Beleaguered Rivers of New Hampshire's White Mountains Region...

An unstocked wild native brook trout stream in the New Hampshire White Mountains backcountry.

The White Mountains region of New Hampshire backcountry is the states most wild native trout rich area. The area boasts countless miles of unstocked wild native brook trout streams, very few nonnative trout, and virtually no nonnative warmwater fish. The streams are fed by mountain run-off and springs, keeping them cool throughout the summer. This represents one of the most important concentrations of intact wild brook trout water in New England.

A wild native brook trout from a backcountry stream in the White Mountains Region of New Hampshire.

Unfortunately, the White Mountains region frontcountry is not what the backcountry is. In fact, it is home to some of the most beleaguered high potential wild native brook trout rivers and streams in the state. With easy access, liberal regulations, and high levels of angler exploitation, the White Mountains frontcountry is heavily stocked and has been for decades.

A stocked brook trout from a small frontcountry river in the White Mountains Region of New Hampshire.

Well-known waters such as the Saco, Ellis, lower Wildcat, Swift, Pemigiwasset, Peabody, Ammonoosuc, Zealand, Israel, Mad, and Upper Amonoosuc Rivers, all of which hold some level of wild native brook trout, are managed as put-and-take fisheries. In some cases, these rivers are stocked with nonnative rainbow trout and brown trout as well as brook trout. To learn more, click on the links below:

A stocked nonnative rainbow trout from a small frontcountry river in the White Mountains Region of New Hampshire.