Newington Fishing Charters
Newington fishing charters work the tidal waters of Great Bay, the Piscataqua River, and the Atlantic nearshore for striped bass, bluefish, and seasonal groundfish.
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Newington, NH Fishing Guide
Fishing in Newington, New Hampshire, offers a mix of inshore and nearshore opportunities shaped by the flow of the Piscataqua River into Great Bay and its short run to the Atlantic. Most charters here run out of local ramps such as the Hilton Park Launch in Dover or Eliot Boat Basin just over the Maine line, depending on tides and target species. Half-day trips often work the river channels, bridge pilings, and bay flats for striped bass using light tackle or live eels, while full-day runs may push through the river mouth toward coastal reefs for cod, haddock, or pollock when in season. Specialty trips in late spring and summer may target bluefish and mackerel, with some captains offering night striped bass charters timed to strong tidal currents.
The fishery structure is diverse — deep tidal channels, mud flats, ledges, and rocky shoreline all hold fish at different stages of the season. Run distances can be short for inshore work, sometimes less than 10 minutes from the dock, but groundfish trips may involve a 45–60 minute run out into the Gulf of Maine. In early season, stripers flood into Great Bay chasing herring and menhaden, with fly anglers focusing on mudflat edges and sandbars on a flooding tide. Summer brings stronger currents and warmer water, shifting fish toward deeper channels and structure near the river mouth. Fall can be exceptional for mixed-bag fishing, as bass and blues feed aggressively before migration.
Nearby options include launching toward Portsmouth for direct Atlantic access or trailering up to the Maine coast for a change of scenery. Local captains are well-versed in working around strong tidal swings, which can exceed 8 feet, making timing critical for both safety and fishing success. Techniques vary by season and target — jigging metal slabs for cod over offshore humps, drifting live bait for stripers under bridges, or casting topwater plugs along rocky banks for explosive strikes.
Fishing Seasons in Newington
Spring (March–May)
Striped bass arrive in mid-to-late May, pushing upriver with the herring run. Early-season fish hold in shallower, warmer sections of Great Bay and around mudflats, responding well to soft plastics, clouser flies, and small swimming plugs. This is also when mackerel schools begin staging outside the river mouth, offering prime live bait opportunities. Most spring charters focus on half-day striper trips in the river system, timing outings to moving water. Water temps start in the low 50s and climb quickly, with sunny days boosting the bite.
Summer (June–August)
By late June, striped bass spread through the river, bay, and coastal ledges, while bluefish and mackerel become more consistent targets. Groundfish trips for cod, haddock, and pollock run offshore to deeper structure in the Gulf of Maine, often on full-day schedules. Summer tides can be strong, so charters work edges, rips, and ledges with heavier jig heads or live eels. Night striper trips are popular in July and August, fishing bridge lights and deep channels. Warmest water of the year pushes some species deeper mid-day, so morning and evening trips tend to produce best.
Fall (September–November)
September and October bring peak striper action, with fish feeding heavily before migrating south. Bluefish remain possible, though less abundant, and mackerel schools can linger. Many captains run mixed-bag trips, starting inshore for bass before pushing offshore for groundfish if conditions allow. Surface plugs, poppers, and fast-moving metals shine during fall blitzes along rocky shorelines and river mouths. Cooling water, often in the high 50s by mid-October, triggers aggressive feeding, and charters may adjust run distances daily based on bait movements.
Winter (December–February)
Most Newington charter activity slows in winter, though some captains offer specialized groundfish runs if weather permits. Cod and haddock can be taken on offshore ledges, but trips require stable conditions and careful weather planning. Ice fishing is not common directly in Newington due to tidal waters, but inland lakes in southern New Hampshire offer pickerel, perch, and trout. Cold water and short daylight keep most activity dockside, with many captains using this time for boat maintenance and gear prep for spring.
Gamefish in Newington
- Striped Bass – 20–40 inches. Found in river channels, bridge pilings, and bay flats from May to October; best taken on live eels, soft plastics, and topwater plugs
- Bluefish – 3–10 pounds. Appear in summer near the river mouth and coastal rips; caught trolling spoons or casting metals.
- Atlantic Mackerel – 1–2 pounds. School outside the river mouth in late spring through summer; taken with sabiki rigs and small spoons.
- Cod – 5–20 pounds. Found on offshore ledges in spring, summer, and fall; jigged with metal slabs or baited rigs.
- Pollock – 5–15 pounds. Found on deeper offshore structure in summer and fall; caught jigging or trolling deep-diving plugs.
- Haddock – 3–10 pounds. Taken offshore over gravel and sand bottoms; drift-fished with bait in summer and fall.
- Winter Flounder – 1–3 pounds. Available in sandy bay areas in late spring; taken with bottom rigs and worms.
Newington Fishing FAQs
Where do most Newington fishing charters launch from?
Many charters use Hilton Park in Dover for Great Bay and Piscataqua River trips, or cross into Eliot, Maine, for access to the river mouth and Gulf of Maine.
How long are typical trips?
Half-day trips run 4–5 hours, focusing on inshore and river fishing, while full-day runs of 8–10 hours target offshore groundfish or mixed inshore/offshore species.
Is fishing gear included?
Yes, most captains provide rods, reels, tackle, and bait. Fly anglers should confirm in advance if specialized gear is available or bring their own setups.
Do I need a fishing license in Newington?
For saltwater charters, captains often carry a boat license covering all passengers. Freshwater and inland trips require a New Hampshire fishing license.
What’s the best time to fish for striped bass here?
The peak striper bite is late May through mid-October, with early mornings and moving tides producing the best action
Which techniques work best for local fishing?
Light tackle and fly gear shine for inshore bass and blues, while jigging and bait rigs dominate offshore groundfish trips.
What species can I expect in summer?
Summer offers striped bass, bluefish, mackerel, and offshore cod, haddock, and pollock, with occasional flounder in the bay.
How many anglers can most boats take?
Most Newington charter boats carry 4–6 anglers comfortably, with larger vessels available for offshore groups.
Are night fishing trips available?
Yes, some captains offer night striped bass trips in summer, often fishing bridge lights and tidal rips when boat traffic is low.