Washington County, RI · Atlantic Ocean
Scarborough State Beach
Scarborough State Beach offers public shoreline and pier access on the Atlantic coast in Washington County. Common targets include striped bass, bluefish, and summer flounder.
Live · updated
Top pick today
Striped Bass — Drop everything — ideal day for Striped Bass.
Best conditions of 3 species tracked at Scarborough State Beach.
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Today's Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:15 AM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 11:59 AM | High | 2.9 ft |
| 5:10 PM | Low | 0.6 ft |
Species at Scarborough State Beach
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 Striped Bass Drop everything — ideal day for Striped Bass. In season 88/100
What's helping
- 58°F water — inside striped bass's active range
- incoming tide — striped bass prefers incoming tide
- 13 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
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: Rhode Island regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
#2 Summer Flounder Great day to fish for Summer Flounder. In season 72/100
What's helping
- 58°F water — inside summer flounder's active range
- 13 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
What's hurting
- incoming tide — summer flounder prefers outgoing tide
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.
- Min size
- 19"
- Daily creel
- 6
19" minimum, 6 fish/day, May 1–Dec 31.
Source: Rhode Island regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
#3 Bluefish Marginal conditions for Bluefish. In season 47/100
What's helping
- incoming tide — bluefish prefers incoming tide
- 13 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
What's hurting
- 58°F water — below bluefish's active range (60–80°f)
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: Rhode Island regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
Location Info
Water Body
Atlantic Ocean
Access
Pier, shore, and ramp
Jurisdiction
Rhode Island
Coordinates
Local reports & rules for Scarborough State Beach: Rhode Island DEM fishing & regulations → · fish-consumption advisories (EPA directory) →
Nearby Access Points
Frequently Asked
Do I need a fishing license to fish at Scarborough State Beach?
Yes (anglers age 16 and older). To fish at Scarborough 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 Scarborough State Beach?
Scarborough 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 Scarborough 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 Scarborough 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 Scarborough State Beach have?
Scarborough State Beach has multiple access types — pier, shoreline, and at least one public boat ramp.
Which state's fishing regulations apply at Scarborough State Beach?
state agency regulations apply at Scarborough 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 Scarborough State Beach tidal water?
Yes. Scarborough 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.