What You'll Find at Cashman Park

Cashman Park sits on the Merrimack River in Newburyport, right where the river widens as it approaches the Atlantic. It's a public access point that works best at high tide, when striped bass and bluefish move into the shallower water along the banks. The park itself is small—mostly a parking area and a short walk to the water—but the location puts you in range of fish that follow the tidal flow in and out of the river mouth.

The bottom here is soft mud and sand, and the current can run hard, especially on the incoming tide. You're fishing in a working river, so you'll see commercial traffic and pleasure boats. The best fishing window is usually two hours before high tide through the first hour after, when the water slows enough for fish to feed without fighting the push.

Key Takeaways

  • Cashman Park offers public access to the Merrimack River estuary, with parking and a short walk to the water's edge.
  • Striped bass and bluefish are the primary species, and they feed most actively around high tide when current slows.
  • The river bottom is soft mud and sand, so soft plastics and live bait work better than hard structures that snag.
  • Boat traffic is constant, so fish early morning or late evening when commercial and recreational vessels are fewer.
  • Parking is limited and fills quickly on weekends; arrive before dawn or after mid-morning to find a spot.

Parking and Access

The parking lot at Cashman Park holds roughly a dozen cars, and it fills fast on weekends and summer mornings. There is no fee, but spaces are first-come, first-served. If you arrive after sunrise on a Saturday or Sunday, you may find the lot full and have to circle back or park on nearby streets.

From the lot, it's a short walk—maybe 50 yards—down to the water. The path is paved and easy, but there's no ramp or dock. You're stepping down a low bank onto rocks and mud, so wear boots with good grip and watch your footing, especially if the tide is high and the bank is slick. The park has a portable restroom, but no other facilities.

Seasonal Patterns and What to Fish

Spring (April through May) brings the first run of striped bass moving upriver to spawn. They're aggressive and hungry after winter, and you can catch them on live herring, mackerel, or large soft plastics worked along the deeper channel. The water is cold, so fish move slowly and stay in the deepest water available—usually the center of the river channel, which you can reach from Cashman if you're willing to cast far or use a boat.

Summer (June through August) is slower from shore. The water warms, and striped bass move deeper or farther upriver. Bluefish show up in July and August, especially on the incoming tide, and they'll hit topwater plugs and metal spoons. Early morning and dusk are your best windows; midday fishing is tough.

Fall (September through October) brings another push of striped bass moving downriver toward the ocean. This is often the best season from shore—fish are feeding hard before the migration, and you can catch them on live bait or large soft plastics. The water cools, and fish stay shallower longer into the day.

Winter (November through March) is slow. Some striped bass stay in the river, but they're deep and inactive. Most anglers move to other spots or fish the ocean beaches nearby.

Tackle and Bait That Works

For striped bass, live herring or mackerel is the most reliable bait. You can catch live herring in the river itself using a small cast net or buy them from local tackle shops. Fish them on a simple rig—a 2/0 to 4/0 circle hook, a small split shot about 18 inches up the line, and a barrel swivel to prevent twist. Cast toward the deeper water and let the tide carry your bait.

Soft plastics work well too, especially 4- to 6-inch shads in natural colors (pearl, chartreuse, or dark green). Use a 1/4- to 1/2-ounce jighead depending on current strength, and work the plastic along the bottom with a slow, steady retrieve. Bluefish will hit faster-moving lures—try metal spoons or topwater plugs if you see them breaking the surface.

Bring a medium-power spinning rod (6 to 7 feet) with 15- to 20-pound braid or monofilament. The soft bottom means fewer snags than rocky areas, but the current is strong enough that you need weight to stay on bottom. A 3/0 to 4/0 circle hook is gentler on fish and often hooks better in current than J-hooks.

Tides and Timing

The Merrimack River estuary is tidal, and the best fishing happens around high tide. Check a tide table for Newburyport before you go—NOAA's tide predictions are free and accurate. Plan to arrive about 90 minutes before high tide and fish through the first hour after. During this window, the current slows, and fish move into shallower water to feed.

Low tide can work too, but the water gets very shallow near shore, and fish move to the deeper channel. You'll have better luck casting far or wading out if you know the bottom. If you're new to the spot, high tide is safer and more productive.

What to Watch For

Boat traffic is the biggest factor at Cashman Park. Commercial fishing boats, tugboats, and pleasure craft move through the river constantly, especially during daylight hours. They create wakes that can knock you off balance and churn up the water, scattering fish. Fish early (before 7 a.m.) or late (after 5 p.m.) to avoid the heaviest traffic.

The mud bottom means you'll lose lures and rigs occasionally. Bring extra hooks, weights, and soft plastics. If you snag bottom, try backing up slowly rather than pulling hard—sometimes you can work the lure free without breaking off.

The water here is brackish and can be murky, especially after rain. Striped bass rely more on smell and vibration in murky water, so live bait and soft plastics with good action work better than sight-based lures like topwater plugs.

Nearby Alternatives

If Cashman Park is crowded or the tide isn't right, the Newburyport waterfront has other options. The Newburyport Harbor Walk offers views and some access, though it's more scenic than productive for fishing. Plum Island, just across the inlet, has ocean-side access and different species (striped bass, bluefish, and sometimes bonito). The Merrimack River upstream from Newburyport holds freshwater species like largemouth bass and catfish, though the fishing is different and requires a different approach.

Each of these spots has its own rhythm and seasonal pattern. If you're new to the area, try Cashman first to learn the tidal flow, then branch out to nearby water once you understand how the river moves and where fish position themselves at different times of year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a fishing license to fish at Cashman Park?

Yes. Massachusetts requires a saltwater fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase one online through the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries or at most local tackle shops. The license is inexpensive and valid for one year from the date of purchase.

Can I fish from a boat at Cashman Park?

There's no boat launch at Cashman Park itself, but you can launch from nearby ramps in Newburyport and fish the river in front of the park. If you're in a boat, you have access to deeper water and can reach fish that stay in the channel. Check local regulations for any restrictions on anchoring or fishing near the park.

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

Fall (September and October) is usually best for striped bass from shore. Spring (April and May) is also good. Summer is slower because fish move deeper, but bluefish show up in July and August. Winter is generally slow unless you're specifically targeting deep-water stripers.

Is there a size or catch limit for striped bass?

Yes. Massachusetts has a minimum size (currently 19 inches) and a daily catch limit for striped bass. Limits change year to year, so check the current regulations on the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries website before you fish. Bluefish have their own limits as well.

What should I do if I hook a large fish and the current is strong?

Keep your rod tip up and let your drag slip if the fish runs hard—don't try to horse it in against a strong current. Work the fish gradually, taking line when you can and giving it back when it pulls. If you're standing on rocks or mud, watch your footing; a strong fish can pull you off balance if you're not careful.