Great Bay offers many hunting and fishing opportunities. If you want to go by boat, please check the tides and access before you leave. There are several bridges that are ideal for fishing, such as the Scammel Bridge on Route 4 in Durham and the General Sullivan bridge between Dover and Newington.

Finfish
Finfishing from boats, bridges, and the shore is popular for striped bass, bluefish, eels, tomcod, shad, smelt, river herring, and flounder. Smelt fishing is accessible from bob-houses on Great and Little Bays. For more information about fishing regulations, see the NH Fish and Game Department website.

Shellfish
Recreational shellfishing for soft-shell clams and oysters is an option for New Hampshire residents who purchase a license. Great Bay is primarily noted for its oysters. Clams are generally rare in Great Bay, most clamming occurs in the Seabrook/Hampton Estuary (access is best by boat). Please phone the NH Fish and Game Department Clam Hotline for important weekly closure information at (800) 43-CLAMS or check the Clam Flat Status page.

Hunting
Hunting is a popular activity in the Great Bay, especially for waterfowl. All of the lands managed by the Reserve are open to hunting unless otherwise posted. Details about hunting seasons can be obtained on the NH Fish and Game Department website.