Massachusetts · Fishing regulations

Fishing regulations in Massachusetts.

Massachusetts blends a striped bass coast with serious tailwater trout fishing on the Swift and Deerfield, plus the Quabbin Reservoir lake trout fishery.

Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife · License: Anglers age 16 and older generally need a valid fishing license to fish in Massachusetts. Resident and non-resident licenses are sold online through the MassWildlife and at most sporting goods retailers. Annual, multi-day, and lifetime licenses are typically available. Senior, military, and youth discounts apply in most cases. Saltwater anglers need a separate Massachusetts Saltwater Fishing Permit. License costs and exact age thresholds change — verify with the MassWildlife before purchase.

Freshwater

Trout (rainbow, brown, brook), largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, pickerel, and panfish across the Quabbin, Wachusett, and many smaller reservoirs and rivers. Heavy stocking program; some wild brook trout streams.

Rivers

The Deerfield River is a year-round catch-and-release fly-fishing destination on its tailwater section. Smaller streams hold wild brook trout in the Berkshires. The Swift River below Quabbin is a trophy trout fishery.

Saltwater

Striped bass, bluefish, fluke, tautog, scup, and black sea bass on the coast. Cod and haddock offshore. The MA Saltwater Fishing Permit is required and covers all coastal recreational fishing.

Special

Catch-and-release-only sections on the Swift and Deerfield rivers. Striped bass regulations match Atlantic States Cooperative limits. The Quabbin and Wachusett have specific lake trout and rainbow trout regulations.

Popular species

Striped bass · Bluefish · Largemouth bass · Smallmouth bass · Brown trout · Rainbow trout · Tautog

State agency

Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

Agency site →

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