Fishing Season: May 20th - November 10th

Essex River - MA

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Inshore Temp:

58

Offshore Temp:

54

Elliot Jenkins's Tip of the Week

Fishing has been getting better as the striped bass make their way up north. Flyfishing at night in warm rivers has been a best bet. The water out front is still cold so fish will be trying to get warm. Look for muddy bottoms in estuaries

Directions open in app

Map of Essex River

Tide data

Tidal Conditions

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

Capt. Eliot Jenkins

5-Day Outlook as of 5/15/26

I expect fishing will be picking up day by day. lol for water temps at or around 60 for your best chances.

Techniques & Tips as of 5/15/26

Sinking line and herring flies. I like the 10 wt with an orvis depth charge and white baitfish patterns.

Current Conditions as of 5/15/26

Cold in the am lending into summer conditions mid day. Dress warm and get out there!

Local Species Available May 20th - November 10th

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    Striped bass

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    Bluefish

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    False albacore

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    Bonita

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    & Bluefin Tuna

Elliot Jenkins's Recommended Fly Patterns

"Must-have" fly fishing patterns in descending order of importance:

Name: Colors: Size(s):
Monomoy Flatwing Olive/White 2 and 2/0
Lefty's Deceiver Chartreuse/White 2 and 2/0
Clouser Minnow N/A
Clouser Minnow N/A
Monomoy Flatwing N/A 2/0
Enrico Puglisi Bunker Pattern 7 2/0
Bucktail Deceiver N/A
Enrico Puglisi Bunker Pattern 7 2/0
Enrico Puglisi Mackerel Pattern 7 2/0

Monomoy Flatwing

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Item #972P

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Elliot Jenkins's Recommended Gear

Description: About Essex River

The Essex River originates in Essex, Massachusetts, and is a tidal river. It is a part of the Great Marsh System along the northern most coast of Massachusetts. The Essex River and its extensive saltwater marshes and islands are protected from the forces of the ocean by Crane Beach, a three mile long barrier island located in Ipswich, Massachusetts. Striped bass move into the Essex River and the marshes and are fished for from the first week in May through the second week in October. Bluefish also move in and out of the system as the season progresses. Striped bass are most active when there is a good tidal flow, and anglers can fish the mussel beds and other structures, the troughs, the edges of the sand bars and marsh banks, the sand flats, the outflows of marsh creeks, and breaking fish chasing bait to the surface. Associated with the Essex River and Crane Beach are an extensive system of sand bars and sand flats which become visible at low tide and which allow anglers to sight fish to cruising stripers when light and surface conditions are just right. Bait that appears at various times of the season are: herring, sand eels, silver sides, baby bunker, shrimp, and juvenile crabs and lobsters. Fly and spin anglers have an abundant selection of flies and lures to imitate the bait. During the week there is little fishing pressure from other anglers, especially at sunrise and into the late morning. For a visual, search Google Earth for this location - Capt. Kalil Boghdan

Nearest Airport:

Logan Airport, Boston

Bait Recommendations:

Peanut bunker, mackerel, sand eels, cinder worms, and herring