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Fishing in Massachusetts

Click a region to explore top fishing spots, species, and local tips.

Massachusetts has over 3,000 lakes and ponds — though only 533 are designated as "lakes." From the Berkshires' trout streams to Cape Cod's world-class striped bass fishing, the Bay State offers diverse fishing across six distinct regions.

Topographic map — click to view full size

Western Mass & Berkshires

Quabbin Reservoir, Deerfield River, Berkshire streams -- Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Lake Trout, Landlocked Salmon, Smallmouth Bass

Central Massachusetts

Webster Lake, Quinsigamond, Wachusett, Comet Pond -- Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, Crappie, Yellow Perch

Eastern Mass & Boston Area

Charles River, Spot Pond, Walden Pond, Mystic River -- Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, Crappie, Chain Pickerel

Cape Cod & Islands

Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, Monomoy -- Striped Bass, Bluefish, Flounder, Tautog, Tuna

North Shore & Merrimack

Merrimack River, Plum Island, Ipswich Bay, Parker River -- Striped Bass, Bluefish, Flounder, Rainbow Trout, Smallmouth Bass

South Coast & Buzzards Bay

Buzzards Bay, Taunton River, New Bedford, Fall River -- Striped Bass, Tautog, Fluke, Scup, Black Sea Bass