What You'll Find at Napatree Point

Napatree Point is a mile-long barrier beach in Westerly that juts into the Atlantic between Little Narragansett Bay and the open ocean. The point holds striped bass and bluefish in spring and fall, with summer flounder and scup in the warmer months. The beach faces south and east, so it takes the full force of the Atlantic swell—which means good bait movement and active fish, but also rough conditions when storms roll through.

The real advantage here is access. You can park at the Napatree Point parking area (operated by the Town of Westerly) and walk onto the beach itself. No boat required, no private property to cross. The walk is short and flat, and the beach is wide enough that you're not fighting crowds even on busy weekends. The downside is that Napatree is a nature preserve, so there are rules about where you can fish and when.

Key Takeaways

  • Napatree Point is open to fishing year-round, but the best action for striped bass and bluefish runs from April through June and September through November.
  • You must park at the official Napatree Point parking area and walk in; no vehicles are allowed on the beach itself.
  • The beach faces the open Atlantic, so conditions can change fast—check the forecast and tide before you go, especially in fall and spring.
  • Stripers and blues feed along the drop-off on the eastern end of the point, where the beach shelf falls away into deeper water.
  • Rhode Island saltwater fishing requires a license, which you can get online or at most tackle shops in Westerly.

Parking and Access

The Napatree Point parking area is at the end of Napatree Point Road in Westerly, right where the road dead-ends. There is a small lot with room for roughly 20 cars. Arrive early on weekends, especially in spring and fall, because the lot fills up by mid-morning. There is no fee to park, but the lot is maintained by the Town of Westerly and is subject to town regulations.

From the parking area, the walk to the beach is about 200 yards on a sandy path. The path is flat and easy, and you'll pass through low scrub and beach grass. Once you reach the beach, you can walk east or west along the sand. Most fishing happens on the eastern end of the point, where the beach curves and the bottom drops off into deeper water. The walk to that section is another quarter-mile or so.

The point is part of the Napatree Point Conservation Area, managed by the Nature Conservancy and the Town of Westerly. Fishing is allowed, but you cannot camp, build fires, or bring vehicles onto the beach. Dogs are not allowed during nesting season (typically May through August). Check the town website or call ahead if you're unsure about current restrictions.

Striped Bass and Bluefish Seasons

Spring stripers move through Napatree Point from late April into June as they migrate north from their winter grounds. The fish are hungry after the spawn and feed aggressively on sand eels, silversides, and small mackerel. Sunrise and sunset are prime times, but fish will bite throughout the day if the tide is moving. The water is cold in April and May, so the fish are closer to shore than they will be later in summer.

Fall is the strongest season at Napatree Point. Stripers return in September and stay through November, feeding heavily to build reserves for winter. Bluefish arrive in October and November and can be aggressive, especially on cloudy days or when baitfish are thick. The fall run often produces larger fish than spring, and the weather is more stable. Water temperatures drop into the 50s by November, which can make for excellent fishing but also means you need to dress for cold and wind.

Summer fishing at Napatree Point is slower for stripers but decent for summer flounder and scup. Stripers move offshore into deeper, cooler water once the bay warms up. If you're fishing June through August, focus on early morning and late evening, and fish the deeper water off the eastern end of the point.

Tides, Bait, and Bottom Structure

Napatree Point is a tidal beach, and the tide makes a huge difference in where fish hold and how they feed. The point sits between Little Narragansett Bay and the open Atlantic, so water moves in and out with the tide. On the incoming tide, baitfish are pushed toward the beach and stripers follow. On the outgoing tide, fish often hold in the deeper water off the point and feed on baitfish being swept out.

The bottom is mostly sand with patches of shell and gravel. The eastern end of the point has a noticeable drop-off where the beach shelf falls away into 15 to 20 feet of water. This is where stripers and bluefish hold, especially on the outgoing tide. You can feel the drop-off when you wade—the bottom goes from shallow sand to deeper water in just a few steps. Fish this transition zone with live bait or small plugs.

Live sand eels and silversides are the best baits at Napatree Point. You can catch sand eels yourself with a small net in the shallow water, or buy them at local tackle shops. Mackerel and herring also work, especially for bluefish. If you're throwing artificials, small metal jigs (½ to 1 ounce) and 3- to 4-inch soft plastics mimic the baitfish that stripers and blues are feeding on.

Wading and Safety

Napatree Point is a wading beach, and most fishing happens from the sand or in water less than 4 feet deep. The bottom is firm and easy to walk on, but the Atlantic swell can be strong, especially in fall and spring. Waves can come up suddenly, so keep your eyes on the water and don't wade deeper than waist-high unless you're very comfortable in the ocean.

The point is exposed to the full Atlantic, which means weather can change fast. Fog rolls in without warning, and wind can pick up in an hour. Check the forecast before you go, and bring a headlamp or flashlight if you're fishing at dawn or dusk—the point is isolated, and it gets dark quickly. Wear a personal flotation device if you're wading beyond your depth, and never fish alone if you can avoid it.

The rocks and shell on the bottom can cut your feet, so wear wading boots or old sneakers. The beach is also exposed to the sun, so bring sunscreen and a hat. In fall and spring, the water is cold enough that hypothermia is a real risk if you fall in. Dress in layers and bring a change of clothes in your car.

Tackle and Technique

For striped bass at Napatree Point, a 7- to 8-foot medium-heavy spinning rod with 15- to 20-pound braided line works well. Pair it with a 20- to 30-pound fluorocarbon leader to handle the rough bottom and occasional bluefish. If you're throwing plugs, a 6½- to 7-foot rod is better for accuracy and feel. For live bait, a slightly lighter setup (12- to 15-pound line) gives you better sensitivity and lets the bait move more naturally.

Cast parallel to the beach or toward the drop-off on the eastern end of the point. Stripers often hold in the transition zone between shallow and deep water, so work that area thoroughly. If you're using live bait, cast out and let the tide carry it toward the deeper water. Retrieve slowly and feel for the weight of a fish. With artificials, cast and retrieve with a steady pace, pausing occasionally to let the lure drop into deeper pockets.

Bluefish are less picky than stripers and will chase moving baits and plugs aggressively. If you hook a blue, keep your rod tip up and reel steadily—blues are strong and will test your drag. They also have sharp teeth, so use a wire or heavy fluorocarbon bite leader if you're targeting them specifically.

Nearby Tackle and Information

The closest tackle shop is Anglers, located on Main Street in Westerly. They stock live bait (sand eels and silversides in season), tackle, and licenses. The staff knows Napatree Point well and can tell you what's been biting and what conditions are like. They also sell Rhode Island saltwater fishing licenses, which you need to fish at Napatree Point.

You can also get a Rhode Island saltwater license online through the state Department of Environmental Management (DEM) website. A three-day license costs less than a full-year license and is a good option if you're visiting for a weekend. The license is required for anyone 16 and older who is fishing in saltwater, including from shore.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best time of day to fish Napatree Point?

Sunrise and sunset are most productive, especially in spring and fall. Fish feed actively as light changes. However, stripers and bluefish will bite throughout the day if the tide is moving and baitfish are present. Overcast days often produce better fishing than bright, sunny days.

Do I need a boat to fish Napatree Point?

No. The entire point is accessible from shore, and most fishing happens from the beach or in shallow water. You can walk to the best spots from the parking area. A boat is not necessary and would not give you an advantage over shore fishing here.

Can I fish Napatree Point in winter?

Yes, the point is open year-round. Winter fishing is slow, but stripers occasionally move through in December and January. Water temperatures drop into the 40s, so you need heavy cold-weather gear. Spring and fall are much more productive.

What should I do if I hook a large striper?

Keep your rod tip up and reel steadily. Don't horse the fish—let your drag do the work. If the fish runs toward the rocks or deeper water, follow it along the beach if you can. Large stripers are strong and will test your drag, so make sure it's set correctly before you cast.

Is there a limit on how many fish I can keep?

Rhode Island has regulations on striped bass and bluefish size and bag limits that change year to year. Check the current regulations on the DEM website before you fish. As of recent years, stripers have a minimum size and a daily bag limit, and bluefish have similar restrictions. Regulations are posted at the parking area.