What You'll Find at Concord Point Park

Concord Point Park sits at the mouth of the Susquehanna River where it meets the upper Chesapeake Bay in Havre de Grace. The park's fishing access is built around a working lighthouse and a long pier that extends into tidal water, giving you direct contact with striped bass, white perch, and catfish that move through this transition zone. The pier is the main draw — it's public, free, and open year-round, making it one of the most accessible spots in the region for both boat and shore fishing.

The location matters because the Susquehanna's current meets the bay's tidal swing here, creating feeding zones where fish concentrate. Spring and fall are strongest for stripers, but white perch bite consistently through summer, and catfish hold through warm months. The park itself is small and day-use only, with parking, restrooms, and a picnic area, but no overnight camping or boat launch.

Key Takeaways

  • The public pier at Concord Point extends into the Susquehanna River mouth and is open dawn to dusk year-round, requiring no permit or fee to fish.
  • Striped bass are most reliable in April through May and September through October; white perch bite heavily June through August.
  • Maryland fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older, and stripers are subject to a 19-inch minimum size with a two-fish daily limit.
  • Parking fills quickly on weekends and holidays, especially spring and fall; arrive early or plan for a weekday visit.
  • The pier is exposed to wind and current; bring a secure tackle box and watch for sudden weather changes off the bay.

Seasons and What Bites When

Spring (April and May) is peak striper season at Concord Point. Water temperatures climb into the 50s and 60s, and stripers move upriver to spawn, funneling through this narrow passage. Live shad, herring, or spot work best; many anglers also cast white or chartreuse plugs along the pier's edges. Expect crowds on weekends, but the bite can be fast enough to justify it.

Summer (June through August) shifts the focus to white perch. They're smaller than stripers — usually 8 to 12 inches — but they bite aggressively on small jigs, live minnows, and light spoons. Catfish also become active in the heat, especially at dusk and after dark. Stripers are present but deeper and less predictable in summer; most anglers targeting them move to deeper water or fish early morning and late evening.

Fall (September through October) brings a second striper push as fish move back downriver toward the bay. The bite mirrors spring — live bait and plugs both work, and water clarity is usually better. By November, water cools and the bite slows; winter fishing is possible but inconsistent, and many anglers shift to other locations.

How to Fish the Pier and Surrounding Water

The pier itself is roughly 300 feet long and gives you access to current-swept water on both sides. Most anglers fish the bay-facing side (south) where current is stronger and baitfish concentrate. Cast parallel to the pier or toward the pilings where stripers and perch hold in the shade. If you're using live bait, a simple two-hook rig with a small sinker lets the bait drift naturally in the current.

Plug casting works well here, especially for stripers. White, chartreuse, or natural-colored plugs in the 3- to 5-inch range mimic the shad and herring that move through. Cast toward structure — the pier pilings, the old lighthouse foundation, and the rocky shoreline to the north — and work the plug with a steady retrieve or sharp jerks depending on what the fish are responding to.

If you have a boat, you can fish the deeper channel just off the pier's end, where stripers hold during midday. The Susquehanna River channel runs roughly north-south here, and drifting live bait or jigging along the edges often produces better than pier fishing during slow periods. Respect the current; it runs faster than it looks, especially on outgoing tide.

Regulations and Licensing

Maryland requires a fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can buy a one-day license, a seven-day license, or an annual license through the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website or at most tackle shops in Havre de Grace. The license covers freshwater and tidal fishing, so one license covers everything at Concord Point.

Striped bass have a 19-inch minimum size and a two-fish daily limit in the Chesapeake Bay and tidal rivers. White perch have no size limit and no daily limit. Catfish have no size or bag limit. Check the current regulations before you fish — size and bag limits can change year to year, and the Maryland DNR website has the most current rules.

The park itself is day-use only. Fishing is allowed from dawn to dusk. No overnight camping, no fires, and no alcohol are permitted. The park is small and fills quickly on weekends, so plan to arrive early or fish on a weekday if you want parking close to the pier.

Getting There and What to Bring

Concord Point Park is in downtown Havre de Grace at 1 Concord Street, right on the water. From I-95, take exit 89 and follow signs toward downtown; parking is in a small lot adjacent to the pier. The lot holds roughly 20 cars and fills by mid-morning on spring and fall weekends. There are no alternative lots nearby, so if the main lot is full, you'll need to find street parking or return another time.

Bring a secure tackle box — the pier is exposed to wind and the current is strong enough to sweep loose gear overboard. A net is useful for landing white perch and smaller stripers. Sunscreen and a hat are essential; there's no shade on the pier except near the lighthouse. Water and snacks aren't sold at the park, so bring your own. Restrooms are available but basic.

If you're fishing live bait, bring a small aerator or bait bucket with a lid. Baitfish are available at tackle shops in Havre de Grace — Conowingo Dam Bait and Tackle and other local shops stock shad, herring, and spot during the season. If you're casting plugs, bring a variety of colors and sizes; white and chartreuse are reliable, but natural colors work when the water is clear.

Nearby Alternatives and Complementary Fishing

If Concord Point is crowded or the bite is slow, the Conowingo Dam spillway is roughly 15 miles north on the Susquehanna River. It's a different fishery — fast water, bigger stripers, and a steeper learning curve — but it holds fish year-round and is worth exploring if you're comfortable wading or fishing from rocks.

The Sassafras River, about 20 miles south, offers quieter fishing for stripers and white perch in a more protected setting. It's less crowded than Concord Point but requires a boat or access through private property. The upper Chesapeake Bay itself, just south of Havre de Grace, holds stripers and perch but requires a boat and navigation skills.

For a different species mix, the Elk River (north of Concord Point) and the Northeast River (south) both hold largemouth bass, catfish, and panfish. They're less famous than the striper fishery but offer steadier action and fewer crowds, especially in summer.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The biggest mistake is arriving late on a weekend and finding no parking. The lot fills by 9 a.m. on spring and fall Saturdays. Plan to arrive by 7 a.m., or fish on a weekday when the pier is quieter and parking is reliable.

The second mistake is underestimating the current. The Susquehanna's flow is strong here, especially on outgoing tide. If you're using live bait, a sinker that's too light will let the bait drift away faster than you can follow. Start with a 1- to 2-ounce sinker and adjust up if needed. If you're in a boat, keep your engine running and watch your position; the current will push you downriver faster than you expect.

A third mistake is fishing only one technique. If the plug bite is slow, switch to live bait. If live bait isn't working, try jigging or casting smaller lures. The fish are there, but their mood changes with tide, light, and water temperature. Flexibility catches more than stubbornness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish Concord Point, or can I fish from shore?

The pier is the main fishing access and requires no boat. It's open to the public and free. Most anglers fish from the pier; boat fishing is possible in the deeper channel nearby, but the pier alone gives you solid access to stripers and perch.

What's the best tide for fishing Concord Point?

Incoming tide generally produces better than outgoing, especially for stripers. The current brings baitfish and predators into the shallower water near the pier. Fish the two hours before high tide and the first hour after for the most consistent action.

Can I keep stripers I catch at Concord Point?

Yes, if they meet the 19-inch minimum size. You can keep two per day. Smaller stripers must be released. White perch have no size or bag limit, so you can keep as many as you catch.

Is there a boat launch at Concord Point Park?

No. The park is pier-fishing only. If you want to launch a boat, the nearest public launch is at Tydings Park, also in Havre de Grace, about a mile south. It has a two-lane ramp and parking.

What time of year is Concord Point least crowded?

Winter (November through March) and mid-summer (July and August) are quietest. Spring and fall draw crowds because the striper bite is strong. If you prefer solitude, fish on a weekday in summer or winter, when the pier is often empty.