The following section includes information about and directions to many of Maine's saltwater boat ramp and shore fishing sites. Right in the heart of Cape Cod, youll find the town of Orleans. All rights reserved. Phone: 508-627-7689, 1041 Cascade Street Both smallmouth and largemouth bass can be found in a range of waters across Massachusetts, including lakes, ponds and rivers. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Pleasure Bay is the prime fishing spot on this island. This means an abundance of Bluefish and Striped Bass of all sizes. Phone: 413-367-0317, 204 Union Street Phone: 508-939-8962, 289 Pearl Street Head down to your local pier, or cast a line from the beach at sunset. With more than 1,500 miles of coastline, Massachusetts offers a variety of places to fish. Saltwater fishing is fun for all ages and easy for anybody to try. The islands can be accessed by ferry if you want to fish from any of the islands shoresor fishing piers, or you can take aboatout to explore the water and get closer to the fish. Small nature preserve offers biking paths, fishing and swimming areas, interpretive programs, and small historic sites. The fund is divided into two subcategories, Cooperative Projects and Small Grants. They average at five pounds, but you can hook into lunkers that weigh thrice as much if youre lucky. If you're going ice fishing in Massachusetts, make sure to bring your freshwater license, check the thickness of the ice, and dress warmly. You can also spend your day on Nauset Beach, soaking up the sun and living your best life. In clear lakes, go for topwater fishing and twitch baits that are known to be productive. Register your boat today. Phone: 413-354-6347, Good for paddling, hiking & walking; fishing; pets allowed except on beach area. Catch some rays at the Wachusett Dam and maybe catch dinner, too. Phone: 508-435-4303, West Street Head back to land to admire the Hammond Castle and Eastern Point Lighthouse, or explore the towns vibrant nightlife. For special offers and great New England travel tips subscribe today. See, This park is in the pine woods of inland Cape Cod, but an easy walk or bike ride to Cape Cod Bay. Bottom fishing is on point off the coast of Gloucester, with Haddock, Pollock, and Cod all on the menu. Some of the top ice fishing spots to check out are Quaboag Pond, Lake Congamond, Onota Lake, and Pontoosuc Lake, to name a few. Phone: 617-333-7404, 1199 Middle Road -. AMENITIES KEY - Boat Launch - Pier or Dock Access - Enhanced Shore Fishing Access Sites are locations where smaller summer flounder - fluke (17 inch minimum length) and scup (9 inch minimum length) may be taken. Theyre the most aggressive out of the three and theres a lot of them for anglers to enjoy. When youre not on the water, check out the Whaling Museum (remember Moby Dick? All rights reserved. The Bay also has a protected snook population, which is also the biggest specimen in the world. While the anglers are out on the jetty catching bluefish, the others can stroll along the sand or play in the surf. Clarksburg, MA, 01247 This species can grow to be over 50 pounds, though most specimens are smaller. Some town parking facilities are limited to town residents only (RO) and noted where applicable. And it looks like ice fishing destinations in Canada will [], Topwater Striper Fishing: How to Fish Boulder Fields. You canlearn more information and view maps of these, Have questions? (sorry, that was a terrible reference to that Bee Gees song!). Bluefishing is productive whether youre trolling from a boat or casting from shore. Phone: 508-632-7897, Dike Road - on Chappaquiddick Island Phone: 617-727-5290. Shutesbury, MA Snagging, snatching of anadromous fish: including shad, smelt, white perch, striped bass, trout, and salmon, but excluding alewives or blueback herring. He was also willing to fillet our catch! Fishing is allowed. It is also home to Scargo Tower, a great lookout point and scenic place to catch the sunset after a long day's fishing. Hit The Beach Brenton Point State Park Ocean Ave., Newport, RI The surf fishing here is not for the faint of heart. While the saltwater action is superb in the Old Colony State, we would be amiss not to mention freshwater opportunities. Phone: 413-664-8345, 162 West Union Street Whether youre in the mood for some delicious Cod, Pollock, and Seabass, or youd rather battle the likes of Swordfish and Tuna, the adrenaline will be running high. Average fish usually weigh 510 pounds, but some lakes hide monsters upwards of 20 pounds. Provincetown is almost like the crown of Cape Cod, and the last stop on our tour through the best fishing spots in Massachusetts. Logging & Privacy Keep track of your catches and favorite fishing spots. The best thing about Wachusett Reservoir, apart from fishing, is that its a great weekend getaway spot. Many states may say they offer year round bass fishing, which can be true but not all states can offerice fishing in the winter. Pros And Cons List, Guide To Inflatable Kayaking For Beginners, Best Inflatable Kayak Pumps (Blow Up Your Adventure! The best saltwater fishing locale for finding big game fish is out on the open ocean. Reader Gary N. Watkins says he reaches for his G. Loomis rods over all others. Get fishing updates, guides, tips, gear reviews and offers sent straight to your inbox! Lake Onota also earned a spot on our rundown of the best trout fishing spots in Massachusetts. Rating: 5. We have so many great angling options. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Its no secret that New England is the fishing epicenter of the East Coast. We will use this information to improve this page. It has been regularly stocked with tiger muskie fingerlings for many years, and this pond is also a great place to nab some perch. The same goes for Bluefish, who are notorious for their strike power. 175 Mohawk Trail (MA Route 2) by Matt Haeffner March 2, 2023. Summer Flounder are known as Fluke theyre usually larger than their cold-loving brothers, have formidable teeth, and their heads are always turned to the left. Phone: 508-881-4092, South Sandwich Road This is a 25-acre warm water pond located just northeast of the Massachusetts Pike and Route 21 intersection. Getting a 30-pounder is already a cause for celebration. If you need assistance, please contact the Division of Marine Fisheries. Thats why we want to introduce you to the top fishing spots in Massachusetts. Theyre ravenous eaters and will gobble down anything, including its own species. If you would like to continue helping us improve Mass.gov, join our user panel to test new features for the site. What are your experiences? Let us know in the comments below. You can also find White Perch, Bluegill, Smallmouth Bass, and Pumpkinseed at the end of your line. 'I like all G. Loomis rods. One of the best places to start your fishing escapades is Plymouth Harbor, where youll find plenty of spots to fish from shore, as well as charters for hire. It doesn't matter they aren't true. A fun day trip The list is maintained by theOffice of Fishing & Boating Access(FBA) and includes most sites supported by theDivision of Marine Fisheries (DMF). Fish species include largemouth bass and pickerel. -. Of course, this list is definitely incomplete. The Granby-area pond, although it covers 68 acres, is never deeper than six feet. Biden faces mounting pressure for a Plan B on student loan forgiveness, 'I have to get off this mountain': LA-area towns still buried in snow, Alex Murdaugh sentenced to life after being found guilty of murder. This is the place to learn about this citys industrial and immigrant history in the mills and boarding houses where generations of immigrants toiled. And its not just Stripers the topwater Bluefish bites outstanding, too. Phone: 413-339-5504, 164 Cedar Street Hyde Park, MA, 02136 Panama City Beach. The type of lure youll use depends on the water clarity. Its no secret that New England is the fishing epicenter of the East Coast. The tip of Cape is shaped like a fishing hook, which curiously foretells the first-class fishing Provincetown boasts. Brimfield, MA, 01010 Fish Terry Brook, Doctor's Mill Pond, and other small fishing spots scattered throughout this serene state forest. Massachusetts native. Swimming, hiking, picnicking. Two freshwater ponds and stocked with fish. York Lake is stocked with trout three times each year. Stoneham, MA, 02180 As you can see, bottom fishing is very strong in the Codfish State, and where theres good bottom action, Flounder arent far behind. You can wade your way through most of the reservoir, looking for Largemouth Bass, Crappie, and Chain Pickerel as you go. There is a boat ramp and parking for boat trailers. It will only be three days long this year so don't delay . Striped bass are consideredone of the top game fish in the stateand there are plenty of places to catch them. Saugus, MA, 01906 When youve had your fill of angling, you can do some whale watching. Petersham, MA, 01355 Harbor Fishing Catch a variety of saltwater fish at one of Oahu's harbors. It can be a good idea to get an early start in the summer before recreational water users hit the lake. Largies like warm waters and they hide around weeds and rocks, where theyll bite into just about anything that moves. The season starts in December. A fun day trip. This historic pond is more than just a national landmark it's a great place to bring a fishing rod. 325k+ saltwater, stream, river, lake and ice anglers have used Fishidy. A fabulous vacation spot and an even better fishing destination, Nantucket has everything a fisherman could ever need. Scargo Pond, Dennis Flickr/Marc Berry Reid This kettle pond is stocked twice a year with trout. Contact Ross Kessler, DMF Public Access Coordinator, at (508) 742-9739or ross.kessler@mass.gov. The boat was great - plenty of room for coolers of beer . May and June is prime largemouth and smallmouth bass time. Located at the east end of the Cape Cod Canal, this park is great for salt water fishermen. Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Atlantic Salmon, Perch, and even Trout all keep biting during the winter months. 5. Both freshwater and saltwater fishing in Connecticut is only getting better as time goes by. Suggestions are presented as an open option list only when they are available. Swimming and fishing are done at eight fresh-water kettle ponds. Fly fishing for Trout is big in the western parts of the state, where youll find some of the best fly action in the whole of New England. Phone: 508-476-7872, 86 Dearth Hill Road The lake is regularly stocked with Rainbow, Brook, and Brown Trout, all there for you to target and enjoy. All you need is a Massachusetts recreational saltwater permit and some simple gear, and you'll be ready to go fishing! You could hook into Pollock all along the Massachusetts coast, especially in the southeastern parts. Theyre active from spring, as soon as the ice melts, up until fall, before the drastic temperature drops. Boats are allowed, and the launch is accessed from Metters Street. Lake is stocked with trout in spring. Phone: 508-999-5231, 43 Commonwealth Road These feisty fellas live and hunt in similar conditions as Stripers. Use the following links to learn more about DMF owned public access site. Fish off the pier and around Pleasure Bay. A license is required for recreational saltwater fishing, and a commercial permit is required if fish are to be sold. Norton Reservoir is bustling with activity and people in the summer. If youre up for a bit of excitement, go night fishing for Stripers in the summer. Cooperative projects include construction and maintenance to public access locations. -, The state forest in Massachusetts encompasses Wallum Lake and offer many water sports, including fishing. White Perch are probably the most common catch, and theres a lot of them in these waters. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Stretching 65 miles out from the mainland into the sea, its hardly a surprise that Cape Cods fishing scene is up there with the best in the country. The Marine Recreational Fisheries Development Fund boosted efforts to improve public access. Simply put, deep sea fishing in Hyannis is one for the books. This 22-acre recreation site is also one of the best places in Boston to watch a sunrise well worth the early morning. Chesterfield, MA, 01012 Prohibitions. There is a boat ramp for car-top vessels only. What makes these spots special? This is a huge advantage of Provincetown, seeing that sometimes you need to travel dozens of miles to find Tuna. Note: In Florida, there are a wide range of places to fish and we could not possibly list them all. During the compilation of this section, State agencies, town offices . Its always a good idea to ask around in the local tackle shop what the best setups are. Does it get better than this? Massachusetts has a lot to offer when it comes to fishing, with access to a long coastline. Fisherman staffers will be manning booths at this . Stodder's Neck provides harborside walking trails and a hilltop view of the Back River. -. The state stocks that lake with trout every spring. Marthas Vineyard is a beautiful island, only a short ferry ride away from Cape Cod, and it boasts prolific fishing. Still fishing is the best way to get this fish to bite. Small reservation features historic areas and great fishing spots. Anglers from all over the country live for these icy winters, eager to see what trophies the next season will bring. Just hop on a boat, and youre in for a treat. For just $10, you'll be able to fish all year long! The first stop on your tour of my favorite fall run surf-fishing spots is a Massachusetts state park located at the southern end of Plum Island. Mashpee, MA, 02649 Phone: 413-663-8469, Hartford Street Programs are scheduled throughout the year. This property is southwest of the Quabbin Reservoir and the reservoir's watershed. Topwater Striper Fishing: How to Fish Boulder Ice Fishing Destinations in Canada: Top Picks for 2023. Updated energy efficient lighting to the water from and boat launch, deployment of artificial recreational fishing reef, rebuilt and expanded existing Bass River Fishing Pier, made it ADA compliant, installation of fillet station at the Town Boat Ramp, landscape improvements along the Atlantic Path, new LED lighting at the Green Harbor boat ramp, new float at Magnolia Pier; labor for this project was provided by the Gloucester High School wood shop, two new floats and a new gangway at Uncle Freeman's Landing boat ramp on Bass River, replacement and improvement of existing pier at Cashman Park, new LED lighting at the Back River boat launch, expansion of pre-existing dredging project to make the State boat launch more useable, creation of a path gangway, car top vessel launch, and fishing dock at Peter Igo Park on the Green River, construction of new fishing pier on Martha's Vineyard, improvements to existing Scusset fishing pier on the Cape Cod Canal, Cooperative project with OFBA and the Department of Conservation and Recreation, stairway replacement at Popponesset Beach access site, parking lot improvements at Craven's Landing access site, car top vessel launch and parking site improvements at Harbor Park access site, reestablishment of access path and parking lot at Dogfish Bar shore fishing site, improvements to Pierce's Point public way, boat ramp maintenance and a new gangway on Hough's Neck, new LED lighting at Bicentennial boat ramp, fish filleting station with running water, web cam with views of Duxbury Bay, and a weather station, construction of new pier and improved parking on Bass River, Wilbur Park, new construction of two piers on Wareham River at Besse Park, acquisition of property for Craven's Landing shore fishing site, acquisition of property for Dogfish Bar shore fishing site, acquisition of property for East Beach shore fishing site. Fluke love sandy bottoms and the southern parts of the coast and bays are full of them. Table of Contents Beartown State Forest Cochituate State Park Carson Beach DAR State Forest Dunn State Park For more info, go to wardmelvillefishingclub.com, email wmhsfishingclub@gmail.com or call 631-730-4900 and leave a voicemail for Bob Wilson. They usually weigh from 310 pounds, but if youre after a trophy, fish the reefs further offshore. Yellowfin and Blackfin Tuna also show up in these parts, only in smaller numbers, but Bluefins are the main act. Let us know below (in the comments section)! Go fish! Get fishing tips and tricks and read personal stories from anglers who live and breathe fishing and boating. Freelance writer and strawberry eater. Get more stories delivered right to your email. You should also make sure you know the regulations for saltwater fishing in Massachusetts. Note: Use of some ramps requires a fee or a parking sticker that may be purchased in advance. Many of the waters will often be home to largemouth and smallmouth bass, as well as a variety of other species. The main upside of Gloucester is that both shore and boat anglers will have a blast here. DMF has developed a number of artificial reefs in MA coastal waters. Many other species also are found here. This is the cue for anglers to get their rods out and start casting. Open: Year-round, daily, sunrise to sunset. Saltwater fishing in the Bay State has many different facets, each with its own advantages to enjoy. The region boasts solid freshwater potential with over 1,000 lakes and 4,000 miles of rivers to explore. You will receive your first email soon. Haddock are on the menu as early as March and they stick around until November. Borden's Light: In Mount Hope Bay, south of Braga Bridge. Any setup you use for Cod, you can also use for Haddock with excellent results. This FBA Public Access Site Viewer lists boat launches, boat ramps, fishing piers, and shore-side fishing areas in both saltwater and freshwater. While Upper Mystic Lake does not allow power boats, kayaks and canoes are permitted. Deep sea fishing cant be overlooked in Orleans either, because it can put you on some whopping-size fish. Boston, MA, 02109 Ice fishing is a fun activity for the whole family, and despite the cold, theres a lot to catch. Unlike Cod and Haddock, you can find Pollock closer to shore, as well as offshore. Recreational shellfishing is permitted in designated clean areas and regulated by the individual Towns. Marthas Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby. This is where the Stellwagen Bank lies the gathering place of all the sought-after species. Boats can be launched from the public ramp at the north end of the lake. Pleasure Bay is the prime fishing spot on this island, which has two islets that guide fish into the bay from the harbor. Georgia has discipline problem that calls for action from Kirby Smart. Edgartown, MA, 02539 Popular fish caught along the coast include snapper, mackerel, marlin, mahi-mahi, tuna, flounder, catfish, snook, and tarpon. Estuaries, bays, and surf are their preferred hunting ground, and thats where the bite is most productive. All anglers should know their public access rights along the shoreline. The key to [], Fishing in Connecticut: The Complete Guide. Top Fishing Spots in Massachusetts Walden Pond Best Place to Fish & Boat Walden Pond is an excellent fishing spot for catching bass, bluegill, chain pickerel. -. Florida, MA, 01247 An official website of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, This page, Saltwater fishing public access, is, DMF has developed a number of artificial reefs in MA coastal waters. All rights reserved. Castle Island is easily one of the most popular haunts in the city, with access to Pleasure Bay (locally known as The Bowl) and a convenient fishing pier. Pike have been stocked in watersheds in Massachusetts for decades, which keeps the population strong and healthy. All this makes Plymouth Harbor one of the top fishing spots in Massachusetts. One of the main reasons both local and visiting anglers flock to the reservoir is the diversity of species. 5. Search the side of "the bowl," as named by fishermen, across from the shallow beach for a quiet spot to cast away. Theyll sink their teeth in just about everything, they fight like theres no tomorrow, and their acrobatic displays are a thing of beauty. Click here to view Massachusetts Tide Charts Boston Harbor Islands National Park Area 191w Atlantic Avenue Boston, MA, 02109 Phone: 617-223-8666 Islands in Boston Harbor, and easy ferry ride from downtown. Also a picnic area. Phone: 1861 State Road - MA Route 3A Fishing at Mauserts Pond with amenities nearby. Home of the five-week Marthas Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby, this destination is a haven for beginners and seasoned anglers alike. and take urban fishery. Access is off North Street. Lets talk in the comments. Lawrence, MA, 01840 What makes Tuna fishing in Massachusetts so special? Medfield, MA, 02052 Fish and Game Office of Fishing and Boating Access (FBA) current facilities are italicized. Phone: 413-442-8992. Striped Bass roam the shallow inshore waters, with beach anglers patiently waiting for them to gobble down their offering. Three-day non-resident fishing licenses cost $23.50 for people above age 17 and $11.50 for people between the ages of 15 and 17. -, Fish from shore for brown bullhead, yellow perch, pumpkinseed and golden shiner. Swimming, fishing and non-motorized boats are allowed on the pond in this park. Admission is $5. Flatfish are popular catches in these parts, probably because theyre out there all year. Motorized and non-motorized boats are permitted. Good for camping, fishing, and hiking & walking. For ferry schedule and ticket information, click the ticket icon below this listing. Massachusetts can be ideal for ice fishing for bass in winter, with manylakesfreezing over providing excellent opportunities to continue fishing all year round. The park is loved for its bird watching. If youre feeling extra adventurous, you can try fly fishing for them the fight will be something you wont soon forget. As shallow as 10 feet in some spots, it is as deep as 30 feet in others. They gather around underwater structure and breakwater, and the best time to get yourself a Pollock is in spring. This kettlehole pond holds good numbers of Trout you can catch throughout the year. Not only will you have a professional to take you to the best spots, but youll be able to fully focus on fishing, while the crew takes care of everything else. By: fishindan. The best time to cast a line is in spring when the fish are abundant and hungry. There are two islets that guide fish into the bay from the harbor. Please let us know how we can improve this page. Black Point Off Ocean Avenue Narragansett, RI Phone: Ice Fishing Destinations in Canada: Top Picks 2023 FishingBooker.com. Wachusett Reservoir is one of the best-known known spots to target Bass, Sunfish, Trout species, and even Atlantic Salmon. The long beaches are picture-perfect for surf fishing, even though the surf can get quite strong. If you prefer an active holiday, you can go hiking and biking, or you can relax with your line in the water, its up to you. ThisFBA Public Access Site Viewerlists boat launches, boat ramps, fishing piers, and shore-side fishing areas in both saltwater and freshwater. Otter River State Forest is a popular destination for outdoor play, summer and winter. They can be found along the coast of Massachusetts, including in bays, such as Massachusetts Bay and Cape Cod Bay before they make their way into the rivers for the springspawn, usually in late spring and early summer.