What Gerrish Island Offers

Gerrish Island is a small, rocky island in the Piscataqua River estuary near Portsmouth, New Hampshire, just across the Maine border. It sits in shallow, productive tidal water where the river meets the Atlantic, making it a destination for anglers targeting striped bass, bluefish, and mackerel. The island itself is mostly inaccessible to foot traffic — it's rocky, exposed, and privately owned — but the waters around it hold fish year-round, and the real fishing happens from a boat.

The appeal of Gerrish Island lies in its position at the mouth of the Piscataqua, where tidal current and structure concentrate baitfish and predators. Anglers fish the ledges, rocky outcrops, and channels nearby rather than on the island itself. Spring through fall is the most productive season, with striped bass moving through in April and May, bluefish arriving in June, and both species remaining through September. Winter fishing is possible but requires cold-water tolerance and experience with tidal conditions.

Key Takeaways

  • Gerrish Island itself is not a fishing destination — the fishing happens in the tidal waters and ledges around it, accessible only by boat.
  • Striped bass, bluefish, and Atlantic mackerel are the primary species, with peak seasons from April through September.
  • You will need a Maine saltwater fishing license and a boat or charter service; there is no shore access to the island.
  • Tidal current is the dominant factor — fishing is best during slack water and the first two hours of incoming or outgoing tide.
  • Portsmouth and Kittery, New Hampshire and Maine respectively, have charter services and boat launches within 10 minutes of Gerrish Island.

Species and Seasons

Striped bass are the primary target. They move through the Piscataqua in spring (April and May) on their way to spawning grounds upriver, and again in fall (September and October) on the way back out. Summer stripers are present but less concentrated. Live mackerel, herring, or eels work well; so do large soft plastics and topwater plugs. Fish the deeper channels and ledges where current runs hardest.

Bluefish arrive in June and stay through September, feeding aggressively on baitfish in the shallower rocky areas around the island. They respond well to metal jigs, spoons, and live bait. Bluefish fishing is often fast and exciting but can be inconsistent day to day. Atlantic mackerel are present spring through fall and are easier to catch than stripers or blues — they school heavily and will hit small jigs and spoons quickly. Mackerel are good eating and make excellent live bait for larger stripers.

Winter fishing (November through March) is possible but slow. Water temperature drops into the 30s and 40s, and fish move deeper and feed less. Only experienced cold-water anglers with proper gear should attempt it. Spring and fall offer the best combination of fish activity and weather conditions.

Access and Boat Launch Options

There is no shore access to Gerrish Island. You must fish from a boat — either your own or a charter. The nearest public boat launches are in Portsmouth, New Hampshire (Prescott Park, on the Piscataqua River) and Kittery, Maine (Fort Foster Park, which charges a day-use fee). Both are within 10 minutes by boat of Gerrish Island.

If you own or rent a boat, launch at Prescott Park (free, but parking is limited and fills quickly on weekends) or Fort Foster (small fee, more reliable parking). The run to Gerrish Island is short and straightforward in calm conditions, but the Piscataqua is a tidal river with strong current and can be rough in wind or at tide changes. Inexperienced boaters should consider a charter instead.

Charter services operate out of Portsmouth and nearby ports. A half-day charter (four to five hours) typically costs between $400 and $600 for two to four anglers, and the captain will know the tides, structure, and current patterns. Charter boats depart early morning and return by early afternoon, which matches the best fishing windows. Search for "Piscataqua River fishing charters" or "Portsmouth striped bass charters" to find current operators.

Regulations and Licensing

You need a Maine saltwater fishing license to fish in Maine waters, including the Piscataqua River estuary. New Hampshire residents fishing in New Hampshire waters need a New Hampshire license. Since Gerrish Island sits at the state line, confirm with your charter captain or the launch attendant which state's waters you'll be fishing — most trips stay in Maine waters, so a Maine license is standard.

Maine saltwater licenses are sold online through the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (maine.gov/ifw) and cost around $27 for a seven-day non-resident license or $47 for an annual non-resident license. Resident licenses are less. You can also buy a license at tackle shops in Portsmouth and Kittery.

Striped bass have a minimum size of 18 inches and a daily bag limit of one fish per angler in Maine. Bluefish have no size minimum and a bag limit of 10 per day. Mackerel have no size minimum and a bag limit of 25 per day. These regulations change periodically, so check the current rules on maine.gov/ifw before you fish.

Tides, Current, and Best Fishing Times

The Piscataqua River has one of the strongest tidal currents on the East Coast — it can run 3 to 4 knots at peak flood or ebb. This current is what makes Gerrish Island productive (it concentrates baitfish and predators), but it also makes fishing challenging. Fish feed best during slack water (the 20 to 40 minutes when current pauses between flood and ebb) and during the first two hours of incoming or outgoing tide when current is moderate.

At peak current (mid-flood or mid-ebb), fish stop feeding and hold tight to structure. Your bait or lure will be swept away, and you'll lose tackle. Plan your trip around slack water — check a tide table for Portsmouth, New Hampshire, which is the reference point for the Piscataqua. Incoming tide (flood) is generally more productive than outgoing (ebb) for striped bass.

Time your launch so you arrive at Gerrish Island during or just before slack water. A charter captain will handle this timing for you. If you're running your own boat, leave the launch 30 to 45 minutes before slack water to account for the run and allow time to position yourself.

Tackle and Bait

For striped bass, bring medium-heavy spinning or conventional rods (6 to 7 feet) rated for 15 to 30-pound line. Stripers in the Piscataqua average 18 to 25 inches, though larger fish are caught. Live mackerel or herring (4 to 6 inches) are the most effective bait. Soft plastic swimbaits (4 to 6 inches) in natural colors work well and are easier to cast repeatedly. Large topwater plugs (3 to 4 inches) can trigger strikes in low light or during slack water.

For bluefish, the same rod and reel setup works, but bring metal jigs (1 to 2 ounces) and spoons. Bluefish have sharp teeth and will cut through monofilament, so use a short wire or heavy fluorocarbon leader (40 to 60-pound test). For mackerel, light spinning gear (6-pound line) and small jigs (1/4 to 1/2 ounce) are sufficient.

Bring more tackle than you think you'll need — the rocky structure around Gerrish Island will snag and break off lures. A tackle box with extra jigs, spoons, and leaders will save your trip. If you're using live bait, bring a bait bucket with an aerator; mackerel and herring die quickly in warm water or still conditions.

Weather and Safety

The Piscataqua River estuary is exposed to Atlantic weather and can change quickly. Wind from the northeast or east will create rough water and make fishing difficult or unsafe. Check the marine forecast for Portsmouth before you launch — conditions can be fishable in the morning and dangerous by afternoon. If you're running your own boat, stay close to shore and be prepared to return quickly if conditions deteriorate.

Wear a personal flotation device (PFD) at all times, especially in the Piscataqua, where current and boat traffic are heavy. The river is used by commercial shipping, ferries, and recreational boaters. Stay alert and keep your radio on Channel 16 VHF. If you're unfamiliar with the river, a charter is the safer choice — the captain knows the hazards and can navigate in marginal conditions.

Water temperature in the Piscataqua ranges from the mid-30s in winter to the low 70s in summer. Wear appropriate clothing for the season. Spring and fall water is cold (40s to 50s), so wear a wetsuit or heavy layers even if the air is warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Gerrish Island from shore?

No. Gerrish Island is rocky, privately owned, and has no public access. All fishing is done from a boat in the waters around the island. You can fish from nearby shore locations like Fort Foster Park in Kittery or Prescott Park in Portsmouth, but those are different fisheries with different access and regulations.

What's the best time of year to fish Gerrish Island?

April through May and September through October are peak seasons for striped bass. June through September is best for bluefish. Summer (July and August) can be productive but is often slower than spring and fall. Winter is possible but difficult and requires experience and proper cold-water gear.

Do I need my own boat?

No. Charter services operate out of Portsmouth and nearby ports and will provide the boat, tackle advice, and knowledge of tides and structure. A half-day charter costs $400 to $600 for a small group. If you own or rent a boat, you'll need experience running in tidal current and navigating the Piscataqua River.

What license do I need?

A Maine saltwater fishing license is standard for Gerrish Island trips. It costs around $27 for seven days or $47 for a year (non-resident rates). You can buy one online at maine.gov/ifw or at tackle shops in Portsmouth and Kittery.

How do tides affect fishing at Gerrish Island?

The Piscataqua has strong tidal current (3 to 4 knots at peak). Fish feed best during slack water and the first two hours of moderate current. At peak current, fish stop feeding and hold tight to rocks. Plan your trip around slack water — check a tide table for Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and arrive 30 to 45 minutes before slack to position yourself.