I started fishing about 1 hour before sunup. All action ceased for me
about 7:30 AM. I was between the church lot and the Merrimack, which I assume
you're familiar with.
I wasn't in the NWR today, but I've arrived there at similar times about a
month and a half ago and the gate has always been wide open and the gatehouse
unmanned. Not sure what the deal is there now and haven't been to Sandy Pt.
or Emerson Rocks lately.
You may want to bring along a light spinning or fly rod (trout-sized) for
the mackerel, if you're into that. They weren't too challenging on a 9 weight!
;-).
-bd