Tours and Guided Trips in the Monadnock Region

The Monadnock Region is easy to explore on your own. Trails are well marked, the villages are close together and the back roads are pleasant to drive. But some experiences are better with someone who knows the ground, or the water, or the air. If you are looking for tours in the Monadnock Region NH, this guide covers the guided trips that make the most sense here: fishing and hunting guides, a scenic flight over the mountain, and a paddling outfitter. It also includes some planning tips so you get the most from a day with a guide.

The Monadnock Region at a glance

The Monadnock Region is in southwestern New Hampshire. It has no official borders, but it is generally thought of as all of Cheshire County plus the western part of Hillsborough County. It takes its name from Mount Monadnock, the isolated 3,165-foot mountain that dominates the landscape.

Mount Monadnock, also called Grand Monadnock, stands in the town of Jaffrey. It is the most prominent peak in southern New Hampshire and the highest point in Cheshire County. It rises about 2,000 feet above the surrounding land and is nearly 1,000 feet higher than any other peak within 30 miles. It has long been cited as one of the most frequently climbed mountains in the world, and it appears in the writings of Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau.

The region also has four state parks. The largest, Pisgah State Park, covers 13,300 acres in Winchester, Chesterfield and Hinsdale and is the largest state park in New Hampshire. It holds seven ponds, four highland ridges and a 20-acre parcel of old-growth forest. Keene is the region's only city.

Water is a big part of the region's appeal for guided trips. The Ashuelot River runs about 64 miles through southwestern New Hampshire and drains much of the Monadnock Region. It is the longest tributary of the Connecticut River within the state. The Contoocook River begins at Contoocook Lake on the Jaffrey and Rindge border and flows 71 miles north toward Penacook. It is one of only a few rivers in New Hampshire that flow mainly northward, and it is popular for fishing and whitewater boating.

Why hire a guide here?

The region looks gentle, but guides add real value:

• Local knowledge. A good fishing guide knows which ponds and river stretches are producing and how conditions change through the season.
• Equipment. Many guides supply boats, gear or both, so you do not have to haul your own.
• Licensing and rules. Fishing and hunting come with rules and seasons. A licensed guide can explain what applies to your trip.
• Safety. On the water and in the woods, an experienced guide makes good decisions about weather and terrain.
• Learning. If you are new to fly fishing or ice fishing, a day with a guide shortens the learning curve.

Fishing and hunting guides

603 Guide, also known as Forrestall's Guide Service, is run by a licensed New Hampshire fishing and hunting guide based in Alstead. Its website lists fly fishing, turkey hunts, drift and wade fishing trips and ice fishing, along with lodging information. The guide describes himself as born in New Hampshire with a lifelong love of the outdoors. See 603 Guide.

Gunny's Guide Service offers open water and ice fishing trips. Its owner grew up in southern New Hampshire fishing local waters, and the service specializes in lake trout. It also takes clients after bass, crappie, panfish and other species. The website says the owner is happy to work with clients to shape the trip around their goals. See Gunny's Guide Service.

West Hill Outfitters in Troy has been operating since 2010. It offers guided grouse and woodcock hunting, fishing, bear hunting and dog training. The business added a 20-foot fishing boat in 2023 to offer guided fishing charters, and it lists locations in Troy and Pittsburg, New Hampshire. Its tagline is "Making Memories in the Outdoors." See West Hill Outfitters.

When you contact a fishing or hunting guide, ask what is included, what license you need, what to bring and what happens if weather cancels the trip. Those four answers tell you most of what you need to plan.

Scenic flights over Mount Monadnock

For a completely different view of the region, Silver Ranch AirPark at the Jaffrey Airport offers scenic airplane flights. Its website lists several routes. The shortest circles Jaffrey and Grand Monadnock along with historic Jaffrey Center and several nearby lakes. A longer flight adds towns such as Dublin, Harrisville and Peterborough, or Troy, Fitzwilliam and Rindge. A grand tour covers more of the region's villages and lakes, and a 100-mile option lets you pick the route. Flights take up to three passengers. The business also offers introductory flying lessons and charter flights. See Silver Ranch AirPark.

A flight is a great way to understand why the mountain is so famous. From the air, you can see how it stands alone above the surrounding hills. Bring a camera and pick a clear day.

Paddling near the mountain

Monadnock Paddle in Fitzwilliam is a kayak and canoe rental facility overlooking Mount Monadnock. Its website describes quiet water with abundant wildlife, and says visitors may spot moose, beaver or river otter. On-site features include picnic tables, concessions and a custom cradle for easier, accessible entry into the water. It also hosts events, field trips, birthday parties and team building, and it operates seasonally. Dogs are not allowed. See Monadnock Paddle.

Paddling here suits families and first-timers because the water is calm. It is also a good choice for a guided group outing.

Planning a guided trip

Book early in peak season. Guides are often small operations, sometimes a single person. Summer weekends and the best fishing weeks go quickly.

Be honest about experience. Tell your guide whether you have fished or hunted before. It helps them plan the right pace and location.

Ask about licenses. Ask your guide which license, if any, you need, and check New Hampshire Fish and Game's licensing information before the trip.

Dress for the conditions. Layers, rain gear and sturdy footwear help on any outdoor trip. Ice fishing calls for serious cold-weather clothing.

Pack bug protection in summer. Ponds and river banks bring mosquitoes and black flies.

Respect the land. Many trips cross private property or conservation land. Follow your guide's lead on access.

Pairing a tour with a hike

Many visitors combine a guided trip with a climb of Mount Monadnock. The mountain carries a number of trails, including the 110-mile Metacomet-Monadnock Trail and the 50-mile Monadnock-Sunapee Greenway. Its bare summit is the result of fires set by early settlers in the 1800s, which is why the views from the top are so open. A morning hike followed by an afternoon on the water makes a full and satisfying day.

Frequently asked questions

Are there fishing guides in the Monadnock Region?

Yes. 603 Guide in Alstead, Gunny's Guide Service and West Hill Outfitters in Troy all offer guided fishing trips.

Can I take a scenic flight over Mount Monadnock?

Yes. Silver Ranch AirPark at the Jaffrey Airport offers scenic airplane flights over Jaffrey, Grand Monadnock and nearby towns.

Where can I rent a kayak near Mount Monadnock?

Monadnock Paddle in Fitzwilliam rents kayaks and canoes on quiet water with views of the mountain.

Do I need a license for a guided fishing trip in New Hampshire?

Ask your guide and check New Hampshire Fish and Game's licensing information before your trip.

Sources

• Monadnock Region, Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monadnock_Region
• Mount Monadnock, Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Monadnock
• Pisgah State Park, Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pisgah_State_Park
• Ashuelot River, Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashuelot_River
• Contoocook River, Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contoocook_River
• 603 Guide official site: https://603guide.com
• Gunny's Guide Service official site: https://www.gunnysguideservice.com/about
• West Hill Outfitters official site: https://www.westhilloutfitters.com/about-us
• Silver Ranch AirPark scenic flights: https://www.silverranchairpark.com/scenic-airplane-flights
• Monadnock Paddle official site: https://www.monadnockpaddle.com/about