Welcome to Simmer Dim
Fish the famous striper and bluefish runs of the New Hampshire tidewaters with Captain John Madden aboard his exquisite Parker 2300 CCSE, equipped with tackle from Scott, Winston, Tibor and Abel. Known coast to coast as one of the true gentlemen in our industry, Madden's top shelf service is a real find for anglers of any experience level.
Fishing Description
Home to a world class estuarine environment, the historic Piscataqua River and Isle of Shoals fisheries enjoy the seasonal arrival of baitfish and the striped bass and bluefish that follow. Named Pskehtekwis by the Abenaki People, “Branch & River with Strong Current” is home to a rich marine ecosystem that includes the Great Bay. The Isle of Shoals, named for the large “shoals,” or schools of fish, also provides a rewarding experience for any angler looking to chase striped bass on the fly. Landing 50-pound stripers is not uncommon while the baitfish feed is on.
Simmer Dim Fly + Spin is in the center of this spectacular striper fishery, offering fly anglers the ability to easily work the waters of the Great Bay, the Piscataqua River and the Isle of Shoals.
Depending on tides, our start time will vary as we head out on a Parker 2300 CCSE modified specifically for fly fishing. The 10” draft on this specialized vessel lets us drift steady and close with its modified V-Hull. Either working the surface or letting our flies gain some depth, every angler will enjoy seeing their rod bend to 90 degrees as a heavy striper is hooked and played.
Accommodations and Travel
For those traveling by air to the New Hampshire seacoast, either Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) or Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) are within an hour of Portsmouth, NH. Portsmouth International Airport at Pease (PSM) also has limited commercial service on Allegiant Air which would put you within 15 minutes of downtown Portsmouth.
There are several options available for lodging. If you are travelling to the area for the first time staying in either downtown Portsmouth or across the Piscataqua River in downtown Kittery, Maine are highly recommended. Downtown Portsmouth and Kittery provide plenty of pedestrian friendly opportunities to explore the history, local shops, and cuisine of the New Hampshire and Maine seacoasts.
Recommended lodging for Portsmouth are The Hotel Thaxter, the Hotel Portsmouth, or the Hilton Garden Inn Portsmouth. If staying in Kittery, The Water Street Inn is also a great choice, or book a short term rental on the coast!
Quick Facts
Guide Service: Simmer Dim Fly + Spin, Captain John Madden
Waters: The Great Bay, Isle of Shoals and Piscataqua River
Species: Striped bass and Bluefish
Seasonality: Late May-August
Price: 4 hours $500, 6 hours $600, 8 hours $800
Recommended Core Equipment
Saltwater 7, 8, 9 and 10-weight rods and reels with floating and intermediate sinking lines*
*all tackle provided by Captain Madden
Booking: (970) 728-3895
Simmer Dim Booking Details
Rates
1/2 day (4 hours) $500
3/4 day (6 hours) $600
Full day (8 hours) $800
What does Simmer Dim provide?
Transport to and from local lodging
Saltwater fishing equipment, flies and licenses
Lunch, upon request