What you'll find at Demarest Lloyd

Demarest Lloyd State Park sits on the Dartmouth waterfront along the Apponagansett Bay, giving you direct access to salt water without a boat. The park holds a small beach, a boat launch, and a walking trail that runs along the shoreline — all open to the public year-round. Most anglers fish from the beach or wade into the shallows; the launch is there if you have your own boat.

The water here is tidal and shallow in most spots, which means the fishing changes with the tide and the season. You're looking at striped bass, bluefish, and flounder as your main targets, with occasional weakfish and scup depending on the month. The park itself doesn't charge admission, though parking can fill on warm weekends.

Key Takeaways

  • Demarest Lloyd offers free public access to Apponagansett Bay with a beach launch point and a boat ramp for anglers with their own vessels.
  • Striped bass and bluefish are the primary species; spring and fall typically produce the most consistent action.
  • Tide matters here — incoming tide over the flats usually outfishes slack or outgoing water.
  • The park has limited parking and no facilities beyond a restroom, so arrive early on weekends and bring what you need.

When to fish and what to expect by season

Spring (April through May) brings striped bass moving through the bay on their way to spawning grounds. Fish the incoming tide in the early morning or late afternoon; the flats warm up first and hold baitfish. Bring small plugs, soft plastics, or live herring if you can get them. Water temperatures are still cool, so bass stay shallow and active.

Summer (June through August) slows down for stripers but picks up for bluefish and flounder. Bluefish will chase baitfish in the shallows on the incoming tide, especially around dawn. Flounder hold deeper in the channels; if you have a boat, drift the drop-offs. The beach gets crowded with swimmers, so early morning or late evening gives you better odds and fewer people.

Fall (September through October) is the park's best season. Striped bass return in force as water cools, and bluefish are aggressive. Fish the same incoming tide pattern as spring. Weakfish also show up in September and October; they prefer soft plastics and small live baitfish. Water clarity improves in fall, so match your lure color to the light conditions.

Winter (November through March) is slow. A few stripers linger if the bay doesn't freeze, but most anglers move to deeper water or other spots. If you do fish here in winter, focus on the deeper channels and fish the slack tide when baitfish bunch up.

How to fish the beach and shallows

The beach at Demarest Lloyd slopes gradually, so you can wade out 50 to 100 yards on a low tide and still be in fishable water. Bring waders or plan to get wet. Cast parallel to the shore or toward any structure — rocks, pilings, or weed beds — where baitfish hide. Striped bass hunt the edges where shallow water meets deeper channels.

Small to medium plugs (2 to 4 inches) work well here because the water is shallow and the fish are often feeding on sand eels and silversides. Soft plastics rigged on a 1/4-ounce jig head also produce, especially for flounder. If you see baitfish breaking the surface, cast beyond the school and retrieve through it — don't cast directly at them.

Timing the tide is critical. The incoming tide pushes baitfish into the shallows and brings stripers and blues with them. Fish the first two hours of the incoming tide and the last hour before the tide turns. Slack tide (the moment between incoming and outgoing) is usually slow.

Using the boat launch

The launch at Demarest Lloyd is a single-lane concrete ramp suitable for small to medium boats. It's free to use, but parking for trailers is limited. Arrive early if you plan to launch on a weekend. The ramp can get soft or slippery after heavy rain, so take your time backing down.

Once you're on the water, the bay opens up. You can drift the deeper channels for flounder, work the edges of the flats for stripers and blues, or run to the mouth of the Apponagansett River where it meets the bay. The river holds stripers and weakfish, especially on the incoming tide. Depths range from 3 to 15 feet depending on where you are; a depth finder helps, but it's not essential for casual fishing.

What to bring and what the park offers

Demarest Lloyd has a parking lot, a restroom, and a picnic area. There's no bait shop, no tackle rental, and no food service. Bring everything you need: rods, tackle, water, snacks, and a cooler if you plan to keep fish. A headlamp or flashlight is useful if you fish early morning or evening.

Parking is free but limited — the lot holds maybe 30 to 40 cars. On a nice Saturday in May or September, it fills by 8 a.m. Arrive early or fish on a weekday if you can. The park is open sunrise to sunset, though the gate may close earlier in winter.

There's a walking trail that loops through the park if you want to scout the shoreline before you fish or take a break between tides. The trail is easy and takes about 20 minutes to walk.

Access and directions from Dartmouth center

Demarest Lloyd is on Russells Mills Road in the southern part of Dartmouth, about 10 minutes from downtown. From the Dartmouth town center, head south on Russells Mills Road toward the water. The park entrance is marked; turn into the parking lot and you're there.

If you're coming from Route 6, take Russells Mills Road south. The park is on your right as you approach the water. There's no toll or gate fee. GPS coordinates are roughly 41.6°N, 71.0°W if you want to plug it into your phone.

Rules and what you need to know

Massachusetts fishing regulations apply here. You need a saltwater fishing license if you're keeping fish; a recreational license is inexpensive and available online or at most tackle shops. Check the current size and bag limits for striped bass and bluefish — they change year to year. The state publishes these on the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries website.

The park allows fishing from the beach and from boats. No commercial fishing. Dogs are allowed on-leash. Swimming is permitted in summer, so be aware of swimmers if you're fishing near the beach. Respect private property on either side of the park; stick to the public shoreline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish here without a boat?

Yes. The beach and shallows are your main fishing grounds if you don't have a boat. You can wade out and cast, or fish from the shore. Most anglers who fish Demarest Lloyd do it from the beach.

What's the best tide to fish?

Incoming tide is usually best, especially the first two hours. Baitfish move into the shallows on the incoming tide, and stripers and blues follow. Slack tide (the moment between incoming and outgoing) is typically slow.

Do I need a fishing license?

Yes, if you're keeping fish. A Massachusetts saltwater recreational license is required and costs around $10 to $30 depending on residency and duration. You can buy one online through the state website or at most tackle shops.

Is there a bait shop nearby?

Not at the park itself. The nearest tackle shops are in downtown Dartmouth or New Bedford, about 10 to 15 minutes away. Bring your own tackle or stop at a shop before you arrive.

Can I launch my boat here?

Yes, there's a free single-lane concrete ramp. Parking for trailers is limited, so arrive early on weekends. The ramp is suitable for small to medium boats.