What the Merrimack offers year-round
The Merrimack River from Newburyport upstream through Massachusetts and New Hampshire holds striped bass, largemouth and smallmouth bass, shad, herring, and catfish depending on the season and how far inland you go. The lower river near Newburyport is tidal and saltier—that's where stripers run heaviest in spring and fall. Move upstream past the dams and you enter freshwater sections where smallmouth bass dominate spring through fall, and shad make a brief, intense appearance in May and early June. The river's width and current vary dramatically by location, so knowing which section matches your target species and skill level matters more than knowing the river as a whole.
Access is scattered but real. You have public boat ramps, shore fishing spots, and a few stretches where wading works. The challenge is that much of the riverbank is private, and some of the best sections require knowing where the town landings actually are—they're not always marked well. This guide covers the main public access points and what you're likely to catch at each one.
Key Takeaways
- The lower Merrimack near Newburyport is tidal and holds striped bass in spring and fall; the upper river past the dams is freshwater smallmouth and largemouth bass water.
- Public boat ramps exist at Newburyport, Salisbury, Amesbury, and several points upstream in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, but hours and seasonal closures vary by town.
- Shad run upstream in May and early June, concentrating below the Pawtucket Dam in Lowell and the Amoskeag Dam in Manchester, New Hampshire.
- Shore access is limited; your best bets are town landings, a few bridge crossings, and the Merrimack River Watershed Council's public access map, which lists current conditions.
- Water levels rise and fall with dam releases and rainfall, so call ahead to confirm conditions before driving to a ramp or wading spot.
Lower river near Newburyport: stripers and tidal flats
The tidal section from Newburyport to the Route 1 bridge is where striped bass congregate, especially April through June and again in September and October. This is saltwater fishing—the river mixes with the Atlantic here, and stripers follow baitfish (herring, silversides, sand eels) in and out with the tide. Early morning and the last two hours of daylight are most productive. Spring tides (the biggest tidal swings) concentrate fish in narrow channels and around structure, so check the tide tables before you go.
Newburyport Harbor Park has a public boat ramp and parking; it's the main launch point for this section. Salisbury Beach State Reservation also has a ramp and is less crowded. Both fill up on weekends. If you're shore fishing, the Newburyport waterfront has some access near the downtown area, but most of it is private. The Salisbury Beach causeway allows some wading and casting, though the bottom is soft and the current can be strong on outgoing tide.
Stripers here run 18 to 35 inches on average; 40-inch fish are not rare. Use live herring or mackerel if you're boat fishing, or topwater plugs and soft plastics from shore. The water is cleaner in spring and fall; summer can be murky after heavy rain.
Amesbury to Haverhill: the transition zone
Upstream from Amesbury, the river becomes less tidal and more influenced by dam releases. This is a mixed zone—you'll find stripers here in spring, but also largemouth bass in the slower sections and smallmouth bass around rocky areas. The current is stronger than the lower river but not yet the fast water you hit above the dams. Water clarity improves as you move away from the coast.
Amesbury has a public boat ramp at the town landing on Main Street, though parking is tight and the ramp can be crowded. Haverhill's Riverside Park also has a ramp and is worth trying if Amesbury is full. Both towns have seasonal hours—call ahead. This section is good for spring shad fishing (May into early June) and for largemouth bass in the backwater areas along the banks.
The current here is deceptive; it looks slower than it is. If you're wading, wear a belt and use a staff. The bottom is rocky in some spots and soft mud in others. Stripers and largemouths hold in the deeper holes and around submerged trees; smallmouth prefer the rocky banks and current breaks.
Above the dams: freshwater smallmouth and shad
The Pawtucket Dam in Lowell and the Amoskeag Dam in Manchester, New Hampshire create two major freshwater pools. These are smallmouth bass country from May through October, with shad concentrated below the dams in May and early June. The water is cleaner and cooler than the lower river, and the fishing is more predictable once you learn the structure.
In Lowell, the Pawtucket Dam creates a large pool. The Lowell National Historical Park has limited public access, but the Merrimack River Watershed Council maintains information on where you can legally fish. Manchester, New Hampshire's Amoskeag Dam pool is larger and has more public access. The Amoskeag Fish Ladder (a viewing area where shad climb the dam in spring) is open to the public and gives you a sense of where the fish are concentrated. The dam pool itself has several informal access points along the New Hampshire side.
Shad fishing here is sight-fishing or blind-casting small shad darts and spoons in the current below the dam. It's fast and intense when the run is on. Smallmouth fishing is year-round; spring and fall are best. Use tubes, crankbaits, and soft plastics around rocky points and current breaks. Largemouth bass are present but less common than smallmouth in this section.
Seasonal patterns and what to expect
Spring (April through May) brings stripers to the lower river and shad upstream. Water is cold and often high from snowmelt and dam releases. Stripers are aggressive but the shad run is brief—if you want shad, go in early May, not late May. By late May, the run is over.
Summer (June through August) is slow for stripers but good for largemouth and smallmouth bass. Water warms and levels drop. The lower river becomes murky after rain. Fishing is better early morning and at dusk. Upstream sections stay cooler and clearer.
Fall (September through October) brings stripers back to the lower river as water cools. This is the best overall season—water clarity improves, fish are aggressive, and the weather is pleasant. Smallmouth bass are also active. By November, water temperature drops and fishing slows.
Winter (November through March) is slow. The lower river can freeze in hard winters. Upstream sections stay open but fishing is sparse. Some anglers target catfish in the deeper holes, but this is not prime time.
Access points and ramp information
Public boat ramps on the Merrimack are town-managed and hours vary. Here are the main ones:
| Town | Location | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newburyport | Harbor Park, Merrimac Street | Stripers, tidal fishing | Crowded weekends; parking limited; call ahead for hours |
| Salisbury | Salisbury Beach State Reservation | Stripers, wading | Day-use fee; ramp and parking; less crowded than Newburyport |
| Amesbury | Town Landing, Main Street | Shad, largemouth bass | Small ramp; tight parking; seasonal hours |
| Haverhill | Riverside Park | Shad, mixed species | Better parking than Amesbury; call for hours |
| Lowell | Pawtucket Dam area (limited) | Shad, smallmouth | Check Merrimack River Watershed Council for current access |
| Manchester, NH | Amoskeag Dam pool (multiple informal spots) | Shad, smallmouth | Fish ladder viewable; ask locals for best access |
Shore access is limited. The Merrimack River Watershed Council publishes a public access map showing current conditions and legal fishing spots. Download it before you go—it's more reliable than guessing. Some bridge crossings allow parking and wading, but always check for private property signs.
What to bring and how to prepare
Water levels on the Merrimack change with dam releases and rainfall. A dam release can raise the water level two feet in an hour, making wading dangerous. Call the dam operator or check the USGS water gauge for the Merrimack before you wade. The gauge is online and updates hourly.
Bring a tide table if you're fishing the lower river. Stripers bite best on moving water—slack tide is slow. Upstream, current is constant but stronger after dam releases. Wear a belt and use a wading staff if you're in the water. The bottom changes from soft mud to sharp rocks; felt-soled waders help.
Stripers and shad require different tackle. For stripers, bring medium-heavy rods (6 to 7 feet) and 15- to 20-pound braid. For shad, use light rods and 8- to 10-pound line with small darts and spoons. Smallmouth bass tackle is standard—medium rods, 10- to 12-pound line, and a mix of soft plastics and crankbaits. Bring bug spray in spring and early summer; the river has mosquitoes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license to fish the Merrimack?
Yes. Massachusetts and New Hampshire both require a fishing license. You can buy them online or at sporting goods stores. If you're fishing the tidal section near Newburyport, you need a Massachusetts saltwater license. Upstream, a freshwater license covers you. New Hampshire licenses are separate if you cross into New Hampshire waters.
What's the best time to catch shad on the Merrimack?
Early May, right after the water warms above 55 degrees. The run lasts two to three weeks and is over by late May. Check the Amoskeag Fish Ladder in Manchester or call the Merrimack River Watershed Council to confirm the run is active before you drive. Shad fishing is sight-casting small darts and spoons in the current below the dams.
Can I wade the Merrimack safely?
Yes, but only in low-water conditions and never after heavy rain or a dam release. Check the USGS water gauge before you go. Wear a belt and use a wading staff. The current is stronger than it looks, and the bottom changes without warning. Never wade alone.
Where can I find out about current access and water conditions?
The Merrimack River Watershed Council maintains a public access map and updates it seasonally. The USGS has real-time water gauges for the river. Call the town landing or ramp directly to confirm hours and seasonal closures—they change year to year.
Are there catfish in the Merrimack?
Yes, channel catfish and flathead catfish are present, especially in the deeper holes and slower sections. They're most active in summer and fall, and fishing is better at night. They're not the main draw, but if you want to target them, use chicken liver or cut bait in the deeper pools upstream of Haverhill.