Piscataqua River

Saltwater
Tidal river

Piscataqua River

Saltwater
Tidal river

Sq. miles: 3.9
Boat Ramps: 5
Access Points: 0
Species: 6

The Piscataqua River is a 12.25-mile tidal estuary forming the boundary between New Hampshire and Maine, flowing from the confluence of the Cocheco and Salmon Falls Rivers through Eliot and Kittery, Maine, and Dover, Newington, Portsmouth, New Castle, and Rye, New Hampshire, before emptying into the Gulf of Maine at Portsmouth Harbor. It is one of the fastest-flowing navigable rivers in the world, with a drainage area of 1,495 square miles. The river is a working waterway supporting active shipping, a naval shipyard, and a large lobster fleet, yet it remains a premier inshore saltwater fishery. Its powerful currents funnel baitfish, creating exceptional opportunities for targeting migratory species, particularly striped bass. The northern portion in Maine is primarily residential, while the New Hampshire side features more industrial development.

Maine licenses and regulations6 to check before you go

Species & education

Learn what type of fish are at Piscataqua River and what's needed to catch them.

Find which waters have the species you want to catch

Brown Trout

Salmo trutta

Atlantic Mackerel

Scomber scombrus

Bluefish

Pomatomus saltatrix

Channel Catfish

Ictalurus punctatus

Pollock

Pollachius virens

Striped Bass

Morone saxatilis

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Piscataqua River. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Know where you can legally fish on Piscataqua River

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

Maine licenses and regulations

Maine Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

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Maine Coastal & Inland Waters

Maine's coastal and tidal waters are regulated by the Department of Marine Resources, while inland waters fall under the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. A valid freshwater fishing license covers inland waters, and the Saltwater Recreational Fishing Registry covers tidal and marine waters. In tidal portions of rivers, DMR regulations specify gear restrictions and closed areas by body of water.

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Maine Federal Waters & Offshore Rules

Registering in Maine's Saltwater Fishing Registry automatically enrolls you in the National Saltwater Angler Registry, but additional federal permits are required for fishing beyond state waters. For-hire vessels fishing federally managed species from 3 to 200 nautical miles offshore must hold federal permits, and anyone targeting highly migratory species such as tuna or billfish needs an Atlantic HMS permit from NOAA Fisheries. The New England Fishery Management Council and NOAA Fisheries set the rules that apply in federal waters.

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Maine Saltwater Fishing License

Anyone 16 or older must register annually with Maine's Saltwater Recreational Fishing Registry, managed by the Department of Marine Resources, before fishing in coastal waters. Key exemptions include passengers on licensed for-hire charter or party boats, anglers who hold a valid Maine freshwater fishing license, and Maine residents fishing only on Memorial Day weekend, July 4th, or Labor Day weekend. Anglers already registered in another state or the National Registry are also exempt.

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Maine Saltwater Size & Bag Limits

Size and bag limits apply to recreational species and are updated throughout the year by the Department of Marine Resources. Current rules for species including striped bass, groundfish, and sea-run sportfish are published as printable summaries on the DMR website. Check the DMR regulations page before each trip, as seasons and limits can change mid-year.

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Maine Shellfish Closures & Advisories

Recreational shellfish licenses for species such as oysters, clams, and scallops are issued at the municipal level, so requirements vary by town. The Department of Marine Resources closes growing areas when bacterial contamination, biotoxins, red tide, or rainfall make harvesting unsafe. Current closure notices and maps for all coastal growing areas are posted on the DMR shellfish closures page, which is updated regularly.

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Take Piscataqua River with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

Use the map without signal
Download the map around Piscataqua River to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Piscataqua River to find where and when fish are biting for you.

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Tides, wind & water conditions (10 day forecast)

On open water, wind and tide matter as much as the weather. See the best times to fish Piscataqua River and check the marine forecast before you launch.

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