Back in Action: Turkey Season Wrap-Up and June Fishing Outlook
May 31st, 2026
I would like to apologize for being absent throughout the month of May. I started a new job early this month and like many New Hampshire outdoorsmen, I spent most of the month chasing spring gobblers. After a lot of early mornings, long sits, and miles of walking, I was fortunate enough to fill both of my turkey tags and tag out for the season with two great birds.
While turkey hunting took up most of my free time, I've still been keeping an eye on our local rivers and streams. Now that turkey season is over, my focus is shifting back to fishing and guiding throughout Central and Northern New Hampshire.
June Fishing Outlook: White Mountains & Lakes Region
June is one of the best months of the year to be a trout angler in New Hampshire. Water temperatures are still cool, insect activity is increasing, and trout are feeding aggressively before summer heat settles in.
White Mountain Streams
The rivers and mountain streams of the White Mountains should be in excellent shape throughout June. Spring runoff has largely subsided, and anglers can expect good water levels and healthy flows.
Brook trout fishing should remain strong in smaller tributaries and headwater streams. These fish are often willing to move for dry flies, small spinners, and attractor patterns this time of year.
In larger rivers such as the East Branch, Pemigewasset, Saco, and Ellis systems, anglers should focus on deeper runs, pocket water, and seams where trout can feed efficiently while conserving energy.
As the month progresses, early mornings and evenings will become increasingly important, especially during warmer stretches.
Lakes Region Rivers and Streams
The rivers and streams feeding the Lakes Region are often overlooked this time of year. June can provide some outstanding fishing opportunities before water temperatures climb into summer ranges.
The Winnipesaukee River, Smith River, Merrymeeting River, and numerous smaller tributaries can all produce quality trout fishing. Anglers should pay close attention to current seams, undercut banks, log jams, and deeper pools.
Recent stocking efforts throughout the region should keep catch rates high, while holdover trout will often be found in areas with cooler, well-oxygenated water.
What Trout Are Eating
June brings increasing insect activity across much of New Hampshire.
Keep an eye out for:
Caddis hatches
Sulphurs
Various mayfly species
Stoneflies in higher-gradient streams
For fly anglers, a combination of nymphs, dry flies, and small streamers should cover most situations.
Spin anglers will continue to do well with small inline spinners, spoons, and soft plastics worked through deeper runs and pools.
Looking Ahead
June offers some of the most consistent trout fishing of the entire year. Whether you're chasing wild brook trout in mountain streams or targeting stocked and holdover fish in larger rivers, conditions should be favorable throughout much of the month.
Thank you to everyone who has followed along despite my lack of updates this spring. I appreciate the support and look forward to getting back on the water, sharing reports, and helping clients make the most of what should be an excellent early summer season.
Tight Lines,
Anthony Rolli
3 Rivers Guiding Service
