What You'll Find at Jean S. Roberts Memorial Park

Jean S. Roberts Memorial Park sits on the Susquehanna River in Havre de Grace and gives you direct access to one of the most productive smallmouth bass fisheries on the East Coast. The park has a concrete boat launch, a fishing pier, and plenty of bank space — all free to use. You can fish for smallmouth year-round here, with spring and fall producing the most consistent action. Summer brings catfish, and if you time it right in late fall, you'll see shad moving through the main channel.

The park itself is small and straightforward. There's parking for maybe a dozen cars, a portable restroom, and shade from mature trees along the bank. It's not fancy, but it's functional and rarely crowded except on tournament weekends. The launch is wide enough for a single-axle trailer, and the ramp angle is forgiving even when water levels drop in late summer.

Key Takeaways

  • The concrete boat launch is free and works year-round, though water levels affect ramp angle in late summer and early fall.
  • Smallmouth bass are the primary target, with spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) producing the heaviest fish and most consistent bites.
  • The fishing pier and bank access let you fish without a boat, and catfish move into shallower water during summer nights.
  • The park has no amenities beyond parking and a restroom, so bring water and plan to stay for several hours if you're launching a boat.
  • Havre de Grace hosts major tournaments throughout the year, so weekends can be busy with boat traffic even if the park itself stays quiet.

Seasonal Patterns and What Bites When

Spring (April through May) is the prime window for trophy smallmouth. Water temperatures climb from the low 50s to the mid-60s, and bass move shallow to spawn. Fish the rocky banks and current breaks near the pier and along the main channel edge. Jigs, crankbaits, and soft plastics all work, but a 3/8-ounce jig with a craw trailer will catch fish consistently. Expect bites from first light through mid-morning, then again in the last two hours before dark.

Summer (June through August) slows the smallmouth bite but turns on the catfish. Channel cats and flatheads move into the deeper holes and current seams at night. Fish cut shad or chicken liver on the bottom after sunset, and plan to stay until midnight or later. The pier is a good spot for this because you don't need a boat, and the lights from town help you see your rod tip.

Fall (September through October) rivals spring for smallmouth quality. Water cools back into the 60s and 50s, and bass feed aggressively before winter. The same techniques work as spring — jigs, crankbaits, and soft plastics — but fish move slightly deeper as the season progresses. By late October, you'll find them holding on deeper structure in 12 to 18 feet of water.

Winter (November through March) is slow but not dead. Smallmouth are lethargic and hold in the deepest holes, but a slow jig or a live shiner fished on the bottom will produce. You'll catch fewer fish, but they tend to be larger. Most anglers take a break during this season, which means less boat traffic and more solitude if you're willing to fish cold water.

How to Access the Park and Launch Your Boat

Jean S. Roberts Memorial Park is located at 100 Giles Street in Havre de Grace, right on the Susquehanna River. From I-95, take exit 89 and follow Route 40 east into town. Turn north on Giles Street and follow it to the river — the park entrance is on your left. Parking is free, and there's no gate or fee to launch.

The concrete ramp is single-lane and slopes at a moderate angle. It works well for jon boats, small center consoles, and kayaks. In late summer and early fall, when the Susquehanna drops, the ramp angle becomes steeper and the water shallower at the base — you may need to back your trailer further than usual. The ramp is well-maintained and rarely slippery, but wear shoes with good grip if you're walking it in wet conditions.

There is no fuel dock or bait shop at the park. The nearest tackle shop is Havre de Grace Bait and Tackle on Route 40, about a mile away. Stock up on bait and supplies before you arrive, or plan to make a quick run into town. The park has no restaurant or convenience store, so bring water and snacks for a full day of fishing.

Bank Fishing and the Pier

If you don't have a boat, the pier and bank access at Jean S. Roberts give you solid options. The pier extends about 40 feet into the river and is a good spot for casting to the shallows in spring or fishing the bottom for catfish at night. The bank on either side of the pier is rocky and uneven, so wear good shoes and watch your footing, especially in low light.

Bank fishing works best in spring and fall when smallmouth are shallow. Cast parallel to the bank and work your way along the shoreline. The rocks hold crawfish and baitfish, so bass are never far away. In summer, the bank gets hot and exposed — most anglers fish early morning or after sunset. The pier offers some shade and is more comfortable for a longer session.

Catfish fishing from the pier is productive in June through August. Drop a rod with cut bait or chicken liver on the bottom and wait. You'll get bites throughout the night, and the pier keeps you out of the mud and away from the bank vegetation. Bring a headlamp and a comfortable chair — catfish fishing is a waiting game.

Crowds, Tournaments, and When to Fish Alone

Jean S. Roberts is a popular launch point for Havre de Grace tournaments, especially in spring and fall. If you see dozens of trailers in the parking lot on a Saturday morning, a tournament is likely running. The park itself stays relatively quiet because most boats head out into the main river, but the launch area gets congested during the first hour after sunrise.

If you want to avoid crowds, fish on weekday mornings or any evening after 5 p.m. Summer weekdays are especially quiet. Winter is the slowest season overall — you may have the park to yourself on a cold February morning. Tournament schedules vary by year, so check with local clubs or Havre de Grace Bait and Tackle before planning a trip if you want to avoid the rush.

What to Bring and What to Expect

The park has a portable restroom and that's about it. Bring drinking water, sunscreen, and insect repellent — mosquitoes can be thick in summer and early fall. If you're launching a boat, have your registration and insurance card ready. The park doesn't check, but it's good practice. Wear polarized sunglasses to spot shallow-water bass in spring and fall.

The Susquehanna can be windy, especially in spring. If you're in a small boat, check the forecast before you launch. The river current is moderate but noticeable — if you're new to the water, stay close to the park and learn the layout before venturing far downstream. The main channel has deep holes and current breaks that hold fish, but they're not obvious from the bank.

Cell service is spotty near the water, so don't rely on your phone for navigation. Download a map of the area before you go, or bring a paper chart. The river is well-marked with buoys, but knowing the bottom structure and current patterns will make you a better angler.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Maryland fishing license to fish here?

Yes. Maryland requires a freshwater fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase a one-day license online through the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website or at most tackle shops. The license is inexpensive and covers all freshwater fishing in the state.

Can I fish from the bank without a boat?

Yes. The pier and bank access are open to all anglers. Spring and fall are best for smallmouth from shore, and summer nights are good for catfish. You won't cover as much water as someone in a boat, but you can catch fish consistently from the pier and rocky banks.

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

Early morning (sunrise to 9 a.m.) and late afternoon (4 p.m. to dark) are most productive for smallmouth. Catfish bite all night in summer. Midday is slow, especially in summer, so plan your trip around dawn or dusk if you want consistent action.

Is there a boat ramp fee?

No. The launch is free and open to the public. There are no daily passes or annual fees. Parking is also free, though spaces are limited to roughly a dozen vehicles.

What size fish can I expect to catch?

Smallmouth average 12 to 16 inches, with plenty of fish in the 15 to 18-inch range in spring and fall. Trophy fish over 20 inches are possible but not common. Catfish run larger — channel cats often exceed 20 pounds, and flatheads can be much bigger.