Atlantic cod Regulations in New Hampshire (2026)

Gadus morhua

Recreational atlantic cod rules in New Hampshire saltwater, as published by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, Marine Division. Last checked November 7, 2026.

Size limit

23 inches minimum total length (Table 603.02 Recreational Size Limits)

Bag limit

1 per person

Season

(s) The open season for taking Atlantic cod shall be September 1…

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Recreational Atlantic cod rules in New Hampshire

Where: Statewide
Size limit: 23 inches minimum total length (Table 603.02 Recreational Size Limits)
Bag limit: (j) The recreational fishing daily limit for Atlantic cod shall be no more than one Atlantic cod.
Season: (s) The open season for taking Atlantic cod shall be September 1 through October 31.

(a) For the purposes of this section, “recreational fishing” means the taking of fish by angling and spearfishing for personal use only and which are not sold.
(e) Fillets of all groundfish species that are skinned shall retain at least 2 square inches of contiguous skin intact that enable the identification of fish species.
(f) Cod shall have head and tail intact or as fillets no less than 14 inches in length while on or leaving the waters of the state.
(i) The waters of the state that are included in the Gulf of Maine Cod Spawning Protection Area described in 50 CFR §648.81(o)(1) shall be:

Official source

Commercial rules

Show 1 commercial rule

Where: Statewide
Size limit: 19 inches minimum total length (Table 603.01 Commercial Size Limits)

(l) Persons only licensed to commercially take finfish, under RSA 211:49-a and RSA 211:49-b, shall be restricted to daily limits per vessel, in accordance with the weight limits for federally permitted, limited access vessels pursuant to 50 CFR §648.87(c)(2)(ii)(A), for sector vessels, or 50 CFR §648.86, for common pool vessels and non-federally permitted vessels in state waters.

Official source

Quick answers

What is the atlantic cod size limit in New Hampshire?

23 inches minimum total length (Table 603.02 Recreational Size Limits).

How many atlantic cod can I keep in New Hampshire?

(j) The recreational fishing daily limit for Atlantic cod shall be no more than one Atlantic cod..

When is atlantic cod season in New Hampshire?

(s) The open season for taking Atlantic cod shall be September 1 through October 31.. Whether it is open on a specific day can change by emergency rule — check today's status in the app.

Compare Atlantic cod limits in other states →

More groundfish & flatfish in New Hampshire

All New Hampshire saltwater fishing regulations →

Source: New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, Marine Division. Most anglers need a New Hampshire saltwater license or registry: get one here.