What Fort McClary Offers Anglers

Fort McClary State Park sits on a rocky peninsula in Kittery where the Piscataqua River meets the Atlantic. The park is primarily a historical site—the fort itself dates to the 1700s—but the surrounding waters hold striped bass, bluefish, and seasonal mackerel. You fish from the rocks and jetties that ring the point, not from a dedicated fishing pier or boat launch. The park charges a day-use fee (currently $6 for Maine residents, $8 for non-residents as of 2024, though this varies by season) and is open year-round, though access is most practical from May through October.

The fishing here is shore-based and weather-dependent. Tides matter significantly because the Piscataqua is a tidal river with fast current, and the rocks are slippery when wet. Most anglers fish the incoming tide or slack water rather than fighting the outgoing push. The park has parking, restrooms, and a walking trail around the perimeter, but no tackle shop, bait sales, or food service on-site. You bring what you need.

Key Takeaways

  • Fort McClary is a rocky-shore fishery for striped bass and bluefish, accessed by foot from the parking area—there is no boat launch or pier.
  • Tides control the fishing; incoming tide and slack water are safer and more productive than the fast outgoing current.
  • You must bring your own tackle, bait, and supplies; the park has no tackle shop or concessions.
  • A Maine fishing license is required for all anglers 16 and older, and striped bass have a minimum size of 18 inches and a daily bag limit of one fish per angler.
  • The park is open year-round but most accessible May through October; winter access depends on weather and ice conditions.

Seasons and What Fish Are Present

Spring (May through June) brings striped bass as they move upriver from the Atlantic to spawn. This is the most reliable season for bass on the rocks. Bluefish arrive in late May and stay through early summer, feeding aggressively on baitfish near the point. Both species respond to live mackerel, herring, or eels, and to small metal jigs and topwater plugs.

Summer (July and August) can be slow during midday heat, but early morning and evening tides produce striped bass and occasional bluefish. Mackerel are present but less predictable than in spring. Fall (September through October) is excellent: striped bass return as they move back downriver, and bluefish feed heavily before migration. This is the second-best season after spring.

Winter fishing is possible but limited by ice, snow, and rough water. The Piscataqua is exposed to Atlantic swells, and the rocky point offers no shelter. Few anglers fish here December through March, and the park may restrict access during severe weather.

Regulations and Licensing

Maine requires a fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase a non-resident license online through the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW) website or at many tackle shops in the area. A three-day license is available for non-residents; a full-year license is also an option. Resident licenses are cheaper and available at the same sources.

Striped bass have a minimum size of 18 inches and a daily bag limit of one fish per angler. Bluefish have no minimum size in Maine state waters, but a federal limit of one fish per angler applies if you are fishing federal waters (generally beyond 3 miles offshore, though the Piscataqua is tidal and state-regulated). Check the current MDIFW regulations before you go, as rules can change year to year.

The park itself has no special fishing restrictions beyond the state-wide rules. Parking is limited, and the lot fills on weekends during peak season. Arrive early or visit on weekdays if possible.

How to Get There and What to Bring

Fort McClary State Park is located at 118 Kittery Point Road in Kittery, about 90 minutes north of Boston and 30 minutes south of Portland. From Interstate 95, take Exit 3 (Kittery) and follow signs to Kittery Point Road. The park entrance is well-marked. Parking is free with the day-use fee paid at the entrance station.

Bring sturdy shoes with good grip—the rocks are slippery and uneven, especially when wet or covered in seaweed. Bring more tackle than you think you will need; the rocks snag lures regularly. A headlamp is useful for early morning or evening fishing. Bring water and snacks; there is no food available. A tide table or phone app showing Piscataqua tides is essential for planning your visit. The current at this location is strong, so know the tide before you fish.

Parking is available but limited. The lot holds roughly 30 cars and fills quickly on summer weekends. Arrive by 7 a.m. or visit on a weekday to secure a spot. The park closes at sunset, so plan your time accordingly.

Tackle and Bait That Work Here

Live bait is the most reliable method. Mackerel, herring, and eels all work for striped bass. You can catch mackerel in the park's waters during spring and early summer, or bring them from a tackle shop. Eels are harder to find but deadly for bass. Bluefish will take live mackerel or herring but are less picky than bass.

Artificial lures work well, especially early and late in the day. Small metal jigs (1/2 to 1 ounce) in silver or white mimic the baitfish in the area. Topwater plugs create commotion that attracts bluefish and aggressive bass. Soft plastics rigged on jig heads are also effective. Bring multiple lures because the rocks will take them.

Use 20- to 30-pound braided line on a medium-heavy spinning rod. The rocks are sharp, and you need line that will not fray easily. A 12- to 18-inch fluorocarbon leader (30- to 40-pound test) between the braid and your lure reduces visibility and resists abrasion.

Tides and Timing

The Piscataqua River has one of the fastest tidal currents on the East Coast. At Fort McClary, the incoming tide (flood) and slack water (the brief period between incoming and outgoing) are the best times to fish. The outgoing tide (ebb) creates a powerful current that makes it hard to keep your lure in the strike zone and dangerous to wade.

Check a tide table for Portsmouth, New Hampshire (the nearest reference station) or use an app like NOAA Tides & Currents. Plan to fish the two hours before and one hour after slack water for the most productive window. Slack water typically lasts 20 to 40 minutes. If you arrive during a strong ebb, wait for the tide to turn or come back another day.

Spring tides (the largest tidal swings, occurring around new and full moons) create the fastest currents. Neap tides (the smallest swings, occurring around quarter moons) are gentler and may be easier for beginners. Neither is bad for fishing, but current strength affects how you fish and how safe the rocks are.

Nearby Alternatives and Lodging

If Fort McClary is crowded or the tide is wrong, several other Kittery-area options are worth considering. Brave Boat Harbor, a few miles south, offers similar rocky-shore fishing with less foot traffic. The Piscataqua River itself has boat access at several ramps in Portsmouth and Kittery if you want to fish from a kayak or small boat.

Lodging in Kittery is limited but available. The town is small and mostly residential, but nearby Portsmouth (15 minutes north) has hotels, restaurants, and tackle shops. The closest major tackle shop is Orvis in Portsmouth, which carries saltwater gear and can provide current fishing reports. Camping is not available at Fort McClary, but several private campgrounds operate in the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish Fort McClary?

No. All fishing at Fort McClary is from shore—the rocks and jetties that surround the point. There is no boat launch in the park. If you want to fish the Piscataqua from a boat, you will need to launch elsewhere, such as Portsmouth or Kittery Point Marina.

What is the best time of year to fish here?

Spring (May and June) is the most reliable season for striped bass. Fall (September and October) is also excellent. Summer can be productive early and late in the day but slow during midday heat. Winter is possible but difficult due to weather and ice.

Can I keep striped bass I catch here?

Yes, if the fish is at least 18 inches long. You can keep one striped bass per day. Bluefish have no minimum size but are also limited to one per angler per day under federal rules. Always check current Maine regulations before you fish.

Is the park crowded on weekends?

Yes, especially in summer. The parking lot fills by mid-morning on nice weekends. If you want solitude or may provide parking, visit on a weekday or arrive very early. The park is less crowded in spring and fall.

What should I do if I slip on the rocks?

Wear shoes with excellent grip and move slowly. The rocks are uneven and slippery, especially near the water. If you are uncomfortable on uneven terrain, this may not be the best spot for you. Consider a boat-based option or a sandy-beach fishery instead.