The Merrimack River Striper Tournament runs each spring and fall, drawing anglers who fish for striped bass in New Hampshire waters

The Merrimack River Striper Tournament is a seasonal fishing event held on the Merrimack River in New Hampshire, where anglers compete by catching striped bass. The tournament typically runs during spring and fall months when stripers move through the river system. You fish from your own boat or from shore, weigh your catch at a designated location, and compete for prizes based on the size and weight of your fish.

The tournament is organized by local fishing clubs and the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, which manages the river's striper population and sets the rules for the event. Entry fees are modest — usually between $20 and $50 per angler — and the prize structure rewards both the largest individual fish and the heaviest daily catch. The event draws both experienced tournament anglers and people who simply want to fish alongside others during peak season.

Key Takeaways

  • The Merrimack River Striper Tournament runs during spring and fall when stripers are most active in New Hampshire waters.
  • You can fish from your own boat or from shore, and entry fees typically range from $20 to $50 per person.
  • Fish are weighed at a central location on a set schedule, and prizes are awarded for the largest fish and heaviest daily totals.
  • A valid New Hampshire fishing license is required, and stripers must meet the state's minimum size requirement, which is currently 18 inches.
  • Registration usually opens a few weeks before each tournament season and fills up, so checking the organizing club's website early matters.

When the Tournament Runs and How to Register

The Merrimack River Striper Tournament typically holds events in May and June (spring season) and again in September and October (fall season). The exact dates change year to year, so the best way to find current information is to contact the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department's Inland Fisheries Bureau or check with local fishing clubs that organize the event, such as the Merrimack River Fishing Club.

Registration usually opens about three to four weeks before each tournament begins. You can register in person at tackle shops along the river or online through the organizing club's website. Bring your New Hampshire fishing license when you register — you will need to show it before you fish. Some tournaments allow you to register the morning of the event if spots remain, but spring and fall seasons fill quickly, so registering early is safer.

What You Need to Fish and Catch Stripers

A valid New Hampshire fishing license is required for all anglers, regardless of age. You can purchase a license online through the New Hampshire Fish and Game website, at any town clerk's office, or at sporting goods stores. Licenses are available for one day, seven days, or the full year, depending on how often you plan to fish.

Striped bass in the Merrimack River must be at least 18 inches long to keep. Any fish shorter than that must be released immediately. You are allowed to keep a limited number of stripers per day — New Hampshire's current limit is one fish per angler per day during tournament season, though this can change, so confirm the current rule when you register.

For tackle, medium to heavy spinning or conventional rods work well for stripers in the Merrimack. Live bait — particularly live herring, mackerel, or eels — is effective, as are artificial lures like plugs and swimbaits. Many anglers fish from boats anchored in deeper holes or channels, but shore fishing from public access points is also productive during certain tides.

Where to Fish on the Merrimack

The Merrimack River in New Hampshire has several productive striper zones. The area around the Hooksett Dam and the pools immediately below it hold stripers year-round and are popular during tournaments. The Garvins Falls area near Concord is another strong spot, as is the water around the Amoskeag Dam in Manchester. Public boat launches exist at multiple locations along the river, and several areas allow shore access.

Tides matter on the Merrimack, even though it is a river. Water levels rise and fall with ocean tides as far north as the Hooksett Dam, and stripers feed more actively during moving water. Many experienced anglers time their fishing for the two hours before and after slack tide, when water movement is strongest. If you are new to the river, fishing with someone who knows it or asking at local tackle shops about current conditions saves time.

How Weigh-In Works and Prize Structure

On tournament day, you fish during a set window — usually from dawn until mid-afternoon. You keep any stripers you catch that meet the size requirement and bring them to the official weigh-in location at a designated time. The weigh-in is typically held at a boat launch or tackle shop, and you must present your fish whole and intact (not filleted or gutted).

Prizes are usually awarded in two categories: the heaviest single fish caught during the tournament and the heaviest combined weight for the day. Some tournaments also award prizes for the most fish caught or for participation. Prize money or gift certificates are distributed the same day or within a week. The exact prize structure varies by tournament, so ask when you register what the payout looks like.

Preparing Your Catch After the Tournament

After weigh-in, your fish is yours to keep or release. Many anglers who catch stripers during tournaments take them home to cook. Striped bass is a firm, mild white fish that holds up well to a variety of cooking methods. The meat is lean and takes well to pan-searing, baking, or poaching.

If you plan to keep your fish, pack it on ice immediately after weighing. Keep it cold during the drive home, and clean it the same day if possible. A whole striper can be filleted or left whole and baked. The flesh stays moist if you do not overcook it — aim for an internal temperature of 145°F. Many tournament anglers fillet their catch and freeze portions for later meals.

What to Bring and How to Prepare

Bring your fishing license, registration confirmation, and a valid photo ID to the tournament. Pack sunscreen, water, and snacks — you will be on the water or shore for several hours. Wear layers, because river weather can change quickly, and bring a rain jacket even if the forecast looks clear.

If you are fishing from a boat, make sure your vessel is in good working order and that you have a working radio or cell phone for communication. Bring a net or gaff to land fish safely, a cooler with ice for your catch, and a scale to weigh fish before weigh-in if you want to know your total. If you are shore fishing, wear wading boots with good grip, bring a headlamp for early morning, and know where the nearest public access point is.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need my own boat to fish the tournament?

No. You can fish from shore at public access points along the Merrimack, though boat fishing often gives you access to deeper water where stripers hold. If you do not own a boat, some tackle shops or fishing clubs organize group trips or can connect you with other anglers who have space.

What happens if my fish is under 18 inches?

Any striper under the minimum size must be released immediately and cannot be weighed in. Handle the fish gently and return it to the water as quickly as possible to give it the best chance of survival.

Can I fish the tournament if I have never caught a striper before?

Yes. The tournament is open to all anglers with a valid license. Many first-time participants fish alongside experienced anglers or hire a guide for the day to learn the river and improve their chances.

What is the best time of day to fish for stripers?

Early morning and late afternoon are typically most productive, and moving water during tide changes brings more feeding activity. Ask at the weigh-in or local tackle shops what conditions have been producing fish in the days leading up to the tournament.

How much does it cost to enter the tournament?

Entry fees typically range from $20 to $50 per angler, depending on the specific tournament and the prize pool. Some tournaments offer discounts for early registration or for anglers under 16. Ask the organizing club about the exact fee when you register.