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.

New Hampshire 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.

New Hampshire licenses and regulations

New Hampshire 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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New Hampshire Coastal & Inland Waters

A NH Saltwater Recreational Fishing License covers coastal and estuarine waters, while a separate freshwater license applies to inland lakes, rivers, and streams. New Hampshire Fish and Game's Marine Fisheries Division manages the saltwater side, based in Durham. Anglers fishing waters that border Maine should note that fishing licenses issued by either state are recognized on shared border lakes and ponds.

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New Hampshire Federal Waters & Offshore Rules

Beyond 3 nautical miles from shore, federal rules take over and NOAA Fisheries manages fisheries out to 200 nautical miles in partnership with regional fishery management councils. Anglers targeting Atlantic highly migratory species such as tuna, billfish, swordfish, or sharks must carry a federal vessel permit issued by NOAA Fisheries regardless of where they depart from. Current federal regulations by species are kept on the NOAA Fisheries recreational fishing regulations page.

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New Hampshire Saltwater Fishing License

Anyone age 16 or older must carry a NH Saltwater Recreational Fishing License to fish coastal and estuarine waters. New Hampshire Fish and Game issues the license, which is valid for the calendar year. Designated free fishing days let anglers fish without a license, though tournament participants must still be licensed even on those days.

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New Hampshire Saltwater Size & Bag Limits

Size and bag limits apply to individual species and can change throughout the year. New Hampshire Fish and Game's Marine Fisheries Division sets the rules for state waters, covering popular targets such as striped bass, haddock, and flounder. The current species table with all applicable limits is maintained in the state's saltwater regulations guide.

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New Hampshire Shellfish Closures & Advisories

Recreational harvesters of oysters and clams in New Hampshire need a license issued by NH Fish and Game, while blue mussels may be taken by residents without a license for personal use only. Harvest areas close regularly due to red tide, biotoxins, rainfall, and pollution, and closures can be called on short notice. Check current open and closed areas through the NH Coastal Atlas online or by calling the NH Clam Flat Hotline at 1-800-43-CLAMS.

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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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Free on iOS and Android

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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