Can I Keep?Spiny dogfish Regulations in New Hampshire (2026)
Recreational spiny dogfish rules in New Hampshire saltwater, as published by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, Marine Division. Last checked November 7, 2026.
Can I keep it today? Check your harbor & date
Recreational Spiny dogfish rules in New Hampshire
- Where
- Statewide
- Season
- (c) The open season for taking dogfish in state waters shall be July 1 through April 30. The executive director may revise the opening of the season by up to 2 months depending on the quotas set by the ASMFC.
- (a) No person shall take, land or possess spiny dogfish in state waters whenever the state has been notified by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) that the state quota has been taken.
- (b) During any time period for which dogfish is closed as specified in (a) or (c), dogfish shall: (1) Only be taken by angling; (2) Be for personal use only; and (3) Not be sold.
- (d) Finning shall be prohibited. "Finning" means the taking of spiny dogfish, removing the fins, and returning the remainder of the spiny dogfish to the sea.
Quick answers
When is spiny dogfish season in New Hampshire?
(c) The open season for taking dogfish in state waters shall be July 1 through April 30. The executive director may revise the opening of the season by up to 2 months depending on the quotas set by the ASMFC.. Whether it is open on a specific day can change by emergency rule — check today's status in the app.
Compare Spiny dogfish limits in other states →
More groundfish & flatfish in New Hampshire
- American plaice
- Atlantic cod
- Atlantic halibut
- Atlantic wolffish
- Goosefish (monkfish)
- Haddock
- Ocean pout
- Pollock
- Redfish
- Summer flounder
- Windowpane flounder
- Winter flounder
- Yellowtail flounder
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.