Can I Keep?American lobster Regulations in New Hampshire (2026)
Recreational american lobster rules in New Hampshire saltwater, as published by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, Marine Division. Last checked November 7, 2026.
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Recreational American lobster rules in New Hampshire
- Where
- Statewide
- Size limit
- (a) The minimum length for lobster shall be 3 1/4 inches except the minimum length for lobster taken or possessed in state waters by any vessel federally permitted to take lobsters in: (1) Lobster Management Area 3 as specified in 50 CFR 697.18 shall be 3 17/32; and (2) Lobster Management Areas 2, 4, 5, 6, and the Outer Cape Lobster Management area shall be 3 3/8. (b) The maximum length for lobster shall be 5 inches except as provided in RSA 211:27, III(b) or any vessel federally permitted to take lobsters in: (1) Lobster Management Areas 2, 4, 5 and 6 shall be 5 ¼ inches; and (2) Lobster Management Area 3 shall be 6 3/4 inches. (d) Lobster and lobster meat taken from the shell shall be measured in accordance with RSA 211:27.
- (a) No person shall possess any V-notched female American lobster. For the purposes of this paragraph, V-notched lobster means any female lobster marked with a V-notch in the right flipper next to the middle flipper or any female lobster which is mutilated in a manner which could hide or obliterate the mark. The right flipper shall be determined when the underside of the lobster is down and its tail toward the person making the determination.
- (c) Lobster tail meat taken from the shell shall not be less than 4 1/4 inches.
Quick answers
What is the american lobster size limit in New Hampshire?
(a) The minimum length for lobster shall be 3 1/4 inches except the minimum length for lobster taken or possessed in state waters by any vessel federally permitted to take lobsters in: (1) Lobster Management Area 3 as specified in 50 CFR 697.18 shall be 3 17/32; and (2) Lobster Management Areas 2, 4, 5, 6, and the Outer Cape Lobster Management area shall be 3 3/8. (b) The maximum length for lobster shall be 5 inches except as provided in RSA 211:27, III(b) or any vessel federally permitted to take lobsters in: (1) Lobster Management Areas 2, 4, 5 and 6 shall be 5 ¼ inches; and (2) Lobster Management Area 3 shall be 6 3/4 inches. (d) Lobster and lobster meat taken from the shell shall be measured in accordance with RSA 211:27..
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Source: New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, Marine Division. Most anglers need a New Hampshire saltwater license or registry: get one here.