In 2004, changes were made to the DFW Baitfish Regulations. The regulations clearly define that the listed species below are the only fish that may be used as baitfish (live or dead). These species are:

1. American eel (Anguilla rostrata)
2. White sucker (Catostomus commersoni)
3. Creek chubsucker (Erimyzon oblongus)
4. Banded killifish (Fundulus diaphanus)
5. Mummichog (Fundulus heteroclitus)
6. Pumpkinseed (Lepomis gibbosus)
7. Golden shiner (Notemigonus crysoleucas)
8. Emerald shiner (Notropis atherinoides)
9. Spottail shiner (Notropis hudsonius)
10. Rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax), only as provided in 321 CMR 4.01, Table 1.
11. Yellow perch (Perca flavescens)
12. Fallfish (Semotilus corporalis)
13. Bluntnose minnow (Pimephales notatus)
14. Fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas)
15. *Herring (Clupea spp.) As of November 2005, the season on river herring species (Alewife and Blueback herring) has been closed by the Division of Marine Fisheries until 2009. Therefore, use of herring of any species is prohibited in all inland waters of the Commonwealth. When River herring are in season, they may be used as bait in the Connecticut River, Merrimack River, and coastal rivers and streams, but may not be possessed or used as bait in other rivers and streams, or in lakes, ponds, or reservoirs.

* Statewide regulations, including inland and marine waters, for striped bass and herring are under the authority of the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF). As of November 2005, the season on River Herring has been closed until 2009. Click on the DMF link to find information on length limits and methods of take for these species. You may also call the Division of Marine Fisheries at 617/626-1520 or email them at Marine.fish@state.ma.us.

Fish other than those listed above may not be used as bait in inland waters of the Commonwealth.

For the precise regulation, see 321 CMR (8)(a).

For more information contact: Dr. Caleb Slater, MassWildlife,Westborough, 508/389-6300

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