What you'll find at Tydings Memorial Park

Tydings Memorial Park sits right on the Susquehanna River in downtown Havre de Grace, and it's one of the most accessible public fishing spots in the upper Chesapeake region. The park has a concrete pier that juts into the river, a bulkhead along the shoreline, and a small beach area—all of it open to anglers without a fee. You can fish from the pier year-round, and the location puts you directly in the path of fish moving between the Susquehanna and the Chesapeake Bay.

The park itself is small and well-maintained, with parking right next to the water, picnic tables, and restrooms. It's a working waterfront, so you'll see commercial boats and recreational traffic, but that activity is part of what brings fish to the area. The pier gets crowded on weekends and during peak seasons, especially spring and fall, but there's usually room to find a spot.

Key Takeaways

  • Tydings Memorial Park offers free public access to the Susquehanna River via a concrete pier and bulkhead, with parking and restrooms on-site.
  • Spring and fall bring the most consistent action, with white perch, striped bass, and catfish the primary species throughout the year.
  • The pier can get crowded on weekends, so arriving early or fishing weekday mornings gives you more room and often better conditions.
  • No special permit is required to fish here beyond your standard Maryland fishing license, and the park is open dawn to dusk.

Seasonal patterns and what bites when

Spring (March through May) is the strongest season at Tydings. White perch move upriver to spawn, and they stack up in the deeper water around the pier. You'll catch them on small shad-pattern crankbaits, live shiners, and soft plastics in white or chartreuse. Striped bass follow the same migration, though they're less predictable—some years the spring bite is excellent, other years it's quiet. Catfish are present year-round but bite most aggressively in late spring and early summer when water temperatures climb.

Summer (June through August) slows down considerably. The water warms, and fish move deeper or into cooler tributaries. Early morning and late evening are your best windows. Catfish remain active, and you'll catch some white perch, but don't expect the volume of spring. Fall (September through November) picks up again as water cools and fish move back upriver. White perch return in numbers, and striped bass become more reliable. This is the second-best season after spring.

Winter (December through February) is slow but not dead. Catfish still bite, and you'll catch occasional white perch on mild days. The pier can ice over, so check conditions before you go. Many anglers skip winter here and focus on other Susquehanna access points or the bay itself.

What gear and bait work best

For white perch, bring a light spinning rod (6 to 7 feet) with 6- to 8-pound test line. Small crankbaits (1 to 2 inches), soft plastics on 1/16-ounce jigs, and live shiners all work. Cast along the pier pilings and the deeper water on the river side. White perch are aggressive and bite quickly, so you can cover water fast.

Striped bass require heavier tackle—a 7- to 8-foot medium-heavy rod with 12- to 15-pound test. Live shad or herring work best, but large soft plastics and topwater lures produce in low-light conditions. Fish the deeper channels and the edges where current breaks. Striped bass are less predictable than white perch, so patience and timing matter more.

For catfish, use a conventional or heavy spinning rod with 15- to 20-pound test and a basic three-way rig or slip sinker setup. Fresh cut shad, chicken liver, or stink bait all work. Cast out and wait—catfish fishing here is straightforward and doesn't require finesse. Fish the deeper holes along the bulkhead and pier.

Parking, access, and when to go

Tydings Memorial Park has a small parking lot directly adjacent to the pier, with room for roughly 20 to 30 vehicles. It fills up on weekend mornings during spring and fall, so arrive early if you're fishing Saturday or Sunday. Weekday mornings are nearly always quiet. The park is open dawn to dusk, and there's no overnight parking or camping.

The pier is concrete and well-maintained, with good footing even when wet. The bulkhead is also fishable, though it's lower and less comfortable for long sessions. The small beach area is mostly for wading and launching small boats, not for fishing. Restrooms are available, and there's a water fountain, but no tackle shop or bait sales on-site—bring what you need.

The park is located at 100 Lafayette Street in Havre de Grace, right downtown. It's easy to find and easy to access from I-95 or Route 40. Parking is free, and there's no day-use fee for fishing.

What to know about Maryland fishing licenses and regulations

You need a valid Maryland fishing license to fish at Tydings, whether you're a resident or visiting from out of state. Licenses are available online through the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website, at most tackle shops, and at some sporting goods stores. A one-day non-resident license costs less than a full-season license if you're just visiting for a day or two.

Size and catch limits vary by species and change annually, so check the current Maryland fishing guide before you go. White perch typically have a 9-inch minimum and a daily limit of 30 fish. Striped bass have a 18-inch minimum and a daily limit of one fish (this varies by season, so verify). Catfish have no size limit and a generous daily catch limit. Regulations can shift, so it's worth a quick check on the DNR website or asking at a local tackle shop.

Nearby alternatives if Tydings is crowded

If the pier is packed, you have other options within a short drive. Conowingo Dam, about 20 minutes north, offers excellent striped bass and white perch fishing from the tailrace and surrounding areas, though access is more limited and requires knowledge of the specific spots. The Susquehanna Flats, just south of Havre de Grace where the river opens into the bay, hold striped bass and white perch but require a boat or access from private property.

For shore-based fishing without a boat, Deer Creek (also in Havre de Grace) offers a quieter alternative with similar species, though it's smaller and less consistent than Tydings. If you're willing to drive 30 minutes south, the upper Chesapeake Bay near Spesutie Island has public access points and holds striped bass, white perch, and catfish. Each location has its own seasonal rhythm and access quirks, so it's worth exploring if you fish the area regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish at Tydings at night?

No. The park is officially open dawn to dusk, and fishing after dark is not permitted. The pier is not lit, and there's no overnight access. If you want to night fish for catfish or striped bass, you'll need to find a different location or fish during daylight hours.

Do I need a boat to fish here?

No. The pier and bulkhead provide plenty of access from shore. You don't need a boat, and launching from the park is not the primary purpose of the access. If you have a small boat, you can launch from nearby ramps, but Tydings itself is designed for shore fishing.

What's the best time of day to fish?

Early morning (sunrise to mid-morning) is usually most productive, especially in spring and fall. Evening (late afternoon through dusk) is the second-best window. Midday is typically slow, particularly in summer. Tide doesn't matter as much here as it does in the lower bay, but incoming tide often produces better than outgoing.

Is there bait and tackle available at the park?

No. There's no tackle shop or bait sales at Tydings. Bring everything you need, or stop at a local shop in Havre de Grace before you arrive. Several tackle shops are within a few minutes of the park and can sell you shiners, cut shad, and other live or fresh bait.

Can I keep striped bass I catch here?

It depends on the season and current regulations. Maryland's striped bass rules change annually, and some seasons allow harvest while others are catch-and-release only. Check the current Maryland fishing guide or call the DNR before you fish to know what you can keep.