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Fishing
Location Tidal water fishing and crabbing
North Point State Park, Baltimore County, 410-477-0757
Access From I-695 south, take exit 42 (Edgemere-Fort Howard). From I-695 north, take exit 43. Follow Route 20 south (North Point Road) through the town of Edgemere. The entrance to the park will be on your left after two miles. Follow the park entrance road to the parking lot near the visitor center. Anglers must walk 1/3 mile from the parking lot to the Bayshore Pier.
Suitable For Families? Yes, for older children
Difficulty Easy
Hazards/Restrictions Anglers aged 16 and over need a Maryland Chesapeake Bay Sportfishing license. A rockfish stamp is needed to possess rockfish (striped bass). Be aware of upcoming storms, strong winds, large waves and deep water, which can be hazardous to small boats. Check the Maryland Chesapeake Bay Sportfishing Guide for current creel limits and size.
Potable Water Water and spot-a-pots are available at the North Point Visitor Center.
Natural Features The Big Gunpowder Falls flows through calm sections and a series of bouldery rapids through hard, erosion-resistant mica schist rock. This area produces habitat for trees adapted to cool, steep and floodplain hillsides, including river birch, cherries, oaks, hemlocks, mountain laurel, dogwood, spicebush, and witch hazel. Early spring wildflower displays include hepatica, bloodroot, spring beauty, rue anemone, and pink ladies slippers. Late summer flowers include goldenrod, asters and woodland sunflowers. Beaver activity in the river, evidenced by gnawed trees, is common. Numerous brown trout thrive in pools in the cool water.
Historic/Cultural Features Prior to being owned by Bethlehem Steel Corporation as a hunting retreat for executives, the park was the site of old Bayshore Amusement Park, c. 1906-1949. Baltimore City residents would take the trolley to the bay side for amusement rides, an arcade, a dance hall, swimming and the famous sea swing. Remnants of the park live on in the restored trolley barn and fountain. Today most of the park has returned to nature.
Rental Services A bait and tackle shop is available in Edgemere. A boat ramp and row boat rentals are available in the community of Millers Island.
Camping None
Other Points of Interest The North Point Visitor Center exhibits wildlife dioramas of scenes typical in the brackish marsh. The visitor center also displays old Bayshore Amusement Park memorabilia. Park naturalists offer natural history tours. Check the visitor center for a schedule.

The Bayshore Trail, a 1.5 mile multi-use hike/bike path visits freshwater marshes, coastal forests and fields along the route from the park entrance to the bayfront. Other hiking trails visit Black Marsh. Other tidal water fishing opportunities nearby include Dundee Creek Marina in Gunpowder Falls State Park and the Susquehanna River and Flats from Susquehanna State Park. Trout fishing is available nearby in the Big and Little Gunpowder Falls.
Other Accommodations Hotels/motels are available in Edgewood, White Marsh and Perry Hall.
Service Charges or Permits A fee is required for the Maryland Sportfishing License and the rockfish stamp. Both can be purchased at the Bel Air Regional Service Center or some area sporting goods stores.
Description The Bayshore Pier, a large earth and stone pier, extends 1,000 feet into the Chesapeake Bay, providing access for deepwater tidal fishing opportunities. Fishing is also available from 1 mile of shoreline. Anglers will catch a variety of species in these waters, including striped bass (rockfish), white perch, yellow perch, hardhead, spot, catfish and bluefish. Crabbing is also available in these waters. Check the regulations in the Maryland Sportfishing License Guide.


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