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 updated guidelines to boating within Massachusetts waters (updated August 18, 2020). 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.

Remember: do not gather in groups of more then 10 people.

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.

Thank you for your cooperation and support as we continue to address this public health emergency.

Updates on FBA facilities

• 2021 Special Use Permits are now available. Apply online or by mail.

• Hingham Boat Ramp—Otis Street, Hingham
  Limited parking will be available from December 10, 2020 to January 21, 2021 due to a town project.

• Merrimack River—Pawtucket Boulevard, Lowell
  The public access facility will be closed for public usage November 2020–May 2021. Exact closure dates are determined by the installation and removal of the safety barrier at the Pawtucket Dam. 

• Cochituate Lake—Commonwealth Road, Wayland
  The boat ramp will be closed for reconstruction beginning Fall 2021. Any updates will be posted when available.

• Scorton Creek—Inner Beach Lane, Sandwich
  The public access facility will be closed December 1–April 15.

• Singletary Lake—West Main Street, Millbury
  The boat ramp facility will be open for cartop access only during periods of lake level drawdown November 1–May 1.

• Walden Pond—Concord Road, Concord
  The boat ramp facility will be closed December 1–April 1, weather permitting.

• Connecticut River (Barton Cove)—Cove View Road, Gill
  The floats will be removed November 2, 2020 for the season. The boat ramp will be closed mid-November and reopen mid-May when safety barrels are installed.

• Connecticut River (Oxbow)—North Street, Easthampton
  The boat ramp floats will be removed November 10, 2020. 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—Syrek Street, Chicopee
  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.

• South Pond—Lake Road, Brookfield
  The boat ramp is closed for reconstruction and will reopen June 2021. Any updates will be posted when available.

• Merrimack River—Riverside Drive, Methuen
  The boat ramp facility is closed November 1–March 31. It will reopen April 1–October 31, 5 a.m.–9 p.m daily.

• Connecticut River—Medina Street, Chicopee
  The boat access facility will be closed for reconstruction beginning July 29, 2020. Reconstruction is anticipated to be completed by May 2021. Updates will be posted as 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 every day April 1–November 30 from dawn until dusk.

• South Watuppa Pond—Jefferson Street Extension, 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 every day April 1–November 30 from dawn until dusk.

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