Half-day Wade Trips in New Hampshire
Private Trip
River Fishing
Halfday guided fly fishing trips for trout in New Hampshire watersExpert guide Kevin provides instruction with coffee and snacks includedSmall group experience accommodating maximum two guests per trip
Looking for some solid trout fishing without the full-day commitment? Kevin at Freestone Guide Service has you covered with these top-rated half-day wade trips that'll put you right where the fish are feeding. New Hampshire's rivers and streams offer some of the finest fly fishing in New England, and with Kevin's local knowledge, you'll be working productive water from the moment you step in. Coffee and snacks keep you fueled while you chase everything from feisty brook trout to hefty northern pike. Just remember to grab your New Hampshire fishing license before we meet up – you're going to need it.
This isn't your typical crowded fishing spot. Kevin knows the best runs, pools, and eddies where trout hold throughout the day, and he'll have you reading water like a pro by the time you're done. These half-day trips focus on wade fishing, which means you'll be right in the action – feeling the current, watching for rises, and getting that perfect drift. The beauty of New Hampshire's freestone streams is their diversity. One minute you're working a deep pool for browns, the next you're sight-fishing to brookies in shallow riffles. Kevin provides all the technical guidance you need, from fly selection to presentation techniques, while keeping things relaxed and fun. With just two anglers max, you get personalized attention that makes all the difference between a good day and a great day on the water.
Wade fishing is all about stealth and precision, and Kevin will teach you how to approach each spot without spooking the fish. You'll learn proper wading techniques for different current speeds and bottom types – crucial skills when you're dealing with New Hampshire's rocky streambeds and variable flows. The fly selection changes throughout the day based on hatches, water temperature, and fish behavior. Kevin matches his clients with the right gear for the conditions, whether that's dry flies during a mayfly emergence or streamers when the water's a bit off-color. Reading the water becomes second nature as you learn to identify feeding lanes, undercuts, and the subtle current breaks where trout love to hold. The technique here is methodical – you'll work upstream, covering water systematically while Kevin points out the kinds of structure that consistently hold fish season after season.
Brook trout are the jewels of New Hampshire's cold mountain streams, and these native beauties are what draw many anglers back year after year. These fish typically run 8-14 inches in the streams we fish, with their distinctive white-edged fins and brilliant orange bellies making every catch a photo opportunity. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, but they're most active during cooler periods and overcast days. What makes brookies special is their willingness to take dry flies – there's nothing quite like watching one rise to a well-presented Adams or Elk Hair Caddis in a crystal-clear pool.
Brown trout bring a different kind of challenge to these waters. They're the wariest of the bunch, often holding in deeper pools and undercut banks where they can ambush prey. New Hampshire browns average 12-16 inches, with some true trophies lurking in the best spots Kevin knows. Fall is prime time for browns as they become more aggressive before spawning, but Kevin has techniques for fooling them throughout the season. Their fight is legendary – powerful runs and head-shaking jumps that'll test your drag and your nerves.
Rainbow trout add serious excitement to the mix with their acrobatic fights and aggressive feeding behavior. These fish love current and oxygenated water, making them perfect targets for the freestone streams we fish. Rainbows here typically range from 10-15 inches and are known for their spectacular leaps when hooked. They're most active during stable weather patterns and respond well to both nymphs and dry flies, depending on the hatch activity.
Smallmouth bass might surprise you in some of the warmer sections and connecting waters. These bronze fighters are pound-for-pound some of the strongest fish you'll encounter, with their bulldog fights and tendency to jump clear of the water. Summer and early fall are prime smallmouth seasons, and they're suckers for streamers and poppers worked near rocky structure and drop-offs.
Northern pike represent the wildcard species that can show up when you least expect them. These toothy predators lurk in slower sections and backwaters, and when one decides to crush your streamer, you'll know it immediately. Pike here can range from small hammer handles to legitimate 30+ inch fish that'll give you a fight you won't forget. They're most active during cooler months and overcast conditions, making them perfect targets for fall fishing when the leaves are turning.
Half-day trips with Kevin offer the perfect balance of quality fishing time and real-world scheduling flexibility. Whether you're a visiting angler wanting to sample New Hampshire's renowned trout waters or a local looking to up your game with professional guidance, this customer-favorite trip delivers consistent results. The personalized attention you get with just two anglers means you'll learn techniques and discover water that would take years to figure out on your own. Kevin's local expertise and passion for these waters shine through in every trip, and the coffee and snacks are just the bonus touches that make the experience complete. Don't forget that fishing license, and get ready to see why anglers keep coming back to fish with Freestone Guide Service season after season.
Salvelinus FontinalisNew Hampshire's native brookies are special fish that run 8-14 inches in our cold mountain streams. These colorful trout have olive backs with yellow spots and distinctive red dots circled in blue along their sides. You'll find them in the shallow pockets around fallen logs and boulders in our smaller, remote waters where the temp stays below 68°F. Spring through early fall offers the best action, especially during morning and evening hatches. What makes brookies so rewarding is their spirited fight and their pickiness - they only live in pristine water. They're also excellent eating with delicate, flaky meat. Here's a local tip: when the water's low and clear, approach quietly from downstream and cast your dry fly well upstream to avoid spooking these wary natives.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the wariest fish in our New Hampshire streams, averaging 12-20 inches with golden-brown sides covered in black and red spots. These European natives prefer deeper pools and undercut banks where they can ambush prey while staying hidden. Fall is prime time when they feed aggressively before spawning, though they're catchable year-round if you're stealthy. What makes browns so challenging and rewarding is their intelligence - they spook easily but fight hard once hooked. They're also the best eating trout with rich, firm meat. These fish often feed at night, especially the bigger ones. During the day, focus on the shadiest, deepest spots. Here's my go-to strategy: approach from well downstream, keep a low profile, and make your first cast count - you rarely get a second chance with educated browns in our pressured waters.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout in our New Hampshire waters average 10-16 inches with that classic pink stripe along their silver sides. You'll find them in faster currents and deeper pools of our freestone streams, plus they love areas with good overhead cover like undercut banks. Spring through fall provides excellent fishing, especially during mayfly and caddis hatches when they rise aggressively. What makes rainbows so popular is their aerial displays - these fish will jump repeatedly when hooked, making for memorable fights. They're also tasty with pink, flaky meat that grills beautifully. The cool water keeps them active most of the day. Pro tip: when nymphing our pocket water, focus on the foam lines and current seams where insects naturally drift. A dead-drift presentation is critical - any drag and these educated fish will refuse your fly.
Esox LuciusNorthern pike are the apex predators in our deeper lakes and slower river sections, typically running 24-36 inches with those distinctive yellowish spots on olive-green bodies. These toothy fish hang out in weedy shallows near structure during spring and fall, then move to deeper, cooler water in summer. Early season right after ice-out and late fall are your best shots at big pike when they're actively feeding. What makes pike exciting is their explosive strikes and bulldogging fights - plus those razor-sharp teeth add real danger to the experience. They're decent eating if you can deal with the Y-bones. Wire leaders are absolutely essential since their teeth will slice through regular line like butter. Here's the trick: when a pike hits, don't set the hook right away. Let them run with it for a few seconds - they often grab prey sideways first, then turn to swallow it headfirst.
Micropterus DolomieuSmallmouth bass in our New Hampshire waters typically run 12-18 inches and are absolute fighters once hooked. These bronze-colored fish with dark vertical bars prefer rocky bottoms around boulders and ledges in our clearer lakes and rivers. Spring and fall are prime times when they move into shallower water, though summer fishing can be productive early morning or late evening when they're feeding. What guests love about smallies is their acrobatic jumps and stubborn runs - they'll test your drag system for sure. They're also great table fare with firm, white meat. In summer when they go deeper, try working a weightless soft plastic slowly along drop-offs. The key is patience - let it sink naturally and watch your line for subtle ticks since they often just mouth the bait.
Bethlehem, NH