The Promenade is a mile-long waterfront path where you can walk, fish, and watch the Susquehanna River

The Havre de Grace Promenade runs along the water from the Concord Point Lighthouse south toward the Tydings Park area, giving you a solid mile of river access on foot. It's paved, flat, and open year-round—you can fish from the walkway itself in several spots, or use it as a base to reach better water nearby. The path sits right where the Susquehanna widens into the Upper Chesapeake Bay, so you're fishing a transition zone that holds both river and tidal species depending on the season.

The real value here is that you can cover a lot of ground without a boat. Spring and fall bring the best action—shad and herring move through in April and May, and striped bass show up in October and November. Summer is slower but not dead; you'll find catfish and carp in the deeper holes. Winter can be productive for stripers if you're willing to be out there, but the wind off the water gets serious.

Key Takeaways

  • The Promenade offers free public access to the Susquehanna River for roughly a mile, with parking at Tydings Park and near the lighthouse.
  • Spring shad and herring runs (April–May) and fall striped bass (October–November) are the peak fishing windows from the walkway.
  • You can fish directly from the paved path in several locations, but the best water is often just offshore—a kayak or small boat gives you more options.
  • The path is exposed to wind and current; bring extra weight and expect to lose rigs in the channel if you're not careful with your cast.

Where to Park and Access the Water

Tydings Park sits at the southern end of the Promenade and has a large parking lot, restrooms, and a boat launch. Parking is free. From there, you can walk north along the paved path toward the lighthouse. If you want to start at the north end, there's street parking near Concord Point Lighthouse, though it fills up on weekends.

The Promenade itself is paved and wide enough for foot traffic and bicycles, so you won't have trouble walking the full length. The path is well-maintained and lit in places, which matters if you're fishing early or late. There are benches at intervals, and a few small overlooks where you can sit and watch the water before you decide where to cast.

Best Fishing Spots Along the Walk

The area directly in front of Tydings Park holds deeper water and is your best bet for stripers and catfish. The current runs strong here, so use a three-way rig or a heavy sinker to keep your bait in the strike zone. Live shad or herring work well in spring; chicken liver or cut mackerel work year-round for catfish.

As you walk north toward the lighthouse, the water shallows gradually. The shallower sections are better for shad and herring in spring—they move through in schools, and you can sight-cast small spoons or shad flies if you have a light rod. The lighthouse area itself is scenic but the water is shallow and rocky; save it for a walk and fish the deeper sections instead.

If you have a kayak or small boat, the channel that runs offshore from the Promenade is where the real fish live. The drop-off is only a couple hundred yards out, and that's where stripers hold in fall and winter. The Promenade is useful as a launch point or a place to scout, but you'll catch more fish in the deeper water.

Seasonal Patterns and What to Bring

Spring (April–May) brings shad and herring runs. These fish move fast and don't stay long, so if you see them, fish hard. Small spoons, shad flies, and live herring all work. Bring a net—these fish are slippery and you'll lose them without one.

Summer (June–August) is slow from the Promenade itself. The water warms and most stripers move deeper or into cooler water. Catfish bite at night, and carp are around if you want to sight-fish. Bring bug spray and start early or fish after sunset.

Fall (September–November) is prime time. Stripers move back into the shallows as water cools. Live herring, live shad, and large spoons all produce. The wind can be brutal, so bring extra weight and expect to lose rigs.

Winter (December–February) is slow but not empty. Stripers are still around, deeper and more sluggish. You need patience and live bait. The Promenade is exposed; dress for cold and wind.

Gear and Tackle for Promenade Fishing

Bring a medium-heavy spinning rod (6 to 7 feet) and 12- to 20-pound braid or monofilament. The current is strong enough that light line will cost you rigs. A three-way rig with a sinker on the drop and a 2- to 3-foot leader above it keeps your bait in the zone without snagging constantly.

For spring shad and herring, a light rod and small spoons (1/4 to 1/2 ounce) work better. Bring a net, a headlamp if you're fishing early or late, and extra sinkers—you will lose them. The rocks and debris on the bottom are unforgiving. Waders are optional; you can fish from the paved path, but waders let you wade out a few feet and reach better water.

Current and Safety on the Promenade

The Susquehanna current is real, especially near the channel. If you wade, wear a belt and stay aware of your footing. The bottom is rocky and uneven. Don't wade alone, and don't wade at night—the current is harder to judge in the dark.

The Promenade itself is safe for walking, but the water is cold year-round. If you fall in, you're in trouble. Wear a life jacket if you wade, and tell someone where you're going and when you'll be back. The wind can pick up fast off the bay, especially in fall and winter.

Nearby Options if the Promenade is Crowded

If the Promenade is packed on a weekend, the Susquehanna State Park area just north of Havre de Grace has river access and is usually quieter. You can also fish the Conowingo Dam tailrace, about 20 minutes north, which holds stripers and shad year-round. The Deer Creek area west of Havre de Grace is smaller and less crowded, though the fishing is slower.

The Upper Chesapeake Bay itself—if you have a boat—holds stripers, rockfish, and bluefish in season. The Promenade is a good scouting spot to see what's moving through before you commit to a boat trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish the Promenade at night?

Yes, the path is open 24 hours. Bring a headlamp and tell someone where you are. The path is lit in places but not all the way, and the rocks and uneven ground are harder to navigate in the dark. Night fishing for catfish can be good in summer.

Do I need a Maryland fishing license to fish from the Promenade?

Yes. Maryland requires a fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can buy one online through the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website or at most tackle shops in Havre de Grace. A one-day license is cheaper than a year pass if you're just visiting.

What's the best time of day to fish the Promenade?

Early morning (sunrise to mid-morning) and late afternoon into dusk are most productive. The current is also easier to read in daylight. Spring shad runs can happen anytime during the day, so if you see fish, fish them.

Is there a boat launch at Tydings Park?

Yes. There's a public launch at Tydings Park, and parking is free. The launch is concrete and well-maintained. High water in spring can make the launch steep, but it's usable year-round.

What if I don't have a boat—can I still catch fish from the Promenade?

Yes. Spring shad and herring runs are catchable from the walkway. Fall stripers can be caught from the deeper sections near Tydings Park. Summer and winter are slower from shore, but catfish bite at night in summer. A kayak opens up a lot more water without the cost of a boat.