What You'll Find at Havre de Grace

Havre de Grace sits where the Susquehanna River meets the upper Chesapeake Bay, and the Promenade is a mile-long waterfront walkway that doubles as one of Maryland's most accessible fishing spots. You can fish directly from the Promenade itself — no boat required — and catch striped bass, white perch, catfish, and seasonal shad. The walk is flat, well-lit at night, and open year-round, which makes it popular with both locals and visitors who want to fish without the cost or logistics of a charter.

The Promenade runs along the downtown waterfront and connects to several fishing piers and access points. The most productive sections are near the Susquehanna Museum area and the lower end toward the bay. Water depth ranges from shallow flats near shore to deeper channels 50 yards out, so you can match your technique to what's running.

Key Takeaways

  • Havre de Grace Promenade allows shore fishing year-round with no permit required for rod-and-reel fishing, though you do need a Maryland fishing license.
  • Striped bass are most abundant in spring (March through May) and fall (September through November), with white perch running strong in winter and early spring.
  • The Promenade itself is free to walk and fish, but nearby tackle shops and restaurants make it easy to spend a full day without leaving downtown.
  • Parking is available on the street and in nearby lots; the Promenade is wheelchair-accessible and lit for evening fishing.

Seasons and What Bites When

Spring (March to May) is peak striped bass season. Water temperatures climb from the 40s to the 60s, and bass move shallow to feed before spawning. Live shad, herring, and soft plastics work well. White perch also bite aggressively in April and May. Expect crowds on weekends, especially in April.

Summer (June to August) is slower. Bass move to deeper, cooler water in the main channel, and the Promenade becomes less productive. Catfish bite at night, and you may catch some white perch in early morning. Many anglers shift to boat fishing or move to other locations during this period.

Fall (September to November) brings another strong striped bass run as water cools and fish move back shallow. September and October are excellent. Shad and herring patterns work again. White perch begin their winter run in October and November.

Winter (December to February) is white perch season. They school heavily in the deeper channels and near the mouth of the Susquehanna. Small jigs and live shiners are standard. Catfish also bite, and a few hardy anglers catch striped bass, though they are less predictable. The Promenade is less crowded and fishing can be excellent on mild days.

What Gear and Bait to Bring

For striped bass, a 7- to 8-foot medium-heavy rod with 15- to 20-pound braid or mono works well. Reels should hold at least 200 yards. Live bait — shad, herring, or mullet — is most effective, but soft plastics (4- to 6-inch swimbaits or shads) and topwater plugs produce during active feeding windows. Casting distance matters; stripers often hold 30 to 50 yards out.

White perch fishing calls for lighter gear: a 6- to 7-foot medium rod, 10- to 12-pound line, and small jigs (1/8 to 1/4 ounce) tipped with shiners or bloodworms. They school tightly, so once you find them, you can catch several in quick succession.

Catfish respond to cut bait (herring, shad, or chicken liver) fished on the bottom with a simple three-way rig or slip sinker. Fish at night or early morning for best results. You can buy live and cut bait at local tackle shops on the Promenade or just before you arrive.

Regulations and Licensing

Maryland requires a fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase a one-day, seven-day, or annual license online through the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website or at tackle shops in Havre de Grace. The cost varies by license type and residency status.

Striped bass have a minimum size of 18 inches and a daily limit of two fish per person. White perch have no size limit but a daily limit of 25 fish. Catfish have no size or bag limit. Shad seasons vary by species and location; check the current regulations before fishing, as they can change year to year.

The Promenade itself is public property, and fishing is permitted along the entire walkway. No special permit is needed beyond your state license. Respect posted signs and stay clear of swimming areas during summer months.

How to Get There and Where to Park

Havre de Grace is about 40 miles northeast of Baltimore and 30 miles south of the Pennsylvania border. Take I-95 north to Exit 89 (Havre de Grace), then follow signs to downtown. The Promenade is at the foot of Commerce Street.

Parking is available on the street along the Promenade and in nearby municipal lots. Street parking is free and usually available except on busy summer weekends. A small municipal lot sits near the Susquehanna Museum. Arrive early on spring and fall weekends if you want a spot close to the water.

The Promenade is fully wheelchair-accessible, with smooth pavement and accessible restrooms. Benches and shaded areas are scattered along the walk, making it comfortable to fish for several hours without leaving the area.

Tackle Shops and Services Nearby

Fisherman's Wharf and other local shops on or near the Promenade stock live bait, tackle, and fishing licenses. Staff can tell you what's biting that day and where other anglers have had success. These shops are within walking distance of the best fishing spots, so you can resupply without leaving downtown.

Restaurants and cafes line the Promenade, so you can take a break without traveling far. The area is designed for a full day of fishing and walking, with amenities built in.

What Makes Havre de Grace Different

Unlike many Chesapeake Bay fishing destinations, Havre de Grace requires no boat, no charter cost, and no special launch fees. The Promenade puts you on productive water with minimal planning. The location at the river mouth means you fish a transition zone where river and bay species overlap, giving you variety in a single session.

The walkway is also social. You'll fish alongside locals, tourists, and other anglers, and the downtown setting means you're never far from a meal or a place to warm up. For anglers new to the Chesapeake or those without boat access, Havre de Grace is one of the most straightforward entry points to striped bass and white perch fishing in Maryland.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish the Promenade at night?

Yes. The Promenade is lit, and night fishing is popular, especially for catfish and striped bass. Spring and fall nights can be productive. Bring a headlamp and be aware that the walkway is narrower and busier with pedestrians in the evening, so stay alert.

Do I need a boat to fish here?

No. The Promenade and the piers along it allow you to fish from shore. You can reach productive water without a boat, though some anglers do launch boats nearby if they want to fish deeper channels or cover more ground.

What's the best time of year to visit?

Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are most productive for striped bass and offer the most consistent action. Winter is excellent for white perch. Summer is slower from shore, though catfish bite at night.

Are there restrooms and parking?

Yes. Restrooms are accessible along the Promenade, and free street parking is available nearby. A municipal lot also serves the area. Arrive early on weekends during peak season to secure a spot close to the water.

What if I don't have my own gear?

Local tackle shops rent rods and sell everything you need, including bait and licenses. You can walk in without gear and walk out ready to fish within an hour.