Massachusetts has many fishing locations, both salt- and fresh-water

Massachusetts > State > On the Water > Fishing Locations

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.

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D.A.R. State Forest

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.

Fish off the pier here; cast off from the shore of the Upper and Lower Highland Lakes. See DAR State Forest for full description of this park.

Boston Harbor Islands National Park Area

Islands in Boston Harbor, and easy ferry ride from downtown. Swimming, hiking, picnicking. A fun day trip

Only a few decades ago, these waters were unusable; but modern ecological technology has renewed the Harbor's reputation for fishing during the day and at night. The Brewster Islands are especially popular with boaters. Striped bass, bluefish, flounder, skate, haddock, and cod are among your many potential catches! Find a ferry to the islands.
See Boston Harbor Islands for full description of this park.

Cochituate State Park

43 Commonwealth Road Natick, MA Phone: 508-653-9641

Day-use park for water sports; some sports are allowed or prohibited

Fishing, along with boating and other water sports like padding and windsurfing, is done on the large park not far from metropolitan Boston.
See full description of Cochituate State Park for detailes about boating limitations and regulations.
Daily parking fee: $8 for Massachusetts vehicle; $10 for out-of-state vehicle

Cape Poge-credit-trustees of reservations

Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge, Wasque Reservation, East Beach

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

Surf fishing from magnificent barrier beach on the east side of this island, on a protected coastal reserve. See full description of Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge

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Salisbury Beach Staste Reservation -credit- Gary Miles

Salisbury Beach State Reservation

Beach Road, Route 1A Salisbury, MA, 01952 Phone: 508-462-4481

Fantastic, sandy ocean beach with all waterfront sports; popular for trailer camping

This gorgeous ocean beach and reservation welcomes fishermen among other waterfront activities like swimming, boating, and paddling. The south end of the trailer campground has two boat ramps on the Merrimack River.
See full description of Salisbury Beach State Reservation.

Connecticut River Greenway State Park

136 Damon Road at Route 9 Northampton, MA Phone: 413-586-8706

Fish for various species along the serene and panoramic Connecticut River. Enter with a fishing boat from the Pauchaug, Barton Cove, Sunderland, Oxbow Ramp, South Hadley/Chicopee, and Chicopee Boat Access points (find details below).
See full description of Connecticut River Greenway State Park.
See information about boat ramps in Connecticut River Greenway State Park.

Middlesex Falls Reservation

Woodland Road Winchester, MA Phone: 781-322-2851 or

Natural refuge set on over 2,000 acres. Visitors here can enjoy biking, hiking and cross-country ski trails. Canoeing, fishing, and swimming areas are offered, as well as a visitor's center with historic information.

Ellisville Harbor State Park

Route 3A Plymouth, MA Phone: 508-866-2580

Good for scenic landscapes and coastal views; hiking & walking, and fishing.

Visitors describe the fishing at Ellisville Harbor as "abundant"; fish on foot from shore. See Ellisville Harbor State Park for full description of this park.

Freetown-Fall River State Forest

Slab Bridge Road Assonet, MA Phone: 508 644-5522

Good for walking & hiking, winter sports, mountain biking, equestrian, fishing, and restricted hunting.

Fish Terry Brook, Doctor's Mill Pond, and other small fishing spots scattered throughout this serene state forest. Fish Rattlesnake Brook for brook trout in spring. See Freetown-Fall River State Forest for full description of this park.

Lowell Holly

South Sandwich Road Mashpee & Sandwich, MA, 02563 Phone: 508-636-4693

Extensive walking trails among holly and rhododendron gardens; two ponds stocked with fish

Two freshwater ponds and stocked with fish. Open: Year-round, daily, sunrise to sunset.

Mount Tom State Reservation

125 Reservation Road Holyoke, MA Phone: 413-534-1186

Good for handicap-accessible recreation, fishing, hiking & walking, paddling

Mount Tom is a large property that includes the 10-acre Lake Bray for fishing. Boating and fishing also are done at the Oxbow, two miles north of the Route 5 entrance to Mount Tom.

Burbank Park on Onota Lake

Valentine Road Pittsfield, MA Phone: 413-499-9344

Park on fresh water lake; fishing, boat ramp; life guards

This city-operated park has a fishing pier. See full description of Burbank Park and Onota Lake.

Haviland Pond (also called Chapin Pond)

Center Street Ludlow, MA Phone:

This is a 25-acre warm water pond located just northeast of the Massachusetts Pike and Route 21 intersection. A paved public launch ramp suitable for trailer launching is located just to the right of the public beach. Access is off North Street. Motor boats are prohibited and shoreline access is limited. There is no vehicle/trailer parking on the ramp, although there is parking available in the town beach parking lot across the street. The fish population was last sampled in 1980 summer survey. The species found were largemouth bass, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, chain pickerel, killifish and white perch. Trout are stocked annually to create a put and take urban fishery.

C.M. Gardner Park

Route 112 Huntington, MA Phone: 413-354-6347

Good for paddling, hiking & walking; fishing; pets allowed except on beach area

Go fish! At C.M. Gardner State Park, launch your canoe and your bait into the scenic Westfield River East, then have a picnic to celebrate the catch.
See C.M. Gardner Park for full description of this park.

Brimfield State Forest

86 Dearth Hill Road Brimfield, MA Phone: 413-267-9687

Good for hiking & walking, picnicking, horseback riding; fishing

Fish at Dean Pond, Dearth Hill Pond, or Woodman Pond, as well as any brooks you may come across. See Brimfield State Forest for full description of this park.

Rocky Woods

Hartford Street Medfield, MA, 02052 Phone: 508-785-0339

Just 30 minutes from downtown Boston

Rocky Woods features over six miles of former woods roads and footpaths rambling through rolling hills of white pine and red oak. Explorers of the four ponds on the reservation may find bullfrogs and painted turtles, and visitors can enjoy catch-and-release fishing from these shores. Recent landscape renovations have created a scenic meadow, grassy common areas, sandy shorelines, and plantings of ornamental shrubs. Restrooms, picnic tables and a pavilion are onsite, and future plans include creating a visitor center and improved children's play area.

Savoy Mountain State Forest

260 Central Shaft Road Florida, MA Phone: 413-663-8469

Handicap-accessible hiking and camping; water sports, picnicking, hiking, camping, paddling, pets allowed

Fish for rainbow, brook, and brown trout, among other species, from a canoe or from shore at North and South Ponds. See Savoy Mountain State Forest for full description of park.

Hopkinton State Park

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

The Hopkinton Reservoir is open to non-motor boats and stocked with fish. A concrete boat ramp is open to the public. Many water sports take place here. Seasonal boat rentals are available. Call 617-299-3392.
See full description of Hopkinton State Park.

Beartown State Forest

69 Bluehill Road Monterey, MA, 01245 Phone: 413-528-0904

Good for non-motorized boating, walking & hiking, camping, snowmobiling; fishing; leashed pets allowed

Fishing at Beartown State Forest is plentiful in the warm season. Fish brooks or Benedict Pond, from the shore or in a boat. Fish species include largemouth bass and pickerel. See Beartown State Forest for full description of this park.

Wendell State Forest

392 Montague Road Wendell, MA Phone: 413-659-3797

Good for boating, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, picnics, and swimming.

Ruggles Pond offers 10 acres of fresh water for fishing and swimming. See Wendell State Park for full description of this park.

Mohawk Trail State Forest

175 Mohawk Trail / Route 2 Charlemont, MA, 01339 Phone: 413-339-5504

Good for year-round camping, viewing nature & wildlife, and trout fishing.

Fish for trout along over 18 miles of rivers and streams. See Mohawk Trail State Forest for full description of park.

Beaver Brook Reservation

Mill Street Waltham, MA Phone: 617-484-6357

Small nature preserve offers biking paths, fishing and swimming areas, interpretive programs, and small historic sites. Full toilet facilities are available.

Pittsfield State Forest

1041 Cascade Street Pittsfield, MA Phone: 413-442-8992

Good for handicap-accessible recreation, fishing, walking & hiking.

Fish from shore for brown bullhead, yellow perch, pumpkinseed and golden shiner. Click here to read a full description of Pittsfield State Forest.

Lake Wyola State Park

94 Lakeview Road Shutesbury, MA Phone: 413-367-0317

Plentiful fishing for bass and trout at this day-use park with a large, clean lake. See full description of Lake Wyola.

Hampton Ponds State Park

1048 North Road Westfield, MA, 01085 Phone: 413-532-3985

Fishing is done at this popular park with a fresh-water pond. See full description of Hampton Ponds State Park.

Hammond Pond Reservation

Hammond Pond Parkway Newton, MA Phone: 617-698-1802

Visitors to this small nature preserve can enjoy fishing, hiking and biking trails, and picnic areas.

Chester-Blandford State Forest

Route 20 Chester, MA Phone: 413-354-6347

Good for walking & hiking, horseback riding, hunting (restrictions), mountain biking, fishing

Upon arriving at this park, you'll find wetlands across from the parking area, along Beulah Land Road, but more fish-able spots include: Sanderson Brook, which leads to small waterfalls; a small pond off the Ferguson Road Trails; West Branch Gold Mine Brook; a pond within the easily accessible Boulder Park Trail; and the gorgeous Westfield River.
See Chester-Blandford State Forest for full description of this park.

Dunn State Park

289 Pearl Street Gardner, MA Phone: 508-632-7897

Water sports on pond; walking trails; Nordic skiing and ice skating. Fully wheelchair accessible

Swimming, fishing and non-motorized boats are allowed on the pond in this park. All activities in the park, including at least two fishing piers, are wheelchair-accessible. The pond is stocked yearly with trout, bass and other fish and has several fishing piers, including two that are fully wheelchair accessible.
See full description of Dunn State Park.

Lawrence Heritage State Park

1 Jackson Street Lawrence, MA Phone: 508-794-1655

Park describes the history of this early industrial city and its immigrant workers

This is the place to learn about this city’s industrial and immigrant history in the mills and boarding houses where generations of immigrants toiled. The site's neighboring Pemberton Park, off Canal Street near the Central Bridge, is popular for fishing.
See full description of Lawrence Heritage State Park

Wompatuck State Park

204 Union Street Hingham, MA Phone: 617-749-7160

Good for camping, fishing, and hiking & walking.

Fishing is allowed in the Cohasset Reservoir. There is a boat ramp for car-top vessels only.
See full description of Wompatuck State Park.

Weymouth Back River Reservation

Small reservation features historic areas and great fishing spots. Stodder's Neck provides harborside walking trails and a hilltop view of the Back River.

Sandisfield State Forest (York Lake)

York Lake Road Sandisfield, MA Phone: 413 229-8212

York Lake is stocked with trout three times each year. Full description of Sandisfield State Forest.

Lake Mattawa

Lake Mattawa Road Orange, MA Phone: 978-544-2254

This clear lake is said to be a source of "trophy" trout for fishermen. The state stocks that lake with trout every spring. Many other species also are found here. Boat ramp available for motor boats of less thatn 10 hp. See full description of Lake Mattawa.

Otter River State Forest

86 Winchendon Road Baldwinville, MA Phone: 508-939-8962

Camping, water sports, hiking

Otter River State Forest is a popular destination for outdoor play, summer and winter. Water bodies include Lake Dennison and Beaman Pond. Fishing is allowed.
Season & Hours: May through October; campground office hours are 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Swimming is permitted in designated areas only from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
See full description of Otter State Park.

East Brimfield Lake / Holland Pond / Lake Siog / Quinebaug River Recreation Area

Route 20 and East Brimfield Holland Road East Brimfield, MA Phone:

Warm season and ice fishing are done at this large recreation area that includes a lake, a river, and several ponds. Lake is stocked with trout in spring. See full description of East Brimfield Lake / Holland Pond / Quinebaug River Recreation Area.

Carson Beach

William J. Day Blvd. South Boston, MA Phone: 617-727-5114

This sandy beach, maintained by the state Department of Conservation and Recreation, is one of the best swimming beaches in the area, with nearby public amenities and great views of the harbor. New sand, new walkways, benches, lighting, shade shelters and award winning landscaping have helped to make Carson Beach a popular destination. "Mother's Rest" and its fishing pier have also been rehabilitated, making for a beautiful picnic area with a fantastic view of the Harbor. Life guards. To reach the beach on the subway take the Red Line to JFK/UMass. Or use the bus on routes 5, 8, 11, 16, or 41. Parking available.

Scusset Beach State Reservation

Scusset Beach Road Sandwich, MA, 02563 Phone: 508-888-0859

Best for trailer camping; salt water fishing; bicycling along Cape Cod Canal

Located at the east end of the Cape Cod Canal, this park is great for salt water fishermen. There is fish pier, a breakwater, and two miles of frontage along the canal. Also a picnic area. Visitors love watching the boat traffic in and out of the canal. See a full description of Scusset Beach State Reservation.

Ashland State Park

162 West Union Street Ashland, MA, 01721 Phone: 508 881-4092

Fishing is done on the large reservoir at this park. A boat ramp is available. Motorized and non-motorized boats are permitted.
Daily parking fee: $8 for Massachusetts vehicle; $10 for out-of-state vehicle.

Tolland State Forest

410 Tolland Road East Otis, MA Phone: 413-269-6002

Good for many recreational activities including boating, fishing, swimming, camping, hiking, and picnics.

Trout and bass fishing deep in Otis Reservoir. See Tolland State Forest for full description of park.

Stony Brook Reservation

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.

Nickerson State Park

Route 6A Brewster, MA, 02631 Phone: 508-896-3491

Inland park offers lots of camping; fresh water swimming, fishing and paddling; hiking and biking

This park is in the pine woods of inland Cape Cod, but an easy walk or bike ride to Cape Cod Bay. Swimming and fishing are done at eight fresh-water kettle ponds. Ponds are stocked year-round with trout (catch-and-release).
See Nickerson State Park listing for full description of the park.

Castle Island, M Street Beach, Carson Beach

William J. Day Blvd. South Boston, MA Phone: 617-727-5290

Bayside string of parks and beaches easily accessible to Boston; walking, swimming, fishing

Castle Island is one of Boston's most popular fishing spots. Fish off the pier and around Pleasure Bay. Search the side of "the bowl," as named by fishermen, across from the shallow beach for a quiet spot to cast away.
See Castle Island, Pleasure Bay, M Street Beach and Carson Beach for full description of this park.

Clarksburg State Park

1199 Middle Road Clarksburg, MA Phone: 413-664-8345

Good for camping, hiking, boating; non-motor boats only

Fishing at Mauserts Pond with amenities nearby. See Clarksburg State Park for full description of this park.

Douglas State Forest

107 Wallum Lake Road Douglas, MA Phone: 508-476-7872

Popular state forest on lake with many activities: water sports; horseback riding; hiking trails

The state forest in Massachusetts encompasses Wallum Lake and offer many water sports, including fishing. There is a boat ramp and parking for boat trailers. Fish species includes trout, largemouth bass, and pickerel.
See full description of Douglas State Forest.

Federated Women's Club State Forest

West Street Petersham, MA Phone: 978-544-3939

Good for fishing, walking, and nature viewing. No pets allowed.

This property is southwest of the Quabbin Reservoir and the reservoir's watershed. Fishing is allowed. The park is loved for its bird watching.
See full description of Federated Women’s Club State Forest.

Breakheart Reservation – Pearce Lake

177 Forest Street Saugus, MA Phone: 781-233-0834

Large forest with 2 freshwater lakes; swimming; fishing; walking trails; extensive views

Visitors enjoy fishing at Pearce or Silver lakes in this vast space of hardwood forest and hiking trails. See full description of Breakheart Reservation.

Bridge Village Heritage Park

70 Elm Street Berkley, MA Phone: 508-999-5231

Quiet place for fishing. The waterfront also is popular with kayakers and canoers. See a full description on our Paddling pages.

Wickaboag Pond

Lakeview Avenue West Brookfield, MA Phone:

Fisherman access: Small concrete ramp, concrete pad ramp system or gravel ramp designed for smaller boats and parking for boat trailers. Fish species: Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, white perch, pickerel, black crappie. Managed by the Town of West Brookfield.

Chesterfield Gorge

River Road Chesterfield, MA, 01012 Phone: 413-532-1631

Fishing is permitted at this beautiful natural gorge on the Westfield River (designated a national wild and scenic river), but fishing is limited to catch-and-release fishing with artificial lures only. See a full description on our Walking & Hiking page, with information on other activities at this natural wonder.

Streeter Point Recreation Area

7 Industrial Park Road West Sturbridge, MA Phone: 508-347-9316

Swimming, fishing, & picnicking next to reservoir. Boat ramps. Wheelchair access

Fishing may be done from this property on the East Brimfield Reservoir. Boat ramps are on Route 20 and are maintained by the Army Corps of Engineers.
See full description of Streeter Point Recreation Area .

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