Rockingham County, NH · Atlantic Ocean
North Hampton State Beach
North Hampton State Beach offers public shoreline and pier access on the Atlantic coast in Rockingham County. Common targets include striped bass, bluefish, and summer flounder.
Live · updated
Top picks today
Striped Bass & Bluefish — tied at the top (8/100)
2 species tied for best of 3 tracked at North Hampton State Beach.
Beach Hazards Statement issued June 5 at 8:56AM EDT until June 5 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Gray ME
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Today's Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:02 AM | High | 9.7 ft |
| 9:28 AM | Low | 0.8 ft |
| 3:44 PM | High | 8.6 ft |
| 9:38 PM | Low | 1.9 ft |
Species at North Hampton State Beach
3 species tracked, ranked by today's conditions. The top 2 (tied) are open below — tap any species to expand it, or a chip to focus.
#1 Striped Bass Skip the Striped Bass trip today. In season 8/100
What's helping
- incoming tide — striped bass prefers incoming tide
- 5 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
What's hurting
- Thunderstorms — get off the water immediately when storms approach
- NWS alert active — check the alert before heading out
About. Morone saxatilis — Maryland's state fish. Anadromous — runs into Bay tributaries to spawn each spring. Targeted by trolling, jigging, live-lining, and surf casting. Locally called "rockfish."
Prefers. Water 50–72°F (ideal 62°F) · incoming tide · depth 5–35 ft.
- Min size
- 28"
- Max size
- 31"
- Daily creel
- 1
28–31" slot, 1 fish/day. Inline (non-offset) circle hooks required when fishing with bait.
Source: New Hampshire regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
#1 Bluefish Skip the Bluefish trip today. In season 8/100
What's helping
- incoming tide — bluefish prefers incoming tide
- 5 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
What's hurting
- Thunderstorms — get off the water immediately when storms approach
- NWS alert active — check the alert before heading out
About. Pomatomus saltatrix — Toothy, aggressive pelagic predator. "Snapper blues" invade the lower Bay and coastal bays in summer; bigger choppers along the Atlantic coast. Hits metal jigs, topwater, and cut bait savagely — wire leaders recommended.
Prefers. Water 60–80°F (ideal 70°F) · incoming tide · depth 5–50 ft.
- Daily creel
- 3
No minimum size. 3 fish/day from shore or private boat (more on for-hire vessels).
Source: New Hampshire regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
#3 Summer Flounder Check local Summer Flounder regulations before you keep one. Regs unverified 0/100
We don't have confirmed size, creel, or season rules for Summer Flounder in NH on file yet. The live conditions score still applies — but confirm the current regulations with your state agency before keeping any fish.
What's helping
- 5 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
What's hurting
- incoming tide — summer flounder prefers outgoing tide
- Thunderstorms — get off the water immediately when storms approach
- NWS alert active — check the alert before heading out
About. Paralichthys dentatus — Locally called "fluke." Flatfish that ambushes bait off sandy and mixed bottom. Drifting bucktails tipped with Gulp! or live minnows through Ocean City and Chincoteague inlets is the classic method.
Prefers. Water 58–75°F (ideal 65°F) · outgoing tide · depth 10–100 ft.
No regulations on file for New Hampshire / atlantic. Check the appropriate state agency directly before fishing.
Location Info
Water Body
Atlantic Ocean
Access
Pier, shore, and ramp
Jurisdiction
New Hampshire
Coordinates
Local reports & rules for North Hampton State Beach: New Hampshire Fish & Game fishing & regulations → · fish-consumption advisories (EPA directory) →
Nearby Access Points
Frequently Asked
Do I need a fishing license to fish at North Hampton State Beach?
Yes (anglers age 16 and older). To fish at North Hampton State Beach you need the appropriate state fishing license. See the agency's current rules: the state agency website
What fish are commonly targeted at North Hampton State Beach?
North Hampton State Beach is listed on this site for 3 commonly-targeted species: Striped Bass, Bluefish, Summer Flounder. Which species is currently in season and which is scoring highest today is shown in the per-species ranking on this page.
When is the best time to fish at North Hampton State Beach?
It depends more on the species and the day's conditions than on a fixed "best hour." Water temperature, weather, and — at tidal locations — the stage of the tide drive activity most. The per-species ranking on this page scores every target species at North Hampton State Beach against today's live conditions, so the fish near the top are your best bets right now; check back as conditions change through the day.
What kind of access does North Hampton State Beach have?
North Hampton State Beach has multiple access types — pier, shoreline, and at least one public boat ramp.
Which state's fishing regulations apply at North Hampton State Beach?
state agency regulations apply at North Hampton State Beach. Size limits, creel limits, and seasonal closures are listed per species on each species page. Always confirm against the agency source linked from each regulation block — emergency closures can take effect mid-season.
Is North Hampton State Beach tidal water?
Yes. North Hampton State Beach sits on tidal water with a NOAA tide station nearby. Today's high/low timing is in the tide chart on this page.