Everyone age 15 and older is required to have a license to fish the fresh waters of Massachusetts. All fishing licenses are valid from January 1 to December 31. License costs are $27.50 for residents above age 17 and $11.50 for residents between age 15 and 17.
Non-resident fishing licenses cost $37.50 for a year. 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. Licenses can be purchased online or at most town halls, the local bait shops and at designated retail stores.Anyone younger than 15 years old may fish in fresh waters without a license. More information at the state Department of Fish and Game website.
A license is required for recreational saltwater fishing, and a commercial permit is required if fish are to be sold. Recreational shellfishing is permitted in designated clean areas and regulated by the individual Towns. Contact the local town department of Natural Resources for local regulations. For saltwater fishing information, see the Division of Marine Fisheries website.
Beach Road, Route 1A Salisbury, MA, 01952 Phone: 508-462-4481
Fantastic, sandy ocean beach with all waterfront sports; popular for trailer camping
Dike Road (on Chappaquiddick Island near Martha's Vineyard) Edgartown, MA, 02539 Phone: 508-627-7689
Magnificent barrier beach with sandy shoreline & salt marsh and pond; good for walking, natural beauty
Islands in Boston Harbor, and easy ferry ride from downtown. Swimming, hiking, picnicking. A fun day trip
43 Commonwealth Road Natick, MA Phone: 508-653-9641
Day-use park for water sports; some sports are allowed or prohibited
Cape Street, Route 112 Goshen, MA Phone: 413-268-7098
Good for boating, hiking, fishing, horseback riding, and winter sports; pets permitted except on sandy beach; non-motorized boats only.
69 Bluehill Road Monterey, MA, 01245 Phone: 413-528-0904
Good for non-motorized boating, walking & hiking, camping, snowmobiling; fishing; leashed pets allowed
Hartford Street Medfield, MA, 02052 Phone: 508-785-0339
Just 30 minutes from downtown Boston
136 Damon Road at Route 9 Northampton, MA Phone: 413-586-8706
Mill Street Waltham, MA Phone: 617-484-6357
River Road Chesterfield, MA, 01012 Phone: 413-532-1631
204 Union Street Hingham, MA Phone: 617-749-7160
Good for camping, fishing, and hiking & walking.
177 Forest Street Saugus, MA Phone: 781-233-0834
Large forest with 2 freshwater lakes; swimming; fishing; walking trails; extensive views
Route 3A Plymouth, MA Phone: 508-866-2580
Good for scenic landscapes and coastal views; hiking & walking, and fishing.
410 Tolland Road East Otis, MA Phone: 413-269-6002
Good for many recreational activities including boating, fishing, swimming, camping, hiking, and picnics.
392 Montague Road Wendell, MA Phone: 413-659-3797
Good for boating, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, picnics, and swimming.
William J. Day Blvd. South Boston, MA Phone: 617-727-5114
289 Pearl Street Gardner, MA Phone: 508-632-7897
Water sports on pond; walking trails; Nordic skiing and ice skating. Fully wheelchair accessible
1 Jackson Street Lawrence, MA Phone: 508-794-1655
Park describes the history of this early industrial city and its immigrant workers
70 Elm Street Berkley, MA Phone: 508-999-5231
1041 Cascade Street Pittsfield, MA Phone: 413-442-8992
Good for handicap-accessible recreation, fishing, walking & hiking.
Lake Mattawa Road Orange, MA Phone: 978-544-2254
86 Winchendon Road Baldwinville, MA Phone: 508-939-8962
Camping, water sports, hiking
260 Central Shaft Road Florida, MA Phone: 413-663-8469
Handicap-accessible hiking and camping; water sports, picnicking, hiking, camping, paddling, pets allowed
175 Mohawk Trail / Route 2 Charlemont, MA, 01339 Phone: 413-339-5504
Good for year-round camping, viewing nature & wildlife, and trout fishing.
Route 112 Huntington, MA Phone: 413-354-6347
Good for paddling, hiking & walking; fishing; pets allowed except on beach area
94 Lakeview Road Shutesbury, MA Phone: 413-367-0317
164 Cedar Street Hopkinton, MA, 01748 Phone: 508-435-4303
Located on a reservoir; activities include water sports, hiking, picnicking, skiing and snowmobiling. Boat ramp
162 West Union Street Ashland, MA, 01721 Phone: 508 881-4092
South Sandwich Road Mashpee & Sandwich, MA, 02563 Phone: 508-636-4693
Extensive walking trails among holly and rhododendron gardens; two ponds stocked with fish
Route 6A Brewster, MA, 02631 Phone: 508-896-3491
Inland park offers lots of camping; fresh water swimming, fishing and paddling; hiking and biking
Slab Bridge Road Assonet, MA Phone: 508 644-5522
Good for walking & hiking, winter sports, mountain biking, equestrian, fishing, and restricted hunting.
1048 North Road Westfield, MA, 01085 Phone: 413-532-3985
125 Reservation Road Holyoke, MA Phone: 413-534-1186
Good for handicap-accessible recreation, fishing, hiking & walking, paddling
Hammond Pond Parkway Newton, MA Phone: 617-698-1802
Route 20 and East Brimfield Holland Road East Brimfield, MA Phone:
William J. Day Blvd. South Boston, MA Phone: 617-727-5290
Bayside string of parks and beaches easily accessible to Boston; walking, swimming, fishing
1199 Middle Road Clarksburg, MA Phone: 413-664-8345
Good for camping, hiking, boating; non-motor boats only
Valentine Road Pittsfield, MA Phone: 413-499-9344
Park on fresh water lake; fishing, boat ramp; life guards
West Street Petersham, MA Phone: 978-544-3939
Good for fishing, walking, and nature viewing. No pets allowed.
Route 20 Chester, MA Phone: 413-354-6347
Good for walking & hiking, horseback riding, hunting (restrictions), mountain biking, fishing
Turtle Pond Parkway Hyde Park, MA Phone: 617-698-1802
Sunfish and Perch await anglers in Turtle Pond at this 475-acre park and wildlife refuge, featuring fishing areas, biking and hiking trails, public swimming, and picnic areas. Programs are scheduled throughout the year.
107 Wallum Lake Road Douglas, MA Phone: 508-476-7872
Popular state forest on lake with many activities: water sports; horseback riding; hiking trails
York Lake Road Sandisfield, MA Phone: 413 229-8212
86 Dearth Hill Road Brimfield, MA Phone: 413-267-9687
Good for hiking & walking, picnicking, horseback riding; fishing
7 Industrial Park Road West Sturbridge, MA Phone: 508-347-9316
Swimming, fishing, & picnicking next to reservoir. Boat ramps. Wheelchair access
Woodland Road Winchester, MA Phone: 781-322-2851 or
20 Scusset Beach Road Sagamore, MA Phone: 508-888-0859
Best for trailer camping; salt water fishing; bicycling along Cape Cod Canal
Center Street Ludlow, MA Phone:
Lakeview Avenue West Brookfield, MA Phone:
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