What You'll Find at Concord Point Park

Concord Point Park sits at the mouth of the Susquehanna River where it meets the Chesapeake Bay, giving you access to both river and tidal water from a single shoreline. The park wraps around the historic Concord Point Lighthouse, and the fishing happens along a concrete bulkhead and natural shoreline that runs roughly a quarter-mile. You're fishing the transition zone where freshwater current meets salt water, which concentrates striped bass, white perch, and catfish depending on the season and tide.

The park itself is small and heavily used by tourists and families, so early morning or late evening gives you the best fishing window with fewer people. Parking is free and plentiful, and there's a boat launch nearby if you want to fish from a kayak or small boat instead of from shore. The lighthouse grounds are open to walk around, but the actual fishing access is from the bulkhead and the grassy areas along the water's edge.

Key Takeaways

  • Concord Point's bulkhead and shoreline fish best during the first two hours after sunrise and the last two hours before sunset, when striped bass and white perch move shallow.
  • Spring (April through May) brings spawning striped bass into the Susquehanna shallows; fall (September through October) concentrates them again as they move downriver.
  • Incoming tide pushes baitfish and predators toward the point; outgoing tide can be slower, but early morning outgoing often produces because fish are still feeding from the night tide.
  • The bulkhead is concrete and slippery when wet, and the park fills with tourists by mid-morning, so plan to fish before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m. for solitude and safety.

Spring Striped Bass at the Susquehanna Mouth

April and May are the prime months for striped bass at Concord Point. The fish move upriver to spawn in the Susquehanna, and they stack up at the mouth before pushing further upstream. You'll catch them on the incoming tide, when current carries them toward the shallower water near the point. Live herring or shad work best if you can get them; if not, white or chartreuse soft plastics in the 3- to 4-inch range will draw strikes.

Fish the deeper water along the bulkhead during the incoming tide, and move to the shallower grassy areas as the tide peaks. The bite often slows during the slack water between tides, so time your trip to fish the last hour of incoming and the first hour of the turn. Early morning is critical—the fish bite hardest in the first light, and by 8 a.m. the park is crowded and the bite often shuts down.

White Perch and Catfish Year-Round

White perch are present at Concord Point from spring through fall, and they're more forgiving than striped bass about timing and technique. They'll hit small jigs, spinners, and live minnows throughout the day, though the bite is still better during low-light hours. Catfish move in during summer and stay through early fall, and they'll take chicken liver, cut shad, or prepared stink baits fished on the bottom near the bulkhead.

Summer catfish fishing at Concord Point is a solid evening option when the striped bass bite is slow. Fish after sunset when the park has cleared out, and use a simple three-way rig with a sinker to hold bottom and a short leader to your bait. The catfish here run 10 to 20 pounds on average, and they'll bite steadily through the night if you're patient.

Fall Migration and October Fishing

September and October bring striped bass back through the point as they move downriver after spawning. The fall bite is often more aggressive than spring because the fish are feeding hard to build reserves for winter. The same tactics work—live bait or soft plastics on the incoming tide—but the fish are often larger and more willing to chase.

October can be excellent, but it's also unpredictable. A cold front or a sudden drop in water temperature can shut down the bite for days. Check the water temperature and recent reports from local tackle shops before making the drive; if the water is dropping fast, the bite may be better a few days later once the fish adjust.

Tides and Current at the Point

The Susquehanna River current is strong even at Concord Point, and it interacts with the tidal flow to create a complex current pattern. On a rising tide, the river current pushes against the incoming bay tide, creating a slack zone right at the point where baitfish and predators often congregate. This slack water is often the most productive fishing zone, even though it looks less dramatic than the faster current along the bulkhead.

Outgoing tide can be productive in early morning before the sun rises, because fish are still feeding from the night tide and the current is carrying them seaward. By mid-morning on an outgoing tide, the bite often slows. Plan your trip around the tide table—the best fishing usually happens during the last hour of incoming and the first hour of outgoing, especially if that window falls during dawn or dusk.

Access, Parking, and What to Bring

Concord Point Park is located at 1 Lighthouse Avenue in Havre de Grace, right at the end of the main street. Parking is free and there's usually space, though it fills up on weekends and during tourist season. The park has restrooms and a small visitor center, but no tackle shop, so bring everything you need before you arrive.

The bulkhead is your main fishing platform, and it's concrete with a slight slope. Wear shoes with good grip, especially in the morning when it's wet. The water depth at the bulkhead ranges from 6 to 12 feet depending on tide, so you can fish with light tackle and don't need heavy sinkers. Bring a net if you plan to keep fish; the bulkhead is high enough that landing a striped bass by hand is difficult.

Nearby Alternatives If Concord Point Is Crowded

If the park is packed with tourists or the bite is slow, the Susquehanna Flats just north of Havre de Grace hold the same fish and often see fewer people. You'll need a boat to access them effectively, but if you have one, the flats are worth exploring. The Conowingo Dam tailrace, about 20 minutes north, is another option for striped bass and white perch, though it's a different fishery with its own rhythm and access rules.

The Chesapeake Bay shoreline south of Havre de Grace, around Spesutie Island and the lower bay, holds striped bass and other species but requires more travel. For a quick trip from the Baltimore or Philadelphia area, Concord Point is hard to beat—it's accessible, free, and productive during the right season and tide.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The first two hours after sunrise and the last two hours before sunset are most productive. The park fills with tourists by mid-morning, and the fish bite better during low-light hours anyway. If you can only fish midday, focus on the deeper water along the bulkhead and fish the slack water between tides.

Do I need a boat to fish Concord Point, or can I fish from shore?

You can fish effectively from shore along the bulkhead and grassy areas. A kayak or small boat gives you access to deeper water and more area, but it's not necessary. Most of the fish caught at Concord Point come from the bulkhead during the incoming tide.

What's the difference between fishing the incoming and outgoing tide?

Incoming tide pushes baitfish and striped bass toward the point and into shallower water, making it the most productive period. Outgoing tide can be good in early morning before sunrise, but by mid-morning the bite usually slows. Plan your trip so that dawn or dusk falls during an incoming tide for the best results.

Can I keep fish I catch at Concord Point?

Yes, but Maryland has size and season restrictions for striped bass and other species. Check the current Maryland Department of Natural Resources regulations before you fish. Striped bass have a minimum size (currently 18 inches) and a daily limit, and the season varies by area and gear type.

Is there a tackle shop near Concord Point if I forget something?

There's no tackle shop at the park itself. The nearest shops are in downtown Havre de Grace, a few minutes away by car. Bring all your gear before you arrive, or plan to make a quick run into town if you need something specific.