Cooling rivers and fall trout stockings set the tone in NH

What's biting

What's next

Expect water temperatures to keep sliding through the next few days if nights stay cold, and the smaller, shallower flows at gauge 01073319 (8.77 cfs) will cool fastest. Cooling water usually slows bass metabolism, so plan on slower retrieves and downsized baits as the week goes on.

The best windows are midday, when the sun warms the shallows a few degrees and baitfish push into them. Early mornings can be sluggish after a cold night. With the waxing gibbous moon, evening light into early darkness is worth a look for bass chasing bait near drop-offs.

Trout should stay the most cooperative target. Fish stocked ponds and slower river stretches, and try orange or bright patterns in low light, as noted by The Fisherman — New England Freshwater. Fishing the Midwest points out that fall bass and walleyes often relocate to green, living weeds as other weed beds die back, a pattern worth testing here.

Context

Late October is the late-fall transition for Merrimack and Lake Winnipesaukee anglers. Water in the mid 40s is typical for this point in the calendar, and the bass bite usually shifts from shallow, aggressive feeding toward deeper structure and slower presentations. Trout generally become the main draw as stocked fish and cool water line up. Check state regulations and any seasonal closures before heading out.