Lamprey River
river in New Hampshire
The Lamprey River is a National Wild and Scenic River offering a unique blend of fisheries. Its upper reaches provide traditional trout fishing, while the lower, tidally influenced sections are known for migratory species like striped bass and alewives, providing diverse fly angling challenges.
Conditions right now
No USGS gauge is linked to this water yet, so we can't chart flows.
What's working on Lamprey River
- 01Fishing is fair on the Lamprey River in early October with cool, foggy conditions.
- 02Expect active hatches of Blue-Winged Olives and Pale Morning Duns, especially on overcast days.
- 03Larger October Caddis adults may be present, particularly in warmer afternoons.
- 04Subsurface, focus on midge larvae and various mayfly nymphs.
- 05Target deeper pools, slower runs, and areas with submerged structure or undercut banks for concentrated fish.
- 06Employ a tight-line nymphing rig with a heavier anchor nymph and a smaller midge dropper for trout and Fallfish.
- 07For bass and pickerel, slow-stripping olive or black Woolly Buggers through deep sections is effective.
Past reports week by week
8 weeksWhat to tie on
Picked from reports, hatches and the season. Tap a fly for the recipe and where else it works.
Pine Squirrel Leech (Olive)
This small, subtle leech pattern is highly effective in cooler fall water, mimicking sluggish baitfish and annelids that entice predatory strikes from various species.
Olive Woolly Bugger
A versatile and effective streamer for fall, imitating leeches and baitfish that predatory trout, bass, and pickerel actively feed on in cooler water.
Flashback Pheasant Tail Nymph
An essential searching nymph, the Flashback Pheasant Tail effectively mimics various mayfly nymphs that are active subsurface throughout the fall on the Lamprey River.
Zebra Midge
Midges are a consistent and important food source year-round, especially in colder fall water. This weighted nymph is excellent for subsurface feeding fish.
Buy at AmazonBlue-Winged Olive Comparadun
Consistent fall BWO hatches are expected on the Lamprey River, particularly on overcast days, making this a prime pattern for selective surface feeders.
PMD (Pale Morning Duns)
Pale Morning Duns are actively hatching in the fall, providing a key food source for opportunistic feeders on the Lamprey River.
October Caddis (Dry)
Fall is prime time for the largest caddis hatch of the year. This pattern will attract trout and Fallfish looking for a substantial meal on the surface.
Buy at AmazonGlo Bug
As salmonids prepare for or engage in spawning, egg patterns like the Glo Bug are highly effective for opportunistic trout and other species feeding downstream of redds.
Buy at AmazonWhere to fish and who to ask
Pawtuckaway State Park Outlet
The outflow from Pawtuckaway Lake into the Lamprey River can be a productive trout spot.
Wadleigh Falls (Lee)
Offers good access to both trout water upstream and potential anadromous fish downstream.
Wiswall Falls (Newmarket)
A popular spot for anglers targeting anadromous fish during their runs, also holds trout.
Fly shops within 40 miles
Shoals Fly Fishing and Light Tackle
Orvis Kittery
Eldredge Brothers Fly Shop
Eldredge Bros. Fly Shop
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New Hampshire season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Quick answers
Common questions about Lamprey River.
What flies work best on Lamprey River?
Our top scored fly patterns for Lamprey River right now are Pine Squirrel Leech (Olive) (80% confidence), Mother's Day Caddis (80% confidence), Woolly Bugger (Black/Olive) (80% confidence). These picks are scored from recent fishing reports, hatch data, and seasonal patterns.
What fish species are in Lamprey River?
Lamprey River holds Alewives, Fallfish. See the species links on this page for fly recommendations and seasonal behavior for each.
Is Lamprey River fishing well right now?
We publish a fresh bite report for Lamprey River each week based on recent on-the-water intel. The current report — with conditions, hatches, and what's producing — is on this page.