Office of Fishing and Boating Access (FBA)

The Office of Fishing and Boating Access serves the public by providing and maintaining access to over 290 coastal and inland boat and canoe launch and fishing areas across the state.

News and Updates

• Out of an abundance of caution due to the developing Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation, the Special Use Permits issued through April 7, 2020 have been canceled. In addition, no new permit applications will be processed through April 7, 2020. Please be advised further cancellations and a postponement of processing of Special Use Permits may be required beyond the April 7, 2020 date.

• Congamond Lake, South Ramp—Berkshire Avenue, Southwick
  The boat ramp will be closed from March 27, 2020 to April 30, 2020. Please use the Congamond Lake, North Ramp located at 93 Point Grove Road, Southwick, MA

• Ipswich River—East Street, Ipswich
  The boat ramp facility is closed for reconstruction and will reopen June 1, 2020. Any updates will be posted when available.

• Merrimack River (Joppa Flats)—Water Street, Newburyport
  The boat ramp facility is closed for reconstruction and will reopen May 2020. Any updates will be posted when available.

• Rock Harbor—Dyer Prince Road, Eastham
  The boat ramp facility will be closed January 1–May 31, 2020 for reconstruction.

• Connecticut River (Oxbow)—North Street, Easthampton
  The boat ramp facility is closed for the 2019 season. It will reopen May 2020. In addition, short-term, temporary closures may occur due to increased river flows.

• Scorton Creek—Holway Road, Sandwich
  The boat ramp facility is closed for the 2019 season. It will reopen April 2020.

• Walden Pond—Concord Road, Concord
  The boat ramp facility is closed for the 2019 season. It will reopen April 2020.

• Cook Pond—Henry, Fall River
  From December 1, 2019 to March 31, 2020, 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 ever day April 1–November 30 from dawn until dusk.

• South Watuppa Pond—Jefferson Street Extension, Fall River
  The boat ramp facility is currently closed all day Monday–Friday, and Saturday–Sunday from dusk to dawn. The facility is open Saturday–Sunday from dawn to dusk.

• Connecticut River (Barton Cove)—Cove View Road, Gill
  The boat ramp facility is closed for the 2019 season. It will reopen mid-May 2020 after safety barrels are installed.

• Connecticut River—Syrek Street, Chicopee
  The boat ramp facility is closed for the 2019 season. It will reopen May 2020.

• Merrimack River—Pawtucket Boulevard, Lowell
  The boat ramp facility is closed for the 2019 season. It will reopen May 2020.

• Merrimack River—Riverside Drive, Methuen
  The boat ramp facility is closed for the 2019 season. It will reopen April 2020.

• Merrimack River (Riley Park)—Rowe Street, Lawrence
  The boat ramp facility is temporarily closed. Please check back for re-opening date.

• 2020 Special Use Permits are now available. Apply online or by mail.

• Cochituate Lake—Commonwealth Road, Wayland
  The boat ramp will be closed for reconstruction beginning early August 2020. Any updates will be posted when available.