NORTH SHORE: DANVERS RIVER STRIPERS

The years of sacrifice by fishermen have finally paid of with a tremendous comeback of the striper populations. Conservation efforts and strict enforcement have been responsible for the dramatic return of this majestic species. The current condition of the striper populations have not been seen since the sixties. Along with the increased activity come a thirst for knowledge in order to make each trip successful.

One of the most productive areas for local fishermen has been the Danvers River. The Danvers River system includes the Danvers River, the Porter River, the Crane River, the Waters River, the North River and the Bass River. All these rivers enter the Danvers River and dump into Beverly Harbor. For the purpose of this article, I will refer to the whole system as the Danvers River.

Access: Although much of the Danvers River is bordered by private property, public access by means of bridges, marinas and parks is relatively good. For the most part, fishermen make use of the tree major bridges that cross over the river; the White Fuel Bridge, the Kernwood Bridge and the base of the Salem/Beverly Bridge.

There are two city-owned launching facilities located on the river. The first is located in Danvers on the Porter River. The popular launch is known as Pope’s Landing. It is located just off Rt. 128 and there is plenty of parking for cars and trailers. The launching ramp is paved and accessible during all tides.

The second launching facility is located in Salem on Kernwood Ave. The Kernwood Marina is closer to the harbor, has a paved ramp that is accessible during all tides. Parking is sufficient but can be crowded on weekends.

There are also numerous private facilities located along the river.

Sam and Joe’s Pool: Starting in Danversport the first location that we will look at is easily accessible for shore fishermen and is referred to as the Sam & Joe’s pool. Located behind the restaurant, the pool is not heavily fished but is very productive. Most of the fish that are caught are schoolies but keepers are also taken. Fishermen work all sides of the pool. Do not park in the restaurant as the parking there is limited and they need it for their customers.

White Fuel Bridge: The next location further down the river is known as the White Fuel Bridge. This is one of the most popular bridges and fishing location on the river. The bridge crosses the Waters River and is located next to the gas company. Fishermen work both sides of the bridge depending on the tide movement. Good numbers of schoolies are consistently taken as well as good numbers of keepers. Numerous baits are successful at the bridge. Sea worms and strips of mackerel and herring are productive baits that are drifted in the current. Night fishing is most productive. At times throughout the summer the bridge can be shoulder-to-shoulder with fishermen.

Kernwood Bridge: Moving downriver the next popular location among the area’s fishermen is the Kernwood Bridge and the Kernwood flats. The flats are accessible by wading and are located next to the Kernwood Country Club. This area is quite productive and will often times give up a keeper. This is also a very popular area for fly fishermen.

The Kernwood Bridge is another location that is in the area. Anglers drop chunks of mackerel and herring over the side of the bridge and like to position their baits close to the bridge abutments. Many times, tautog will take baits meant for stripers. Limited pressure is present for blackfish. Clams and crabs are best for tautog.

Another Bridge: The Salem/Beverly Bridge is located at the mouth of the Danvers River. Although you can’t fish off the bridge itself, fishermen do cast baits from the base of the bridge along the old access road. This is one of the better area for catching big stripers and the night fishing is best when baits are cast near the abutments. Boaters can get right into the thick of things during the top of the tide.

The Beverly Fishing Pier: The fishing pier is located just about a stone’s throw away from the Salem/Beverly Bridge. Bass are taken at times but the pier is best known for it’s incredible squid fishing during the season.

Clam flats: One area that is very productive and quite popular among local bass fishermen. These clam flats are located within the river across from what is known as Peabody Beach. These flats are visible during low water. At the top of the tide, trolling sea worms and eels can be deadly. Tubes, trolling bars and swimming plugs have been proven over and over again as bass catchers.

The Kernwood flats are generally productive for shore fishermen. Boat fishermen will work the edges of the flats with great success. Sea worms and chunks of bait top the list of productive baits.

A bit further down the river is another area of productive flats. These flats are located at the mouth of the Bass River and are heavily worked by boat fishermen. The assortment of baits that entice fish include sea worms, sea clams, mackerel, herring and squid.

One of the most popular areas for boat fishermen is the railroad tracks at the mouth of the Danvers River. Working the riprap with live baits generally promoted fast action especially after dark.. Live eels in this area are productive. Pay attention to your line as a striking fish will quickly head for the rock looking for a fast break away.

Many fishermen will reluctantly admit that traveling the channel and casting jigs, such as the Hopkins and Kastmaster, will produce good numbers of fish. Angling skill is required in order to control the fish so it does not wrap itself around the many moorings in the river.

The next time you are looking for a quick fishing trip, give the Danvers River a try. I’m sure you will enjoy it.