Office of Fishing and Boating Access News and Updates

See when fishing and boating access facilities managed by OFBA are open for season.

Fishing and boating access facility updates are separated into 5 wildlife and habitat management districts throughout Massachusetts. At the top of each section, you will find a map showing which towns and cities are within each of these districts.

Statewide update

Water level alert! The Connecticut River is currently experiencing high flows due to the recent rain and snow melt. Access sites may be temporarily closed until water levels recede.

Western Massachusetts

The most recent updates are at the top of this list.

Check back for updates in this district!

Connecticut Valley

The most recent updates are at the top of this list.

• Connecticut River (Barton Cove)—Cove View Road, Gill
  The boat ramp is open for the season.
  Management Measure: The boat ramp will be closed mid-November and reopen mid-May when safety barrels are installed
• Connecticut River—Syrek Street, Chicopee
  The boat ramp facility is open for the season.
  Management Measure: The boat ramp facility will be closed seasonally mid-November to mid-May. Please note that short-term, temporary closures may occur due to increased river flows.
• Connecticut River—Medina Street, Chicopee
  The boat ramp facility is open for the season.
  Management Measure: The boat ramp facility will be closed seasonally January 1 to May 1. Please note that short-term, temporary closures may occur due to increased river flows.
• Connecticut River (Oxbow)—North Street, Easthampton
  The boat ramp is open for the season!
  Management Measure: The boat ramp facility will be closed seasonally mid-November to mid-May. Please note that short-term, temporary closures may occur due to increased river flows.
• Connecticut River—School Street, Sunderland
  The boat ramp is open for the season!
  Management Measure: The boat ramp facility will be closed 10 p.m.–4 a.m. Use of the facility from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. requires a permit from the managing authority.
• Chicopee River—Red Bridge Road, Wilbraham
  The canoe access and overflow parking area (below the dam) are currently closed. The Red Bridge Landing fisherman access (above the dam) is open with 2 cartop and 5 trailer spaces available. No on-street parking is allowed.

Central Massachusetts

The most recent updates are at the top of this list.

• Lake Quinsigamond—Flint Pond, Shrewsbury
  Flint Pond boat ramp facility will be closed for parking lot reconstruction beginning Monday, May 19, 2025 until the end of June. Please check back for updates.
• Lake Quinsigamond—North Quinsigamond Road, Shrewsbury
  The Quinsigamond Rowing Association (QRA) has rowing events on weekends from April 5 to May 24, 2025. The facility may be closed during these events. Please check the QRA schedule for more information.
• Singletary Lake—West Main Street, Millbury
  Management Measure: The boat ramp facility will be open for cartop access only during periods of lake level drawdown, November 1–May 1.

Northeastern Massachusetts

The most recent updates are at the top of this list.

• Merrimack River—Riverside Drive, Methuen
  The boat ramp is open for the season!
  Management Measure: The boat ramp facility is closed November 1–March 31. It will reopen April 5–October 31, 5 a.m.–9 p.m. daily.
• Merrimack River—Pawtucket Boulevard, Lowell
  The boat ramp is closed for the season.
  Management Measure: The public access facility will be closed for public usage November–May. Exact closure dates are determined by the installation and removal of the safety barrier at the Pawtucket Dam. 
• Merrimack River—Wooten Street, Chelmsford
  The Southwell Field boat ramp is open for car-top boat (canoes, kayaks, etc.) use only. Alternative trailered boat access is available at the Pawtucket Boulevard boat ramp in Lowell. 
• Walden Pond—Concord Road, Concord
  Management Measure: The boat ramp facility will be closed December 1–April 1, weather permitting.
• Merrimack River (Riley Park)—Rowe Street, Lawrence
  The boat ramp facility is temporarily closed. Please check this page for a re-opening date.

Southeastern Massachusetts

The most recent updates are at the top of this list.

• Scituate Harbor—Jericho Road, Scituate
  The boat ramp facility will be closed for reconstruction beginning April 28, 2025. Please check back for updates.
• Scorton Creek—Inner Beach Lane, Sandwich
  Management Measure: The public access facility will be closed December 1–April 15.
• Cook Pond—Henry, Fall River
  Management Measure: From December 1 to March 31, the boat ramp facility is closed all day Monday–Friday, and Saturday–Sunday from dusk to dawn. The facility is open Saturday–Sunday from dawn to dusk. The facility is open every day April 1–November 30 from dawn until dusk.
• South Watuppa Pond—Jefferson Street Extension, Fall River
  Management Measure: From December 1 to March 31, the boat ramp facility is closed all day Monday–Friday, and Saturday–Sunday from dusk to dawn. The facility is open Saturday–Sunday from dawn to dusk. The facility is open every day April 1–November 30 from dawn until dusk.