Top Striper Fishing Spots in Portland, Maine
Pound of Tea
Located at the mouth of the Harraseeket River in Casco Bay, the Pound of Tea is a prime striped bass spot thanks to its strong tidal currents, rocky structure, and abundance of baitfish. As water moves in and out of the river, it funnels bait past ledges and drop-offs where stripers like to feed. The mix of oxygen-rich water, structure, and food draws fish consistently—especially at dawn, dusk, and during moving tides. Easy to access from Freeport, it’s a favorite for both casting plugs and drifting live bait.
Sand bar between Little Chebeague and Chebeague Islands
The sandbar between Little Chebeague and Great Chebeague Islands is a local favorite for striper fishing in Casco Bay. This stretch of shallow water and shifting current creates a natural feeding lane for striped bass. As the tide moves across the sandbar, it stirs up baitfish and crustaceans, attracting stripers looking for an easy meal. The water here warms quickly in summer, which can bring bait in close, and the changing depths around the bar provide great ambush points for feeding fish. Whether you’re casting from a boat or wading at low tide, it’s a classic example of the kind of tidal structure stripers love — moving water, shallow flats, and access to deeper channels all in one spot.
Old Orchard Beach
The long, sandy stretch of Old Orchard Beach creates a classic surfcasting environment with gradual drop-offs, shifting sandbars, and nearby river mouths (like the Scarborough and Saco Rivers) that funnel baitfish into the area. During the summer months, striped bass cruise the surf zone, feeding on mackerel, sand eels, and juvenile menhaden pushed close to shore by tides and waves. The pier pilings also provide cover and structure that hold bait and ambush points for stripers, especially during early morning or dusk. Whether from the beach or by boat just offshore, Old Orchard offers a mix of structure, tidal movement, and bait — everything stripers are looking for.