Palmer River (Swansea)

The Palmer River, a small tidal river crossed by Route 6 in Swansea, has a spring white perch run that The Fisherman's writer says has been making a comeback. Anglers line the river from the Barneyville Bridge down to the marshes south of Route 6 for "silver bass," from short fish to tannin-stained jumbos, with a schoolie striper now and then.

When to fish

• Early spring: the run starts early; the writer describes a late-March morning of legal perch and a couple of schoolie stripers.

Where to fish

• From the Barneyville Bridge down to the marsh south of Route 6: the main stretch.
• Both sides of Route 6: look for cars in the turn-offs in spring.
• The holes up around the I-195 bridge: worked by anglers in cartop johnboats.

How to fish it

Grass shrimp are the bait of choice; when you can't get them, pieces of sea worm usually work. The old-timers' rig is simple: a long, light pole, a slender float, a few split shot and a single small hook.

Getting there

Parking is banned near the bridge, so park legally on a side road and carry your gear in. Tidal rivers are marine waters up to the first bridge, so you may need a saltwater permit, a freshwater license, or both depending on where you fish; check both agencies' rules. White perch have a minimum size and a daily limit and are open year-round.