This is a Preview of Massachusetts Fishing Regulations.
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Preview of Massachusetts Fishing Regulations.
1 Minimum length is measured as the straight line (not curved over the body) from the tip of the snout to the tip of the tail. The tips of any forked tail may be squeezed together for the final measurement.
2 Trout applies to Brook, Brown, Rainbow, and Tiger (a cross between a female brown and a male brook trout). From Apr. 1 to Sep. 10, no more than 8 trout (as defined) may be taken daily, and only 3 of those trout may be from lakes, ponds, or major rivers3. From Sep. 11 to Mar. 31, no more than 3 trout (as defined) may be taken daily.
3 Major Rivers: Childs, Coonamessett, Deerfield, Farmington, Green (Colrain), Green (Great Barrington), Ipswich, Jones, Mashpee, Millers, Nissitissit, North (Colrain), North (West Branch), Parker, Quaboag, Quinapoxet, Quinebaug, Seven Mile, Santuit, Scorton Creek, Shawsheen, Squannacook, Stillwater (Sterling, Princeton), Swift (East Branch), Swift (Winsor Dam to Ware River, except as posted), Tully (East and West Branches), Ware, Ware (East Branch), Westfield (all branches).
4 Mainstem Housatonic only, from the confluence of the East and West Branches to the MA–CT line, exclusive of the catch-and-release areas where no trout may be kept.
5 Special brown trout water: South Pond (Quacumquasit), Brookfield. Total daily creel is 3 trout but only 1 may be a brown trout and it must be at least 15".
6 Quabbin and Wachusett Reservoirs: Opening and closing dates are set by the Department of Conservation and Recreation. For Quabbin Reservoir visit www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/central/quabbin.htm or call (413) 323-7221. For Wachusett / Sudbury Reservoirs
visit www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/central/wachRes.htm or call (508) 835-4816 or (978) 365-3800. The use of lead fishing sinkers is prohibited in the Quabbin and Wachusett reservoirs.
7 The harvest of broodstock salmon (Atlantic salmon) is lawful in all inland waters of Massachusetts except in: the Connecticut River and all its tributaries; and the Merrimack River downstream of the Essex Dam in Lawrence, MA and all its tributaries downstream of the Essex Dam in Lawrence, MA. The possession of an Atlantic salmon (including broodstock salmon) while fishing in the Connecticut River and all its tributaries and in the Merrimack River downstream of the Essex Dam in Lawrence, MA and all its tributaries downstream of the Essex Dam in Lawrence, MA is prohibited.
8 Smelt may be taken by hook and line only.
BAIT
Permit required to take baitfish for purposes of sale;
see “Permits."
• Frogs (except leopard frogs) 2½ inches or less snout to vent may be used as bait; 10 daily, 10 in possession; may not be sold.
• Baitfish may be taken by licensed anglers at any time (except for purposes of sale) with a rectangular net not exceeding 36 square feet of net area or by a hoop or circular net not exceeding 6 feet in diameter or with a fish trap with openings not exceeding one inch. The following species may be taken for personal use as bait by licensed anglers. Only the fish species listed below may be used as bait, live or dead.
American eel Banded killifish Bluntnose minnow
Creek chubsucker Emerald shiner Fallfish
Fathead minnow Golden shiner Mummichog
Pumpkinseed Rainbow smelt* Yellow perch
Spottail shiner White sucker
* Smelt may be taken only by hook and line. Possession or use of smelt as bait in inland waters other than during the smelt season is prohibited.
• Herring: For current regulations on the use, possession, and taking of herring contact the Division of Marine Fisheries, (617) 626-1520 or www.mass.gov/dfwele/dmf.
CATCH-AND-RELEASE AREAS
Artificial lures only. No bait in possession.
• Housatonic River: From the Rte. 20 bridge in Lee downstream to Willow Mill Dam AND from Glendale Dam downstream to the RR bridge. No fishing from June 15—Aug. 31 inclusive within 100 feet of the mouths of posted tributaries: Beartown Brook; Goose Pond Brook; Hop Brook; and Mohawk Brook.
• Red Brook: From the outlet of White Island Pond to the inlet of Buttermilk Bay.
• Nissitissit River: From the New Hampshire border to the Prescott St. Bridge. FLY FISHING ONLY.
• Swift River: Winsor Dam to Rte. 9, catch-and-release FLY FISHING ONLY (year around); Rte. 9 to Cady Lane, catch-and-release July 1–Dec. 31 (artificials only).
• Deerfield River: Fife Brook Dam to Hoosac Tunnel, and the section extending from Pelham Brook to the Mohawk Campground.
• Westfield River, East Branch: Immediately below the Chesterfield Gorge parking lot in Chesterfield to the gate north of the Corps of Engineers parking lot at Knightville in Huntington.
• Millers River: Templeton/Athol RR bridge to dam in Athol and from Wendell Rd. bridge in Orange to breached dam in Erving center.
• Quashnet River: From the outlet of John’s Pond to the sign 0.1 mile below Rte. 28.
FISH CONSUMPTION ADVISORIES
The MA Dept. of Public Health (MDPH), has issued a statewide advisory for pregnant women not to consume fish caught in fresh water due to elevated levels of mercury in fish. MDPH has also issued fish consumption advisories for the general public on selected bodies of water primarily due to PCB and mercury contamination. For more information or a list of waters with fish consumption advisories, contact MDPH, Bureau of Environmental Health, at (617) 624-5757 or www.mass.gov/dph.
INTERSTATE POND LICENSE REGULATIONS
Wallum Lake, Douglas: fishing permitted by persons duly licensed in Massachusetts or Rhode Island. Rhode Island regulations apply.
Lake Monomonac and Robbins Pond, Winchendon; Long Pond, Tyngsboro and Dracut; Bent Pond, Warwick; Tuxbury Pond, Amesbury: fishing permitted by persons duly licensed in Massachusetts or New Hampshire. New Hampshire regulations apply.
Colebrook Reservoir, Tolland; Perry Pond, Dudley; Muddy Pond, Southbridge; Breakneck Pond, Sturbridge; Congamond Lake, Southwick; Hamilton Reservoir, Holland: fishing permitted by persons duly licensed in Massachusetts or Connecticut. Connecticut regulations apply to Colebrook Reservoir, Breakneck Pond, Perry Pond and Muddy Pond. Massachusetts regulations apply to Congamond Lake and Hamilton Reservoir.
Sherman Reservoir, Rowe: Massachusetts regulations apply and MA license required in MA. Vermont regulations apply and VT license required in VT.
FISHING PROHIBITIONS
• Explosives
• Jug, toggle or trot line fishing.
• Lead Sinkers at Quabbin and Wachusett Reservoirs: The use of lead fishing sinkers, including, but not limited to, split shot, bullet weights, egg sinkers, slip sinkers, bell sinkers, pinch sinkers, rubber grip sinkers, bank sinkers, pyramid sinkers, or twist, strap or wraparound sinkers for the taking of fish in the Quabbin and Wachusett Reservoirs is prohibited. Lead fishing sinkers DO NOT include other lead fishing-related items such as artificial lures, jigs, lead-core line, down-rigger weights, keel sinkers, torpedo casting and trolling sinkers, or weighted flies.
NOTE: Lead fishing sinkers and jigs less than 1 ounce will be prohibited in all inland waters of the Commonwealth effective January 1, 2012.
• More than two hooks for fishing or more than five hooks when ice fishing. A hook is defined as an angling device attached to a fishing line which is designed to take one fish at a time but is not limited to devices commonly called spinners, spoons, bait harnesses, lead head jigs or plugs.
• Possession of: Sturgeon (all species), American Brook Lamprey, Atlantic (sea-run) Salmon, Bridle Shiner, Burbot, Eastern Silvery Minnow, Lake Chub, Longnose Sucker, and Northern Redbelly Dace is illegal! If caught release immediately. This means remove hook or cut line and return fish to water immediately—do not pose for photographs, place on a stringer, hold in a net, or delay in any way the immediate return and release of the fish to the water!
• Poisons
• Releasing fish or spawn into inland waters, except by permit.
• Rubbish in inland waters.
• Sale of freshwater fish without a permit.
• Snagging
• Transporting live fish (except bait for personal use) without a permit.
FREE FISHING WEEKEND
June 5 & 6, 2010
No license needed!
Fishing
FISH OF MASSACHUSETTS
More than 80 fish species inhabit the inland waters of the Commonwealth. This is a small sample of some of the most popular species commonly taken by anglers. For a more complete list pick up a copy of Freshwater Fishes of Massachusetts at any DFW office.
TEMPERATURE PREFERENCES OF FISH
Temperature preferences are different for many fish. Though fish cannot always find their exact preference, they are usually found in water closest to their preferred temperature.
LARGEMOUTH BASS
A warm-water gamefish found in lakes, ponds and slow moving rivers associated with weeds and structure. Typically 1–3 lbs, but can reach up to 15 lbs. Dark line along each side is a good identification mark.
BROWN TROUT
This trout thrives in heavy cover and deep pools of cold, well-oxygenated water. Typically stocked at 10–14 inches with larger specimens to 20+ inches. Many wild populations exist in small to medium streams.
ATLANTIC SALMON
The anadromous form of this species lives in the open ocean but ascends freshwater rivers to spawn. The landlocked form lives in deep, cold, freshwater habitats and spawns in tributaries. Anadromous form grows to 20 lbs; landlocks average 2–4 lbs. Landlocked populations occur in the Quabbin and Wachusett Reservoirs; attempts to restore sea-run populations to the Connecticut and Merrimack Rivers continue.
SMALLMOUTH BASS
Less common than largemouths, these cool-water gamefish are found in clear, rocky habitats. Average size is 1–2 lbs, but can reach up to 8 lbs. This species often jumps spectacularly when hooked.
BROOK TROUT
This beautiful native char thrives in clean, cold, well-oxygenated waters. It is found in high gradient streams and slow moving beaver flowages. Wild brookies average 6–8 inches, but stocked specimens are typically 10–12 inches or larger. Considered by many to be the most beautiful fish in North America.
RAINBOW TROUT
These trout thrive in cold, well-oxygenated, fast moving water. Typical hatchery fish are 12–16 inches, with larger specimens to 20+ inches. Profusely speckled and usually has a pink line along each side.
BROWN BULLHEAD
Our native “horned pout” catfish thrives in warm-water habitats associated with muddy bottoms and aquatic vegetation. Average size is 8–12 inches, but larger ones are not uncommon. Handle this fish (and all catfish) with care, as spines in the dorsal and pectoral fins can inflict painful wounds.
BLUEGILL
A sunfish that prefers shallow, weedy, warm-water habitats. Typically 4–7 inches in length with larger specimens to 10 inches. Identified by the solid black flap on gill cover and a dark patch near the back, bottom edge of the dorsal fin.
YELLOW PERCH
A native cool-water panfish found in the vegetated areas of lakes, ponds, slow streams, and almost any open water with moderate vegetation. Typically 8–10 inches but larger fish not uncommon. A schooling fish, it is safe to assume that if you find one, there are others in the same vicinity.
CHAIN PICKEREL
A native cool-water gamefish found in shallow, vegetated areas of fairly clear lakes, ponds and rivers. Typically 15–20 inches but larger specimens are not uncommon. Respected for its sharp teeth which can easily cut most fishing lines and inflict minor wounds.
PUMPKINSEED
A native sunfish, this pretty little “kivver” is found in weedy, warm-water habitats. Most are 4–7 inches, but can get up to 8–9 inches. Look for blue "warpaint" on the face and a red/orange-tipped gill flap.
BLACK CRAPPIE
This "calico" sunfish is found in weedy, warm-water habitats. It often forms schools in submerged structure, especially brush piles and fallen trees. Typically 5–12 inches, but larger specimens not uncommon.
Fishing
FRESHWATER SPORTFISHING AWARDS
Awards for freshwater fish are offered in 22 categories. Each qualified entry receives a bronze pin. Largest fish in each category each year receives a “gold” pin and plaque. There is also an annual “Angler of the Year” award for the person who has taken the greatest variety of “pinfish” during the year. Fish must meet minimum weight requirements as listed below, and must be weighed on a scale certified by the Massachusetts Division of Standards or a town official. Please check our website for a list of weigh stations and/or to download an affidavit. This information is also available at DFW offices.
SPECIES
ADULT
YOUTH
Broodstock salmon
10 lbs. 0 ozs.
5 lbs. 0 ozs.
Brook trout
2 lbs. 0 ozs.
1 lb. 0 ozs.
Brown trout
4 lbs. 0 ozs.
2 lbs. 0 ozs.
Bullhead
2 lbs. 0 ozs.
1 lb. 0 ozs.
Carp
15 lbs. 0 ozs.
10 lbs. 0 ozs.
Chain pickerel
4 lbs. 8 ozs.
3 lbs. 0 ozs.
Channel catfish
6 lbs. 0 ozs.
5 lbs. 0 ozs.
Crappie
1 lb. 8 ozs.
1 lb. 0 ozs.
Lake trout
7 lbs. 0 ozs.
5 lbs. 0 ozs.
Landlocked salmon1
4 lbs. 0 ozs.
3 lbs. 0 ozs.
Largemouth bass
7 lbs. 0 ozs.
4 lbs. 0 ozs.
Northern pike
15 lbs. 0 ozs.
10 lbs. 0 ozs.
Rainbow trout
3 lbs. 0 ozs.
2 lbs. 0 ozs.
Shad
5 lbs. 0 ozs.
3 lbs. 0 ozs.
Smallmouth bass
4 lbs. 8 ozs.
3 lbs. 0 ozs.
Sunfish2
0 lbs. 12 ozs.
0 lbs. 8 ozs.
Tiger muskie
10 lbs. 0 ozs.
7 lbs. 0 ozs.
Tiger trout
2 lbs. 0 ozs.
1 lb. 0 ozs.
Walleye
4 lbs. 0 ozs.
2 lbs. 0 ozs.
White catfish
4 lbs. 0 ozs.
2 lbs. 0 ozs.
White perch
1 lb. 8 ozs.
1 lb. 0 ozs.
Yellow perch
1 lb. 8 ozs.
1 lb. 0 ozs.
CURRENT MINIMUM WEIGHTS
1 Landlocked Salmon are recognized only from Quabbin and Wachusett Reservoirs.
2 Sunfish category includes bluegills, pumpkinseeds, and rock bass.
MASSACHUSETTS FRESHWATER SPORTFISHING RECORDS
SPECIES
WEIGHT
WATER
YEAR
American shad
11 lbs. 4 ozs.
Connecticut River
1986
Broodstock salmon
22 lbs. 15 ozs.
Lake Mattawa, Orange
1997
Brook trout
10 lbs. 0 ozs.
Ashfield Lake, Ashfield
2008
Brown trout
19 lbs. 10 ozs.
Wachusett Reservoir
1966
Bullhead
6 lbs. 4 ozs.
Forest Lake, Methuen
2008
Carp
44 lbs. 2 ozs.
Connecticut River
1993
Chain pickerel
9 lbs. 5 ozs.
Laurel Lake, Lee
1954
Channel catfish
26 lbs. 8 ozs.
Ashfield Lake, Ashfield
1989
Crappie
4 lbs. 10 ozs.
Jake’s Pond, Plymouth
1980
Lake trout
24 lbs. 0 ozs.
Wachusett Reservoir
2004
Landlocked salmon
10 lbs. 2 ozs.
Wachusett Reservoir
1985
Largemouth bass
15 lbs. 8 ozs.
Sampson Pond, Carver
1975
Northern pike
35 lbs. 0 ozs.
South Pond, Brookfield
1988
Rainbow trout
13 lbs. 13 ozs.
Wachusett Reservoir
1999
Smallmouth bass
8 lbs. 2 ozs.
Wachusett Reservoir
1991
Sunfish
2 lbs. 1 ozs.
South Athol Pond, Athol
1982
Tiger muskellunge
27 lbs. 0 ozs.
Lake Pontoosuc, Pittsfield
2001
Tiger trout
9 lbs. 7 ozs.
Peter’s Pond, Sandwich
2004
Walleye
11 lbs. 0 ozs.
Quabbin Reservoir
1975
White catfish
9 lbs. 3 ozs.
Baddacook Pond, Groton
1987
White perch
3 lbs. 5 ozs.
Wachusett Reservoir
1994
Yellow perch
2 lbs. 12 ozs.
South Watuppa Pond, Fall River
1979
2008 FRESHWATER SPORTFISHING AWARD WINNERS (2009 data not complete at press time)
ADULT GOLD PIN WINNERS
YOUTH GOLD PIN WINNERS
SPECIES
WEIGHT
WATER
WINNER
WEIGHT
WATER
WINNER
Broodstock salmon
18 lbs. 13 ozs.
Congamond Lake, Southwick
Dan Starkey, Agawam
9 lbs. 9 ozs.
Sheep Pond, Brewster
Harry Spampinato, Brewster
Brook trout
10 lbs. 0 ozs.*
Ashfield Lake, Ashfield
Peter Harand, Easthampton
2 lbs. 5 ozs.
Peter's Pond, Sandwich
Pat George, Sandwich
Brown trout
8 lbs. 8 ozs.
Cliff Pond, Brewster
Gunther Hanelt,
North Truro
4 lbs. 4 ozs.
Long Pond, Plymouth
Mathew Nelson, New Bedford
Bullhead
6 lbs. 4 ozs.*
Forest Lake, Methuen
Roger Aziz, Jr.,
Methuen
2 lbs. 0 ozs.
Snipatuit Pond, Rochester
Tauri Adamczyk, Taunton
Porter Lake, Springfield
Tyler Burbul, Springfield
Herring Pond, Eastham
Matthew Ziomek, Amherst
Carp
28 lbs. 4 ozs.
Quinsigamond Lake, Worcester
Tom Pattiselanno, Worcester
25 lbs. 0 ozs.
Merrimack River,
Lowell
Austin Aziz, Methuen
Chain pickerel
6 lbs. 4 ozs.
Mashpee-Wakeby Pond, Mashpee
Roy Leyva, Plymouth
4 lbs. 15 ozs.
Eel River, Plymouth
Patrick Reid, Plymouth
Channel catfish
16 lbs. 2 ozs.
Connecticut River, Hadley
Richard Wilson,
South Hadley
9 lbs. 0 ozs.
Connecticut River, Agawam
Brandon Fifield, Agawam
Crappie
2 lbs. 8 ozs.
Webster Lake, Webster
Ronald Beauregard, Jefferson
2 lbs. 2 ozs.
Congamond Lake, Southwick
Seainin Ferriter, Westfield
Lake trout
17 lbs. 11 ozs.
Wachusett Reservoir, West Boylston
Stephen DiSilvestro, Hardwick
14 lbs. 7 ozs.
Quabbin Reservoir
Andrew Roman, Holland
Landlocked salmon
8 lbs. 6 ozs.
Stillwater River, Sterling
Ben Skowronski, Sutton
5 lbs. 15 ozs.
Quabbin Reservoir
Sabastian Piwcio, Holland
Largemouth bass
9 lbs. 6 ozs.
John's Pond, Mashpee
David Lynch, Rockland
7 lbs. 7 ozs.
Stockbridge Bowl, Stockbridge
Joey Buonemani, Adams
Sawmill Pond, Wilbraham
Daniel Anderson, Hampden
Northern pike
29 lbs. 7 ozs.
East Brimfield Reservoir, Brimfield
Dean Lisiewicz, Boston
21 lbs. 11 ozs.
Quaboag Pond, Brookfield
Dustin Fontain, Warren
Rainbow trout
8 lbs. 12 ozs.
Goose Pond, Lee
Denis Regan, Ludlow
5 lbs. 2 ozs.
Quabbin Reservoir
Tyler Jankauskas, Phillipston
Shad
7 lbs. 0 ozs.
Merrimack River, Lawrence
Roger Aziz, Jr., Methuen
5 lbs. 4 ozs.
Connecticut River, Chicopee
Benjamin Burrows, Rutland
Roger Aziz, Sr., Methuen
Smallmouth bass
6 lbs. 8 ozs.
Sheep Pond, Brewster
Jeff Capute, Centerville
5 lbs. 2 ozs.
Connecticut River, Northfield
Henry Higgins, Hatfield
Sunfish
1 lb. 9 ozs.
Mashpee-Wakeby Pond, Mashpee
Steve Muniec, Thorndike
1 lb. 2 ozs.
Lower Highland Reservoir, Goshen
Leif Miraglia, Williamsburg
Tiger muskie
20 lbs. 12 ozs.
Quinsigamond Lake, Worcester
Howie Turcotte,
North Oxford
No youth entries
Tiger trout
4 lbs. 6 ozs.
Peter's Pond, Sandwich
Roy Leyva, Plymouth
2 lbs. 10 ozs.
Big Alum Pond, Sturbridge
Matthew Byam-Mooney, East Longmeadow
Walleye
6 lbs. 0 ozs.
Connecticut River, Springfield
Todd Matera, Palmer
7 lbs. 0 ozs.
Connecticut River, Montague
Joe Frigo, Feeding Hills
White catfish
6 lbs. 10 ozs.
Mashpee-Wakeby Pond, Mashpee
Eddie Lemieux, Acushnet
4 lbs. 4 ozs.
Charles River, Cambridge
Brian Walsh, Allston
White perch
2 lbs. 13 ozs.
Hinckley Pond, Harwich
Roy Leyva, Plymouth
2 lbs. 7 ozs.
Quabbin Reservoir
Ethan Sprague, Orange
Yellow perch
1 lbs. 15 ozs.
Mystic Lake,
Marstons Mills
Jeff Capute, Centerville
1 lb. 12 ozs.
Congamond Lake, Southwick
Michael Morrissey, Springfield
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