Fishing Seasons & Limits

Fishing Seasons & Limits

Species

Open season
(All Dates Inclusive)

Daily Creel Limit

minimum Length1

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
Sept. 11 – Mar. 31, 2018

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 – Dec. 31

3

Chain Pickerel

Jan. 1 – Dec. 31

5

15″

Black Bass (Largemouth and Smallmouth, singly or combined):

Jan. 1 – Dec. 31

5

12″

Northern Pike

Jan. 1 – Dec. 31

1

28″

Tiger Muskellunge

Jan. 1 – Dec. 31

1

28″

Walleye

Jan. 1 – Dec. 31

5

14″

Smelt 8

Jan. 1 – Feb. 28
May 16 – Dec. 31

All Other Freshwater Species 9

Jan. 1 – Dec. 31

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 these rare fish to the water!

Reptiles and Amphibians

Species

Open season

Daily bag limit

Possession Limit

Size Limit

For Personal Use
Bullfrog, Green Frog

July 16 – Sept. 30

12

24

none

Snapping Turtle

Jan. 1 – Apr. 30
July 17 – Dec. 31

2

2

12 in.*

For Bait
Bullfrog, Green Frog, Pickerel Frog, Wood Frog

Jan. 1 – Dec. 31

10

10

less than
2½ in.**

Join the NockedUp team and contribute by writing articles focused on the outdoor experiences in Massachusetts. This is an excellent opportunity to share your passion for nature and engage with a community that values outdoor activities. Email us at nockedup@nockedup.net

You may also like