About Exeter River, NH

The Exeter River is located in Rockingham County, New Hampshire. It is a 40.5-mile-long river that flows east and northeast from the town of Chester to Exeter. Its drainage basin covers a 126 square mile area. The lower portion of Exeter River situated in Exeter is commonly referred to as Squamscott River. Squamscott River is a downstream and a tributary of the Great Bay. It is in proximity to other significant water bodies such as Little River, Exeter River Reservoir, Dearborn Brook, Great Brook, and Judes Pond. 

Aside from its abundance of fish species, the Exeter River is abundant in history and culture as well. The Great Dam used to exist along the end of Exeter River, and however, it was removed in 2016. The removal of the Great Dam restored the flow of water in the Exeter River to its natural state. The conservation of the Exeter River has been under the New Hampshire Rivers Management and Protection Program since 1995. 

The entirety of the Exeter River provides tourists and locals with scenic views, with a number of dams and falls, making it a popular recreational destination. As it is only a few minutes away from downtown Exeter, the river is a familiar spot for locals looking for a quiet area to have picnics and outdoor functions.

All About Fishing in Exeter River, NH

Exeter River provides refuge to a diverse range of native fish species: American eel, brown bullhead, chain pickerel, and American yellow perch. Anglers also find the Exeter River as an excellent spot to target smallmouth bass and largemouth bass. Many decades ago, the Exeter River also used to be a spawning ground for Atlantic salmon, but its abundance has declined as years went by. Game fish such as rainbow trout is also abundant in the Exeter River. 

As most parts of the Exeter River is shallow and rocky, anglers are expected to follow a strictly walk and wade fishing regulation. Due to this, fly fishing has become the go-to technique for anglers. For those who wish to fish from the lake's edges, spinning and baitcasting are common too. And with the abundance of fish in the river that is often lurking near the surface, fishing is best enjoyed by anglers of all skill levels, making it an excellent spot, especially for anglers looking to practice their fly fishing skills. 

Despite the abundance of fish and plantations in the area, Mercury content has been detected in the Exeter River's waters. In simpler terms, water in the Exeter River is not suitable for drinking. However, locals and tourists could still enjoy recreational water activities such as swimming and fishing. During the high water periods, visitors could enjoy kayaking and boating as well.

Fishing Seasonality

Generally, fishing in all rivers in New Hampshire is best between January 1st and October 15th, especially when targeting trout and its hybrids. For anglers targeting bass, bass is typically abundant all year round but is heavily monitored, and fishing is significantly regulated around May to June. During this period, bass fishing is strictly catch and release only. 

Fishing Seasonality

Generally, fishing in all rivers in New Hampshire is best between January 1st and October 15th, especially when targeting trout and its hybrids. For anglers targeting bass, bass is typically abundant all year round but is heavily monitored, and fishing is significantly regulated around May to June. During this period, bass fishing is strictly catch and release only. 

All About Fishing in Exeter River, NH

Exeter River provides refuge to a diverse range of native fish species: American eel, brown bullhead, chain pickerel, and American yellow perch. Anglers also find the Exeter River as an excellent spot to target smallmouth bass and largemouth bass. Many decades ago, the Exeter River also used to be a spawning ground for Atlantic salmon, but its abundance has declined as years went by. Game fish such as rainbow trout is also abundant in the Exeter River. 

As most parts of the Exeter River is shallow and rocky, anglers are expected to follow a strictly walk and wade fishing regulation. Due to this, fly fishing has become the go-to technique for anglers. For those who wish to fish from the lake's edges, spinning and baitcasting are common too. And with the abundance of fish in the river that is often lurking near the surface, fishing is best enjoyed by anglers of all skill levels, making it an excellent spot, especially for anglers looking to practice their fly fishing skills. 

Despite the abundance of fish and plantations in the area, Mercury content has been detected in the Exeter River's waters. In simpler terms, water in the Exeter River is not suitable for drinking. However, locals and tourists could still enjoy recreational water activities such as swimming and fishing. During the high water periods, visitors could enjoy kayaking and boating as well.