What you'll find at Mere Point Bay

Mere Point Bay is a shallow, protected estuary that sits just north of Brunswick and opens into the New Meadows River system. The bay runs roughly two miles east to west and rarely exceeds eight feet of water at high tide—most of it stays between three and five feet. That shallow bottom and the mix of sand, mud, and eelgrass make it a nursery ground for striped bass, summer flounder (fluke), and bluefish, especially from June through September. The real draw is that you can fish it from a small boat, kayak, or even wade in many spots, and you'll have room to move without fighting the crowds you'd find on the main Kennebec.

The bay's northern shore is mostly residential, but the southern side—toward Orr's Island—has less development and better access points. Tidal flow is moderate; the bay drains and fills with the New Meadows, so plan your fishing around the tide rather than fighting it. Low tide can leave you stranded in the shallows if you're not paying attention, but it also concentrates fish in the deeper channels.

Key Takeaways

  • Mere Point Bay holds striped bass and fluke in summer and early fall, with the best fishing from June through September in water three to eight feet deep.
  • Launch from Mere Point Road or the New Meadows River access points, both of which have parking and are free to use.
  • Fish the deeper channels and edges of eelgrass beds on the incoming tide, when stripers move shallow to feed.
  • Low tide can trap small boats in the shallows, so check tide tables before you launch and plan to leave before the water drops too far.
  • The bay is narrow and protected enough for kayaks and small skiffs, but watch for residential boat traffic on weekends.

Launching and access points

The easiest public launch is at the end of Mere Point Road, which runs north off Route 1 just east of Brunswick. There's a small gravel lot with room for a few vehicles and a hand-launch ramp suitable for kayaks, canoes, and small skiffs. The ramp is free and open year-round, though it can get soft in spring. From there you're immediately in the bay with good water depth even at mid-tide.

If you're coming from the south or want to explore the New Meadows River proper, the New Meadows River access point (also called the Harpswell Road access) is about two miles south. It has a larger parking area and a better ramp for trailers, though it's a bit more of a drive to reach the bay itself. Both launches are maintained by the town and see regular use by locals, so they're reliable even in shoulder seasons.

Kayakers often launch from Mere Point Road and paddle the perimeter of the bay, working the edges of the eelgrass and the deeper channels. The bay is protected enough that even moderate wind doesn't make it unmanageable, but watch the forecast before you go—it's open water once you're out, and the wind can pick up fast.

Striped bass patterns in Mere Point Bay

Stripers move into Mere Point Bay as water temperatures climb in late May and June, and they stay through September. They're not huge fish—most run 18 to 26 inches—but they're plentiful and willing to eat. The key is fishing the edges: the deeper channels that cut through the shallows, the drop-offs where sand meets eelgrass, and the mouths of small creeks that feed into the bay.

The incoming tide is your best bet. As water rises, stripers move shallow to hunt baitfish in the eelgrass and along the banks. Fish the two hours before high tide and the first hour after, when the water is moving and the fish are active. Use small topwater plugs, soft plastics rigged on light jigs, or live baitfish if you can get them. The water is clear enough that you'll see stripers cruising the shallows on calm mornings—cast ahead of them and let the lure work slowly.

Early morning and late evening are more productive than midday, especially in summer when the sun is high. The bay warms up quickly in shallow water, and fish tend to move deeper or into the eelgrass during the heat of the day. If you're fishing midday, focus on the deepest channels and any shade you can find.

Summer flounder and bluefish

Fluke show up in June and stay through September, with peak numbers in July and August. They're bottom feeders that like sand and mud, so work the flats and the gentle slopes where the bay bottom transitions from shallow to slightly deeper water. Rig a small bucktail jig with a soft plastic body—white, chartreuse, or natural colors all work—and bounce it along the bottom. Fluke will hit it hard, and the fight on light tackle is worth the trip.

Bluefish are less predictable but show up in waves, usually in July and August. When they're in the bay, they're aggressive and will chase topwater lures and small plugs. They're also strong enough to test your drag, so use heavier leader material if you're targeting them specifically. The downside is they can shred lighter tackle, so many anglers switch to wire or heavy mono when blues are around.

Both species prefer the incoming tide and the hour or two around high water. Fish the edges of the eelgrass and the deeper channels where baitfish concentrate. If you see baitfish schooling or birds working, cast to that area—fluke and blues will be nearby.

Tides and timing

Mere Point Bay is tidal, and the water level can swing three to four feet between low and high tide. This matters because the bay is shallow—at low tide, large sections become impassable, and you can run aground easily if you're not paying attention. Check the tide tables for Brunswick or Harpswell before you launch, and plan to fish the incoming tide or the hour or two around high water.

The outgoing tide can be productive too, especially if you position yourself in one of the deeper channels and let the current bring fish to you. But if you're exploring or moving around the bay, the incoming tide gives you more water to work with and fewer worries about getting stuck.

Slack water—the brief period between tides when the current stops—can be slow. Fish often stop feeding during slack, so if you're not getting bites, wait for the tide to turn or move to a different part of the bay. The bay is small enough that you can cover a lot of ground in a few hours, so don't waste time on dead periods.

Seasonal changes and what to expect

Spring (April and May) is unpredictable. Water temperatures are still cold, and fish are moving in from deeper water. You might find stripers, but they're not reliable yet, and the bay can be rough on windy days. Late May is when things start to pick up.

Summer (June through August) is prime time. Water is warm, fish are active, and the bay is crowded with recreational boats on weekends. Weekday mornings are quieter and often more productive. Early morning and late evening are best; midday can be slow.

Fall (September and October) is excellent. Water cools slightly, fish become more aggressive, and the crowds thin out. September is still warm enough for comfortable fishing, and October can be outstanding if you don't mind cooler mornings. By November, water temperatures drop and fish move out toward deeper water.

Winter fishing is possible but slow. Some stripers stay in the deeper channels, but they're not active, and the bay can be rough and cold. Most local anglers focus on other waters during winter.

What to bring and how to prepare

Bring a tide table or check the tide before you launch—it's the single most important thing you can do to avoid getting stuck. A GPS or phone with a map app is useful for marking the deeper channels and remembering where you caught fish. Polarized sunglasses help you see stripers cruising the shallows, especially on calm mornings.

Light tackle is fine for stripers and fluke in this bay. A 6 to 7-foot medium-light spinning rod with 8 to 10-pound braid works well. Bring a mix of lures: small topwater plugs, soft plastics on light jigs, and a few spoons. If you're targeting fluke, bucktail jigs in white and chartreuse are essential.

Wear a life jacket if you're in a small boat or kayak. The bay is protected, but it's still open water, and things can change fast. Bring sunscreen, water, and a light rain jacket. The weather can shift quickly in coastal Maine, and you'll be more comfortable if you're prepared.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Mere Point Bay from shore?

Shore access is limited because most of the bay's perimeter is private residential property. Your best bet is to launch a kayak or small boat from Mere Point Road and fish from the water. Some anglers fish the New Meadows River proper, which has better shore access, but the bay itself is best reached by water.

What's the best time of day to fish Mere Point Bay?

Early morning (sunrise to mid-morning) and late evening (two hours before sunset through dusk) are most productive. Fish are more active in lower light, and the water is calmer. Midday can be slow, especially in summer when the sun is high and the water warms up quickly.

Do I need a boat to fish Mere Point Bay?

No. A kayak works well and gives you access to shallow areas that boats can't reach. You can also wade in parts of the bay at low tide, though you'll have more options and better fishing from a kayak or small skiff. The bay is shallow and protected enough for either approach.

What's the biggest striped bass caught in Mere Point Bay?

Most stripers in the bay run 18 to 26 inches, with occasional fish in the 28 to 32-inch range. It's not a trophy fishery, but the numbers are good and the fish are willing to eat. Larger stripers are more common in the main Kennebec River or offshore.

Is there a fee to launch at Mere Point Road?

No, the launch is free and open to the public. There's no attendant or gate, just a gravel lot and a hand-launch ramp. Parking is limited, so arrive early on weekends, especially in summer.