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Fishing Information

Flyfishing photo Are you looking for a place to drop your line or cast a fly in freshwater?

Do you need information about freshwater fishing licenses, regulations, or other fish publications?

DCR'S WACHUSETT & SUDBURY RESERVOIRS FISHING SEASON OPENING DELAYED UNTIL APRIL 13TH

Due to ice conditions that persist on the Wachusett and Sudbury Reservoirs, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) will delay the opening of the 2013 fishing season until Saturday, April 13, 2013. Fishing is allowed from shore over more than two-thirds of Wachusett Reservoir with access through Gates 6-35 and the Thomas Basin area. Access is allowed from dawn to dusk and the season extends until November 30th.

The fishing season for DCR's West Waushacum Pond and the Quag in Sterling is also delayed until April 13th.

If the reservoirs are still not ice-free by April 9th a further delay may need to occur. Please check the DCR Wachusett Fishing website for further information or call the Wachusett Reservoir Ranger office at (978) 365-3800.

ATTENTION BASS TOURNAMENT DIRECTORS--MassWildlife Needs Your Bass Tournament Information!

Help MassWildlife collect information on trophy bass by submitting an electronic bass creel survey form. The information generated from bass tournaments helps add to biologists understanding of bass populations in waters across the Commonwealth. Data such as how long it takes to catch a bass, average weight, and the number of trophy bass landed allows MassWildlife fisheries biologists to track trends in individual waters across the state. A copy of the data you submit electronically will be sent to your email address as your confirmation.

If you would prefer to report your Creel Survey in paper format, please download the bass creel survey , and mail or fax it to the West Boylston address on the bottom of the form.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation!

January 1, 2012 -- New Law Prohibiting Certain Lead Jigs and Sinkers in Fresh Water

The Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW) reminds all freshwater anglers that as of January 1, 2012, the use of any lead fishing sinkers and lead jigs weighing less than 1 ounce is now prohibited in all inland waters (freshwater) of the Commonwealth. In terms of this regulation, "lead sinker" or "lead weight" is defined as any sinker or weight made from lead that weighs less than 1 ounce. A "lead jig" is defined as any lead-weighted hook weighing less than 1 ounce. More information and flyer for posting.

Would you, a friend or a family member like to learn how to fish?

Freshwater Fish of Massachusetts--A full color brochure illustrating most of the common freshwater fish in Massachusetts.

Massachusetts Fishing - A special issue of the Massachusetts Wildlife magazine published in 2000 which focuses entirely on freshwater fishing in the Bay State. Due to its popularity this particular issue is no longer available in hard copy.

Barrier-Free Fishing Locations -- A list of ramps and access facilities across the state built by the Office of Boating and Fishing Access to provide accessible fishing for people with disabilities.

Best Bets for Fishing pages Looking for the "Big One?" -- Check out this link to find out what waters harbor trophy-sized gamefish are caught by award winning anglers!

Enter your big catch in our Sportfishing Awards Program. You can also catch a trout to win a prize in our Tags N Trout program!

Freshwater Fish Consumption Advisories --This is an external link to the Dept. of Public Health. Advisories are posted on consumption of specific types of fish from specific water bodies for certain groups of people.