Merrimack River - NH

• May's Full Motion Crayfish

• 

  Bead Head Woolly Bugger Streamer

• 

  Tungsten Jig Bugger

• Sneaky Pete Popper

• Black-nose Dace

• Black Ghost

David Kolesar's Recommended Gear

• Best Leader:

  

  Super Strong Plus Leaders

• Best Tippet:

  

  SuperStrong Plus Tippet in 30- and 100-meter spools

• Best Fly Fishing Rod:

  

  6-Weight 9' Fly Rod

• Best Floating Fly Line:

  Freshwater Bass WF Fly Line

• Best Sinking Fly Line:

  Bank Shot Sink Tip Fly Line

Description: About Merrimack River

The upper Merrimack river from Franklin to Concord NH is a large freestone river formed by the confluence of the Pemigewasset and Winnipesaukee rivers in Franklin. The river continues flowing southeast ward through Nashua NH into Massachusetts before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean. The upper river has a good current flow with long stretches of calm water interrupted by shallow rapids. While trout are stocked in parts of the river high summer water temperatures prevent trout from thriving. This is a smallmouth bass river.

Nearest Airport:

Manchester -Boston Regional Airport

Hatches:

alder fly hatch in mid-June

Best Time to Fish:

Anytime. Low sun conditions and shade are usually better than bright sun.

Best Stretch:

Franklin to Concord

Best Access:

Boscawen Boat Launch. Shore access can be found at various locations along route 3 and a rail trail that crosses the boat launch in Boscawen.