Striped Bass

Center Harbor, while situated on Lake Winnipesaukee, requires a trip to the coast to chase Striped Bass. Focus your efforts on the brackish waters of the Great Bay Estuary and the Piscataqua River, easily accessible from Center Harbor with a short drive. Spring and fall migrations are key; target these periods for the best action. Stripers are drawn to areas with strong currents and structure. Try fishing around bridges, rocky points, and channel edges. Local anglers often use live or chunk mackerel, but artificial lures like swimbaits and crankbaits can also be effective. Keep an eye on the water temperature, as stripers prefer a specific range. A local tip is to check with local tackle shops for the latest intel on baitfish presence and striper hotspots. While trophy-sized fish are possible, the average striper in this area is a respectable size, offering a good fight.