Recreational Fishing

Learn more about freshwater fishing in the Commonweatlh.

Learn to fish from MassWildlife's Angler Education Program (AEP). The Angler Education Program has several components designed to foster public appreciation and understanding of our aquatic resources through fishing.

For over 40 years MassWildlife has sponsored the Freshwater Sportfishing Awards Program (FSA) designed to recognize anglers who have caught exceptional freshwater fish from waterbodies that are open to the public.

Contains information about waters stocked with various fish species as well as trout stocking information.

This publication for hunters and anglers is updated annually with information on fishing seasons, bag and creel limits, summaries of laws and regulations, and other information.

Here's where you can find information about fishing, hunting, and trapping licenses, permits, and stamps, as well as sales outlets including online and license vendor locations.

Leanr about saltwater fishing off the Coast of Massachusetts.

Profiles are currently being worked on. Profiles will be updated as they are finished.

This annual guide is designed to provide basic information about the Commonwealth's recreational fishing opportunities. It's a useful tool for the novice or visiting angler to become acquainted with what Massachusetts has to offer, although many long-time resident anglers call for it regularly.

Each year March 1 through November 30 the MarineFisheries conducts the Massachusetts Saltwater Fishing Derby. This is a free derby, meaning no entry fees. Fish entered must be caught by hook and line and measured and weighed at a MarineFisheries-certified official weigh station. All entries will receive a derby pin and at the end of the derby year, trophies will be awarded to anglers who landed the heaviest fish in each species category.

The Magnuson-Stevens Act Reauthorization of 2006 requires all U.S. saltwater recreational anglers to be registered federally (or through a state) by 2009.