What You'll Find at Gerrish Island

Gerrish Island sits in the Piscataqua River between Kittery and Portsmouth, accessible by boat or at low tide by foot from nearby launch points. The island itself is small and rocky, surrounded by shallow flats and deeper channels that hold striped bass, bluefish, and seasonal mackerel. The real draw is the water around it—the tidal current funnels baitfish through the area, and predators follow. You're fishing structure in moving water, which means timing matters more than most other spots in the region.

The island is part of a larger tidal system that includes Badger Island and several unnamed ledges. Most anglers fish the channels and drop-offs rather than the island itself, working the edges where the current breaks. Early morning and the hour before sunset are prime, but the tide window—roughly two hours before and after the turn—is when the fishing concentrates.

Key Takeaways

  • Gerrish Island is best fished by boat, with the channels and ledges around it holding striped bass and bluefish year-round.
  • Tidal current is the main driver here; fish the slack water and the first hour of the turn for the most consistent action.
  • Spring and fall bring the heaviest striped bass and bluefish runs; summer is slower but still productive early and late in the day.
  • Launch from Badger Island or the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard area, or wade from nearby flats at low tide if you're targeting shallow-water species.

How to Reach Gerrish Island by Water

You need a boat to fish Gerrish Island effectively. The closest public launch is at Badger Island, just south of Gerrish in Kittery. The ramp is small and can get crowded on weekends, but it's the most direct route—a five-minute run to the island. Parking is limited, so arrive early or plan for a weekday trip.

If you're launching from Portsmouth, the Piscataqua River Public Launch on Marcy Street gives you access to the same water, though it's a longer run through the river. The Portsmouth launch is larger and has more parking, which matters on busy days. Either way, you're looking at a short boat ride in calm conditions, but the Piscataqua can get choppy fast when the tide turns or the wind picks up.

At low tide, you can wade from the flats near Badger Island or from the shallow areas north of Gerrish. This works if you're targeting striped bass in the 18- to 24-inch range or smaller bluefish. Wading gives you access to the edges without burning fuel, but you're limited to the slack water window and the hour or two around low tide.

Striped Bass: Spring Through Fall

Striped bass move through the Piscataqua system in waves, and Gerrish Island sits on a migration corridor. Spring (April through May) brings the first push of fish moving upriver to spawn. They're aggressive and feeding hard, and the channels around the island concentrate them. Fish live eels or bunker chunks on the bottom during the slack water, or throw topwater and soft plastics during the current.

Summer is slower overall, but early morning and the last hour before dark still produce. The fish move deeper into the channels and hold in the shade of the ledges. Jigging with bucktail or shad-pattern soft plastics works better than live bait when the water is warm and the sun is high.

Fall (September through November) is the best season. The water cools, the baitfish concentrate, and the striped bass feed aggressively before moving back downriver. The same techniques work—live eels, bunker, topwater—but the bite is more consistent throughout the day. Fish the hour before and after the tide turn for the most reliable action.

Bluefish and Seasonal Mackerel

Bluefish show up in May and stay through October, with the heaviest concentration in June and again in September. They're aggressive hunters and will hit anything that moves—spoons, plugs, soft plastics. The channels around Gerrish are perfect bluefish water because the current brings baitfish through in a steady stream. Fish the edges where the current breaks, and work your lure with sharp, erratic retrieves.

Atlantic mackerel arrive in late spring (May and June) and again in fall. They're smaller than striped bass and bluefish, but they're fast and fun on light tackle. Small spoons and shad-pattern soft plastics work best. Mackerel tend to school tightly, so if you find one, you'll find a dozen. The shallow flats around Gerrish hold them when the tide is high; as the tide drops, they move into the deeper channels.

Reading the Tide and Current

The Piscataqua River has one of the fastest tidal currents on the East Coast. At Gerrish Island, the current can run 2 to 3 knots on a normal tide and faster during spring tides. This current is what makes the spot productive—it pushes baitfish through predictable routes—but it also means you have a narrow window to fish effectively.

The slack water (the 15 to 30 minutes when the current stops between tides) is when most anglers fish. The water is calm, your bait or lure stays in the strike zone longer, and the fish are feeding. As soon as the current picks up, fishing gets harder. You can still catch fish during the run, but you'll lose more rigs and spend more time managing your drift.

Check the tide tables before you go. The Portsmouth tide times are close enough for Gerrish Island. Plan to arrive 30 minutes before the slack water and fish for an hour or so after the turn. If you're fishing the incoming tide, position yourself on the south side of the island; on the outgoing, fish the north side where the current breaks.

What Tackle and Bait to Bring

For striped bass, bring medium-heavy spinning or casting rods (6 to 7 feet) with 15- to 20-pound braided line. Live eels are the gold standard in spring and fall; bunker chunks work year-round. If you're throwing artificials, carry topwater plugs (Pencil Poppers, Zara Spooks), soft plastics (4- to 6-inch shads), and bucktail jigs in white, chartreuse, and natural colors.

Bluefish need heavier tackle because they're aggressive and have sharp teeth. Use 20- to 30-pound braided line and wire or heavy fluorocarbon leaders. Spoons (Hopkins, Kastmasters) in silver and gold are reliable. Soft plastics work too, but expect to lose them to bite-offs.

For mackerel, light spinning tackle (6-foot rod, 10-pound line) is fine. Small spoons and shad-pattern soft plastics in 2- to 3-inch sizes are all you need. Mackerel aren't leader-shy, so regular fluorocarbon works.

Seasonal Patterns and Best Times to Fish

April and May: Striped bass migration. Fish are moving upriver and feeding aggressively. Early morning and slack water are best. Water is cold, so live eels outperform artificials.

June through August: Bluefish and mackerel dominate. Striped bass are present but less aggressive. Fish early and late in the day; midday is slow. Artificials work better than live bait in warm water.

September and October: Fall migration. Striped bass and bluefish are feeding hard before moving south. This is the most consistent season. Fish any time during daylight, but slack water is still the most productive window.

November through March: Fishing is possible but slower. Some striped bass stay in the river, and there are occasional bluefish, but the bite is unpredictable. Winter is better spent exploring other spots in the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Gerrish Island without a boat?

Yes, at low tide you can wade from the flats near Badger Island or from the shallow areas north of Gerrish. You'll be limited to the slack water window and the hour or two around low tide, but you can reach the edges where striped bass and smaller bluefish feed. Bring wading boots because the bottom is rocky.

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

Early morning (first light to mid-morning) and the hour before sunset are most productive. But the tide window matters more than the time of day—fish the slack water and the first hour of the current turn, regardless of whether it's morning or evening. A good tide at midday beats a poor tide at dawn.

Do I need a fishing license to fish Gerrish Island?

Yes, you need a New Hampshire saltwater fishing license if you're fishing from New Hampshire waters, or a Maine license if you're fishing from Maine waters. The Piscataqua River is the border, so check which state you're in when you launch. Both states offer short-term licenses if you don't want to commit to a full year.

What should I do if the current is too strong to fish?

Wait for the slack water, or move to a different spot. The Piscataqua current can be dangerous if you're not prepared for it. If you're new to the area, fish during neap tides (smaller tidal range) rather than spring tides, when the current is slower and more manageable.

Are there any restrictions on where I can fish around Gerrish Island?

Gerrish Island itself is private property, so don't land on it. The water around it is open to fishing. Avoid the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard area to the north—there are restricted zones marked by buoys. Stick to the channels and ledges south and east of the island, and you'll be in open water.