Whole Day Float Trips in New Hampshire
Private Trip
River Fishing
Fullday guided fishing adventure on New Hampshire riversExpert guide Kevin ensures productive time on waterLunch included with eighthour floating experience
Picture this: you're drifting down some of New Hampshire's most productive waters, rod in hand, with nothing but the sound of moving water and the occasional rise of a feeding trout. That's exactly what you'll get on our 8-hour float trips with Freestone Guide Service. Kevin, your experienced guide, knows these rivers like the back of his hand and he's passionate about putting you on fish. We keep groups small—just 2 anglers max—so you get personalized attention and prime casting spots all day long. Plus, we've got lunch covered, so all you need to bring is your New Hampshire fishing license and the desire to catch some serious fish.
New Hampshire's rivers offer some of the best float fishing in New England, and Kevin has spent years learning every bend, pool, and undercut bank where fish love to hang out. Your day starts early—prime fishing happens when the water's still cool and the fish are actively feeding. We'll launch the drift boat and immediately start working productive water. Kevin reads the river constantly, positioning the boat so you get perfect drifts through the best holding spots. The beauty of float fishing is covering water efficiently while staying comfortable. No wading through rocky runs or bushwhacking to remote pools—just steady fishing action as we move downstream. The pace is relaxed but focused, giving you time to really dial in your technique while Kevin shares local knowledge about reading water, fly selection, and when to switch tactics. Expect to see wildlife along the banks and experience that peaceful rhythm that only comes from a day spent floating and fishing.
Kevin runs a well-equipped drift boat that's perfect for New Hampshire's varied river conditions. The boat gives us access to water that's tough to reach on foot, plus the elevated casting position lets you see fish and structure clearly. We fish primarily with fly rods, though spinning gear works great for certain situations and species. Kevin provides all the tackle and knows exactly what patterns are working each season—from tiny midges during slow periods to larger streamers when the fish are aggressive. The key to successful float fishing is boat positioning and timing your casts. Kevin handles the oars while you focus on fishing, using the current to present flies naturally. We'll anchor up at the best pools and runs, giving you time to work the water thoroughly before moving to the next spot. All rods, reels, flies, and terminal tackle are included, though you're welcome to bring your own gear if you prefer. Kevin's got backup everything, plus he ties his own flies specifically for these waters.
Brook trout are the jewels of New Hampshire waters and absolute favorites among anglers who know quality fish. These native beauties average 8-14 inches, with the occasional 16-incher that'll make your day. Spring and fall offer the best brook trout action when water temps are cool and they're actively feeding on the surface. What makes brookies special is their stunning colors—olive backs with vermiculated patterns, bright orange fins, and those distinctive red spots with blue halos. They're spunky fighters that often jump, and they inhabit the most beautiful, pristine water you'll find.
Rainbow trout bring serious fight to the table and are incredibly fun on light tackle. New Hampshire's rainbows typically run 12-18 inches with plenty of fish pushing 20 inches or better. They're most active during cooler months and love current breaks and deeper pools. Rainbows are known for their aerial displays—expect multiple jumps and long runs that'll test your drag system. They feed aggressively on insects, small baitfish, and are suckers for well-presented streamers. The satisfaction of landing a chunky rainbow after a good battle is hard to beat.
Brown trout are the craftiest fish in these waters and the ultimate prize for serious anglers. They grow large—18-24 inch fish are realistic targets, with true trophies exceeding that mark. Browns are most active during low-light periods and are notorious for being selective about fly patterns. They prefer undercut banks, log jams, and deeper pools where they can ambush prey. What makes browns exciting is their intelligence and wariness. You need to be stealthy and precise with your presentations, but when you hook one, they fight dirty with powerful runs and head shakes that'll keep you on your toes.
Smallmouth bass add variety and pure excitement to these float trips. New Hampshire smallies are bronze-backed bulldogs that average 12-16 inches with plenty of 18-inch-plus fish available. They love rocky areas, current breaks, and structure where they can ambush crayfish and small fish. Summer and early fall are prime time for smallmouth action. What makes them special is their aggressive strikes and incredible fighting ability—pound for pound, they're among the hardest fighting freshwater fish. They'll take streamers, poppers, and nymphs with equal enthusiasm, making them perfect for anglers who like variety in their fishing.
Northern pike are the apex predators in these waters and provide heart-stopping action when you're least expecting it. New Hampshire pike range from 24-36 inches with some true giants lurking in the deeper pools and slack water areas. They're ambush predators that strike with explosive power, often following streamer flies for long distances before committing. Pike fishing peaks during spring and fall when they're most active. What makes pike fishing special is the anticipation—you never know when that wake will appear behind your fly or when that massive strike will nearly rip the rod from your hands. They're toothy, aggressive, and put on a show with their aerial acrobatics and powerful runs.
This whole day float trip delivers everything serious anglers want: access to prime water, expert guidance, and the chance to target five different species in one day. Kevin's local knowledge and passion for these waters shows in the results—his repeat customers keep coming back because they know they're going to have a great day on the river.
Salvelinus FontinalisNew Hampshire's native brook trout are the jewels of our smaller streams and remote waters. These beauties run 8-14 inches typically, with their distinctive olive-green backs and those classic red spots ringed in blue. You'll find them in the coldest, cleanest water - they can't tolerate temps over 68°F, so they stick to shaded pools and undercut banks. Spring through early summer is prime time before the water warms up. What makes brookies special is the challenge - they're spooky and require precise presentations in tight quarters with overhanging brush. The reward is worth it though - they're scrappy fighters and excellent eating. My go-to tip: approach from downstream and keep your first cast count, because once you spook a pool, it's game over for a while.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the ultimate challenge for serious anglers on our New Hampshire rivers. These golden-brown beauties with black spots typically run 12-20 inches and are famous for being both smart and strong. They love deep pools, undercut banks, and any structure that provides cover - think fallen logs and boulder gardens. Fall is when they really turn on, feeding aggressively before winter, though they're catchable year-round in the right conditions. What makes browns special is their wariness - they'll test every skill you have. But that caution makes landing one incredibly rewarding, plus they're excellent table fare. Unlike other trout, browns often feed at night and aren't afraid to eat big meals like crayfish or small fish. Here's my ace in the hole: try a woolly bugger stripped slow through deep pools at dusk - browns can't resist that crawfish action.
Esox LuciusNorthern pike are the apex predators in our deeper, weedy waters - true freshwater wolves averaging 24-30 inches. These olive-green torpedoes with razor-sharp teeth lurk in shallow bays and weed beds during spring, then slide to cooler depths come summer. Early season right after ice-out through late spring is prime time when they're aggressive and shallow. What makes pike fishing addictive is the explosive strike and bulldogging fight - they're pure muscle and attitude. Fair warning though, those teeth mean business, so bring pliers! They're decent eating if you can deal with the Y-bones. My secret weapon is a slow-rolled spinnerbait through the weeds - makes it look like a wounded fish. Key tip: when you feel that first hit, don't set the hook immediately. Pike often grab and run before turning to swallow, so count to three then hammer them.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout are what dreams are made of on our New Hampshire waters. These silver-sided beauties with that signature pink stripe run anywhere from 10-18 inches, and they're built for speed and acrobatics. You'll find them in faster currents and deeper pools where the water stays cool - they prefer temps in the mid-60s. Early spring through late fall offers the best action, especially during mayfly hatches when they're actively rising. What makes rainbows special is their aerial show - they'll jump and dance on your line like no other trout. They're also fantastic eating with that pink flesh. Fly fishing is king here, but spinners work too. Pro tip: focus on the seams where fast water meets slow - that's where they sit waiting to ambush food drifting downstream. Match your fly to whatever's hatching and you're golden.
Micropterus DolomieuSmallmouth bass are the ultimate river fighters in our New Hampshire waters. These bronze-backed battlers average 12-16 inches and pack serious attitude. Look for them around rocky structure, fallen timber, and deeper pools - they love that rubble bottom habitat. Spring and fall are money times when they're feeding aggressively in shallower water, but summer fishing means going deep where it's cooler. What guests love most is the fight - pound for pound, smallmouth are hard to beat for pure scrapping power. They'll jump, run, and test your drag like few other freshwater fish. Plus they're excellent table fare with firm, white meat. Here's a local trick: when the water's warm, try a weightless soft plastic rigged weedless and let it sink slow near structure - they can't resist that wounded baitfish action.
Bethlehem, NH