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Freshwater Fishing in Massachusetts
Massachusetts Fishing at a Glance
If you’re looking for angling opportunities, then Massachusetts is a great place to start. It’s not called “the Codfish State” for nothing!
The region has amazing freshwater potential with 4,000 miles of river and over 1,000 lakes to explore, all teeming with trout, bass, perch and other freshwater species. From fly fishing to ice fishing, Massachusetts has it all!
The best rivers, lakes, ponds, and streams to fish in are the Quabbin Reservoir, the Swift River, and the Ware River. Here’s a few things you need to know before you go freshwater fishing in Massachusetts:
All anglers must have a valid Massachusetts fishing license.
Anglers 16 years of age and older must possess a trout stamp to fish for, or possess, trout.
A special permit is required to fish in certain waters managed by the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.
Key Insights
- Massachusetts has great angling opportunities with 4,000 miles of river and over 1,000 lakes teeming with freshwater species.
- The best places to fish include Quabbin Reservoir, Swift River, and Ware River.
- Anglers must have a valid Massachusetts fishing license.
- Anglers 16 years or older must have a trout stamp to fish for or possess trout.
- A special permit is required to fish in certain waters managed by the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.
Table of Contents
Estimated Fishing Enthusiasts
| Population: | 7,029,917 |
|---|---|
| Fishing Enthusiasts | 169,440 |
| Fishing License % | 2.41% |
| Hunters Rank | 48 |
The state of Massachusetts is mostly private land with just 5.54% of acres considered public land -ranking #35 amongst all states.
Land Types (Acres)
| Acres | % | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total | 5,016,300 | ||
| Public | 277,850 | 5.54% | 35 |
| Private | 4,738,250 | 94.46% | 13 |
| Tribal | 200 | 0.00% | 27 |
Massachusetts Fishing Licenses & Requirements
For the most accurate and updated information on fishing licenses and requirements, it’s always a good idea to check the Massachusetts DNR. We’ve provided their contact information and other helpful information for your convenience here.
Massachusetts DNR
251 Causeway St, Suite 400
Boston, MA 02114-2152
- (617) 626-1500
What are the most popular freshwater fish to catch in Massachusetts?
Fishing for trout, salmon, pike, muskie and bass in Massachusetts is a great way to challenge yourself as an angler. Trout are renowned for their fighting spirit and can make for some exhilarating hook-and-tug battles when caught. Salmon are also known to put up a fight and offer delicious fillets when landed. Moreover, fishing for large predatory species such as pike and muskie offers experienced fishers the chance of a lifetime. For those looking to catch something large but fast-moving, the Largemouth Bass is your ideal target – they typically weigh five pounds but with a little luck you could find one that tips the scales at fifteen! And be warned – Largemouth Bass love warm water and often hide in weed beds or around rocks where they will attack anything that moves!
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Fishing private land in Massachusetts
Fishing on private land in Massachusetts has some real advantages over public lakes, rivers, streams, and ponds *if you can get access. For instance, there’s nothing like having a quiet lake all to yourself and oftentimes there are simply more fish available to catch, because they haven’t been fished out. There are generally more processes for access private land for hunting than fishing, though some similar methods exist. For instance, you can sometimes join a fishing club in Massachusetts or if you have the money, it may be possible to rent some private land for fishing. Another option is to knock on doors or work your contacts in an area to see if a landowner would let you fish for the day or possibly be open to a longer term arrangement.
Fortunately Wing It is simplifying land access for fishing, hunting, camping, and more. We’re adding new land every day and if we have some in your area, you’ll see some great options below.
1. Cape Cod Bay
2. Buzzards Bay
3. Charles River
4. Quabbin Reservoir
5. Wachusett Reservoir
Fishing private land in Massachusetts
Fishing on private land in Massachusetts has some real advantages over public lakes, rivers, streams, and ponds *if you can get access. For instance, there’s nothing like having a quiet lake all to yourself and oftentimes there are simply more fish available to catch, because they haven’t been fished out. There are generally more processes for access private land for hunting than fishing, though some similar methods exist. For instance, you can sometimes join a fishing club in Massachusetts or if you have the money, it may be possible to rent some private land for fishing. Another option is to knock on doors or work your contacts in an area to see if a landowner would let you fish for the day or possibly be open to a longer term arrangement.
Fortunately Wing It is simplifying land access for fishing, hunting, camping, and more. We’re adding new land every day and if we have some in your area, you’ll see some great options below.