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

The COVID-19 State of Emergency has affected all our lives, including getting outside to do the things we enjoy most. The more we all do now to combat this global pandemic, the quicker we will be able to fully return to freely exploring the natural areas of Massachusetts.

Please read the new guidelines to boating within Massachusetts waters. These guidelines help promote the safety and health of recreational and commercial boaters. Within the document are specific guidelines for inland boat ramps and canoe launches; coastal boat ramps; recreational boating; commercial boating; and for hire boating.

Continue practicing health and safety measures directed by Governor Baker.

• Do not gather in groups of more than 10 people
• Practice social distancing by staying 6 feet apart from each other—this is roughly the length of a fishing rod
• Wear a face covering when you leave your home
• Wash your hands frequently, for at least 20 seconds each time

We ask that you take these measures seriously. Violations of social distancing protocols are punishable: (a) the first offense shall result in a warning; (b) the second offense may result in a civil citation and a fine up to $300; and (c) further offenses which are repeated and willful may be subject to criminal penalties including a fine up to $500 or term of imprisonment or both.

All Special Use Permits issued by the Office of Fishing and Boating Access through June 8, 2020 have been canceled. No new permit applications will be processed through June 8, 2020. Further cancellations and a postponement of processing of Special Use Permits may be required beyond the June 8, 2020 date. Updates will continue to be posted here as they become available.

These measures will stay in effect through June 8, 2020 unless revised or further extended. We at the Office of Fishing and Boating Access thank you all for your cooperation and support as we continue to address this public health emergency.

Updates on FBA facilities:

• Rock Harbor—Dyer Prince Road, Eastham
  The boat ramp is currently under construction. Construction is estimated to be completed by the end of July.

• Walden Pond—Concord Road, Concord
  The boat ramp facility open for the 2020 season!

• Congamond Lake, South Ramp—Berkshire Avenue, Southwick
  The boat ramp is open for the 2020 season!

• Scorton Creek—Holway Road, Sandwich
  The boat ramp facility is open for the 2020 season!

• Merrimack River—Pawtucket Boulevard, Lowell
  The boat ramp facility is open for the 2020 season!

• Connecticut River (Barton Cove)—Cove View Road, Gill
  The boat ramp facility is open for the 2020 season!

• Connecticut River—Syrek Street, Chicopee
  The boat access facility is open! Please note that short-term, temporary closures may occur due to increased river flows.

• Connecticut River (Oxbow)—North Street, Easthampton
  The boat ramp facility is open! Please note that short-term, temporary closures may occur due to increased river flows.

• Ipswich River—East Street, Ipswich
  The boat ramp facility is closed for reconstruction and will reopen June 16, 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.

• 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.

• 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.