Catch-and-release fishing areas

You can find freshwater catch-and-release areas along specific sections of rivers and brooks across Massachusetts.

Find a catch-and-release area

You may only use artificial lures in catch-and-release areas. You may not use bait. Some areas have additional restrictions.

Housatonic River

Special regulations: no fishing from June 15–Aug. 31 within 100 feet of mouths of Beartown Brook, Goose Pond Brook, Hop Brook, and Mohawk Brook.

• Housatonic River upper section map: Route 20 bridge in Lee downstream to Willow Mill Dam
• Housatonic River lower section map: Glendale Dam downstream to the railroad bridge in Stockbridge.

Westfield River, East Branch

• Westfield River map: Chesterfield Gorge parking lot in Chesterfield to the gate north of the Corps of Engineers parking lot at Knightville in Huntington

Deerfield River

• Deerfield River upper section map: Fife Brook Dam to Hoosac Tunnel
• Deerfield River lower section map: Pelham Brook to the Mohawk Campground

Swift River

Special regulations: Fly fishing only from Winsor Dam to Rte. 9. Rte.9 to Cady Lane, catch-and-release/artificial lures only from July 1-Dec 31, fish harvest and bait allowed Jan.1-June 30

• Swift River map: Winsor Dam to Cady Lane

Millers River

• Millers River upper section map: Templeton/Athol railroad bridge to the first dam in Athol
• Millers River lower section map: From Wendell Road bridge in Orange to the breached dam in Erving center

Nissitissit River

Special regulations: Fly fishing only

• Nissitissit River map: New Hampshire border to the Prescott Street Bridge

Red Brook

• Red Brook map: Outlet of White Island Pond to the inlet of Buttermilk Bay

Quashnet River

• Quashnet River map: Catch-and-release sections: from the outlet of John’s Pond to the sign 0.1 mile below Route 28

Catch and landing tips

Help protect the fish in catch-and-release areas by following a few simple tips. 

• When you fish, try not to let the fish struggle for too long.
• Set the hook in the fish’s mouth as soon as you get a bite so the fish doesn’t swallow it.
• Use a landing net to cut down on catch time and stop the fish from thrashing.

Handling and release tips

To safely return a fish to the water, you should:

• Wet your hands so you don’t harm the protective mucous on the fish
• Support the fish by the belly when you remove your hook and avoid touching its gills or eyes
• If the fish swallowed a hook: cut the line off as close to its mouth as possible
• If the fish is tired, hold it in the water in a swimming position and move it back and forth horizontally until it can swim.