Fishing Regulations in Massachusetts
Last updated: 2025-01-01
Regulations shown are approximate and may be outdated. Always check the official Massachusetts fish and game agency for current regulations.
Visit Official AgencyFishing License
Massachusetts requires a fishing license for anglers 15 and older. Resident and non-resident annual licenses are available, along with 3-day visitor passes. A separate coastal recreational fishing permit is required for saltwater fishing and is free of charge.
Get Your LicenseSpecies Regulations
| Species | Bag Limit | Size Limit | Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| largemouth-bass | 5 per day | 12 inches minimum | Year-round (catch-and-release Jan 1 - Jun 15) | Regulations may vary by water body. Always check current MassWildlife regulations. |
| smallmouth-bass | 5 per day | 12 inches minimum | Year-round (catch-and-release Jan 1 - Jun 15) | |
| rainbow-trout | 3 per day | No minimum | Year-round | Stocked trout regulations vary by water body. |
| brown-trout | 3 per day | No minimum | Year-round | |
| brook-trout | 3 per day | No minimum | Year-round | |
| channel-catfish | No limit | No minimum | Year-round | |
| striped-bass | 1 per day | 28 inches minimum | Seasonal (check current year) | Saltwater regulations change frequently. Verify with state before fishing. |
Bag Limit: 5 per day
Size Limit: 12 inches minimum
Season: Year-round (catch-and-release Jan 1 - Jun 15)
Notes: Regulations may vary by water body. Always check current MassWildlife regulations.
Bag Limit: 5 per day
Size Limit: 12 inches minimum
Season: Year-round (catch-and-release Jan 1 - Jun 15)
Bag Limit: 3 per day
Size Limit: No minimum
Season: Year-round
Notes: Stocked trout regulations vary by water body.
Bag Limit: 3 per day
Size Limit: No minimum
Season: Year-round
Bag Limit: 3 per day
Size Limit: No minimum
Season: Year-round
Bag Limit: No limit
Size Limit: No minimum
Season: Year-round
Bag Limit: 1 per day
Size Limit: 28 inches minimum
Season: Seasonal (check current year)
Notes: Saltwater regulations change frequently. Verify with state before fishing.
Top Fishing Waters
Quabbin Reservoir
reservoirSpecies: largemouth-bass, smallmouth-bass, rainbow-trout, brown-trout, yellow-perch, crappie
Cape Cod Canal
canalSpecies: striped-bass, bluegill
Wachusett Reservoir
reservoirSpecies: largemouth-bass, smallmouth-bass, brown-trout, rainbow-trout, yellow-perch
Connecticut River
riverSpecies: largemouth-bass, smallmouth-bass, channel-catfish, striped-bass
Lake Champlain (MA portion)
lakeSpecies: largemouth-bass, smallmouth-bass, yellow-perch, crappie
Deerfield River
riverSpecies: rainbow-trout, brown-trout, brook-trout
State Records
| Species | Weight | Year | Water |
|---|---|---|---|
| largemouth-bass | 15 lbs 8 oz | 1975 | Sampson Pond |
| smallmouth-bass | 8 lbs 2 oz | 1991 | Wachusett Reservoir |
| rainbow-trout | 13 lbs 13 oz | 1999 | Quabbin Reservoir |
| brown-trout | 19 lbs 10 oz | 1966 | Wachusett Reservoir |
| brook-trout | 6 lbs 2 oz | 2001 | Onota Lake |
| channel-catfish | 26 lbs 8 oz | 1984 | Connecticut River |
| striped-bass | 73 lbs | 2004 | Cape Cod Canal |
| yellow-perch | 2 lbs 12 oz | 1979 | South Watuppa Pond |