters, from classic dry flies that bring explosive surface strikes to weighted nymphs that get down to fish holding in deeper pools. You'll practice different casting techniques too—roll casts for tight spots, reach casts to avoid drag, and the timing needed to mend line in moving water. The gear is matched to the conditions and target species, with lighter setups for the technical brook trout fishing and heavier rods when you're targeting those hard-fighting smallmouth bass or surprise northern pike. Kevin explains the why behind every choice, so you're not just going through the motions but actually building skills you can use on your own.
Brook trout are the jewels of New Hampshire's cold-water fishery, and these native beauties are as gorgeous as they are challenging. They're spooky fish that demand perfect presentations, often holding in the most picture-perfect spots—under overhanging banks, behind boulders, in the foam lines of small cascades. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, with the best action often coming during cooler parts of the day. When you hook one, you'll understand why they're called "brookies"—they fight with surprising strength for their size, and their colors are absolutely stunning with those distinctive worm-like markings and bright orange fins.
Smallmouth bass bring a completely different energy to your day. These bronze-backed fighters are aggressive predators that hit hard and fight even harder, often jumping clean out of the water when hooked. They love rocky structure and current breaks, making them perfect targets for wade fishing. Summer months are prime time when they're active and feeding heavily. A good smallmouth will test your gear and your nerves—they're smart fish that know how to use current and structure to their advantage. The satisfaction of landing a hefty smallmouth on fly gear is something every angler should experience.
Rainbow trout are the acrobats of the trout world, known for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked. In New Hampshire waters, they grow thick and strong, with that classic rainbow stripe and bright silver sides. They're most active during spring and fall when water temperatures are optimal, though skilled anglers like Kevin know how to find them year-round. Rainbows are opportunistic feeders, making them exciting targets for both dry fly and nymphing techniques. Their fights are legendary—long runs, multiple jumps, and enough strength to keep you guessing right up to the net.
Northern pike are the wildcards of this fishery, ambush predators that can turn a quiet day into pure chaos. These toothy predators lurk in weedy bays and structure-rich areas, waiting to explode on unsuspecting prey. Pike fishing requires heavier gear and steel leaders, but the payoff is worth it when a 30-inch fish rockets out of the weeds. They're most active during cooler months and early morning or evening periods. Landing a pike on fly gear is a special achievement—they're powerful, unpredictable, and absolutely fearless in their attacks.
Brown trout are the craftiest of the bunch, often called the "PhD of trout" for their wariness and intelligence. These European natives have adapted perfectly to New Hampshire waters, growing large and selective in their feeding habits. They're notorious for testing an angler's patience and skill, often following flies for long distances before deciding whether to commit. Fall is prime time for brown trout as they become more aggressive before spawning. When you finally fool a big brown, the fight is memorable—they're strong, stubborn, and know every trick in the book for throwing hooks or finding structure to break you off.
A full day with Kevin on New Hampshire's waters offers the kind of fishing education you can't get from books or videos. You'll come away with practical skills, a deeper understanding of fly fishing, and hopefully some great fish stories to share. The intimate setting with just two anglers means you get personalized instruction tailored to your skill level, whether you're picking up a fly rod for the first time or looking to
Salvelinus FontinalisNew Hampshire's native brookies are what keep me coming back to these mountain streams. They're smaller fish—usually 8-12 inches—but they're scrappy fighters with those beautiful olive backs and orange-red spots ringed in blue. You'll find them in the coldest, cleanest water we've got, tucked under fallen logs or in deep pocket water behind boulders. Spring through early fall is prime time, especially on overcast days when they're more willing to rise. What makes them special is they're wild fish in wild places—no stocking needed. The fight is pure energy, and they taste fantastic if you keep a few. My local trick: when the water's low and clear, fish the foam lines early morning with a small dry fly. These fish are spooky, so approach quiet and keep that first cast count.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the wariest fish we target, but also the most rewarding. These European natives typically run 12-18 inches in our waters and can live over a decade, making the big ones extremely educated. They prefer deep pools, undercut banks, and any structure that offers cover in our cooler streams and lakes. Fall is magic time when they feed aggressively before spawning, but they're catchable spring through fall if you're stealthy. What draws anglers is their reputation as the hardest trout to fool and their bulldogging fight once hooked. The golden-brown coloration with black and red spots is stunning. They're excellent table fare with firm, flaky meat. Browns often feed at night, especially the larger fish. Here's my favorite local approach: fish heavy nymphs or streamers in the deepest holes during midday when other trout won't bite. Big browns hunt when smaller fish hide.
Esox LuciusNorthern pike are the apex predators in our bigger lakes and slower river sections. These toothy torpedoes average 24-30 inches and can hit 15+ pounds. They're ambush hunters that hang around weed beds, drop-offs, and shallow bays where baitfish gather. Early spring right after ice-out and fall are prime times when they're in shallower water feeding heavily. What makes pike fishing exciting is the explosive strike and their bulldogging fight—plus those rows of razor-sharp teeth that demand respect. They're decent eating if you can deal with the Y-bones. Pike will hit big streamers, especially chartreuse or white patterns that mimic injured baitfish. My go-to technique: cast a large streamer near weed lines and strip it erratically like a wounded fish. When you feel that hit, don't set the hook immediately—let them turn and take it properly, then strip-set hard.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout in our New Hampshire waters typically run 10-16 inches and are absolute acrobats when hooked. That signature pink stripe and spotted tail make them easy to identify. Look for them in faster water—riffles, runs, and pool tails where the current brings food. They love temperatures between 55-65°F, so spring through early summer and fall are peak seasons. What makes rainbows special is their willingness to hit dry flies and their aerial displays once hooked. They'll jump repeatedly, trying to shake your hook. The pink flesh is excellent eating and packed with omega-3s. During our mayfly hatches in late spring, they'll feed aggressively on top. Pro tip for our local streams: focus on seam lines where fast water meets slow. Cast your nymph or dry fly right along that edge and let it drift naturally—that's where rainbows set up to feed.
Micropterus DolomieuSmallmouth bass around here average 12-16 inches and fight way above their weight class. These bronze-backed scramblers love rocky bottoms and structure—think boulder fields, drop-offs, and ledges in our cleaner lakes and rivers. Spring and fall are money times when they're in shallower water, but summer finds them deeper during the heat of the day. Early morning and evening are your best shots year-round. What guests love is that first jump when you set the hook—they'll go airborne and shake like crazy trying to throw your fly. They're also excellent eating if the water's clean. The meat is firm and mild. Here's a tip that works well on our waters: when they're deep in summer, try a weighted woolly bugger stripped slowly along the bottom near rocky structure. Takes patience, but the bigger fish are down there.
Bethlehem, NH