Newburyport, MA Fishing: Picturesque Seaside City with Plenty of Fishing Opportunities

Find a wonderful fishing wonderland in the charmingly historic city of Newburyport MA.

Newburyport, MA Fishing: Picturesque Seaside City with Plenty of Fishing Opportunities
Newburyport, MA Fishing: Picturesque Seaside City with Plenty of Fishing Opportunities
Team Guidesly

August 3, 2021, 7 min read

Updated on July 29, 2021

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Nestled on the elevated south bank of Merrimack River, Newburyport is a charmingly historic city in Massachusetts’ North Shore. The city was originally inhabited by the Pawtucket Indians before turning itself into a prosperous shipping port that made its riches in the triangular trade in the 18th and 19th centuries. When a major fire destroyed a big part of its downtown in 1811, the city’s buildings were then rebuilt into the brick structures that we still see today.

These historic brick buildings, though, were once in danger of being razed when downtown Newburyport fell into disrepair during the 1950s and 1960s. However, the decision was overturned at the last minute, and plans for restoration were enacted instead. Because of this fateful decision, Newburyport is now cited as a model city by preservationists who laud how the restoration allowed the city to maintain its heritage while still serving a practical function for its residents and visitors.

Many visitors to the city are drawn to Newburyport’s downtown with its great mix of historic feel and a warm friendly neighborhood vibe. But there’s more to the city than its pretty downtown. So after getting your fill of the city’s amazing architecture, make time to discover its vibrant arts and culture community, its unforgettable dining scene on the beautiful waterfront, its scenic nature walks along the Merrimack River, plus the whole host of wonderful public beaches. And because Newburyport is situated at the mouth of Merrimack River, a body of water that empties into the Atlantic Ocean, anglers can expect fantastic game fishing opportunities in this beautiful city. So if you’re on a tour of Massachusetts’ great North Shore, be sure to include Newburyport in your itinerary for a wholesome New England trip that’s both a feast for the senses and a fishing wonderland.

Newburyport Fishing

The city of Newburyport, like its neighbors on the North Shore, is gifted with amazing fishing spots. Anglers who want to experience a little bit of everything can try freshwater fishing here one day, before hopping on a charter boat offshore the next. In fact, there’s plenty of fishing opportunities here that you may find yourself planning multiple trips just to cover them all.

The city is right on the mouth of Merrimack River, so it’s only proper to start your fishing there. The great river is home to a number of native freshwater fish as well as anadromous and migratory fish species. It is a particular hotspot for striped bass who love the river’s fast currents and rough bottom structure. Fishing the mouth of the river can be productive, especially if you’re on the hunt for some striped bass, bluefish, and even winter flounder. The river mouth has stone jetties from which you can fish, though they can be dangerous and not particularly advised for newbie anglers. For safety, anglers will want to surf cast on the north jetty which was rebuilt to be more angler-friendly, with a better height and a flatter surface. Need a quick clue to lead you to your stripers? Look up and see where the sea birds are headed because they are on the hunt for some stripers, too. If you want to fish Merrimack River on a boat, try drifting with cut bait or slow trolling with live bait such as mackerel. The river is a great place to fly fish as well.

Head on over to the southern side of Merrimack River to find the warm waters of Joppa Flats. Attractive to bait fish all season long, Joppa Flats is a great body of water to fish at night when striped bass and bluefish are less on guard in the shallows. Daytime fishing can be productive here, too. Fly fishers love to fish this underwater sandbar because the fish are all in the shallows when they’re actively feeding. Because the flats are so fishable, expect the place to fill up easily especially during spring and early summer.

If you’re looking for a more convenient and easily accessible spot to fish, head towards the end of the Plum Island Turnpike, where you will find a parking area with access to the Atlantic beachfront. Venture further over the Plum Island River, where you can walk on the marsh fields and launch a kayak for some productive estuary fishing all the way to Plum Island Sound.

Park River National Wildlife Refuge is yet another fishing spot where you can enjoy a fruitful time fishing and just gazing out at nature. This beautifully maintained wildlife refuge is pristine and teeming with wildlife. There are six parking areas designated for anglers here. You can access the beach on a boardwalk that leads to the ocean and dunes. If you want a more peaceful fishing experience, the parking areas farthest from the main gate should be your main choice. A particular favorite among anglers is the Sandy Point State Reservation at the southern tip of the island, as well as Crane Beach which is known as a productive surfcasting spot. The naturally rocky area, plus the currents from Merrimack that confluence with the surf and tidal flow from Plum Island Sound, make it attractive to fish. The refuge closes at sunset, but you can stay here overnight, as long as you get in before the park closes. Do note that you will need a refuge permit to go night fishing here.

For offshore fishing, head towards the harbor where there are plenty of charter boats that will take you deep sea fishing for some bluefin tuna, pollock, haddock, halibut, and shark. Just 10 miles from Newburyport, you can fish Jeffreys Ledge where bluefin tuna can be caught during the summers. Go deeper and armed with your heavy tackle gear, challenge yourself with blue sharks, mako sharks, and porbeagles. 

 

Top 10 Fish Species in Newburyport, MA

The top 10 fish species to catch in Newburyport, MA are striped bass, bluefish, haddock, halibut, pollock, bluefin tuna, blue shark, winter flounder, mako shark, and tautog.

Seasonal Fishing

Newburyport offers year-round fishing, though of course, its most active months are May, June, until October. November to January may not be as fruitful, but you can still certainly catch some haddock, pollock, and winter flounder around this time. Striped bass are actively feeding starting May, followed closely by bluefish. Bluefin tuna is yet another summer catch, along with blue sharks and mako sharks. Spring catches include tautog and halibut. As always, it’s best to consult the recreational fishing regulations of a certain area for size and bag limits as well as catch-and-release seasons.

 

Discover the Endless Charms of Newburyport, MA

Newburyport has plenty to offer visitors of all stripes. It has historic architecture, the vibrant arts scene, and stunning natural vistas waiting to be discovered, so if you’re planning a trip to this side of the North Shore, get ready for a packed itinerary.

 

1. Book a Fishing Charter

Newburyport is a great fishing town with plenty of angling opportunities, from freshwater fly fishing to deep-sea fishing. Book a fishing charter on the beautiful waterfront so you can maximize your time out on the water without worries.

 

2. Go Architecture-hopping

Feel the history of the city by walking along the city’s downtown area, where you will find a great representation of the city’s different eras — from the Colonial, Federalist, and even Victorian periods. 

 

3. Be a Culture Vulture

Go museum-hopping to learn more about the city’s maritime history. The Custom House Maritime Museum is a great place to start with its collection of maritime artifacts from the 17th to 20th centuries. The Museum of Old Newbury, inside the beautiful 19th century Cushing House, is another one worth checking out for its displays on local history. If you want something a little more modern, check out the Newburyport Art Association which hosts art exhibits all year round. The Firehouse Center for the Arts is a great venue that hosts theater, concerts, and other arts-related programs.

 

4. Relax at the Waterfront Park

See the sunrise over Plum Island at the downtown Waterfront Park which has a boardwalk that runs along the Merrimack River. 

 

5. See Nature While Staying Active

Newburyport may be a prosperous city, but it remains in touch with its natural side. Kayak in the salt marsh or walk along the Pines Trail of the 4,662-acre Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. Jog or bike while taking in the rolling meadows at the 450-acre Maudslay State Park. 

Fish in Newburyport and beyond.