Essex County, MA · Atlantic Ocean
Salisbury Beach State Reservation
Salisbury Beach State Reservation offers public shoreline and pier access on the Atlantic coast in Essex County. Common targets include striped bass, bluefish, and summer flounder.
Live · updated
Top pick today
Summer Flounder — Skip the Summer Flounder trip today.
Best conditions of 3 species tracked at Salisbury Beach State Reservation.
Small Craft Advisory issued July 21 at 2:40PM EDT until July 23 at 6:00AM EDT by NWS Gray ME
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Today's Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:23 AM | High | 9.2 ft |
| 11:28 AM | Low | 1.1 ft |
| 5:48 PM | High | 9.7 ft |
Species at Salisbury Beach State Reservation
3 species tracked, ranked by today's conditions. The top pick is open below — tap any species to expand it, or a chip to focus.
#1 Summer Flounder Skip the Summer Flounder trip today. In season 8/100
What's helping
- outgoing tide — summer flounder prefers outgoing tide
- 10 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. 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.
Last verified 54 days ago on 2026-05-29. Open source page →
- Min size
- 16.5"
- Daily creel
- 5
16.5" from shore / 17.5" from a boat, 5 fish/day, late May–late Sep.
Source: Massachusetts regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
#2 Striped Bass Skip the Striped Bass trip today. In season 0/100
What's helping
- 10 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
What's hurting
- outgoing tide — striped bass prefers incoming tide
- 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.
Last verified 54 days ago on 2026-05-29. Open source page →
- 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: Massachusetts regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
#2 Bluefish Skip the Bluefish trip today. In season 0/100
What's helping
- 10 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
What's hurting
- outgoing tide — bluefish prefers incoming tide
- 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.
Last verified 54 days ago on 2026-05-29. Open source page →
- Daily creel
- 5
No minimum size. 5 fish/day from shore or private boat (more on for-hire vessels).
Source: Massachusetts regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
Location Info
Water Body
Atlantic Ocean
Access
Pier, shore, and ramp
Jurisdiction
Massachusetts
Coordinates
Local reports & rules for Salisbury Beach State Reservation: Massachusetts MassWildlife fishing & regulations → · fish-consumption advisories (EPA directory) →
Nearby Access Points
Frequently Asked
Do I need a fishing license to fish at Salisbury Beach State Reservation?
Yes (anglers age 16 and older). To fish at Salisbury Beach State Reservation you need the appropriate state fishing license. See the agency's current rules: the state agency website
What fish are commonly targeted at Salisbury Beach State Reservation?
Salisbury Beach State Reservation 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 Salisbury Beach State Reservation?
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 Salisbury Beach State Reservation 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 Salisbury Beach State Reservation have?
Salisbury Beach State Reservation has multiple access types — pier, shoreline, and at least one public boat ramp.
Which state's fishing regulations apply at Salisbury Beach State Reservation?
state agency regulations apply at Salisbury Beach State Reservation. 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 Salisbury Beach State Reservation tidal water?
Yes. Salisbury Beach State Reservation sits on tidal water with a NOAA tide station nearby. Today's high/low timing is in the tide chart on this page.