Massachusetts Fishing seasons
Fishing seasons & limits Trout 2 Lakes, ponds, major rivers 3, 5, 6 Jan. 1 – Dec. 31 3 — Housatonic River 4 Jan. 1 – Dec. 31 1 20″ All other rivers and brooks Apr. 1 – Sept. 10, 20020Sept. 11 – Mar. 31, 2021 8 3 — Lake Trout Wachusett Reservoir 6 (see note 6) 3 — Quabbin 6 (see note 6) 2 18″ Landlocked Salmon 6 Jan. 1 – Dec. 31 2 15″ American Shad 7 (Connecticut and Merrimack rivers only, including their tributaries.) Jan. 1 –...
Massachusetts Fall trout stocking
The Division of Fisheries and Wildlife reports that Close to 60,000 rainbow trout and at least 4,000 brown trout will be stocked across Massachusetts this fall! Stocking will begin the last week of September, depending on water conditions.
Handling Bullheads and Catfish
Handling Use caution when handling members of this feisty family of fish! Catfish and bullheads are armed with single thick, sharp spines at each of the leading edges of their pectoral (side) and dorsal (top) fins. When alarmed, the fish firmly extend these spines that easily pierce human flesh.
Best bets for trophy pickerel in Massachusetts
Artificial s can score on pickerel at any depth. For fish holding in deep water, try weedless spoons, diving crankbaits and jigs tipped with pork dressings. However, shallow water is where lures really shine at catching chain sides. Here you’re targeting fish laying in ambush next to weeds, logs or brush, waiting for a minnow to swim by. The water depth can be anywhere from 4 feet to as little as 12 inches! In this situation you can often see as well as feel the strike,...
Baitfish may be taken by licensed anglers
It is unlawful to take baitfish for the purpose of sale from the inland waters of the Commonwealth. Individuals trapping fish for personal use as baitfish may use only one trap.
largemouth bass growth rates
Growth rates vary in direct proportion to the fertility of the water, the length of the growing season each year, and the numbers of other fish competing for the food supply.