What You'll Find at Tydings Memorial Park
Tydings Memorial Park sits on the Susquehanna River in Havre de Grace, Maryland, about 30 miles northeast of Baltimore. The park offers public fishing access from a concrete pier and shoreline along a section of the river that holds largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, catfish, and white perch. The pier is the main draw for anglers — it extends into deeper water where fish hold year-round, and you can fish from it without a boat.
The park itself is small and focused. There's a parking lot, restrooms, and picnic tables, but no boat launch or tackle shop on-site. The setting is urban-adjacent rather than remote; you're fishing in view of the Conowingo Dam and the river's tidal influence, which shapes what species are present and when they bite best.
Key Takeaways
- Tydings Memorial Park offers pier and shoreline access to the Susquehanna River without requiring a boat or special launch fees.
- Spring and fall are the most productive seasons, when white perch and smallmouth bass move into shallower water near the pier.
- You will need a Maryland fishing license to fish here, available online or at tackle shops in Havre de Grace.
- The pier can get crowded on weekends and holidays, especially during white perch runs in April and May.
- Parking is free, and the park is open dawn to dusk year-round, though winter fishing is slower and less predictable.
Seasons and What Bites When
Spring (March through May) is the peak season at Tydings. White perch move upriver from the Chesapeake Bay to spawn, and they concentrate near the pier in April and May. You can catch 50 to 100 fish in a morning if conditions align — they're aggressive on small jigs, spinners, and live shiners. Smallmouth bass also begin feeding heavily as water temperatures climb into the 50s and 60s.
Summer (June through August) slows considerably. Water temperatures climb into the 70s and 80s, and fish move deeper or into cooler sections of the river. Early morning and evening fishing is more productive than midday. Catfish remain active throughout the heat, especially at night, and can be caught on chicken liver, cut shad, or prepared stink baits.
Fall (September through November) brings a second strong bite. White perch return downriver in September and October, and smallmouth bass feed aggressively as temperatures drop. Largemouth bass also become more active in the shallower areas near the shoreline. This season rivals spring for consistent action.
Winter (December through February) is slow and unpredictable. Some anglers fish for catfish on mild days, but the pier can be icy and dangerous, and fish are lethargic. Most local anglers skip winter or focus on other waters.
Access, Parking, and Facilities
Tydings Memorial Park is located at 461 Otsego Street in Havre de Grace, Maryland 21078. Parking is free and usually available, though the lot fills quickly on spring weekends during the white perch run. The park is open from dawn to dusk year-round.
The main fishing pier is concrete and accessible year-round. It's about 200 feet long and extends into the river, offering deeper water than the shoreline. The shoreline itself has grassy banks and some rocky areas where you can fish, though the pier is more productive and safer. Restrooms are available near the parking area, and there are picnic tables if you want to bring food.
There is no boat launch at Tydings, and no tackle shop on-site. The nearest tackle shops are in downtown Havre de Grace, a short drive away. Bring your own gear, water, and snacks — the park has no concessions.
Regulations and Licensing
You must have a valid Maryland fishing license to fish at Tydings Memorial Park. Licenses are available online through the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website, at tackle shops, and at some sporting goods stores. A one-day license costs less than a full-year license if you're visiting for a short trip.
Maryland has specific size and creel limits for each species. Largemouth bass have a 12-inch minimum size with a five-fish daily limit. Smallmouth bass have a 12-inch minimum and a five-fish daily limit. White perch have a 7-inch minimum and a 30-fish daily limit during the spring run. Catfish have no size limit and no daily limit. Check the current Maryland fishing guide before you go, as regulations can change year to year.
The park itself has no special restrictions beyond state law. You can fish from the pier and shoreline during daylight hours. No night fishing is permitted in the park.
What Gear and Tackle to Bring
For white perch, bring light spinning tackle — a 6-foot rod with 6- to 8-pound test line works well. Small jigs (1/8 to 1/4 ounce) in white, chartreuse, or yellow are standard. Live shiners or shad work when jigs don't, and you can buy them at local tackle shops or catch them with a small net near the pier.
For smallmouth and largemouth bass, medium spinning or baitcasting tackle is appropriate. Crankbaits, soft plastics, and topwater lures all produce. Bring a variety of colors — natural patterns like brown and green work in spring and fall, while brighter colors can help in summer when water clarity drops.
For catfish, heavier tackle is better. A 7-foot medium-heavy rod with 12- to 15-pound test line handles the weight and snags. Chicken liver, cut shad, and commercial stink baits are the standard offerings. Fish on the bottom near the pier pilings or along the shoreline drop-offs.
Bring polarized sunglasses to spot fish near the surface, a small net for landing white perch, and a headlamp if you plan to fish early morning or evening. The pier can be slippery when wet, so wear shoes with good grip.
Crowds and Best Times to Fish
Tydings is a popular spot, especially during the spring white perch run. The pier can hold 20 to 30 anglers on a good day, and weekends in April and May often see it packed. If you prefer solitude or more space to cast, fish on weekday mornings or during fall when the crowds thin out.
Early morning — first light through mid-morning — is consistently the best time to fish. White perch and bass feed most actively in the first few hours after sunrise. Summer evenings can also be productive, though the park closes at dusk so you'll need to leave before dark.
Avoid holidays and the first warm weekends of spring, when the pier becomes crowded and fish can be pressured. Mid-week visits in April and May offer better fishing with fewer people.
Nearby Alternatives and Related Fishing
If Tydings is too crowded or if you want to explore other sections of the Susquehanna, the Conowingo Dam is just downstream and offers excellent smallmouth bass fishing from the rocks below the dam. Access is free, but the current is strong and the rocks are slippery — only experienced waders should attempt it.
The Susquehanna Flats, further downstream toward the Chesapeake Bay, hold largemouth bass, white perch, and striped bass. You'll need a boat to fish there, but charter services operate out of Havre de Grace if you don't have your own.
Deer Creek, a tributary that enters the Susquehanna near Havre de Grace, holds smallmouth bass and is less crowded than the main river. It's accessible by boat or by wading in certain sections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license to fish the pier at Tydings?
Yes. Maryland requires a fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase a one-day license online or at a tackle shop for a lower cost than a full-year license if you're visiting for just a day or two.
Can I fish at night at Tydings Memorial Park?
No. The park is open dawn to dusk only, and night fishing is not permitted. Plan to arrive early and fish until the park closes.
What's the best bait for white perch in spring?
Live shiners or shad are most effective, though small jigs in white or chartreuse also work well. You can buy live bait at tackle shops in Havre de Grace or catch shiners yourself with a small net near the pier.
Is there a boat launch at Tydings?
No. Tydings is a shore-fishing park only. If you want to fish from a boat on the Susquehanna, you'll need to launch elsewhere — the Conowingo Dam area and several other spots nearby have public launches.
How far is Tydings from Baltimore?
Tydings Memorial Park is about 30 miles northeast of downtown Baltimore, roughly a 45-minute drive depending on traffic. It's easily reachable for a day trip from the city.