Kennebunk River Fishing Spot

• Elevation: 289'
• Last Modified By: vinny60 on 09/11/09 05:45 PM
• Ask about Kennebunk River in our Fishing Forums

The Kennebunk River is a short river, approximately 15 miles (24 km), in southwestern Maine in the United States. It drains a settled rural area southwest of Portland, emptying into the Atlantic Ocean. It rises in central York County, issuing from Kennebunk Pond. It flows generally southeast, passing under Interstate 95 and U.S. Route 1. It flows past the town center of Kennebunkport, where it becomes navigable, and enters the Atlantic in Kennebunkport, approximately one-half mile (1 km) downstream from the town center. The middle of the river is the town line between Kennebunk and Kennebunkport. From the jetties to the bridge the Kennebunkport side of the river (incoming on your starboard) is packed with shingle cottage mansions turned into B&Bs, waterfront restaurants, marinas, boats of all descriptions and yachts galore. The Kennebunk side of the river (incoming to port) is still largely owned by the Franciscans who maintain miles of footpaths open to the public through their wooded monastery grounds. Small and large (mostly excursion) boat traffic is heavy, especially on high summer weekends. The current is moderate but just past the Arundel Yacht Club the river narrows and the current becomes much stronger as you approach the bridge. More than one boat has been trapped boadside against it by an incoming tide. Incidentally, the 1996 edition of chart 13286 still shows a working swing bridge at state Route 9 (the main drag of Kennebunkport). It has, however, been welded shut for years. Although neither town allows transient anchoring in the river there are rental moorings available through the harbormaster. The marinas all offer dock space, but call in advance for reservations, if possible, as slips are taken early for weekends. Immediately after Labor Day, river congestion diminishes but marinas, shops and services are open well into October.

The Kennebunk River is a short river, approximately 15 miles (24 km), in southwestern Maine in the United States. It drains a settled rural area southwest of Portland, emptying into the Atlantic Ocean.