Free Resource · Updated 2026
The Pemigewasset River is one of the major rivers of the White Mountains, draining a vast area from Franconia Notch south to Plymouth where it joins the Winnipesaukee River to form the Merrimack. The upper Pemi near Franconia Notch and Lincoln is classic mountain freestone water with wild brook trout and reliable hatches.
Pemigewasset River Hatch Calendar — Quick Reference
The East Branch of the Pemigewasset is particularly prized for its wild brook trout and remote character. It runs through the Pemigewasset Wilderness and requires a hike but rewards the effort with undisturbed fish. The main stem near Lincoln and Woodstock is easier to access and holds both stocked and wild trout.
Spring hatches on the Pemi start with Quill Gordons in late April and ramp up through May with Hendricksons and March Browns. Green Drakes in late June are a highlight on the lower reaches of the upper river where pools are large enough to hold fish that key in on the big mayflies.
Summer brings Light Cahills and some caddis activity. The upper river stays cooler longer than the lower valley sections. Fall brings BWOs back and Autumn Caddis rounds out the season through October.
See the full New Hampshire Fly Hatch Chart for hatch timing across all of New Hampshire's top trout streams.
Check Conditions Near Pemigewasset RiverWhat to Fish
Ephemera guttulata
The Green Drake on the Pemigewasset is worth planning a trip around. Evening hatches on the bigger pools near Lincoln draw the largest fish to the surface.
Recommended: Green Drake #10
Ephemerella subvaria
Reliable midday Hendrickson hatches across most sections of the Pemi through May. Fish pool tails and current seams where naturals concentrate.
Recommended: Hendrickson #14
Baetis spp.
Spring and fall BWOs are consistent across the upper Pemi. October can be particularly good as trout feed aggressively before winter.
Recommended: BWO Parachute #18-20
Stenonema vicarium
Afternoon March Brown hatches overlap with Hendricksons in late May and continue into June. Good fishing on the larger water of the main stem.
Recommended: March Brown #12
Common Questions
The upper main stem near Lincoln and Woodstock is the most popular and accessible. The East Branch in the Pemigewasset Wilderness has the most pristine fishing but requires a hike in.
Yes. The upper main stem and East Branch hold wild brook trout. Some sections receive stocking but wild fish are present throughout the upper river system.
The lower river near Plymouth can get warm in July and August. The upper sections near Franconia Notch and Lincoln stay cooler due to elevation and spring inputs. Focus fishing on the upper river in summer.
FlyFishFinder combines hatch knowledge with live gauge alerts, Prime condition indicators, and real angler intel so you show up on the right day, not the wrong one.
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