I'm going to be in Kennebunkport for a wedding the weekend of May 13th. The place we're staying is right on the Kennebunk River, just wondering if anyone has any experience up there at that time of year. Too early for stripers up there? Is it worth bringing the gear? Thanks!

I would say it's too early. Enjoy your time at the wedding and visit Federal Jack's (http://www.federaljacks.com/) instead.

Might be a bit early but the shad may be running in the Mousam and there may be some searun browns still around (Mousam, Ogunquit Rivers). You can check prior with Eldredge Bros. fly shop on Rt.1 in Cape Ned#^&#^&#^&#^& (they have a website with reports or you can call), and there are a couple of fly shops (new one in Wells before Condon's Doughnuts) and one just outside Kbpt itself.

Thanks for the replies. I am going to have limited time so pretty much any spots on the Kennebunk near the hotel is what I'll be hitting. I'll probably give it a shot though.

It's an estuary/river bite that early. I catch fish up there as early as first week of May no matter how the weather has been. Mousam R is easy, Saco R may have more fish then. Lack of runoff, mild winter maybe fish will turn on in April.

pm splshnplug, he can help you.

Jay,
If I were you I'd do some research on shad fishing, I think there's a pretty good run of them in the Kenny around early May. There one of the most intense fish I've caught. I got a 6.5 pounder in the North River last year, it was one of the best fish I've ever fought. Stop into Kittery Trading Post on your way up, they'll tell you where to go.
You'll want a light spinning rod, 6-8 pound test, and a dozen shad darts. Try it, you won't regret it.
-Andy N.