What Back Bay Offers Anglers
Back Bay sits in the Portsmouth area of New Hampshire's seacoast and holds a mix of saltwater species in shallow, protected water. The bay is smaller and more sheltered than the open Atlantic, making it accessible to anglers with modest boats or kayaks and a good option when ocean swells run high. You will find striped bass, bluefish, and flounder here, along with seasonal runs of mackerel and other schooling fish. The bay's shallow flats and channels create natural feeding zones, especially around tide changes.
The water is brackish to full salt depending on where the Piscataqua River flows in, which affects which species show up and when. Summer and fall are the strongest seasons for striped bass and bluefish. Winter fishing is possible but light, and spring can be inconsistent as water temperatures climb. Access is straightforward — you can launch from public ramps and fish from boats, kayaks, or the shore in several spots.
Key Takeaways
- Back Bay holds striped bass, bluefish, and flounder year-round, with the strongest fishing from June through October.
- Public boat launches are available in Portsmouth and nearby towns, and the bay is shallow enough for kayaks and small center-console boats.
- You need a New Hampshire saltwater fishing license to fish Back Bay, available online or at tackle shops.
- Tide changes and dawn-to-mid-morning hours produce the most consistent action, especially around the bay's deeper channels.
- Striped bass regulations include a 19-inch minimum and a two-fish daily limit in New Hampshire state waters.
Seasons and What to Expect
Summer (June through August) is peak season for Back Bay. Water temperatures climb into the 60s and 70s, and striped bass move into the shallows to hunt. Bluefish arrive in July and stay through September, often in aggressive feeding pods. Early morning and the hour before sunset are most productive, though mid-tide periods can hold fish all day. Expect crowds on weekends, especially in July and August.
Fall (September through November) is arguably the best time to fish Back Bay. Striped bass feed heavily before cooler water arrives, and bluefish remain active through October. Water temperatures drop into the 50s by late November, but the fishing remains solid. Spring (April through May) is unpredictable — water temperatures swing, and fish movement is erratic. Winter (December through March) is slow; a few striped bass linger, but most anglers focus elsewhere during these months.
How to Access Back Bay
Public boat launches are your main entry point. The town of Portsmouth maintains a public ramp on Marcy Street near the downtown waterfront. Nearby Greenland also has a public launch on the Squamscott River, which connects to Back Bay. Both ramps have parking, though spaces fill quickly on summer weekends. Kayak anglers can launch from several informal spots along the shore, including areas near the Route 1 bridge.
If you do not have a boat, shore fishing is possible from the Route 1 bridge and from scattered public access points along the bay's edges, though these spots are limited. A small center-console or open boat in the 16- to 20-foot range is ideal for Back Bay — the water rarely exceeds 20 feet deep, and shallow draft helps you reach the flats where striped bass hunt. Kayaks work well for sight-fishing and exploring shallow channels, especially at high tide.
Regulations and Licensing
You must carry a New Hampshire saltwater fishing license to fish Back Bay. Licenses are available online through the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department website, at tackle shops, and at some sporting goods stores. A three-day license costs less than a full-year license if you fish only occasionally. The license is required whether you fish from a boat, kayak, or shore.
Striped bass in New Hampshire state waters (which include Back Bay) have a 19-inch minimum length and a two-fish daily limit. Bluefish have no size minimum and a 10-fish daily limit. Flounder (summer flounder) must be at least 19 inches. Check the current New Hampshire Fish and Game regulations before you fish, as rules can change. Slot limits and seasonal closures do not apply to Back Bay, but federal waters beyond state lines have different rules if you venture offshore.
Tackle and Techniques
Light to medium spinning tackle works well for Back Bay. A 6.5- to 7-foot rod paired with a 2500 to 3000 reel and 15- to 20-pound braided line handles striped bass and bluefish without being overkill. Live bait — mackerel, herring, or mullet — is effective, especially for striped bass. Anchor near deeper channels and let the tide carry bait into feeding zones. Artificial lures, including soft plastics rigged on jig heads and small topwater plugs, work for both striped bass and bluefish, particularly in shallow water.
Fish the tide changes — the hour before and after slack water often produces the most strikes. Dawn and the last hour of light are consistently productive. If you are sight-fishing from a kayak in shallow water, polarized sunglasses help you spot cruising striped bass on the flats. Flounder fishing is slower and more methodical; drag soft plastics along the bottom in deeper channels, or fish live bait on the bottom near structure.
Nearby Alternatives and Extensions
If Back Bay is crowded or conditions are poor, the Piscataqua River itself offers striped bass and bluefish in similar seasons, though the current is stronger and navigation requires more care. The Squamscott River, which feeds Back Bay, holds smaller striped bass and is less crowded. For open-ocean fishing, Portsmouth Harbor and the Isles of Shoals are 20 to 30 minutes by boat and hold larger striped bass, cod, and haddock, though they require a seaworthy boat and more experience.
If you prefer freshwater, the Lamprey River (inland from Back Bay) holds smallmouth bass and chain pickerel. The Merrimack River, which borders New Hampshire to the south, is a larger system with striped bass and shad runs in spring. Each of these waters has different seasons and regulations, so check New Hampshire Fish and Game before heading out.
Tackle Shops and Local Resources
Portsmouth and the surrounding seacoast have several tackle shops that stock saltwater gear and can provide current conditions and recent catch reports. Local shops are the fastest way to learn what is working on any given week and to pick up licenses. The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department website has detailed regulations, a fishing forecast, and contact information for regional offices.
Many shops also rent boats or can recommend charter captains if you want a guided trip. Talking to staff at a local shop before your first visit saves time and often reveals productive spots that do not show up in general guides. They can also tell you which launches are least crowded on weekends and what tackle is working that week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a boat to fish Back Bay?
No. Shore fishing is possible from the Route 1 bridge and a few public access points, though boat and kayak access opens up more productive areas. A kayak is an affordable entry point and works well for sight-fishing on the flats.
What is the best time of day to fish Back Bay?
Dawn through mid-morning and the hour before sunset are most productive. Tide changes, especially the hour before and after slack water, concentrate feeding fish. Midday fishing is slower but possible during summer when water temperatures are warmest.
Can I catch striped bass year-round in Back Bay?
Striped bass are present year-round but most abundant from June through October. Winter fishing is slow and unpredictable. Spring (April and May) is inconsistent as water temperatures fluctuate.
What size striped bass can I keep?
Striped bass must be at least 19 inches long. You can keep two per day in New Hampshire state waters. Check current regulations before you fish, as rules can change.
Is Back Bay good for beginners?
Yes. The shallow, protected water is forgiving for small boats and kayaks, and the fishing is straightforward — live bait and simple lures both work. Crowds on weekends can make it harder to find quiet spots, but the fishing itself is accessible to anglers with basic saltwater experience.