Background:
Completed in 2008, the City of Newport News received a grant of $440,833 to create the fishing pier on top of the existing wavescreen. The fishing pier is located in Newport News on the James River near the base of the Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel. The concrete fishing area is approximately 1600 feet long and 8 feet wide. The side of the pier designated for fishing has periodic cut-outs (3 1/2 ft. in height) to provide easier access for handicapped anglers and children. The railing toward the small boat harbor is 5 feet high to discourage people from fishing in that direction. There is a small, paved, designated pier parking area with handicapped parking near the concrete walkway. The facility has handicapped accessible portable restrooms next to the parking area. There is no fee to fish off of the pier, but you must purchase your own individual saltwater license (unless exempt by age). The pier is open to the public from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. Lighting is provided for the evening hours. Water depth ranges from 13 to 17 feet as you move towards the end of the fishing pier area. This pier should provide access to a variety of species such as croaker, spot, flounder, striped bass, and gray trout.
Newport News FishingDirections:
The pier is located off of the southeast end of Jefferson Avenue in Newport News. The pier is on the lower James River, near the Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel (I-664).
From the southside (Portsmouth/Suffolk): Cross the Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel (I-664 N). Once through the tunnel, take the first exit, which is Terminal Blvd. Turn right at the end of the ramp onto Terminal Blvd. Turn right onto 14th Street and go about one block. Turn right onto Jefferson Avenue and travel about a mile. The pier will be on the lefthand side just after the main entertainment area of King-Lincoln Park.
From Hampton: From I-64 E or W, take I-664 S towards the Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel. Take the last exit before entering the tunnel, which is Terminal Blvd. At the end of the ramp, turn left, and then make another left onto Terminal Blvd. Turn right onto 14th Street and go about one block. Turn right onto Jefferson Avenue and travel about a mile. The pier will be on the lefthand side just after the main entertainment area of King-Lincoln Park.Contact:
Newport News Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism
700 Town Center Drive, Suite 320
Newport News, VA 23606
757-888-3333
